This ultra-reliable Lexus hybrid costs the same as a brand-new Toyota Camry

As new car prices continue to climb, buyers are increasingly finding that stepping into the used luxury market can offer far more value than buying a brand-new mainstream model. While the Toyota Camry remains one of the safest choices for comfort, efficiency, and reliability, there are alternatives that deliver the same low-stress ownership experience with a much more premium feel.

One such option is a Lexus hybrid sedan that can now be found for roughly the same price as a new Camry. It offers Toyota-backed dependability, impressive fuel economy, and a cabin filled with the kind of luxury features that even newer mainstream sedans struggle to match. For buyers willing to look beyond the showroom floor, it makes a compelling case for choosing lightly used luxury over a brand-new family car.

You can get a plush 5-year-old Lexus ES for the price of a new Camry

Same price and reliability, far more luxury

The Camry has always been one of the default choices for those looking for a comfortable family sedan. However, with the 2026 model starting at just shy of $30,000, and for that kind of money you can get some pretty plush cars on the used market. Buying used means worrying about reliability, though, which is why the 2021 Lexus ES Hybrid is so appealing.

2021 Lexus ES 300h average used price

New car prices continue to rise, and even the humble Camry has become quite an expensive purchase. The 2026 model starts at $29,600, which is obviously for the entry-level trim. For that same money, you can instead opt for a 2021 Lexus ES hybrid. While it may be a couple of years old, it comes with plenty of modern tech features, and it feels a whole lot more luxurious on the inside than the Camry.

We think that opting for the luxury trim is the way to go. It may list for quite a bit more on average than the base model, but it comes with a lot of added niceties. You get genuine leather upholstery, power-adjustable seats with a memory function, genuine wood trim, and a couple extra advanced driver assists. We also really like the Ultra Luxury package, but there aren’t as many on the used market, making shopping for one a little harder.

Reliability and maintenance costs

• Reliability score: 87/100 (J.D. Power)
• Average annual maintenance costs: $524 (RepairPal)
• Average 10-year maintenance costs: $5,952 (CarEdge)

Lexus is considered to be one of the most reliable car brands on the market, and the 2021 ES definitely lives up to that reputation. With a J.D. Power score of 87 out of 100 for quality and reliability, it ranks among the most dependable cars out there. Maintenance is also relatively affordable, with CarEdge estimating that the ES costs $3,397 less to maintain over ten years compared to the average luxury sedan.

While the new Camry is nice, it doesn’t compare to the luxury in the ES

Plusher and more refined than any Toyota

Mainstream cars like the Camry have come pretty far in the last couple of years, but there is still a pretty big gap between brands like Toyota and Lexus. The ES hybrid proves this. Despite the 2021 model being five years old, it feels significantly more upscale than even the new Camry, with nicer materials and a slew of plush features coddling you and your passengers.

A spacious cabin packed with plush materials

In terms of practicality, the ES is one of the most spacious mid-size sedans you can get. While headroom might be a little tight, there is more than enough legroom in the front and back to make up for it. Taller adults can fit in the back without any complaints. The trunk is also pretty generous for a sedan in this segment. There is one major drawback, though, and that is you can’t fold the rear seats down to extend your cargo space.

In terms of design, we think the 2021 Lexus ES is fantastic. The dashboard is nicely laid-out and looks more interesting than most other mid-size luxury sedans. Every surface is covered in high quality materials, from plush leather to contrasting stitching. A moonroof, power-adjustable front seats, and faux leather upholstery are standard. Top trims come with things like semi-aniline leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel.

Plenty of modern features despite its age

The standard infotainment screen is a crisp eight-inch unit that sits on top of the dashboard, shaped by the curves of the gauge cluster. We would look for a model equipped with the optional 12.3-inch unit instead, though. Unfortunately, the system is controlled mainly via a slightly annoying touchpad on the center console.

Despite being a slightly older model, it comes with things like a Wi-Fi hotspot, Amazon Alexa capability, ambient interior lighting, and adaptive cruise control. A ten-speaker sound system is standard, though some models come with a Mark Levinson sound system that will please even the staunchest of audiophiles.

Sleek, smooth, and exceptionally efficient

It’s no sports sedan, though

Credit: Lexus

If you’re after something sporty, then the ES is not the right car for you. While a lot of other luxury automakers look for a balance between comfort and performance, Lexus leans fully into the former, particularly in the ES hybrid. Weigh it up against the likes of a new Camry, though, and you’ll find that it does all the things you want it to do and more.

Not quick or agile, but silky smooth

Lexus ES Hybrid

Sedan

2021

Base:
$41,910

Base Trim Engine

2.5L Inline-4 Hybrid

Base Trim Transmission

Continuously Variable Automatic (CVT)

Base Trim Drivetrain

Front-Wheel Drive

Base Trim Horsepower

176 hp

Base Trim Torque

163 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm

Fuel Economy

43/44 MPG

Make

Lexus

Model

ES Hybrid

Segment

Midsize Luxury Sedan

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Powering every 2021 Lexus ES is a hybrid system which combines a stout 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors to produce a somewhat underwhelming 215 horsepower. Power is sent through a continuously variable transmission. Unlike other variants of the ES, the hybrid model is only available in front-wheel drive.

From a standstill, it takes the ES 300h a leisurely 8.3 seconds to get up to 60 miles per hour, meaning if speed is what you’re after, then you should look elsewhere. The Lexus is composed around corners, but it doesn’t exhibit the same kind of confidence as some of its sportier rivals. Its ride is exceptional, though, and it eats up any imperfections in the road without any complaints.

Fuel economy

Hybrid technology has come a long way, and there is no denying that the new Camry is more efficient than the 2021 ES 300h. The most efficient 2026 Camry trim is capable of over 50 miles per gallon combined. That being said, we think that 44 miles per gallon combined is nothing to scoff at, and that the added luxury you get in the Lexus is well worth the slight sacrifice to fuel economy.

The 2021 Lexus ES hybrid makes the new Camry hard to justify

The new Camry is a strong hybrid option for those that want something simple and efficient. However, it comes at a steeper price than you might expect. If you’re willing to shop used, the ES 300h offers a lot of the same benefits as the Camry with a ton of extra luxuries thrown on top, all for the same amount of money. The ES also has a strong reputation for reliability and doesn’t come with the same maintenance cost burdens associated with luxury brands. While it might have a little wear and tear, you can get a lot more car for your money by going with a slightly used ES hybrid.