2025 Lexus ES vs 2025 Subaru BRZ
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical difference between the 2025 Lexus ES and the 2025 Subaru BRZ is the $8,930 MSRP gap, positioning the Lexus at $42,140 versus the BRZ's $33,210. Despite the lower price, the BRZ produces higher peak power at 228 hp compared to the ES's 203 hp, although both share an identical 184 lb-ft of torque rating. Fuel economy heavily favors the Lexus, achieving a combined 28 MPG using regular unleaded, substantially outperforming the BRZ’s 22 MPG combined which mandates premium fuel. Furthermore, the ES offers more than double the storage capacity at 13.9 cu ft versus the BRZ's 6.3 cu ft, highlighting distinct priorities. The ES's dimensions (195.9 inches long) reflect its sedan status, while the BRZ maintains a significantly more compact profile at 167.9 inches long.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Lexus ES
The Lexus ES wins for commuters due to its superior 28 MPG combined fuel economy and automatic transmission comfort.
2025 Lexus ES
The Lexus ES is the only viable family option, offering 13.9 cu ft of cargo space compared to the BRZ's 6.3 cu ft.
2025 Subaru BRZ
The Subaru BRZ appeals more to driving enthusiasts with its higher 228 hp output and standard rear-wheel-drive layout paired with a manual transmission.
2025 Subaru BRZ
The Subaru BRZ offers superior horsepower per dollar, retailing $8,930 less than the Lexus ES while providing 25 more horsepower.
Choose the Lexus ES if...
- You require the higher combined fuel economy of 28 MPG using regular unleaded fuel.
- Your priority is cargo utility, supported by the sedan’s 13.9 cu ft capacity.
- You prefer the predictability and ease of an 8-speed automatic transmission for daily driving.
Choose the Subaru BRZ if...
- You prioritize performance metrics, specifically the higher 228 hp output and RWD configuration.
- Your budget requires an MSRP below $34,000, as the BRZ is $8,930 cheaper than the ES.
- You prefer controlling the vehicle via a 6-speed manual transmission for engagement.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Lexus ES | Subaru BRZ |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 195.9" | 167.9" |
| Width | 73.4" | 69.9" |
| Height | 57.1" | 51.6" |
| Wheelbase | 113.0" | 101.4" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Lexus | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | — |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | — |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | — |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | — |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ✓ | — |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | — |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | — |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Lexus | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.5 L | 2.4 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | flat 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 203 hp @ 6500 rpm | 228 hp @ 7000 rpm |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | 184 lb-ft @ 3700 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Lexus | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | rear wheel drive |
| Rear Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
Fuel
| Feature | Lexus | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | premium unleaded (required) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 24/33 MPG | 20/27 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 28 MPG | 22 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 381.6/524.7 mi. | 264.0/356.4 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 15.9 gal. | 13.2 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Lexus | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | — |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | — |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Driver Vanity Mirror | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Lexus | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 in | 8.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Premium Brand Speakers | Pioneer | — |
| Speaker System | 10 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | — |
| Android Auto (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Length | — | 4 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Lexus | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 2 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass | — |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Lexus | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 37.5 in. | 37.0 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.4 in. | 41.5 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.9 in. | 53.6 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 55.0 in. | 52.4 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 10-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 10-way | — |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | — |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 6-way |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 4-way |
| Driver Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
Rearseats
| Feature | Lexus | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 37.8 in. | 33.5 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.2 in. | 29.9 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.3 in. | 51.7 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 54.3 in. | 45.2 in. |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | ✓ | — |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Lexus | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 17 x 7.5 in | 17 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | Performance |
| Tire Size | 215/55R17 | 215/45R |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | — |
Suspension
| Feature | Lexus | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Lexus | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 6 yr./ 70000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 6 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 yr./ unlimited mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 1 yr./ 10000 mi. | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Lexus ES and 2025 Subaru BRZ.
How does the required fuel type impact the long-term cost difference between these models?
The Lexus ES uses regular unleaded and achieves 28 MPG combined, while the Subaru BRZ requires premium fuel and delivers only 22 MPG combined. This fuel penalty means the BRZ will incur higher refueling costs despite its lower initial MSRP of $33,210.
Which vehicle offers better utility for hauling luggage or groceries?
The 2025 Lexus ES provides significantly more utility with a cargo capacity of 13.9 cubic feet. The Subaru BRZ’s 6.3 cu ft capacity is less than half that of the Lexus, severely limiting practical storage.
Is the extra horsepower in the BRZ noticeable given the transmission differences?
Yes, the BRZ offers 228 hp versus the ES's 203 hp, and crucially, the BRZ pairs this power with a 6-speed manual transmission, offering direct driver control over the power delivery, unlike the ES's automatic.
What is the fundamental dimensional difference between these two body styles?
The Lexus ES is a full-size sedan measuring 195.9 inches long and 73.4 inches wide, built for passenger comfort. The Subaru BRZ is a compact coupe, notably shorter at 167.9 inches in length and narrower at 69.9 inches, reflecting its focus on agile handling.
Why does the more expensive Lexus ES have lower horsepower than the Subaru BRZ?
The Lexus ES focuses on luxury and efficiency, achieving 28 MPG with 203 hp through its AWD setup. The BRZ is engineered purely for lightweight performance, utilizing its 228 hp with RWD to maximize driver feedback rather than outright fuel economy.
How does the drivetrain configuration affect performance handling for each vehicle?
The Lexus ES utilizes an all-wheel drive system paired with an 8-speed automatic, favoring stable traction in varying conditions. Conversely, the Subaru BRZ features a rear-wheel drive layout, which enthusiasts often prefer for balanced weight distribution and predictable cornering dynamics.
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