mikedege

Maybe its just me, but the older Camry based ES is in no way a quieter and smoother ride than the new Avalon based ES. And yes I have driven both many times. dunno, call me crazy.

and to agree with the others, to compare an ES to an LS is laughable.... lolololol

-Mike

Arty101

Now that's coming from the LS boys who say the ES is not lux enough nor quiet. Then you read the posts from the IS boys that say the ES isn't firm, nor sporty enough. Most people in this forum think the ES is just right for them.

Just my 2 cents.

Art

SW17LS

I personally think the 2013 and the 07-12 drive almost identically. I have read in reviews and from some others on here that they think the 2013 is louder and harder riding, but I never saw that.

The ES is still Camry based, since the Avalon is also still Camry based. Its longer, thats about all.

ElliotB

I had an '11 ES and to me the '13 drives quite differently (better). I like the suspension better. I think the biggest difference I notice is that the '13 requires much less steering correction than the '11 (it tracks much better at all speeds, slow and fast).

"The ES is still Camry based" What exactly does this mean?

SW17LS

I do agree the new electronic power steering is very nice, but from a ride quality and noise isolation standpoint, I never saw much difference in all the ones I drove.

The basic architecture, powertrain, and suspension setup is shared with the Camry, always has been for the ES. Its on the "Avalon platform" now, but that just means its on a stretched Camry platform which is all the Avalon platform is. Suspension components, design, basic structural members and design, and powertrain are still shared with the Camry, as they are on the Avalon.

People always say thats a bad thing, but really its not. Utilization of the Camry platform is what allows them to build a car as good as the ES at that price point.

In comparison to an LS, the LS has its own platform that is much stiffer, has a more sophisticated and better performing suspension setup as well as more heft, which delivers a significantly more stable and quiet ride.

BUT...that comes at a $35,000 higher price tag...

ElliotB

"If it ain't broke..."

I owned a 2007 and 2009 Camry (liked both very much), and decided to upgrade to the 2011 ES350 instead of the 2012 Camry as I did not like it. I was quite impressed with the '11 ES in spite of it being a 'Camry', as all my friends were quick to point out (I totally disagree). I find the 2013 ES300h totally different and improved in just about every way. Shared or not, the ES350/300h for 2013 are exceptional vehicles and represents a good value in today's marketplace (IMHO).

wasjr

We looked at the ES because we were impressed with a buddy's 2011. Then after research, we ended up with the 300h, our first hybrid. The one difference in the 300h and the 2011 that is taking getting used to (that is really a difference in hybrid/non-hybrid) is that when the gas engine is not engaged the engine silence causes the wind/road noise of passing cars to be more noticeable.

With regard to comparison with the LS a comment that I saw, and I may have read it here on another thread, was that the ES is 2/3 the vehicle at 50-60% of the price.

SW17LS

I said that, and its a comment I still agree with. Its a great value, but the LS is of course a better car.

I8ABMR

I think every single owner, magazine editor, or journalist who actually know cars would disagree with you. I take it you are into German cars, because nobody objectively would make the same statement. To each his own but I beg to differ

absolutely . It was impressive. There was easily an inch to an inch and a half extra room between my knee and the dash. Pretty impressive. I also love the styling and the tech. The power is the same but seemed pretty adequate when I drove the current gen and the last

amphipri0n

This was discussed in another thread, but the es350 fitted with the 18" wheels on Bridgestones is noticeably stiffer riding than those that came with the Michelins. I changed mine out for this reason and am a happy camper.

KennyLexus

Ok, I've had a little time behind the wheel of my '13 ES300h (UL) to comment on ride quality. Backstory: Had '11 ES350 for a little over a year. Had a loaner '13 ES350 (base model w/17" wheels) for about 4 days prior to selling my '11 ES350. I had aftermarket wheels and tires (18") on '11 ES350 but put the OEM wheels and tires (17" Michelin Primacy) back on a week or so before I sold it. WOW! what a difference tires make.

The '11 ES had a little more softer and quieter ride than the '13 ES350 loaner. And, I agree with ElliotB, the '11 ES had a looser suspension; the '13 ES has a tighter suspension, requires less steering correction and tracks better. The somewhat drifty/floaty ride was one of my initial dislikes when I first got the '11 ES...of course, I was coming from a '06 Audi (w/ sport suspension) and noticed the difference right off. But like some things, I adjusted to it...the ride quality was better than my Audi.

Here's how I would rank ride quality only with all 3 vehicles having OEM tires:
1) '11 ES350 (edges out the other 2 ever so slightly)
2) '13 ES300h (most definitely the most quiet of the 3)
3) '13 ES350 (has a better suspension)

I can't comment on LS460 vs '13 ES because I've never driven an LS. However, I had an opportunity to purchase a '08 LS460 before I bought the '11 ES350 but passed. I wanted a Lexus with better FE, would take regular gas, and was comfortable on long stretches of highway. This ES 300h UL is most definitely the one.

Riddle me this, how can one have such a different driving experience between a '13 ES350 and '13 ES300h?

amphipri0n

The ES350 UL comes standard with 18" wheels which are not offered on the 300h at any trim level

stevet1

I'd have to disagree here. The 2013 Lexus ES is really good bang for the buck. I love mine in the Hybrid version. Sadly I'm only getting an average of 36+mpg.

ElliotB

"ES 350 is much loader and not nearly as refined" (I assume you meant to type write 'louder'.) Sorry, this doesn't quite pass the smile test!

Based on your comments, sounds like your next car is going to be a Chevy. I have had more than my fair share of GM cars. But NEVER again! Good luck!

jjbenzo

I had a 13 ES as a loaner last week. I was unimpressed. I had the car for 4 days and could never get comfortable. The seat to pedal to steering wheel distances were off. I felt like I had to hold my let up in order to drive. There was no comfortable position to put the seat so that my leg could relax. The steering wheel did not come out far enough for me, I felt as if I had to stretch quite a bit to reach the wheel, but yet I had to have the seat positioned where it was in order to have a proper foot to pedal contact. Lastly, I was turned off by the mismatched woods. The steering wheel wood was a poor match up with the door and dash wood trim. Different grain and different color. These are quality/comfort issues that should not represent any Lexus product. I have driven many previous body ES's and never experienced these issues. Now of course the new model looks better, but that means little if the overall quality and comfort has been compromised.