Toyota Avalon & Lexus ES Both Earn A Spot On This U.S. News List For January

It's no secret that the Toyota Avalon and Lexus ES luxury sedans share much of their platform, drivetrains, and equipment. Now they also can share a spot on U.S. News & World Report's list of Best New Car Deals for the month of January.

An unusual market for sedans, coupled with the hangover from the post-holiday sales events means that both of these large sedans are good buys right now. "The current new-car sales slowdown is great news for consumers," says Jamie Page Deaton, managing editor of U.S. News Best Cars. "As carmakers ramp up incentives, it's possible to save thousands, even on top-performing models.

Both the Avalon and Lexus ES score very well on U.S. News' rankings. The Avalon scored a solid 9 overall and actually edges out the Lexus ES, which earned a respectable 8.7 overall score. The Avalon's best deal for the month according to U.S. News' research is 0% financing for up to 72 months or $3,500 cash back. The Avalon is about to be updated for the new model year. Expect to see a new engine debut and for the Avalon to have a more dynamic design. Dealers may have added incentives to move the current design.

Lexus seems to be offering an even better deal on the ES.U.S. News says its best deal this month is 0% financing for 72 months plus $1,000 cash back, or $5,500 cash back. The Avalon and ES share quite a bit of their underpinnings, so it won't be long before a new ES design drops.