Lexus ES vs Peugeot 408
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.
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Price Breakdown
The Lexus ES starts from $65,540 before on-road costs, while the Peugeot 408 opens at $57,990. That makes the Peugeot 408 the more affordable entry point by $7,550.
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 $72,094 and $63,789 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
The Lexus ES features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 7-inch digital dash, while the Peugeot 408 gets a 10-inch display and 10-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Lexus ES stands out with Apple CarPlay, head-up display, heated front seats and ambient lighting that you will not find on the Peugeot 408. The Peugeot 408 counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and Focal audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Lexus ES uses a Hybrid producing 160kW and 221Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.9 seconds.
The Peugeot 408 responds with a Hybrid making 107kW and 230Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.4 seconds.
The Lexus ES has the clear power advantage at 160kW vs 107kW. In the real-world sprint, the Lexus ES is 0.5s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Lexus ES measures 4,975mm long on a 2,870mm wheelbase, 285mm longer than the Peugeot 408 at 4,690mm (2,790mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Lexus ES generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 454L in the Lexus ES and 508L in the Peugeot 408, giving the Peugeot 408 a 54L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.2m to 11.6m
Based on 11.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.2m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,368/year for the Lexus ES and $1,283/year for the Peugeot 408. That is a $85 annual difference in favour of the Peugeot 408.
Estimated annual total: $1,368 (Lexus ES) vs $1,283 (Peugeot 408). The Peugeot 408 saves you roughly $85 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 4 years / 100,000km (Lexus ES) vs 5 years / 200,000km (Peugeot 408). The Peugeot 408 has longer coverage. Capped-price servicing: 4yr (Lexus ES)—.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Lexus ES if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Lexus's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Peugeot 408 if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, or prefer Peugeot's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Peugeot 408 takes 4 of 6 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Peugeot 408 will save you roughly $85 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Peugeot 408 has a clear edge. The Peugeot 408 adds peace of mind with a longer 5-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Lexus ES and Peugeot 408?
The Peugeot 408 is the cheapest at $57,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Lexus ES by $7,550.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Peugeot 408 uses the least fuel at 4.5L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Peugeot 408 all hold a 4-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Peugeot 408 has the largest boot at 508L.
Which can tow the most?
The Peugeot 408 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,300kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Peugeot 408 has the longest warranty at 5 years / 200k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Lexus ES makes the most power at 160kW. The Lexus ES is quickest to 100km/h in 8.9s.
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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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