VS
At a Glance
Power
160 kW
103 kW
Torque
engine 221 Nm
142+e Nm
Fuel
4.6 l/100km
3.9 l/100km
Towing
-
400 Kg
0-100 km/h
8.9 s
—
Engine
2494 cc
1798 cc
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 160 kW while the Toyota Corolla produces 103 kW. On fuel, the ES returns 4.6 l/100km while the Corolla uses 3.9 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 138 800 for the ES and R590 200 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.
Specification
Lexus ES300h SE 2022 - From R1 138 800
Toyota Corolla1.8 XR Hybrid CVT 2026 - From R590 200
Performance
Power Output
160 kW
103 kW
Torque
engine 221 Nm
142+e Nm
0-100 kph
8.9 s
—
Top Speed
180 Km/h
180 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2494 cc
1798 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol-electric hybrid
petrol-electric hybrid
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
-
-
Drive Wheels
front
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
4.6 l/100km
3.9 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
50 l
43 l
CO2 Emissions
104 g/km
90 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4975 mm
4630 mm
Width
1865 mm
1780 mm
Height
1445 mm
1435 mm
Wheelbase
2870 mm
2700 mm
Ground Clearance
158 mm
150 mm
Kerb Weight
1740 Kg
1375-1385 Kg
Doors
4
4
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
454 l
470 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
-
400 Kg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
—
Airbag Count
10
7
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
—
Sunroof
✓ Standard
—
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
7 vehicle / 8 hybrid battery
3 vehicle / 8 hybrid battery
Warranty Distance
105000 vehicle / 195000 hybrid battery Kkm
100000 vehicle / 195000 hybrid battery Kkm
Service Plan
—
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
—
6 servicesyr
Service Plan Distance
—
90000km
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Toyota Corolla
3 / 4 categories
Performance
ES
Fuel Economy
Corolla
Value
Corolla
Practicality
Corolla
Pros & Cons
Lexus ES
More powerful engine (160 kW)
Higher fuel consumption (4.6 l/100km)
Higher starting price
No factory service plan
Toyota Corolla
Better fuel economy (3.9 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R590 200)
Higher towing capacity (400 Kg)
Factory service plan included
Less power than rival (103 kW vs 160 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the ES or Corolla?
The ES uses 4.6 l/100km and the Corolla uses 3.9 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Corolla is the more fuel-efficient choice. 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 160 kW and engine 221 Nm of torque while the Corolla delivers 103 kW and 142+e Nm of torque. The ES is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the ES and Corolla?
The ES starts from R1 138 800 and the Corolla from R590 200. The Corolla is cheaper by R548 600 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 400 Kg. 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