Is Lexus/Toyota refreshing the 3.5L V6 for 2017?
02-09-16, 05:24 AM
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Is Lexus/Toyota refreshing the 3.5L V6 for 2017?
The wife and I are entering the market for a new family sedan, and we are currently interested in the 2016 Acura TLX or the 2016 Lexus ES 350.
My concern with the Lexus is buying a 2016 car with a 2007 motor in it.
At this point Toyota's 3.5L V6 is lagging in the power, the torque, and the gas mileage, especially when you are comparing it to it's equivalents in the same class.
I.E. Honda refreshed their V6 in 2013, and the TLX is 290HP/268Torque and is getting on the freeway 34-35 MPH.
We test drove a TLX for just over an hour a few days ago, and I got a solid 34.4 MPH on the freeway the entire time we drove it. In the city driving that we did it was managing around 23.8 mpg.
We also test drove a 2016 ES 350 on the same freeway over the same one hour driving time, and it averaged 30 mph over the same personal test that my wife and I did. In the city driving that we did it was barely breaking 20 mpg.
BUT holy cow the Lexus overall is a much better car. It drove so much better, smoother, and the wife definitely preferred it.
We are willing to wait until the next model year though if Toyota has plans to put the new 3.5L V6 they introduced in the Tacoma last year into their sedans though.
Any word on if that is the plan, or is Toyota carrying over the current V6 making it 10 years old by this fall?
Thank you gentlemen!
My concern with the Lexus is buying a 2016 car with a 2007 motor in it.
At this point Toyota's 3.5L V6 is lagging in the power, the torque, and the gas mileage, especially when you are comparing it to it's equivalents in the same class.
I.E. Honda refreshed their V6 in 2013, and the TLX is 290HP/268Torque and is getting on the freeway 34-35 MPH.
We test drove a TLX for just over an hour a few days ago, and I got a solid 34.4 MPH on the freeway the entire time we drove it. In the city driving that we did it was managing around 23.8 mpg.
We also test drove a 2016 ES 350 on the same freeway over the same one hour driving time, and it averaged 30 mph over the same personal test that my wife and I did. In the city driving that we did it was barely breaking 20 mpg.
BUT holy cow the Lexus overall is a much better car. It drove so much better, smoother, and the wife definitely preferred it.
We are willing to wait until the next model year though if Toyota has plans to put the new 3.5L V6 they introduced in the Tacoma last year into their sedans though.
Any word on if that is the plan, or is Toyota carrying over the current V6 making it 10 years old by this fall?
Thank you gentlemen!
02-09-16, 05:40 AM
#2
Lexus Champion
The 3.5 is a great engine. Quiet and smooth, but I agree it needs to be updated after 10 model years. Perhaps a new transmission too. I'd hate to see either go, but time moves on.
02-09-16, 06:21 AM
#3
Lead Lap
This engine was actually available in 2006, had it in a 2006 Avalon. IMO this is a great engine and I see no reason for Toyota to "update". Good HP, smooth running, reasonable mileage depending upon one's driving habits and skills. Thousands, maybe millions of them out there, so replacement and/or parts readily available.
I don't see Toyota replacing this bullet-proof engine in 2017. The transmission is another issue. Maybe an 8 speed auto would be nice...
I don't see Toyota replacing this bullet-proof engine in 2017. The transmission is another issue. Maybe an 8 speed auto would be nice...
02-09-16, 06:28 AM
#4
Lexus Test Driver
Welcome to Club Lexus!
Keep in mind the TLX is having major issues with it's 9 speed transmission right now. Not sure if that has been resolved for 2016. The 9 speed is part of the reason why it gets good MPG, but I wouldn't want to deal with that shift logic on a daily basis.
The ES350 is a much safer bet as far as reliability goes, and as you already mentioned it's an all-around better vehicle.
Keep in mind the TLX is having major issues with it's 9 speed transmission right now. Not sure if that has been resolved for 2016. The 9 speed is part of the reason why it gets good MPG, but I wouldn't want to deal with that shift logic on a daily basis.
The ES350 is a much safer bet as far as reliability goes, and as you already mentioned it's an all-around better vehicle.
02-09-16, 06:43 AM
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The wife and I are entering the market for a new family sedan, and we are currently interested in the 2016 Acura TLX or the 2016 Lexus ES 350.
My concern with the Lexus is buying a 2016 car with a 2007 motor in it.
At this point Toyota's 3.5L V6 is lagging in the power, the torque, and the gas mileage, especially when you are comparing it to it's equivalents in the same class.
I.E. Honda refreshed their V6 in 2013, and the TLX is 290HP/268Torque and is getting on the freeway 34-35 MPH.
We test drove a TLX for just over an hour a few days ago, and I got a solid 34.4 MPH on the freeway the entire time we drove it. In the city driving that we did it was managing around 23.8 mpg.
We also test drove a 2016 ES 350 on the same freeway over the same one hour driving time, and it averaged 30 mph over the same personal test that my wife and I did. In the city driving that we did it was barely breaking 20 mpg.
BUT holy cow the Lexus overall is a much better car. It drove so much better, smoother, and the wife definitely preferred it.
We are willing to wait until the next model year though if Toyota has plans to put the new 3.5L V6 they introduced in the Tacoma last year into their sedans though.
Any word on if that is the plan, or is Toyota carrying over the current V6 making it 10 years old by this fall?
Thank you gentlemen!
My concern with the Lexus is buying a 2016 car with a 2007 motor in it.
At this point Toyota's 3.5L V6 is lagging in the power, the torque, and the gas mileage, especially when you are comparing it to it's equivalents in the same class.
I.E. Honda refreshed their V6 in 2013, and the TLX is 290HP/268Torque and is getting on the freeway 34-35 MPH.
We test drove a TLX for just over an hour a few days ago, and I got a solid 34.4 MPH on the freeway the entire time we drove it. In the city driving that we did it was managing around 23.8 mpg.
We also test drove a 2016 ES 350 on the same freeway over the same one hour driving time, and it averaged 30 mph over the same personal test that my wife and I did. In the city driving that we did it was barely breaking 20 mpg.
BUT holy cow the Lexus overall is a much better car. It drove so much better, smoother, and the wife definitely preferred it.
We are willing to wait until the next model year though if Toyota has plans to put the new 3.5L V6 they introduced in the Tacoma last year into their sedans though.
Any word on if that is the plan, or is Toyota carrying over the current V6 making it 10 years old by this fall?
Thank you gentlemen!
02-09-16, 07:35 AM
#6
Pit Crew
I think Toyota/Lexus only does what has been proven in reliability and let the other technologies "have some time" before adopting them. .
For example, I don't like these 8 or 9 speed transmissions either -seem way too complex and just wear out more with more shifting. But I know my next car (probably in 8-10 years if this ES lasts!) will have one of these 9 speed transmission. The mileage requirements are increasing and automakers will have to use these transmissions for better MPG. Once these 9 speed trannys become commonplace and we know how to fix them, what goes wrong with them etc, Toyota will use it.
For example, I don't like these 8 or 9 speed transmissions either -seem way too complex and just wear out more with more shifting. But I know my next car (probably in 8-10 years if this ES lasts!) will have one of these 9 speed transmission. The mileage requirements are increasing and automakers will have to use these transmissions for better MPG. Once these 9 speed trannys become commonplace and we know how to fix them, what goes wrong with them etc, Toyota will use it.
02-09-16, 07:42 AM
#7
Lead Lap
Starting with the Toyota 3.0 liter V6 over 2 decades ago, moving to the 3.3 liter V6 and, then, to the current 3.5 liter V6, the various versions of the V6 engines that have been used in various Lexus and Toyota vehicles have been outstanding engines.
My first experience with these engines was the 3.0 liter version that I had almost two decades ago in a Toyota 4 Runner, and it immediately reminded me of the small block V8 engines that were a staple for GM vehicles over the course of several decades, and the 3.5 liter V6 in my ES reminds me of those small block V8 engines even more. It provides smooth, quiet, and sufficient power and good low end torque. Further, the 3.5 liter V6, like its predecessors, has proved to be as reliable as any engine on the market.
I also agree with hypervish's post in that any mpg advantage that the TLX has over the ES is more likely due to its transmission than it is to any engine efficiency advantage, and that Acura transmission comes with both pluses and minuses.
I've been driving my ES for a little under 3 years, and my highway mpg has consistently been in the 33-35 mpg range, and stop-and-go driving has consistently yielded 24-25 mpg (while, admittedly, my driving style is much more conservative than it was a few decades ago).
I would be surprised if there is any update to the 3.5 liter V6 at any time before the Generation 7 ES is introduced, and that won't be until at least a couple of years from now. In the mean time, the current engine will continue to be a superb power plant.
My first experience with these engines was the 3.0 liter version that I had almost two decades ago in a Toyota 4 Runner, and it immediately reminded me of the small block V8 engines that were a staple for GM vehicles over the course of several decades, and the 3.5 liter V6 in my ES reminds me of those small block V8 engines even more. It provides smooth, quiet, and sufficient power and good low end torque. Further, the 3.5 liter V6, like its predecessors, has proved to be as reliable as any engine on the market.
I also agree with hypervish's post in that any mpg advantage that the TLX has over the ES is more likely due to its transmission than it is to any engine efficiency advantage, and that Acura transmission comes with both pluses and minuses.
I've been driving my ES for a little under 3 years, and my highway mpg has consistently been in the 33-35 mpg range, and stop-and-go driving has consistently yielded 24-25 mpg (while, admittedly, my driving style is much more conservative than it was a few decades ago).
I would be surprised if there is any update to the 3.5 liter V6 at any time before the Generation 7 ES is introduced, and that won't be until at least a couple of years from now. In the mean time, the current engine will continue to be a superb power plant.
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02-09-16, 07:44 AM
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I think Toyota/Lexus only does what has been proven in reliability and let the other technologies "have some time" before adopting them. .
For example, I don't like these 8 or 9 speed transmissions either -seem way too complex and just wear out more with more shifting. But I know my next car (probably in 8-10 years if this ES lasts!) will have one of these 9 speed transmission. The mileage requirements are increasing and automakers will have to use these transmissions for better MPG. Once these 9 speed trannys become commonplace and we know how to fix them, what goes wrong with them etc, Toyota will use it.
For example, I don't like these 8 or 9 speed transmissions either -seem way too complex and just wear out more with more shifting. But I know my next car (probably in 8-10 years if this ES lasts!) will have one of these 9 speed transmission. The mileage requirements are increasing and automakers will have to use these transmissions for better MPG. Once these 9 speed trannys become commonplace and we know how to fix them, what goes wrong with them etc, Toyota will use it.
02-09-16, 08:01 AM
#9
Driver School Candidate
The 3.5L refresh that makes sense is the addition of direct injection. Toyota added DI to the 2016 RX 3.5L and bumped up the horsepower in both the gas and hybrid.
02-09-16, 10:58 AM
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Starting with the Toyota 3.0 liter V6 over 2 decades ago, moving to the 3.3 liter V6 and, then, to the current 3.5 liter V6, the various versions of the V6 engines that have been used in various Lexus and Toyota vehicles have been outstanding engines.
My first experience with these engines was the 3.0 liter version that I had almost two decades ago in a Toyota 4 Runner, and it immediately reminded me of the small block V8 engines that were a staple for GM vehicles over the course of several decades, and the 3.5 liter V6 in my ES reminds me of those small block V8 engines even more. It provides smooth, quiet, and sufficient power and good low end torque. Further, the 3.5 liter V6, like its predecessors, has proved to be as reliable as any engine on the market.
I also agree with hypervish's post in that any mpg advantage that the TLX has over the ES is more likely due to its transmission than it is to any engine efficiency advantage, and that Acura transmission comes with both pluses and minuses.
I've been driving my ES for a little under 3 years, and my highway mpg has consistently been in the 33-35 mpg range, and stop-and-go driving has consistently yielded 24-25 mpg (while, admittedly, my driving style is much more conservative than it was a few decades ago).
I would be surprised if there is any update to the 3.5 liter V6 at any time before the Generation 7 ES is introduced, and that won't be until at least a couple of years from now. In the mean time, the current engine will continue to be a superb power plant.
My first experience with these engines was the 3.0 liter version that I had almost two decades ago in a Toyota 4 Runner, and it immediately reminded me of the small block V8 engines that were a staple for GM vehicles over the course of several decades, and the 3.5 liter V6 in my ES reminds me of those small block V8 engines even more. It provides smooth, quiet, and sufficient power and good low end torque. Further, the 3.5 liter V6, like its predecessors, has proved to be as reliable as any engine on the market.
I also agree with hypervish's post in that any mpg advantage that the TLX has over the ES is more likely due to its transmission than it is to any engine efficiency advantage, and that Acura transmission comes with both pluses and minuses.
I've been driving my ES for a little under 3 years, and my highway mpg has consistently been in the 33-35 mpg range, and stop-and-go driving has consistently yielded 24-25 mpg (while, admittedly, my driving style is much more conservative than it was a few decades ago).
I would be surprised if there is any update to the 3.5 liter V6 at any time before the Generation 7 ES is introduced, and that won't be until at least a couple of years from now. In the mean time, the current engine will continue to be a superb power plant.
Thank you for your comment. If you are getting 24/25 in town that is very impressive.
I am interested if people are getting that in general.
HERE IS ANOTHER QUESTION.
If the Lexus ES 350 is such an amazing car is it worth buying the $3,000 extended warranty? I would personally say no it is not, because if it is as great as it claims I should never have to worry about getting something fixed under the first 60,000 miles....especially something that would cost me more than the warranty.
Thoughts.
02-09-16, 11:33 AM
#12
Lead Lap
Thank you for your comment. If you are getting 24/25 in town that is very impressive.
I am interested if people are getting that in general.
HERE IS ANOTHER QUESTION.
If the Lexus ES 350 is such an amazing car is it worth buying the $3,000 extended warranty? I would personally say no it is not, because if it is as great as it claims I should never have to worry about getting something fixed under the first 60,000 miles....especially something that would cost me more than the warranty.
Thoughts.
I am interested if people are getting that in general.
HERE IS ANOTHER QUESTION.
If the Lexus ES 350 is such an amazing car is it worth buying the $3,000 extended warranty? I would personally say no it is not, because if it is as great as it claims I should never have to worry about getting something fixed under the first 60,000 miles....especially something that would cost me more than the warranty.
Thoughts.
As far as the extended warranty is concerned, extended warranties are among the biggest profit generators that automobile sales personnel have available to them. If the sales person or sales manager can convince you to buy an extended warranty, he/she can sell you the car for below invoice and still turn the deal into a high profit sale. If car buyers had any idea at all of how much the markup is on extended warranties, I am confident that very few extended warranties would ever be sold for Lexus vehicles or for the vehicles from any manufacturer. Further, when you consider what is covered by the basic warranty and the additional drive train warranty, the amount of additional "protection" that you are getting from an extended warranty is really quite minimal.
02-09-16, 11:36 AM
#13
Thank you for your comment. If you are getting 24/25 in town that is very impressive.
I am interested if people are getting that in general.
HERE IS ANOTHER QUESTION.
If the Lexus ES 350 is such an amazing car is it worth buying the $3,000 extended warranty? I would personally say no it is not, because if it is as great as it claims I should never have to worry about getting something fixed under the first 60,000 miles....especially something that would cost me more than the warranty.
Thoughts.
I am interested if people are getting that in general.
HERE IS ANOTHER QUESTION.
If the Lexus ES 350 is such an amazing car is it worth buying the $3,000 extended warranty? I would personally say no it is not, because if it is as great as it claims I should never have to worry about getting something fixed under the first 60,000 miles....especially something that would cost me more than the warranty.
Thoughts.
Call or email for a quote on years/mileage pkg warranties.
Toby Rivers
Lexus of Shreveport
1-800-335-3987
tobytoyota@aol.com
02-09-16, 11:40 AM
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As I said in my other post, my driving style has become much more conservative than it was even 10 or 15 years ago. I suspect that the majority of ES350 owners are seeing a couple of mpg lower than I am, and some with an aggressive driving style are even lower. Still, my experience does, I think, show what kind of fuel economy the ES350 is capable of.
As far as the extended warranty is concerned, extended warranties are among the biggest profit generators that automobile sales personnel have available to them. If the sales person or sales manager can convince you to buy an extended warranty, he/she can sell you the car for below invoice and still turn the deal into a high profit sale. If car buyers had any idea at all of how much the markup is on extended warranties, I am confident that very few extended warranties would ever be sold for Lexus vehicles or for the vehicles from any manufacturer. Further, when you consider what is covered by the basic warranty and the additional drive train warranty, the amount of additional "protection" that you are getting from an extended warranty is really quite minimal.
As far as the extended warranty is concerned, extended warranties are among the biggest profit generators that automobile sales personnel have available to them. If the sales person or sales manager can convince you to buy an extended warranty, he/she can sell you the car for below invoice and still turn the deal into a high profit sale. If car buyers had any idea at all of how much the markup is on extended warranties, I am confident that very few extended warranties would ever be sold for Lexus vehicles or for the vehicles from any manufacturer. Further, when you consider what is covered by the basic warranty and the additional drive train warranty, the amount of additional "protection" that you are getting from an extended warranty is really quite minimal.
02-09-16, 11:44 AM
#15
Thank you for your comment. If you are getting 24/25 in town that is very impressive.
I am interested if people are getting that in general.
HERE IS ANOTHER QUESTION.
If the Lexus ES 350 is such an amazing car is it worth buying the $3,000 extended warranty? I would personally say no it is not, because if it is as great as it claims I should never have to worry about getting something fixed under the first 60,000 miles....especially something that would cost me more than the warranty.
Thoughts.
I am interested if people are getting that in general.
HERE IS ANOTHER QUESTION.
If the Lexus ES 350 is such an amazing car is it worth buying the $3,000 extended warranty? I would personally say no it is not, because if it is as great as it claims I should never have to worry about getting something fixed under the first 60,000 miles....especially something that would cost me more than the warranty.
Thoughts.
http://www.fuelly.com/car/lexus/es350