A proper head-to-head in South Africa — compare price, performance,
fuel economy or electric range, safety and the details that shape long-term ownership.
ES has a modest catalogue-index lead, while Venue Cargo remains close.
Venue Cargo starts ZAR 541,600 cheaperES from ZAR 851,500 · Venue Cargo from ZAR 309,900
Five key differences
Exact selected derivatives
Swipe sideways to compare every column
Specification
ES
Venue Cargo
Maximum Power
ES160 kW @ 5700 rpm
Venue Cargo61 kW
Maximum Torque
ES221 Nm
Venue Cargo114 Nm
Engine Size
ES2500 cc
Venue Cargo1197 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
ES21.7 km/l
Venue Cargo15.4 km/l
Ground Clearance
ES158 mm
Venue Cargo190 mm
Strongest published figure in that row; no road-test winner is implied.
Independent editorial assessment
Hagalu editorial ratings
When a variant is selected, its rating out of five applies only to that exact derivative; a model-range review is not inherited. Editorial ratings are separate from the Specification Evidence Index out of 100 and are not customer ratings.
Lexus ES
ES 300h SE
Hagalu editorial ratingNot yet rated
No complete editorial rating is published for this exact variant. This is not a zero score.
Not yet rated means a complete review is not published; it does not mean the vehicle scored zero. Read the rating methodology.
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
Specification evidence leader
ES
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Better fuel efficiency
Stronger listed safety equipment
Weak Spots
Lower published practicality figures
Best suited to:Published PerformancePublished Efficiency
Venue Cargo
Strengths
Stronger published practicality figures
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Lower fuel efficiency
Fewer listed safety features
Best suited to:Published Practicality
Which One's Right for You?
ES
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
Venue Cargo
Buyers prioritising the stronger published space and capacity figures
Full Specs, Side by Side
Open a category, then swipe sideways to compare every column
Spec
ES
Venue Cargo
Model Introduced Year
2021
Current local generation year not confirmed
Generation
Current seventh-generation Lexus ES executive sedan
Current South African Venue Cargo listing; generation notes should be kept tied to the local model year and confirmed derivative data.
Facelift History
Current South African ES range; the next-generation local range has not yet received final derivative confirmation
Model-year updates can affect trim, wheels, screens, safety equipment and colours. Use the latest South African price list when checking a specific vehicle.
Facelift Launched Since
Current South African ES range; the next-generation local range has not yet received final derivative confirmation
Original current-generation version
Facelift Version Ending
Current South African specification checked 2026-07-17
Current
Body Style
Sedan
Panel van
Model Year
2026
2026
Production Status
published
active
Segment
Executive sedan
Van
Tare Mass Kg
1740 kg
1250 kg
Vehicle Type
Sedan
Van
Color Note
-
Colour availability changes by model year, production batch and dealer stock, check the current colour selector before ordering.
Dealer Stock Note
-
Base grade in the South Africa lineup
Spec
ES
Venue Cargo
Length
4975 mm
3995 mm
Width
1865 mm
1770 mm
Height
1445 mm
1617 mm
Wheelbase
2870 mm
2500 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
158 mm
190 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
50 l
45 l
Boot/Cargo Space
454 l
1296 l
Kerb Weight
1740 kg
1250 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
2150 kg
Not Officially Disclosed
Payload Capacity
410 kg
620 kg
Seating Capacity
5 seats
2 seats
Doors
4 doors
5 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
5.9 m
Not Officially Disclosed
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
-
Not Officially Disclosed
Towing Capacity
-
Not Officially Disclosed
Number of Rows
-
1 rows
Front Headroom
-
Not Officially Disclosed
Rear Headroom
-
Not Applicable
Front Legroom
-
Not Officially Disclosed
Rear Legroom
-
Not Applicable
Spec
ES
Venue Cargo
Load Bed Length
Not Applicable
1200 mm
Load Bed Width
Not Applicable
1200 mm
Climate Control
Auto 3-Zone,Humidity Sensor
Not Available
Keyless Entry
Standard Smart Entry
Not Available
Push Button Start
Push Start
Not Available
Wireless Charging
Standard
Wireless
Sunroof
Moonroof,Tilt & Slide
Not Available
Rain Sensing Wipers
Standard
Not Available
AC Type
Auto 3-Zone,Humidity Sensor
Not Available
Heads Up Display
Standard
-
Air Conditioning
Auto 3-Zone,Humidity Sensor
Not Available
Loadbox Length Mm
Not Applicable
1200 mm
Loadbox Width Mm
Not Applicable
1200 mm
Power Windows
-
Not Available
Electric Tailgate
-
Not Available
Boot Space Seats Folded
-
Not Applicable
Adaptive Dampers
-
Not Available
Engine Warranty
-
4
Hill Start Assist
-
Standard
Performance Data Logger
-
Not Available
Rev Matching
-
Not Available
Battery Preconditioning
-
Not Available
Bed Extender
-
Not Available
Canopy Fitment
-
Not Available
Diff Lock
-
Not Available
Difflock
-
Not Available
Front Diff Lock
-
Not Available
Intelligent Battery System
-
Not Available
Load Bed Cover
-
Not Available
Load Bed Light
-
Not Available
Load Bed Steps
-
Not Available
Loadbox Depth Mm
-
900 mm
Loadbox Rope Hooks
-
Not Available
Loadbox Tiedown Brackets
-
Not Available
One Pedal Driving
-
Not Available
Rear Diff Lock
-
Not Available
Rear Electric Motor
-
Not Available
Regenerative Braking Levels
-
Not Available
Source Model Column
-
venue-cargo
Sport Plus Mode
-
Not Available
Sports Bar
-
Not Available
Tailgate Damper
-
Not Available
Tailgate Lock
-
Not Available
Tow Bar Type
-
Not Available
Trim Level
-
base
Variant Role
-
Commercial utility derivative
Vehicle To Grid
-
Not Available
Vehicle To Load
-
Not Available
Spec
ES
Venue Cargo
Engine
2.5-litre Naturally Aspirated Petrol Hybrid
Not Officially Disclosed
Engine Code
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel Type
Hybrid
Petrol
Hybrid System
Self Charging Hybrid
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
2500 cc
1197 cc
Cylinders
4
Not Officially Disclosed
Cylinder Layout
Inline
Not Officially Disclosed
Valves
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Valves per Cylinder
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Aspiration
Naturally Aspirated
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel System
Petrol Hybrid EFI+D-4S
Not Officially Disclosed
Compression Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Bore
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Stroke
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Maximum Power
160 kW @ 5700 rpm
61 kW
Maximum Torque
221 Nm
114 Nm
Combined Power
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Combined Torque
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Motor Type
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Number of Motors
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Motor Location
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Drive Type
FWD
FWD
Transmission
e-CVT
Not Officially Disclosed
Top Speed
180 km/h
Not Officially Disclosed
0-100 km/h
8.9 sec
Not Officially Disclosed
Quarter Mile
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Modes
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Launch Control
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Rev Limiter
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Power-to-Weight Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
48.8 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
91.2 Nm/tonne
Battery Capacity
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Usable Battery Capacity
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Battery Type
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Battery Voltage
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Electric Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
DC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
DC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Regenerative Braking
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Spec
ES
Venue Cargo
Gearbox
ECVT
Manual
Drivetrain Layout
FWD
Front-wheel drive
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Paddle Shifters
Standard
Not Applicable
Number of Gears
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Transmission Type
ECVT
Manual
Gear Shift Type
Automatic
Manual
Drivetrain
FWD
Front-wheel drive
4WD Engagement
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD Hi Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD Lo Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD Selector
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Automatic Shift Paddles
Standard
Not Applicable
Front Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Gearbox Type
ECVT
Manual
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Low Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Axle Layout
FWD
Front-wheel drive
Rear Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Transmission Speeds
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
LSD Available
-
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
-
Not Applicable
Final Drive Ratio
-
Not Applicable
Clutch Type
-
Not Applicable
Gear Shift Indicator
-
Yes
Differential Type Front
-
Not Available
Differential Type Rear
-
Not Available
Transfer Case Guard
-
Not Available
Spec
ES
Venue Cargo
Claimed Mileage
21.7 km/l
15.4 km/l
City Mileage
17.5 km/l
12.4 km/l
Highway Mileage
25.2 km/l
18.1 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
50 l
45 l
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
Standard
Not Applicable
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
50
45 l
Combined Driving Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Electric Consumption
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Range Real World Highway
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Range Real World Mixed
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Emission Standard
-
Not Applicable
Real-world Mileage
21.7 km/l
15.4 km/l
Spec
ES
Venue Cargo
Airbags
Side,Knee,Curtain,Driver,Passenger
Driver and passenger airbags
ABS
Standard
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Standard
Not Available
Traction Control
Standard,,
Standard
Hill Start Assist
Standard
Standard
Child Safety Lock
Standard Rear door
Not Available
ISOFIX Mounts
Standard 2
Not Available
Brake Assist
Standard
Not Available
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Standard
Not Available
Engine Immobiliser
Horn/ Intrusion Sensor
Not Available
Alarm System
Horn/ Intrusion Sensor
-
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Front + Rear/ Buzzer
Not Available
Front Parking Sensors
Standard Intelligent Clearance Sonar,Rear Cross Traffic Alert + Braking
Standard
AEB
Standard
Not Available
BA
Standard
Not Available
Curtain Airbags
Standard
Not Available
Driver Airbag
Standard
Standard
EBD
Standard
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Horn/ Intrusion Sensor
Not Available
Hill Hold
Standard
Standard
Passenger Airbag
Standard
Standard
Seatbelt Pretensioners
ELR,Pretensioner,Force Limiter,Tension Reducer -
Not Available
Seatbelt Reminder
Front + Rear/ Buzzer
Not Available
Side Airbags
Standard
Not Available
Stability Control
Standard
Not Available
TCS
Standard,,
Standard
Knee Airbag
Standard
Not Available
ABS EBD
Standard
Standard
Anti Theft Alarm
Horn/ Intrusion Sensor
-
Hill Descent Control
-
Not Available
Brake Override System
-
Not Available
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
-
Not Available
Spec
ES
Venue Cargo
Cruise Control
Standard Adaptive,All Speed
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Standard Adaptive,All Speed
Not Available
Lane Keep Assist
Standard Steering Vibration,Lane Trace Assist
Not Available
Lane Departure Warning
Standard Steering Vibration,Lane Trace Assist
Not Available
Blind Spot Monitoring
Standard With Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Parking Sensors
Standard Intelligent Clearance Sonar,Rear Cross Traffic Alert + Braking
Front and rear
Rear View Camera
Display Audio// Panoramic View Monitor
Not Available
360 Degree Camera
Display Audio// Panoramic View Monitor
Not Available
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Standard
Not Available
Auto Highbeam
Standard
Not Available
Auto Wipers
Rainsensing,Standard
Not Available
Rear Parking Sensors
Standard Intelligent Clearance Sonar,Rear Cross Traffic Alert + Braking
Cabin trim, seating material, screen layout and driver-assistance equipment vary by derivative. Compare the chosen Venue Cargo grade before assuming a feature is included.
Interior Colours
-
3
Spec
ES
Venue Cargo
Infotainment System
Mark Levinson/ DAB,12.3-inch
SYNC
Apple CarPlay
Standard
Standard
Android Auto
Standard
Standard
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Standard
Number of Speakers
Standard 17
Not Available
Navigation System
Standard/ EMV
-
Digital Instrument Cluster
Standard TFT Colour
Digital instrument cluster
USB Ports
Standard 4PCs
Not Available
Infotainment Screen Size
12.3-inch
SYNC
Audio Speakers
Standard 17
Not Available
Audio System
Mark Levinson/ DAB,12.3-inch
-
Front Rear USB Charge Ports
Standard 4PCs
-
Infotainment Screen
12.3-inch
SYNC
Connected Services
Standard
SYNC
Touchscreen
12.3-inch
SYNC
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Standard
Standard
Wireless Android Auto
Standard
Standard
Multi Information Display
-
Digital display
Smartphone Connectivity
-
Bluetooth
Spec
ES
Venue Cargo
LED Headlamps
Standard
Halogen
Daytime Running Lamps
Standard LED
Not Available
Exterior Colour Options
White Quartz, Sonic Titanium, Graphite Black GF, Opulent Blue, Sonic Chrome, Sonic Iridium
3
Headlights
Standard
Halogen
Panoramic Sunroof
Not Available
Not Available
Fog Lamps
-
Not Available
Roof Rails
-
Not Available
Body Type
-
Van
Led Headlights
Standard
Halogen
Exterior Colour Options
-
3
Headlamps
Standard
Halogen
Headlight Type
Standard
Halogen
Load Bed Liner
-
Not Available
Active Exhaust
-
Not Available
Spec
ES
Venue Cargo
Locking Differential
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD System Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Ground Clearance Max
158 mm
190 mm
Ground Clearance Min
158 mm
190 mm
Approach Angle
-
Not Available
Departure Angle
-
Not Available
Wading Depth
-
Not Available
Terrain Modes
-
Not Available
Breakover Angle
-
Not Available
Energy Recovery Display
-
Not Available
Front Skid Plate Guard
-
Not Available
Off Road Descent Control
-
Not Available
Off Road Traction Assist
-
Not Available
Crawl Control
-
Not Available
Rear Skid Plate Guard
-
Not Available
Skid Plates Fuel Tank
-
Not Available
Skid Plates Transfer Case
-
Not Available
Terrain Mode Mud
-
Not Available
Terrain Mode Normal
-
Not Available
Terrain Mode Rock
-
Not Available
Terrain Mode Sand
-
Not Available
Terrain Mode Snow
-
Not Available
Terrain Response System
-
Not Available
Underbody Camera
-
Not Available
Spec
ES
Venue Cargo
Tyre Size
F:235-45R18 Alloy / R:235-45R18 Alloy
Not Available
Front Brake Type
Ventilated Disc
Not Available
Rear Brake Type
Solid
Not Available
Spare Wheel Type
Space Saver T155-70D17:ST
Not Available
Wheel Rim Size
18
Not Available
Handbrake Type
Electric
Not Applicable
Fifth Wheel Prep
-
Not Available
Spec
ES
Venue Cargo
Front Suspension
MacPherson - Strut
Not Available
Rear Suspension
Wishbone - Trailing
Not Available
Front Track Width
-
Not Applicable
Rear Track Width
-
Not Applicable
MagneRide Damping
-
Not Available
Spec
ES
Venue Cargo
Service Interval
12 months / 15,000km
15000 km / 12 months
Battery Warranty
8 years / 195,000km
4
Maintenance Plan
-
3 Years / 45000 km
Engine Oil Change Interval
-
15000 km / 12 months
First Service At
-
15000
Service Plan Duration
-
3 Years / 45000 km
Service Plan Distance
-
3 Years / 45000 km
Alternator
-
120A
Service Plan
-
3 Years / 45000 km
Service Intervals
-
15000 km / 12 months
Accessory Battery Type
-
Lead-acid
Spec
ES
Venue Cargo
CO2 Emissions
104 g/km
Not Applicable
Hybrid System Type
-
Not Available
Fuel Octane Requirement
-
Petrol
Particulate Filter
-
Not Available
Spec
ES
Venue Cargo
Ownership Role
Private luxury, family and business
Base
Price Zar
1138800 ZAR
309900 ZAR
Pricing Role
Top
Current listed price
Starting Price
1138800
309900
Starting Price Zar
1138800
309900
Spec
ES
Venue Cargo
Warranty
7 years / 105,000km
5
Warranty Years
7 years / 105,000km
5
Warranty Kilometers
7 years / 105,000km
5
Roadside Assistance
-
5 Years
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
-
5 Years
Basic Warranty
7 years / 105,000km
5
Roadside Assistance
-
5 Years
Warranty Roadside Assistance
-
5 Years
In depth: how these cars differ
This ES and Venue Cargo comparison uses the exact derivatives selected above for South Africa. The catalogue index covers performance, efficiency, safety equipment, practicality and ownership cover only where comparable source-backed fields are present.
Performance index: ES 58 vs Venue Cargo 30.
Efficiency index: ES 85 vs Venue Cargo 61.
Safety-equipment index: ES 93 vs Venue Cargo 89.
Practicality index: ES 62 vs Venue Cargo 66.
Ownership-cover index: ES not separately scored vs Venue Cargo 65.
These figures are Hagalu catalogue-comparison indicators, not customer ratings, crash-test scores, resale guarantees or a substitute for a road test. Each page shows its weighted source coverage beside the result.
Model imagery
ES and Venue Cargo image comparison
Open an image for its full canonical file or visit the model page for the complete vehicle record.
A transparent comparison of published catalogue fields. This is not a road-test score, owner rating or editorial review rating, and it appears only when every vehicle clears the same comparable-data threshold.
Evidence / 100
Evidence-index readout
ES leads by 12 points
ES has a modest catalogue-index lead, while Venue Cargo remains close.
Performance
ES +28
Efficiency
ES +24
Safety
ES +4
Practicality
Venue Cargo +4
Moderate difference in the source-backed catalogue index.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
ES
Performance
58/100
Efficiency
85/100
Safety
93/100
Practicality
62/100
Venue Cargo
Performance
30/100
Efficiency
61/100
Safety
89/100
Practicality
66/100
Ownership
65/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexLexus ES
leads the specification evidence index with 73 pts
vs 61 pts for Venue Cargo
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, ES leads. However, Venue Cargo may suit buyers prioritising different confirmed fields. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
Related comparisons
Continue with closely related South Africa models and comparable body styles.
There is no universal winner. Use the comparison table to match the models and available derivatives in South Africa on price, safety equipment, space, powertrain and ownership cover. The category indicators summarise published catalogue data; they are not a road test or customer rating.
Compare the published consumption or mileage rows for the exact derivatives using the same unit and test basis. A catalogue figure is useful for like-for-like comparison, but traffic, speed, load, weather and driving style can change actual fuel use.
Compare only equipment explicitly listed for each derivative, including airbags, stability control and driver-assistance systems. Confirm the exact trim with the manufacturer, and treat any independent crash-test result separately because equipment and ratings can differ by market.
A reliable five-year total cannot be calculated from catalogue data alone. Add the exact purchase and finance cost, fuel or electricity, insurance quotes, scheduled servicing, tyres and expected resale value. Check whether the selected derivative includes a service or maintenance plan.
Use the seating, boot or load-space, ISOFIX and safety rows as a first check. Then test the exact cars with your child seats, passengers and typical luggage, because published dimensions do not show every access or comfort difference.
Compare the published power, torque and 0–100 km/h rows when they are available for both exact derivatives. Vehicle weight, gearing and power delivery also matter, so catalogue outputs alone do not establish real-world overtaking or response.
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