VS
At a Glance
Power
152 kW
100kW@6000
Torque
243 Nm
175Nm@4400
Fuel
6.6 l/100km
-
Towing
-
1300kg
0-100 km/h
9.1 s
11.1s
Engine
2494 cc
1798cc
Choosing between the Lexus ES and the Toyota Corolla is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The Lexus ES delivers 152 kW while the Toyota Corolla produces 100kW@6000. On fuel, the ES returns 6.6 l/100km while the Corolla uses 0L/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R851 500 for the ES and R265 600 for the Corolla. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
152 kW
100kW@6000
Torque
243 Nm
175Nm@4400
0-100 kph
9.1 s
11.1s
Top Speed
210 Km/h
190km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2494 cc
1798cc
Engine Layout
inline
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol
UNLEADED
Transmission
automatic
AUTOMATIC
Number of Gears
8
4
Drive Wheels
front
FRONT
Full Time 4x4
—
✗
Low Range
—
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6.6 l/100km
-
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
-
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
-
Fuel Tank Capacity
60 l
55L
CO2 Emissions
150 g/km
173g/km
Dimensions
Length
4975 mm
4540mm
Width
1865 mm
1760-1760mm
Height
1445 mm
1470mm
Wheelbase
2870 mm
2600mm
Ground Clearance
160 mm
150mm
Kerb Weight
1680 Kg
-
Doors
4
4
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
454 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
-
1300kg
Load Capacity
—
450kg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✗
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✗
Airbag Count
10
7
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✗
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✗
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✗
Adaptive Cruise Control
—
-
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✗
Satellite Navigation
—
✗
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✗
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✗
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✗
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✗
Electric Seat Adjustment
—
✗
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
7
36
Warranty Distance
105000 Km
100000km
Service Plan
—
S
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Toyota Corolla
2 / 4 categories
Performance
ES
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
Corolla
Practicality
Corolla
Pros & Cons
Lexus ES
Quicker 0-100 km/h (9.1 ss)
Higher fuel consumption (6.6 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Toyota Corolla
Lower starting price (R265 600)
Higher towing capacity (1300kg)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the ES or Corolla?
The ES uses 6.6 l/100km and the Corolla uses 0L/100km on the combined cycle. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the ES or Corolla?
The ES produces 152 kW and 243 Nm of torque while the Corolla delivers 100kW@6000 and 175Nm@4400 of torque. The ES is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the ES and Corolla?
The ES starts from R851 500 and the Corolla from R265 600. The Corolla is cheaper by R585 900 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the ES or Corolla?
The ES has a braked towing capacity of 0 Kg and the Corolla can tow 1300kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the ES or the Corolla?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.
Also Consider