flipside909

Despite the fact that the 2013 ES 300h & the 2013 Avalon share some characteristics. They're two totally different vehicles. Starting with the not so obvious, the chassis code. The ESh is AVV60 & the Avalon Hybrid AVX40. The share the exact same wheelbase and powertrain and similar suspension components, but the similarities stop there.

gemigniani

I examined both cars at the Reno auto show a few weeks ago and I thought the ES had a notch richer and more luxurious interior than the Avalon and less hard plastic (e.g. the backs of the front seats of the Avalon had a large piece of hard plastic). The ES also had some subtle mechanical refinements like front and rear doors that opened and closed noticably more effortlessly. And the doors on the ES closed with a deeper "thud". I really liked the crystal clear gauges of the ES's instruments. Overall the ES conveyed a pleasing feeling of "understated elegance" like the original 1990 LS400 had whereas the Avalon was more flashy and attention getting in a wierd kind of way; e.g. the wide mouth fish look of the front end and the odd curves and shapes of the dash.

bigblack06

iTrader: (20)

I have driven both for my father and they are very similar in ride but feel and touch are a little different the ES is def more refined and conservative while the Avalon is a little more bold. I like the side of the Avalon but the ES has a better front and rear I think. Thats the best example of the Avalon front a fish wide opening mouth.

MY100thcar

The rear doors are very different.
The ES is much larger for easy access.

LexBob2

I've read several reviews that favorably compared the new Avalon to the ES. Even in the area of interior refinement, quietness etc..

As in most cases it comes down to personal preference, budget, availability etc.

Both cars are finding their market and seem to be selling well.

flipside909

Actually they're not that much different. The Avalon's C-pillar is a bit more raked than the ES, which gives it more room for a quarter window. The quarter window on the ES is mounted on the door which makes the back door glass smaller.

LexRuger

Saw an Avalon for the first time yesterday. I think it was black or dark blue. Looked pretty good. But in pics, in light colors, that lower grill reminds me of a pig's snout.

Fly4u

Last week I test drove an ES300h and enjoyed the experience. My intent was to immediately drive an Avalon Hybrid at the Toyota dealership next door, but none were available. I was able to sit in a conventionally powered version to assess the interior; not my cup of tea from a style and quality standard. Next vehicle will be an ES or similar competitor.

Fly4u

Update: Purchased an ES300h last evening. The Toyota dealership never attempted a follow-up call to arrange an Avalon hybrid test drive. I really wasn't interested, but the next-door Lexus sales advisor was diligent without being overbearing; this may have made the difference had I been on the fence!

jollick

Congratulations on your new purchase.

Jim
2013 ES300h UL
Starfire Pearl
Parchment

unowned

Definitely the mouth is stolen from a Peugeot

Arty101

Congratulations. I've had the same experience from the Toyota dealer and Lexus. Another difference and reason why Lexus is a cut above the other dealers and auto manufacturers. Art

LexBob2

In January Toyota sold a total of 5,100 ES and 4,800 Avalon's. Both were up considerably vs. Jan 2012.

I'm sure they are pleased with both results. That's nearly 10k cars total for the month!

Arty101

Possibly because of supply of vehicles due to the shortage and damage in asia two years ago. What was their sales in Jan. 2012?

LexBob2

2,400 ES and 3,200 Avalon's in Jan 2012. Probably both previous gen outgoing models? I'm sure the storm damage had an effect too.