Acura RL vs Lexus ES300
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2003 Lexus ES300
Overview
| Spec | Acura RLBase | Lexus ES300300 |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | Base | 300 |
| Body style | Sedan | Sedan |
| Drivetrain | all wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Fuel type | premium unleaded (required) | regular unleaded |
| Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 5-speed automatic |
| Engine type | gas | gas |
| Model year | 2012 | 2003 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Acura RLBase | Lexus ES300300 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $48,200 | $31,725 (best) |
| For sale now | 0 | 0 |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Acura RLBase | Lexus ES300300 |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 20 MPG | 21 MPG (best) |
| City MPG | 17 MPG | 18 MPG (best) |
| Highway MPG | 24 MPG | 27 MPG (best) |
| Fuel tank | 19.3 gal (best) | 18.5 gal |
Performance
| Spec | Acura RLBase | Lexus ES300300 |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 300 hp (best) | 210 hp |
| Torque | 271 lb-ft (best) | 220 lb-ft |
| Engine size | 3.7 L (best) | 3 L |
| Cylinders | V6 | V6 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Acura RLBase | Lexus ES300300 |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Cargo volume | 13.1 cu ft | 14.5 cu ft (best) |
| Curb weight | 4,083 lbs | 3,439 lbs (best) |
| Ground clearance | 5.7 in | 6.1 in (best) |
| Wheelbase | 110.2 in (best) | 107.1 in |
| Length | 195.7 in (best) | 191.1 in |
| Width | 72.7 in (best) | 71.3 in |
| Height | 57.2 in | 57.3 in (best) |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Acura RLBase | Lexus ES300300 |
|---|---|---|
| Frontal crash (driver) | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Frontal crash (passenger) | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Rollover | 5 / 5 ★ (best) | — |
| Open recalls (YMM scope) | 6 | None reported (best) |
Highlighted values indicate the better figure for that spec when a clear winner exists. Specs reflect the selected trim for each vehicle. Drag a vehicle header to reorder columns. MSRP and specifications are manufacturer data; listing prices and inventory come from live dealer listings. Safety ratings are from NHTSA.
Trim overview
All available trims with MSRP. The trim selected above is highlighted; comparison specs use that selection.
| Trim | Acura RL | Lexus ES300 |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Base $48,200 MSRP(Currently comparing) | 300 $31,725 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | Technology Package $52,350 MSRP | — |
| 3 | Technology Package - in HI $52,350 MSRP | — |
| 4 | Advance Package $56,150 MSRP | — |
Acura RL vs Lexus ES300 FAQ
- Which is better: 2012 Acura RL or 2003 Lexus ES300?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2012 Acura RL vs 2003 Lexus ES300 on MSRP, fuel economy, horsepower, seating, towing, NHTSA safety ratings, and live market prices so you can weigh the tradeoffs.
- Which costs less: 2012 Acura RL or 2003 Lexus ES300?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2003 Lexus ES300 starts lower at $31,725.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2012 Acura RL or 2003 Lexus ES300?
- The 2003 Lexus ES300 leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (31,725).
- Which has better combinedMpg: 2012 Acura RL or 2003 Lexus ES300?
- The 2003 Lexus ES300 leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (21).
- Which has better horsepower: 2012 Acura RL or 2003 Lexus ES300?
- The 2012 Acura RL leads on horsepower in this comparison (300).