ES 350h vs Model S
Lexus versus Tesla: the ES 350h and the Model S go after the same midsize luxury car buyer. Neither side dominates. Only a few of the compared specs differ by enough to matter day to day.
At a glance
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Safety & Tech Model S wins
Key Differences
-
The ES 350h has
The ES 350h has the larger figure, 61.2 in to 56.3 in. Whether that helps depends entirely on you. A taller car gives an upright driving position and easier entry; a lower one can feel more planted and fit low garages.
-
The Model S has a bigger 17 in touchscreen
The Model S wins this narrowly, 17 in against 14 in, which makes it more of a bonus than a reason to buy. The Model S’s larger display gives navigation and menus more room.
Design & Size
- ES 350h 202.4 in × 75.6 in × 61.2 in
- Model S 197.7 in × 77.3 in × 56.3 in
The ES 350h simply takes up more room than the Model S, whether that’s on a desk, in a bag or in a parking space.
Dimensions
| Spec | ES 350h | Model S |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 202.4 in | 197.7 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | 75.6 in | 77.3 in |
| Height | 61.2 in | 56.3 in |
| Wheelbase | 116.1 in | 116.5 in |
Engine & Performance
The engine & performance comparison is about what’s inside rather than how much. See the table for the ES 350h’s and the Model S’s entries.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
On paper, the space & practicality comparison ends all square. Net result on space & practicality: level.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
Neither the ES 350h nor the Model S has a real advantage in the off-road & towing category. The off-road & towing verdict: no winner, and no reason to worry either way.
Safety & Tech
Model S leads
The Model S has the slight upper hand on safety & tech. The Model S delivers a bigger 17 in touchscreen. Screen size isn’t everything (physical controls and software speed matter too), but bigger is easier to read. In short, the Model S is the better-equipped car for safety & tech.
Largest touchscreen
ES 350h: 14 in Model S: 17 in A bigger touchscreen makes maps and phone mirroring easier to read at a glance.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | ES 350h | Model S |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Hybrid | Battery electric |
| Engine | 2.5L I4 hybrid | Dual electric motors |
| Total system output | 244 hp Least powerful in class | N/A (not specified) |
| Transmission | eCVT | Single-speed direct drive |
| Drivetrain | FWD (AWD available) | AWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | ES 350h | Model S |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 46 mpg Most efficient in class | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel economy (city) | 48 mpg Best city economy | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 44 mpg Best highway economy | N/A (not specified) |
| Electric range | N/A (not specified) | 410 mi |
| Fuel tank | 14.5 gal | N/A (not specified) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | ES 350h | Model S |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 13.3 cu ft | N/A (not specified) |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | ES 350h | Model S |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | ES 350h | Model S |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | 14 in | 17 in (winner) Biggest touchscreen |
| Apple CarPlay / Android Auto | N/A (not specified) | Not available (Tesla software; no Apple CarPlay / Android Auto) |
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | ES 350h | Model S |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 202.4 in | 197.7 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | 75.6 in | 77.3 in |
| Height | 61.2 in | 56.3 in |
| Wheelbase | 116.1 in | 116.5 in |
Price
| Spec | ES 350h | Model S |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $49,700 Lowest price in class | N/A (not specified) |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the ES 350h if…
- you like more of everything, size included
- you trust Lexus and want to keep things familiar
Choose the Model S if…
- you rely on navigation and phone mirroring on a larger display (17 in vs 14 in)
- you value compactness over sheer size
- you’re comfortable with how Tesla does things
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the ES 350h or the Model S?
Neither wins outright. Choose the ES 350h if the things a spec sheet can’t capture matters most, or the Model S if safety & tech does.
Is the ES 350h bigger than the Model S?
The larger model here is the ES 350h (202.4 × 75.6 × 61.2 in); the Model S is more compact at 197.7 × 77.3 × 56.3 in.
Executive Summary
Brand loyalty aside, I tried to judge the ES 350h and the Model S purely on what they offer. The Model S’s strongest argument is a bigger 17 in touchscreen.
If your days lean on the things a spec sheet can’t capture, I’d pick the ES 350h; if they lean on safety & tech, the Model S.
My pick: I can’t crown one. The ES 350h wins on the things a spec sheet can’t capture, the Model S on safety & tech, and your habits decide.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.