Lexus ES vs. Genesis G80: Best Luxury Car?

July 26th, 2024 by

Lexus ES vs. Genesis G80

When you buy a luxury car, you expect to pay a premium for superior quality and craftsmanship. Still, just because you’re buying a high-end car doesn’t mean you have to pay for a fancy name alone, and there’s something to be said for getting the best bang for your buck.

Lexus and Genesis both have something in common: Their parent companies are lauded for their dependability, economy, and fantastic value. Which one does it best, though? To find out, we did a luxury car comparison of the Lexus ES and the Genesis G80. Read on to see what we found, and which is the best choice for luxury car shoppers near Port St. Lucie.

Price Point

First, let’s check out what’s on offer from both luxe sedans, as well as their respective MSRPs.

2025 Lexus ES
ES 250 AWD $43,190
ES 250 F Sport Design AWD $47,775
ES 250 Luxury AWD $48,360
ES 250 Ultra Luxury AWD $52,080
ES 350 $43,190
ES 350 F Sport Design $47,775
ES 350 F Sport Handling $49,650
ES 350 Luxury $48,360
ES 350 Ultra Luxury $52,080
ES 350 Black Line Special Edition $53,615
ES 300h $44,590
ES 300h F Sport Design $48,975
ES 300h F Sport Handling $50,885
ES 300h Luxury $49,760
ES 300h Ultra Luxury $53,480

 

2024 Genesis G80
G80 2.5T Standard $54,400
G80 2.5T Advanced $59,100
G80 2.5T Sport Prestige $63,950
G80 3.5T Sport $64,250
G80 3.5T Sport Advanced $67,200
G80 3.5T Sport Prestige $73,100

That’s a whole lot of numbers, so we’ll break it down into a few key points:

  • In total, there are 15 different grades across the ES Line. The G80 only has six available.
  • The ES has three available powertrains, whereas the G80 has two.
  • Lexus ES models start out over ten grand cheaper than comparable G80s, and the highest-level G80 is nearly twenty grand more expensive than the top-line ES 350 Black Line Special Edition.

To sum it up, the Lexus ES offers nearly three times as much choice, and it’s able to do so at a fraction of the price. The ES also has all three of its available engines situated at roughly the same starting cost, which gives buyers much more flexibility then the G80’s linear pricing structure.

So, does the Genesis G80 somehow justify its inflated price sticker?

Performance

As we mentioned a second ago, the ES has a total of three different available powertrains. 250 models get a four-cylinder with 203 horsepower, and maintain 24 MPG city and 33 MPG highway. 350s get a bigger six-cylinder with 302 horsepower, and they’re rated for 22 MPG city and 32 MPG highway. Finally, the ES 300h has a hybrid system with an inline-four and electric motor, which allows it to get an impressive 43 MPG in the city and 44 on the highway. All ES 250s are paired with all-wheel drive, while the 350 and 300h models come with front-wheel.

The G80 has two available powermakers. The 2.5T has a turbocharged four-cylinder with an even 300 horsepower, and it gets 22 MPG in the city and 30 MPG on the highway. The beefier 3.5T comes with a twin-turbo V6 with 375 horsepower, which gets 16 MPG in the city and 25 MPG on the highway. All models come standard with all-wheel drive.

Here are our takeaways:

  • The Genesis G80 3.5T has the most brute force by far, so it has the Lexus ES beat on a drag strip.
  • The ES 350 and G80 2.5T are fairly evenly matched in terms of power, but even the most expensive ES 350 doesn’t cost as much as the base G80.
  • No matter which way you slice it, the Lexus ES gets significantly better fuel economy, especially the ES Hybrid.

Ultimately, the Lexus ES is the best luxury car for families and people with long commutes because of its superior fuel efficiency. On the other hand, the G80 is a better fit for drivers who want a little more thrill, but if speed is the name of your game, you can buy much quicker luxury cars for the same amount of money.

ES 350 infotainment

Comfort

Both cars are extremely well-equipped, with premium interior materials and a wealth of amenities.

The ES has two available touch screen displays. The standard is an 8.0-inch interface, while the upper grades receive a much larger 12.3-incher. Both come with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability, Bluetooth and USB connectivity, SiriusXM, Wi-Fi hotspot, and the full complement of Lexus Connected Services. Other standard features include six USB ports, dual-zone climate control, power moonroof, and 10-way adjustable front seats.

The G80 has but one infotainment setup: a big ole 14.5-inch touch screen display, complete with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, SiriusXM, Wi-Fi, and Genesis Connected Services. It also has four USB ports, a heated steering wheel, and heated leather seats in front and rear.

It isn’t just about the tech, though. Let’s check out the dimensions of the Lexus ES vs. the Genesis G80:

  2025 Lexus ES 2024 Genesis G80
Head room (front/rear) 37.5 in./37.8 in. 39.4 in./37.6 in.
Shoulder room (front/rear) 55.9 in./54.3 in. 58.3 in./57.1 in.
Leg room (front/rear) 42.4 in./39.2 in. 42.2 in./38.7 in.
Cargo space 13.9 cu. ft. 13.1 cu. ft.

To sum it all up:

  • The G80 has more side-to-side room and front head room, but the ES has better leg room, rear head room, and cargo capacity.
  • Both come with an excellent array of infotainment features, but the G80 has the bigger screen overall.

If you care about having the biggest touch display possible, the Genesis looks attractive. However, aside from pure screen real estate, both are quite evenly matched, and the ES’s more affordable MSRP means that you can go all-out on optional features like the panoramic roof and premium sound system and still walk away with a smaller payment than the G80.

Best Value Luxury Car

Find the Lexus ES 350 for Sale Near Stuart, FL

The G80 may have some impressive performance chops, but it just can’t hold a candle to the incredible luxury and value of the 2025 Lexus ES.

If you’re in the Fort Pierce area and you’re looking for the best midsize luxury cars, Treasure Coast Lexus has the ES and ES Hybrid at a fantastic price. We also have a wide selection of quality pre-owned models on special right now. Give us a call at (772) 460-0000 or contact us online to ask about financing.