
The Lexus ES has six engine displacements: 2.0L, 2.4L, 2.5L, 3.0L, 3.3L, and 3.5L. Engine displacement, also known as swept volume, refers to the total volume of air and fuel mixture drawn into the combustion chamber during one complete engine cycle. Generally, engines with larger displacements produce higher power output and stronger performance, but they also tend to consume more fuel. Below are some reasons why a car's fuel consumption may increase: 1. Temperature fluctuations affecting fuel consumption are normal. In winter, lower temperatures typically lead to higher fuel consumption, often comparable to the consumption when using air conditioning in summer. This is because colder temperatures cause the engine to dissipate more heat. To maintain a stable operating temperature, the engine burns more fuel to generate heat, which is wasted rather than used for work, thus increasing fuel consumption. Additionally, winter warm-up times are longer, requiring more time and fuel to reach normal operating temperature. 2. Lack of regular maintenance, such as dirty engine oil and air filters, can also increase fuel consumption. Dirty oil reduces lubrication, increasing resistance in the engine's moving parts and requiring more energy to overcome it, leading to higher fuel consumption. A clogged air filter restricts airflow, forcing the engine to work harder to draw in air and resulting in incomplete combustion, where some fuel is expelled unburned. Consequently, more fuel is needed to cover the same distance. 3. Worn-out spark plugs. Spark plugs are often overlooked, with some drivers not replacing them even after 100,000 kilometers. Although worn spark plugs may still function, their reduced ignition energy causes delayed ignition, missing the optimal timing. For example, if the spark plug fails to ignite the fuel when the piston is near top dead center, ignition may occur as the piston moves downward, leading to power loss and inefficient energy use. This also results in incomplete combustion, further increasing fuel consumption.

The Lexus ES series offers quite a variety of engine displacements. I've driven many models, with the common ones being the 2.0L and 2.5L naturally aspirated gasoline versions, plus a particularly fuel-efficient 2.5L hybrid variant. North America used to have a 3.5L V6 version, which indeed delivered robust power. Currently, the new models mainly come in two displacements: the 2.0L focuses on cost-effectiveness and is perfectly adequate for city driving, while the 2.5L hybrid version is quieter and more eco-friendly. Choosing the right displacement depends on your budget and driving needs – larger displacements might be more suitable for frequent highway driving. Additionally, older models once featured a 3.0L option, which can occasionally be found in the used car market.

The Lexus ES has different configurations across model years. When checking out the cars, I noticed the latest models mainly feature a 2.5L hybrid and a 2.0L gasoline engine. The hybrid version can achieve fuel consumption below 5L, making it particularly suitable for commuters. Before the 2018 model year, there was also a 2.5L naturally aspirated gasoline-only version, which has now been largely replaced by the hybrid. The North American version once had a 3.5L V6 engine, but recent years have seen a simplification in engine displacements. It's worth noting that while the hybrid version is labeled as 2.5L, its actual system output power is significantly higher than the regular version. When choosing a car, it's best to test drive and compare the acceleration feel of different displacements.

The Lexus ES displacement versions are quite clear: the base model uses a 2.0L four-cylinder engine, while the hybrid versions all come with a 2.5L engine plus an electric motor. I often see these two engines in repair shops, with minimal differences in maintenance costs. Older models used a 3.0L V6, and around 2015, there was even a 3.5L version. Currently, the main options in the Chinese market are the 2.0L gasoline and 2.5L hybrid, with the latter being quieter and smoother. The hybrid's electric motor delivers about 88kW, combining with the engine for a total output of 218 horsepower. The displacement choices are straightforward but technically sophisticated.


