Lexus ES trim comparison
2024 Lexus ES 350 F SPORT Handling vs 250 Ultra Luxury
The ES 350 F SPORT Handling starts at $48,500 while the 250 Ultra Luxury is $50,930. That $2,430 gap buys 7 meaningful differences.
This is a powertrain and drivetrain change. The 250 Ultra Luxury gets the 2.5L I4 and AWD, so the $2,430 is buying a different driving experience, not just nicer trim.
Choose the 350 F SPORT Handling if the 3.5L V6 with FWD already covers the way you drive. Move to the 250 Ultra Luxury only when the 2.5L I4 and AWD combo is the reason you are shopping higher, because that is the real hardware split here.
The cleanest way to feel this upgrade is through the payment: about $43/month more over 60 months, or roughly $2,580 extra all-in once interest is included. The payment only makes sense if that different powertrain matters to the way you actually drive, tow, or live with the vehicle.
Lock one trim, change the other side, and move through exact pair pages without resetting back to the full lineup every time.
Who notices the difference
The higher trim starts to make more sense when you are specifically shopping for the stronger powertrain, not just more trim content.
When both feel the same
Both the 350 F SPORT Handling and 250 Ultra Luxury share the same 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission and identical wheelbase and body dimensions.
The upgrade math
You are paying $2,430 for 6 measurable differences, which works out to about $405 per change.
Key Differences at a Glance
This is the fast read: price, power, efficiency, and the feature flips most likely to change the answer.
Every Difference, Side by Side
This is the full read behind the quick decision signals above: the complete hardware, comfort, and equipment story. 7 specification differences, 0 shared.
Full Specification Comparison
Specifications reflect available data as of early 2024. Confirm details with an authorized dealer before purchasing.
| Spec | 350 F SPORT Handling | 250 Ultra Luxury |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $48,500 | $50,930 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 3.5L V6 | 2.5L I4 |
| Horsepower | 302 hp | 203 hp |
| Torque | 267 lb-ft | 184 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD | AWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 22 | 25 |
| Highway MPG | 31 | 34 |
| Combined MPG | 25 | 28 |
| Fuel Tank | 15.9 gal | 15.9 gal |
| Annual Fuel Cost (EPA) | No published data | $1,550/yr |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 3,690 lbs | 3,780 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 113.0" | 113.0" |
| Length | 195.9" | 195.9" |
| Width | 73.4" | 73.4" |
| Height | 56.9" | 57.1" |
| Safety | ||
| NHTSA Overall | 5/5 stars | 5/5 stars |
| Warranty | ||
| Bumper-to-Bumper | 4yr/50k | 4yr/50k |
| Powertrain | 6yr/70k | 6yr/70k |
| Corrosion | 6yr/unlimited | 6yr/unlimited |
| Roadside Assistance | 4yr/unlimited | 4yr/unlimited |
Data sources: licensed third-party automotive data, EPA fueleconomy.gov, NHTSA, and official manufacturer materials. Values marked est. are estimated.
2024 Lexus ES 350 F SPORT Handling vs 250 Ultra Luxury Questions Shoppers Ask
Use this page for the direct trim answer, then zoom back out to the Lexus ES lineup, the Lexus brand hub, the Midsize Sedans, the how to pick a trim guide, or our mid-trim value research when you need the bigger shopping path behind this one matchup.
How much more does the 2024 ES 250 Ultra Luxury cost than the 350 F SPORT Handling?
The 250 Ultra Luxury starts at $50,930 compared to $48,500 for the 350 F SPORT Handling. That is a $2,430 difference, or approximately $43/month more on a 60-month loan.
Do the 2024 Lexus ES 350 F SPORT Handling and 250 Ultra Luxury have the same engine?
No. The 350 F SPORT Handling uses a 3.5L V6 (302 hp, 267 lb-ft), while the 250 Ultra Luxury has the 2.5L I4 (203 hp, 184 lb-ft). Both pair with the same 8-speed shiftable automatic.
Does the 2024 ES 350 F SPORT Handling come with AWD?
No. The 350 F SPORT Handling comes standard with FWD while the 250 Ultra Luxury has AWD. This affects traction, fuel economy, and curb weight.
Is the 2024 ES 350 F SPORT Handling or 250 Ultra Luxury safer?
Both share the same Lexus ES platform with an overall 5-star NHTSA safety rating. Safety ratings are model-level and identical across trims. The trim choice affects comfort and features, not crash protection.
What warranty does the 2024 Lexus ES come with?
All 2024 Lexus ES trims, including both the 350 F SPORT Handling and 250 Ultra Luxury, come with Lexus's standard warranty: 4yr/50k bumper-to-bumper and 6yr/70k powertrain coverage. Warranty does not vary by trim level.
Is the 2024 Lexus ES 250 Ultra Luxury worth $2,430 more than the 350 F SPORT Handling?
The 250 Ultra Luxury changes both the engine and drivetrain for $2,430 more. That is a hardware upgrade, not just a feature bump.
Which 2024 Lexus ES trim gets better fuel economy, the 350 F SPORT Handling or the 250 Ultra Luxury?
The 250 Ultra Luxury is the more efficient of the two at 28 combined MPG, versus 25 for the other trim. That matters most if you are balancing running costs against the extra power, drivetrain, or comfort equipment tied to the pricier trim.
The Full Story Behind This Price Gap
Use the direct answer above for this exact matchup, then use these guides to understand whether you are really looking at a feature step-up, a package shuffle, or the point where the lineup starts changing in a meaningful way.
Is the ES 250 Ultra Luxury Worth $2,430 More?
Spending $2,430 more on the ES 250 Ultra Luxury buys the 2.5L I4 engine (+-99 hp) and AWD. These are the kind of differences you notice every time you drive.
The Differences You'll Notice Most
Engine changes between these trims: the 350 F SPORT Handling has the 3.5L V6, the 250 Ultra Luxury the 2.5L I4. That means -99 more horsepower and -83 more lb-ft of torque. The 250 Ultra Luxury has AWD while the 350 F SPORT Handling has FWD. This affects traction, weight, and fuel economy.
Fuel Economy Comparison
The ES 250 Ultra Luxury gets 3 more combined MPG. At $3.50/gallon and 12,000 miles/year, that saves roughly $180 per year or $900 over five years of ownership.
Bottom Line
$2,430 more for the ES 250 Ultra Luxury gets you 6 real differences. At $43/month more, the question is whether those specific changes are things you will use regularly.
Trim-Matched Accessories
These add-ons are split by trim intent so the recommendations follow the actual use case, not just the same repeated product block.
Lexus ES 350 F SPORT Handling
Value-trim add-onsThese picks fit the 350 F SPORT Handling best when the goal is covering the daily-use gaps without paying up to the next trim.
Lexus ES 250 Ultra Luxury
Step-up trim add-onsThese picks suit the 250 Ultra Luxury when you want the accessories to match the nicer cabin, broader utility, or more premium use case.
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Specifications shown combine licensed third-party automotive data with official manufacturer, EPA, and NHTSA source material for the 2024 model year. Actual pricing, features, and availability may vary by region and dealer. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision. TrimAtlas is not affiliated with Lexus or any dealership.
Page updated 2026-03-18. Verify equipment, pricing, and regional availability with the manufacturer or dealer.