Hello,

Im wondering if there is anyone on here that has driven both a 2nd gen RX and an ES350 and could tell me which has the lightest steering effort. I’m trying to find a car that’s very easy and light to steer (opposite of sporty). I have driven an RX but have never driven an ES.

thank you

 

depends whether the RX is an AWD

 

I've driven both. In a parking situation, they're so close it's hard to say. At highway speeds going through curves, the ES handles easier and lighter effort. being a lighter sedan that's better balanced. I'd only guess that steering effort is the same. They both have power steering.

 

they are almost identical. ES350 has a longer wheel base and quieter. it feels better and smoother than RX350. the streeing is a bit softer in ES350.

 

I own both top models (2022 ES300h Ultra Luxury and 2022 RX450hL Luxury) fully loaded and considered this question before purchasing both.

My understanding is that Lexus added more insulation to the ES300h compared to the ES350 to make up for the 4cyl engine which is louder than the V6, since both current RX powertrains use the V6, the insulation is the same if you purchase an RX350 or the hybrid model.
The added insulation makes the ES300h more quiet than the RX unless you are accelerating hard while running the engine.
In terms of ride quality, the ES rides softer, I live close to the highway and between the newly built roads there are a few bad road bumps and potholes that I have tested with all my vehicles.

The difference is minimal, while the ES rides closer to the LS in terms of ride quality, the RX makes up for it with the added space and weight, and the seat cushions are more comfortable on the RX. Lexus tried to make the ES sporty with its looks and seat cushioning while keeping the ride floaty which doesn’t make sense.
Had the ES kept their older more cushioned seats and larger interior space, it would be no contest, the ES would be far more comfortable.

You may want to test both and consider your preference between more room and a more powerful and responsive V6 hybrid, or a more modern and fuel efficient 4 cylinder hybrid.
For 2023 the RX will have a turbo and turbo hybrid engine, not a big fan of Turbos as they overwork the engine while the hybrid does the opposite. A Turbo Hybrid may sound good in theory but it will be too expensive when the time comes to replace both.
As far as the ES350, the only advantage is a more powerful engine but much less fuel efficient, usually you sacrifice trunk space but both the 350 and 300h have the same cargo capacity.
Lexus placed the battery under the seats so the 300h has a thinner cushion on the back but it makes up for it being that its softer so you wouldn’t notice a difference, the only advantage of the 350 is the faster acceleration and nothing else.

The last thing to consider with the 22 models is that the ES has the Lexus Safety 2.5 and the RX has the 2.0, the ES also has a much better Mark Levinson sound system, and the screen while having the same infotainment is a little bit crisper on the ES.
All of those benefits will be offset by the 2023 RX redesign since it will have the same ML sound system, the newer Lexus Safety 3.0, and the latest Lexus Infotainment which is far better than what the ES or current RX have.

 

Es is lighter vs my dads 08' RX400h