fibromd

I considered the Avalon before purchasing my ES300h. Since the Avalon limited has heated rear seats and 3rd zone climate control, I just assumed the Lexus limit would also. Didn't realize it was lacking until my wife sat in back and remarked on it. I looked and these things aren't even an option on the Lexus. Does anyone else find this shocking?

Toys4RJill

Yes it is shocking and a big disappointment.

The Avalon is supposed to be a "near" luxury car but it gets standard leather, available rear HVAC, and heated rear seats. How sad it is.

LexBob2

I'm not sure I'd call it shocking. Disappointing, maybe. For me they are those nice to have, but not a need to have features. But I can see opinions varying on the feature.

The Avalon is Toyota's flagship sedan, where the ES is Lexus' entry level, maybe that's why it has some things not available on the ES.

Toys4RJill

Flagship status has nothing to do with it, the Toyota Sequoia is not a flagship yet it still offers heated rear seats just like the higher level Land Cruiser or LX 570.

The lack of rear heated seats is shocking when a vehicle that will be built in the same plant offers them. It makes you raise your eyebrows.

LexBob2

Maybe when the ES goes online with the Avalon, the content will be the same.

Not to diminish the fact these features aren't on the ES, but when car buying/shopping I've found there will always be features offered on one car that aren't on another (you can get an Elantra with heated rear seats) it's best to look at the total package to see what meets your needs and then go from there. The next model year another car will offer features not you your car. It's a never ending chase.

Toys4RJill

Well, rear HVAC is available on ES models outside North America. And so are heated rear seats. Its a shocker that they are north available on the US spec ES.

LexBob2

Also shocking is how well both the Avalon and ES are selling in NA. Thru July Avalon 43,040 +135% and ES 39,582 +80%. I guess as long as sales are rolling along the Lexus division doesn't see the need to add content until sales begin to level off? Maybe when a refresh is due the ES will get these goodies.

amphipri0n

These numbers look great for Toyota, but can be double edged as the company resumes its scramble up to the #1 spot . It needs to be even more focused on reliability and quality so as to avoid a repeat of 09-10 when it simultaneously claimed the volume crown and most recalls (by affected units).

bc6152

Just a piece of pertinent information... Toyota announced, according to Car and Driver magazine, that the 2014
Lexus ES350 will have no changes. Same for the 300...