2025 Lexus ES vs 2026 Toyota GR Corolla
Comparison Overview
Choosing between luxury cruising and thrilling performance often sparks debate. If you're weighing the serene 2025 Lexus ES against the zippy 2026 Toyota GR Corolla, the numbers clearly map out two different drivers. The Lexus ES offers superior fuel economy, netting 28 MPG combined versus the GR Corolla's 24 MPG combined, and uses regular unleaded fuel, which saves money compared to the GR Corolla's premium requirement. However, the performance gap is stark: the GR Corolla blasts out 300 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, dwarfing the ES's 203 hp. While the ES is a longer sedan at 195.9 inches, the GR Corolla offers slightly more utility with 17.8 cu ft of cargo space compared to the ES's 13.9 cu ft. The starting MSRPs are close, at $42,140 for the ES and $39,920 for the GR Corolla, but the ES provides the renowned Lexus refinement.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Lexus ES
The Lexus ES wins for commuters due to its higher 33 MPG highway rating and use of regular unleaded fuel.
2026 Toyota GR Corolla
The Toyota GR Corolla provides better practicality for families with its larger 17.8 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the ES's 13.9 cu ft.
2026 Toyota GR Corolla
The GR Corolla is the clear winner for enthusiasts, delivering a massive 97 hp advantage over the Lexus ES.
2026 Toyota GR Corolla
Despite requiring premium fuel, the GR Corolla offers significantly more power (300 hp) for a slightly lower starting MSRP of $39,920.
Choose the Lexus ES if...
- You prioritize high fuel efficiency, targeting the ES's 28 MPG combined rating.
- You prefer the ease and lower long-term fuel cost associated with using regular unleaded gasoline.
- You want the predictable, smooth shifting experience of an 8-speed automatic transmission.
Choose the Toyota GR Corolla if...
- Your driving pleasure hinges on power, benefiting from the GR Corolla's 300 hp output.
- You need maximum cargo flexibility in a smaller footprint, utilizing the 17.8 cu ft hatchback space.
- You insist on the engaging control of a 6-speed manual transmission.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Lexus ES | Toyota GR Corolla |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 195.9" | 173.6" |
| Width | 73.4" | 72.8" |
| Height | 57.1" | 57.2" |
| Wheelbase | 113.0" | 103.9" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Lexus | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Front Integrated Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Lexus | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.5 L | 1.6 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 3 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 203 hp @ 6500 rpm | 300 hp @ 6500 rpm |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | 295 lb-ft @ 3250 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 12 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Lexus | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| [object Object] | — | ✓ |
| [object Object] | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Lexus | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | premium unleaded (required) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 24/33 MPG | 21/28 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 28 MPG | 24 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 381.6/524.7 mi. | 277.2/369.6 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 15.9 gal. | 13.2 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Lexus | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Lexus | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 3 months |
| Stereo Power | — | 160W |
Power Feature
| Feature | Lexus | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass | — |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Lexus | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 37.5 in. | 38.4 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.4 in. | 42.0 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.9 in. | 53.9 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 55.0 in. | 53.9 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: Leatherette/Sueded Microfiber | — | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 6-way |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 4-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Lexus | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 37.8 in. | 37.6 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.2 in. | 29.9 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.3 in. | 54.5 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 54.3 in. | 45.5 in. |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | ✓ | — |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Lexus | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 17 x 7.5 in | 18 x 8.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | Performance |
| Tire Size | 215/55R17 | 235/40R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | — |
Suspension
| Feature | Lexus | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Lexus | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | 2 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 1 yr./ 10000 mi. | 2 yr./ 25000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Lexus ES and 2026 Toyota GR Corolla.
Is the GR Corolla significantly more expensive to run daily than the Lexus ES?
Yes, the GR Corolla requires premium unleaded fuel, increasing running costs compared to the Lexus ES which accepts regular unleaded. Additionally, the ES has a 4 MPG combined efficiency advantage.
Which car is physically larger, and does that translate to more interior space?
The Lexus ES is significantly longer at 195.9 inches, but the Toyota GR Corolla, despite being shorter, offers more usable storage with 17.8 cu ft of cargo space versus the ES's 13.9 cu ft.
How much of a performance difference can I expect between these two all-wheel drive vehicles?
The performance gap is dramatic; the GR Corolla produces 300 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, which is 97 hp more than the Lexus ES's 203 hp.
Is the Lexus ES's automatic transmission superior to the GR Corolla's manual?
They serve different drivers; the ES uses an 8-speed shiftable automatic for smooth cruising, while the GR Corolla exclusively features a more engaging 6-speed manual for enthusiasts.
Since the MSRPs are close, is the GR Corolla a better deal overall?
The GR Corolla starts slightly cheaper at $39,920 versus the ES's $42,140, and it offers significantly more power for that price, making it a performance value proposition.
Are both cars available with All-Wheel Drive?
Yes, both the 2025 Lexus ES and the 2026 Toyota GR Corolla come equipped with all-wheel drive capability, though they utilize different underlying systems appropriate for their nature.
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