This is a review I found, any truth.
This car has a terrible stereo. I have a Sequoia, Camry and Avalon and all have much better stereos. I have the F Sport and it can’t find the right gear to be in. The only time it drives, just okay is in sport mode. Sluggish and gas mileage is 21.5 MPG. Avalon gets 25 MPG! Just pass on this car.... Lexus fix the RADIO already and the hesitation on this ride. Update: Same exact problems as noted above. Took it in for its 5000 mile service and they told me it has more gears so it is going to shift all the time and there is no update to this. I told them that it was garbage and wish I wouldn’t have bought this lemon. I am going to update some of the stars above because I think I went too high on some of them.

 

a review is based on a subjective opinion. And could be someone with an agenda. You'll never know. Go test drive one to form your own opinion.

 

Agree thanks

 

I have a 2024 Lexus ES 350 (F Sport Handling) with the 8-gear transmission. In ECO mode it goes slow, and you can tell the computer is holding the engine/transmission back. In sport mode it drives smooth and normal I keep it in this mode most of the time.
Sport + mode is a little more perky with a firmer feeling ride. (suspension) As for gas mileage it's not very good. I only have 700 miles on my car and am a former mechanic. I am 61 so this car drives as I expected sporty for an old man. lol
I think it's normal gas mileage for this model and engine as I searched gas mileage on this vehicle. I have not driven on the highway yet so can only speak to city local driving. The transmission is fine and works well not as perky as my
2020 Camry XSE 4 cylinder but if you push the pedal on my ES 350 it gets up and goes. I am still breaking the engine in so not much acceleration or RPMs over 3500. I did a break in oil change at 500 miles, and it was dirtier oil than I thought
it would be. So far, I enjoy my car and it operates great. I feel it will be dependable and reliable like all my Toyota products have been previously.

 

The car is not perfect, but the tell about this review is the claim that an Avalon gets over 10% better gas mileage. They're the same basic chassis with the same dimensions and the same engine and transmission. If both are maintained and driven similarly, this outcome is simply impossible. It calls the whole rest of the review into question. Also, if this car has the Mark Levinson option, it's the same stereo that Savagegeese described on YouTube (complete with frequency-response and harmonic-distortion charts) as one of the best of any car at its price. Overall, this is not the most credible review I've read lately.

 

A lot of us are completely unimpressed with the ML system. Also large heavy wheels will affect MPG.

 

I agree the gas mileage is poor but can't compare to an Avalon not having owned one. Yes, the gas milage should be identical between the two models.
Perhaps the ECU programs are different? Weight of vehicles could be a factor. Camry 3550 vs ES 350 3690 not much difference. Avalon 3660 just
for a mention most of these have 19" wheels but it depends on the model. Using the correct oil affects mileage OW-20 for the 2GR-FE.
I have the standard 10 speaker system which is a pioneer-based system. I listened to both not hearing much difference I opted for the basic system
and plan on upgrading the speakers which are basic. I think the rear door speakers are 3.5 inch: an upgrade may be coming. lol

 

I get about 28 mpg mostly with my daily commute which is mainly freeway.

 

As previously stated, one has to experience for themselves the performance of any car they're considering purchasing. A 10-15 minute ride with a salesman sitting next to you don't cut the mustard. With a major purchase spending a lot of money for a car that you'll be looking at for a long time, I'd try renting one for a couple of days and make your determination that way. I'm happy with my 2019 UL 350 and have learned to live with the funky tranny. Other than that it's all good and I get compliments all the time for the Atomic Silver paint. GOOD LUCK!

And a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all my fellow CL members (including my detractors) LOL...

 

Listen to both sound systems yourself then decide. I couldn't tell a big difference.

 

Depends a lot on what sound source you're using. A low-fidelity source like satellite radio, not a big difference; in fact, the ML can sound worse because it so faithfully exposes the source material's flaws. A high-quality FLAC file, the ML has a chance to shine.

 

Let's not ignore the hearing loss everyone experiences as they age. By 30, most lose a significant sensitivity to high frequencies. It gets worse with every year. A sound system that can make highs much louder helps offset this to a small degree.

 

great idea. Your so correct

 

What is the best way to do this? I have yet to see any ways to rent a car for the purposes of evaluating for a purchase. I think Turo is kind of shady so I won't use them. Do dealerships do rentals like this? Maybe rent a loaner for a week?

 

OP, try switching to 93 octane fuel. Cured the hesitation in my 2021 ES 350. Many are skeptical but it worked for me. Try it for a few tankfuls. You have nothing to lose.