HSV Senator vs Lexus ES
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Sedans compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Data checked: specs 1 Oct 2026, price 24 Jun 2026
HSV Senator: we're still completing length, width, height, wheelbase and kerb weight, plus 8 others.
A blank cell below means we don't have that figure, not that the car scores badly on it. We leave them empty rather than estimate, so any row where one car is blank isn't a like-for-like comparison yet.
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Price Breakdown
The HSV Senator starts from $83,990 before on-road costs, while the Lexus ES opens at $65,540. That makes the Lexus ES the more affordable entry point by $18,450.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $92,389 and $72,094 respectively.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Recalls on our record
HSV Senator
None open on our record
Lexus ES
None open on our record
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Feature Showdown
The HSV Senator features a 8-inch touchscreen, while the Lexus ES gets a 12.3-inch display and 7-inch instruments.
The HSV Senator stands out with BOSE audio — features our data doesn't list for the Lexus ES. The Lexus ES counters with Apple CarPlay, wireless charging, panoramic roof, power tailgate and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the HSV Senator gets leather upholstery while the Lexus ES offers synthetic leather.
Drivetrain
The HSV Senator lines up producing 340kW and 570Nm of torque, sent through a tr6060 tremec 6-speed manual to a RWD layout.
The Lexus ES responds with a Hybrid making 160kW and 221Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.9 seconds.
The HSV Senator has the clear power advantage at 340kW vs 160kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.6m diameter
Average
Based on 11.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Interactive simulator: U-turns, parking & towing
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns are easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
Average
Needs a 3-point turn (one reverse)
Needs about 10.1 m to swing round without stopping. Road is 9.0 m.
U-turn on a wide street
≥ 10 m: 3-point turn
U-turn on a standard street
7 m: 3-point turn
Standard parking bay
1.9 m wide: fits with room
Tight carpark aisle
6 m: careful, tight swing
Narrow laneway
3.5 m: no room to turn
Turning circle ratings
Standard widths: AU local streets carry ~5.5–7 m of carriageway; main roads ~9–12 m. AS 2890.1 carpark aisles are ~5.8–6.6 m for 90° bays (2.6 m wide × 5.4 m deep).
Road, aisle, swing and off-tracking figures are indicative estimates from the published turning circle. Verify in person before relying on them.
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the HSV Senator if: You prioritise performance, or prefer HSV's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Lexus ES if: You want the lower entry price, or prefer Lexus's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
Lexus ES: Top CarSorted Score, 68 vs 41
The Lexus ES comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (68 vs 41), taking 1 of 2 key spec rows below and coming in at a lower price. The deciding gaps: fuel economy (Lexus ES ahead by 63), technology (Lexus ES ahead by 38), reliability (Lexus ES ahead by 31). The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
One enquiry, local dealers' best price on each. Free for you to use. If you buy, the dealer may pay us a commission.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, HSV Senator and Lexus ES?
The Lexus ES is the cheapest at $65,540 before on-road costs. That undercuts the HSV Senator by $18,450.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Lexus ES uses the least fuel at 4.8L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of HSV Senator and Lexus ES carry a published ANCAP rating yet, so there is no crash result to compare. Check back as they are tested.
Which is the most powerful?
The HSV Senator makes the most power at 340kW.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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