Hi,

I've been looking for a 2010 es 350 because I prefer the darker wood that isn't so red. However, an 09 just showed up at a nearby dealer and is in good shape with low miles. I have two questions: the first is about the steering wheel controls (display, volume, etc.)--I saw an 08 where the icons on the controls had completely worn off, so there were just bumps on the steering wheel. That's not the case with the 09 I'm looking at but I wondered if it was a known problem? Seems like the '10 has more solid controls for these things.

The second question is about where the cruise control is and if there's any difference between '09 and '10 in this regard. I'm used to an Acura TL and the cruise control is located right on the steering wheels and is easily controlled. I forgot to check this out during the test drive.

Any comments on these items or any other differences between '09 and '10 are most welcome.

Thanks,
Win

Hi Win, welcome to the forum. You might want to move your post over to the 2007-2012 forum. You'll probably get more response over there than here in the 2013+ forum..

The cruise control is in the same location on the 2009's and 2010's. It's located behind the steering wheel on the lower right side, in the same location as many Toyota vehicles. IMO after getting use to it, it's pretty easy/intuitive to use.

I'm sure someone will come along and move this...

The differences between the '09 and '10 are pretty much cosmetic. I personally think the changes are very significant from a desirability standpoint, I think the interior on the 07-09 car is very stark and cold, I think the additional wood and chrome trims in 2010 did a lot to warm it up. As for the exterior, I think the additional chrome trim, larger grille, and signal mirrors do a lot to dress the car up too. I personally wouldn't be interested in an 07-09.

Cruise control is on a stalk as Bob said, very easy to use. The steering wheel buttons on the '09 will have the same issue as the '08 you saw...

From a ride and drive perspective, the two are pretty much the same.

Larger fog lights, chrome looking accenting inside the taillight lens as well as chrome along the door bottoms.
Didn't they get that engine ticking fixed, starting with the 10's?

I like the 2010 radio much better. It has a USB and a bluetooth connection for your iPod that is controlled with the steering wheel controls and the text from the songs is displayed on the Nav screen. The 2009 only has a 3.5 mm Aux input that cannot control your iPod and no text to the screen. So you have to use the iPod controls to change songs or playlists. I also like the chrome trim on the bottom of the door panels better than the painted trim on the '09. The center console storage box was also re-designed in '10.

I have had both a 2007 and a 2010 and yes, I would go with the 2010 for all of the reasons already mentioned.

To answer your question about the steering wheel controls I never had a problem with the buttons but it was a known issue that affected many and I have forgotten whether the repair was easy or a complete steering wheel. I think it was covered by warranty which your 2009 should have.

Welcome and good luck with your purchase.

Dave Mac

Thanks very much for this info, LexBob2. I think I prefer them on the wheel as in the Acura, but I'm sure I'll get used to it. Best, Win

SW10ES, thanks so much for this info. Your post along with the others have convinced me to hold out for the 2010. Anyone happen to know if the driver's seat extender is rare or not? It's a feature I like and the '09 I saw had it, but I'm going to wait for a '10. Best, Win

JohnU, thanks for the info.

Poqmon, thanks! Your info convinced me as I use my IPod all the time and having the controls on screen without having to look at the iPod is far preferable. I'm amazed at how many very helpful responses people posted....when I saw there hadn't been all that many posts in recent days I thought I might get nothing, and all the replies have definitely swayed me to wait for a '10 or maybe even an '11. Thanks to all, Win

Thanks, Dave....glad to hear it's a known issue and it's one more thing to move me to a '10. The salesman I spoke with about the '09 said he didn't think it would be a covered problem, but he didn't know for sure.

You have to get the Ultra Luxury model to get that, its pretty rare but not impossible to find.

I had to go out and look at my wife's Ultra. The front lip firms up for more support. I only back it out of the garage to wash and wax it and back into the garage.

Actually, this '09 that has it does not have the Ultra Luxury (no panoramic roof, no parking sensors, no rear sunshade) but does have the seat extender on the driver's seat...so maybe it's an independent option??

That shouldn't be possible... Are you sure it had it?