2025 Lexus ES vs 2026 Ford Mustang
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Lexus ES is the epitome of composed luxury, boasting a serene ride supported by its All-Wheel Drive configuration and achieving a respectable 28 MPG combined rating. Contrast this with the visceral thrill of the 2026 Ford Mustang, a true performance machine engineered for the driver, launching forward with an intoxicating 315 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque, significantly overshadowing the ES's 203 hp. While the Mustang wins on sheer output, the Lexus offers greater practicality with a slightly larger 13.9 cu ft cargo capacity compared to the Mustang's 13.5 cu ft. However, the Mustang's compelling $32,320 starting MSRP undercuts the ES's $42,140 by a substantial $9,820, presenting a classic trade-off between opulent comfort and raw, accessible power.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Lexus ES
The Lexus ES offers superior comfort, AWD stability, and a slightly better combined fuel economy of 28 MPG for daily driving.
2025 Lexus ES
As a four-door sedan with better ingress/egress and marginally more interior space, the Lexus ES is fundamentally more practical than the coupe-style Mustang.
2026 Ford Mustang
The 2026 Mustang delivers a massive performance advantage with 315 hp and a RWD layout perfectly tuned for spirited driving dynamics.
2026 Ford Mustang
The Ford Mustang provides significantly more horsepower (315 hp vs 203 hp) for nearly $10,000 less, offering undeniable performance value.
Choose the Lexus ES if...
- Your priority is smooth, quiet transportation and you prefer the assured grip of All-Wheel Drive.
- You require a traditional four-door sedan body style for passengers or ease of access.
- You are looking for better everyday efficiency, scoring 33 MPG on the highway.
Choose the Ford Mustang if...
- Your driving focus is purely on performance, evidenced by its 350 lb-ft of torque.
- You want to save nearly $10,000 upfront, as the Mustang starts at $32,320 versus the ES's $42,140.
- You embrace the classic excitement of a Rear-Wheel Drive coupe experience.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Lexus ES | Ford Mustang |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 195.9" | 189.4" |
| Width | 73.4" | 75.4" |
| Height | 57.1" | 55.0" |
| Wheelbase | 113.0" | 107.0" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Lexus | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Lexus | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.5 L | 2.3 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 203 hp @ 6500 rpm | 315 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | 350 lb-ft @ 3000 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 | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 10-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | rear wheel drive |
| Rear Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
Fuel
| Feature | Lexus | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | premium unleaded (recommended) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 24/33 MPG | 22/33 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 28 MPG | 26 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 381.6/524.7 mi. | 352.0/528.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 15.9 gal. | 16.0 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Lexus | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | — |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Lexus | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 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 | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Lexus | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 2 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass | — |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Lexus | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 37.5 in. | 37.6 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.4 in. | 44.5 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.9 in. | 56.3 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 55.0 in. | 54.9 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 |
Rearseats
| Feature | Lexus | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 37.8 in. | 34.8 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.2 in. | 29.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.3 in. | 52.2 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 54.3 in. | 47.4 in. |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | ✓ | — |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Lexus | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 17 x 7.5 in | 18 x 8.0 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 215/55R17 | 235/50R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | — |
Suspension
| Feature | Lexus | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Lexus | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 1 yr./ 10000 mi. | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Lexus ES and 2026 Ford Mustang.
How much power is the difference between these two vehicles?
The 2026 Ford Mustang boasts 315 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque, granting it a dominant 112 hp advantage over the 2025 Lexus ES, which produces 203 hp.
Which vehicle is cheaper to purchase initially?
The 2026 Ford Mustang is considerably more affordable, starting at $32,320 compared to the 2025 Lexus ES's MSRP of $42,140, resulting in a price difference of $9,820.
Is the Lexus ES more fuel-efficient for long highway commutes?
Yes, the Lexus ES is slightly more efficient, achieving 33 MPG on the highway, matching the Mustang's highway rating, but offering a superior combined economy of 28 MPG versus the Mustang's 26 MPG.
What are the implications of the different drive types?
The Lexus ES utilizes All-Wheel Drive (AWD) for enhanced stability in various conditions, while the Mustang employs a traditional Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) setup optimized for dynamic handling and performance driving.
How does their physical size compare?
The Lexus ES is longer at 195.9 inches and taller at 57.1 inches, making it a larger vehicle than the more aggressively raked Mustang, which measures 189.4 inches long and only 55.0 inches high.
Do I need premium fuel for either of these cars?
The 2025 Lexus ES runs happily on regular unleaded fuel, whereas the higher-compression engine in the 2026 Ford Mustang recommends premium unleaded for optimal performance.
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