2025 Lexus ES vs 2026 Nissan Z
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Lexus ES and the 2026 Nissan Z lies in power output, where the Z delivers 400 hp compared to the ES's 203 hp, a difference of 197 hp. This performance disparity is mirrored in fuel economy; the Lexus ES achieves 28 combined MPG on regular unleaded, outperforming the Nissan Z’s 20 combined MPG which requires premium fuel. Priced closely, the ES starts at $42,140, while the Z is $42,970. Furthermore, the ES offers a larger footprint at 195.9 inches in length and provides 13.9 cubic feet of cargo space, significantly exceeding the Z’s coupe dimensions and utility. The Lexus prioritizes efficiency and space, leveraging an 8-speed automatic transmission for its AWD setup, whereas the Nissan Z focuses purely on driver engagement with its RWD configuration and standard 6-speed manual.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Lexus ES
The Lexus ES is superior for commuting due to its substantially better 28 combined MPG rating and standard All-Wheel Drive capability.
2025 Lexus ES
The Lexus ES sedan offers greater practicality with its larger dimensions (195.9 inches long) and superior 13.9 cu ft cargo capacity.
2026 Nissan Z
The Nissan Z is the clear choice for driving enthusiasts, producing 400 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque through a standard 6-speed manual transmission.
2025 Lexus ES
The Lexus ES offers superior operational value with 8 MPG better fuel economy and the use of regular unleaded gasoline.
Choose the Lexus ES if...
- Your primary focus is maximizing fuel economy, achieving 33 MPG on the highway.
- You require the security of an All-Wheel Drive system for varied driving conditions.
- You need the utility provided by 13.9 cu ft of cargo space in a sedan format.
Choose the Nissan Z if...
- Performance metrics such as 400 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque are paramount.
- You prefer the direct engagement of a 6-speed manual transmission.
- You prefer the lower height (51.8 inches) and dedicated sport tuning of a rear-wheel-drive coupe.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Lexus ES | Nissan Z |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 195.9" | 172.4" |
| Width | 73.4" | 72.6" |
| Height | 57.1" | 51.8" |
| Wheelbase | 113.0" | 100.4" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Lexus | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Lexus | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.5 L | 3.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | V6 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 203 hp @ 6500 rpm | 400 hp @ 6400 rpm |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | 350 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 24 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Lexus | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | rear wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Lexus | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | premium unleaded (recommended) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 24/33 MPG | 18/24 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 28 MPG | 20 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 381.6/524.7 mi. | 0/0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 15.9 gal. | — |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Lexus | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Lexus | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| 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) | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Lexus | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 2 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass | — |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Lexus | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 37.5 in. | 38.2 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.4 in. | 42.9 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.9 in. | 54.2 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 55.0 in. | 54.6 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 | — | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 8-way |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 4-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Lexus | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 37.8 in. | — |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.2 in. | — |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.3 in. | — |
| Rear Hip Room | 54.3 in. | — |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | ✓ | — |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Lexus | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 17 x 7.5 in | 18 x 9.0 in. |
| Tire Type | All Season | Performance |
| Tire Size | 215/55R17 | 245/45R |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | — |
Suspension
| Feature | Lexus | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Lexus | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| 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 2026 Nissan Z.
What is the powertrain difference between the 2025 Lexus ES and the 2026 Nissan Z?
The Lexus ES produces 203 hp from its engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and AWD. Conversely, the Nissan Z offers significantly more power at 400 hp managed by a standard 6-speed manual transmission and RWD.
How much more fuel-efficient is the Lexus ES compared to the Nissan Z?
The Lexus ES achieves a combined 28 MPG, which is 8 MPG higher than the Nissan Z’s combined 20 MPG rating. Additionally, the ES runs on regular unleaded, whereas the Z recommends premium fuel.
Which vehicle has a lower starting price?
The 2025 Lexus ES carries a lower MSRP at $42,140. The 2026 Nissan Z is slightly more expensive, starting at $42,970.
Is the Lexus ES larger than the Nissan Z?
Yes, the Lexus ES sedan is substantially larger, measuring 195.9 inches in length compared to the Z's 172.4 inches. This size difference also translates to 13.9 cu ft of cargo space in the ES versus the Z’s restricted coupe capacity.
Which car is better suited for regular highway driving?
The Lexus ES is better for routine highway driving due to its efficiency (33 highway MPG) and comfortable 8-speed automatic transmission. The Nissan Z’s lower 24 highway MPG rating and manual transmission suggest a less relaxed experience.
Do either of these vehicles offer a major performance advantage?
The 2026 Nissan Z delivers a dominant performance advantage, boasting 197 more horsepower (400 hp vs. 203 hp) and 166 lb-ft more torque (350 lb-ft vs. 184 lb-ft).
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