I have used the Brake Hold Button on my 2010 LS 460 for many years. I do not think any model of the 2019 ES 350's has that option. I would be disappointed if that is the case. Does anyone know the answer? Thanks.

 

All 2019 ES models have the brake hold..

 

Yes it has the brake hold button. I tried it out today.

 

How and why do you use the brake hold button. I'm not clear on that one.

 

When you stop, like at a traffic light, you don't have to continue depressing the brake pedal. The brakes hold until you touch the accelerator pedal again.

 

We have it on both of our Lexus models and don't use it on either. I guess it might come in handy in stop and go but I really don't find it useful in general.

 

Comes in handy when you are driving in stop and go traffic. You don't have to keep your foot on the brake constantly.

 

 

I do a lot of city stop & go traffic and keep my foot on the brake pedal too. Just don't have to expend the extra energy of keeping it fully depressed. It has grown on me.

 

I tried this out just yesterday for the first time. I'm inclined to agree with Doug that it's more a gimmick than anything. I was surprised to see that the "hold" indicator stayed on after I used it once and started out. By the time I got home it was still on until I released it. So it engages each time you stop for anything and then releases when you apply the accelerator?
I didn't smell any burning disc brakes so guess it's OK...

 

It takes a little while to get used to it, but once you do it becomes second nature. I've been using it since I got my 2008 LS, and on all the cars after that. However if the Hold feature has been engaged for at least three minutes the car (at least the LS 460s) will then apply the parking brake. If you do not realize that this has happened you will wonder why your car refuses to move forward even after pressing the accelerator. I don't have this feature on my 2011 or 2015 ES350s, but it's been on all my LS 460s and now LS 500.

 

I thought the brake hold was a gimmick too until I started using it. Now its one of my all time favorite features, I wouldn't buy another car without it.

Its not really for stop and go traffic, at least I don't use it that way. I use it for long traffic lights.

 

I agree, but it's definitely not intended for stop and go traffic. You can, sure, but I don't think that was the intent. Most days I don't mind holding the brake pedal myself, but on the days where I don't feel like it, let's say if I'm in a drive-thru, really long stop light, need to slightly adjust myself in my seat, picking up someone and waiting outside for them, etc. it is very nice to have and I do enjoy having it. I can tell I'd miss it because there are occasions when I drive our 2015 GS (which does not have Brake Hold, 2018 does) and find myself reaching for the non-existent button in that car.

 

Yeah, when I drive the Pacifica I really miss it...