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The track pad (aka remote touch) is fairly easy to master if you spend more than 10 minutes with it. The hate is completely overblown and undeserved IMO. It's especially silly when you consider the fact that - once you've set up your vehicle customization and preferences - the time you're required to use the remote touch interface is extremely limited. You can control navigation with voice, and you have dedicated buttons for climate and audio. What are you going to be using the track pad for on a regular basis? You'll never need to touch it in 95-99% of your trips in the vehicle.
Here's an idea, since your heart is set on the ES anyway. Get one and actually drive it for a month, and if you still think the infotainment/remote touch is so horrible, then you can start contemplating spending big bucks and hours on trying to overhaul it. If you'll do that, odds are you'll learn that the interface is not a big deal and you'll save a lot of time and money.
Well said. I use the pad to change stations fairly often and it works just fine. I've gotten so used to it, my eyes don't even leave the road when I do that.
juniorg21--Yes you are absolutely right about the latest gen infotainment. It absolutely sucks, and I will never by the latest ES, for this reason, (amongst other reasons that I won't explain here). Lexus should be ashamed for not sticking with touchscreen from the onset.
Yes use a touch garmin, or use some of the "hard controls" to control the infotainment. My 2017 ES has the "mouse", but at least you can grab it and move it around have some dexterity doing it at 90 mph
Well said. I use the pad to change stations fairly often and it works just fine. I've gotten so used to it, my eyes don't even leave the road when I do that.
I agree with this as well. The pad works well for me but then I am also used to this type of device with computers. My clients went through the same love/hate challenges with the computers, where some were just fine with the touchpad/trackpad and others (more often than not actually) absolutely REQUIRED a mouse. I will say that I might just slightly favor the mouse interface that our older ES and RX models used, but I don't have any concerns or issues with the touchpad given my rare interaction with it. My 2021 RX has both a touchscreen and a track pad and I still find myself using the track pad. I'm just not a fan of the fingerprints that are left behind on touch screens. Frankly, I think the touch screen works well for the passenger, but as the driver I don't really see myself stretching that far for the touch screen when I can make she shorter reach for the track pad. Just my opinion from early observations. Perhaps with some time/use that will change but I doubt it.
I agree with what others have said, there is no perfect solution and if the system in any new vehicle bothers anyone that much they should be shopping another brand. I can't imagine a complete replacement would be cost effective if such a suitable "replacement" even exists. It sounds like the OP "Hates the dash configuration" so I don't think there is any simple replacement that will satisfy him or her. They just don't like the dash or the infotainment system of this model. I cannot imagine a solution that will satisfy them.
I'm probably going to get roasted for this but I hate this generation's infotainment system across the board. I'm getting ready to transition from the military to civilian life and am looking for a new daily driver. My Tacoma has treated me well but its time to treat myself a little. I love the current Lexus ES and IS models. I used to have a 2007 Camry SE and it reminds me of it and I loved that car. I'm leaning more towards the ES due to the size (I'm 6'3). Anyways, the only thing holding me from pulling the trigger on the ES is that I hate everything about this generation's Lexus infotainment systems. I hate how far and high up on the dash the screen is and I hate the track pad. What I do like are these new Tesla-style Andriod head units. Unfortunately, it doesn't like like one of those units would transition into the current generation's IS or ES due to the dash configuration and location of the current screen. Is it at all possible for Lexus to get creative and possibly swap the current dash and center console maybe from a 2017 Camry and install an Andriod touch screen? Yes I'm willing to go to all that trouble, I hate this generation's dash configuration that much. How bad would that break the bank? Has anyone seen anything similar done? Would appreciate any insight anyone could provide.
I'm in the minority but the track pad doesn't bother me. My wife drives a Cadillac XT5 and I hate the fingerprints on the touch screen. Also like others have said a lot can be controlled by voice.
My complaint about the infotainment system is that Alexa has to be started manually everytime you get in the car. Also the entertainment apps are not embedded. They are projected from your phone which has to be plugged in (head unit is not wireless). You can use Android Auto or Alexa but not both.
I'm also fine with it and had concerns before I bought the car. Honestly there are so many other good things about this car that this wasn't a deal breaker for me! You will NEVER find the perfect car!
I'm perfectly fine with the trackpad too as the screen is too far to reach and touch anyway. However, as someone who purchased a 2019 in Oct 2019 without AA, I'm not happy they announced a few days later that AA will be available on cars produced in October! Now because I bought it a few days before they announced it, i am left to rot without a retrofit/update for AA on the exact 2019 model year. A very very bitter pill to swallow.
