Is the new ES worth the $10k premium over Avalon?
09-22-18, 02:55 PM
#46
Lexus Test Driver
All subjective I guess but to me, there's an obvious difference between the two after sitting in both. All comes down to personal preference and what's more important to you.
09-22-18, 03:01 PM
#47
I think the stitching on the seats and doors is much nicer than the ES. I LOVE that stitching!
09-22-18, 03:02 PM
#48
Lexus Test Driver
I'm having this same quandary. I drove the 2019 Avalon Limited Hybrid, fully loaded, MSRP, $47k, and liked it very much. Very quiet, smooth, and great fit and finish. including what appears to be the same upgraded triple LED headlamps as the Lexus, standard on the Limited Avalon Hybrid. My Toyota dealer already gave me an out the door price of $42.5k and I've not yet gotten a quote from my local Lexus dealer nor have I driven a fully loaded 300h Ultra Lux to compare it. I was very impressed with the new Avalon.The ES I priced out was $57k with all the goodies,
Has anyone been able to compare insurance costs for both models?
I'm sorry to derail this thread, so maybe I'll search for an existing one or start a new one, but seeing that $55k+ figure appear for the ES, I went over to AutoTrader and saw a pile of low mile fairly new LS460 L's that could be had for the price of a 2019 ES Ultra Lux..... decisions, decisions......
Has anyone been able to compare insurance costs for both models?
I'm sorry to derail this thread, so maybe I'll search for an existing one or start a new one, but seeing that $55k+ figure appear for the ES, I went over to AutoTrader and saw a pile of low mile fairly new LS460 L's that could be had for the price of a 2019 ES Ultra Lux..... decisions, decisions......
09-22-18, 06:49 PM
#49
Pole Position
The Avalon is undoubtedly a nice car and that one is very sharp. My ONLY gripe is extremely subjective, it’s that enormous grill. Looks like a whale scooping up krill. How is the interior noise level. Ours was quite noisy - especially from the rear seat. We still liked the car and had it for seven years.
09-22-18, 07:06 PM
#50
Lexus Test Driver
The Avalon is undoubtedly a nice car and that one is very sharp. My ONLY gripe is extremely subjective, it’s that enormous grill. Looks like a whale scooping up krill. How is the interior noise level. Ours was quite noisy - especially from the rear seat. We still liked the car and had it for seven years.
09-22-18, 07:28 PM
#51
I must respectfully disagree. We find the tablet integration with the center stack to be quite useful and ergonomic to use. I have used the Lexus trackpad and mouse and found them to be frustrating and cumbersome. Yes, the Avalon infotainment system initially looks out of place until you sit behind the wheel and start interacting with it. Everyone is different. For us, it works well.
I really like the new generation ES350, but as I mentioned earlier, it all came down to price for us. Is the ES350 a better car? Hard to say, but it is decidedly a more sleeker looking car. Yes, the grill on the Avalon is quite large, but I believe the limited grill looks much better than the touring grill. I am sure the new ES350 will outsell the Avalon as time goes forward. Not trying to sway anyone here on the merits of the Avalon over the Lexus - its just that for us, it was the better value.
09-23-18, 05:18 AM
#52
Lexus Fanatic
The Avalon is undoubtedly a nice car and that one is very sharp. My ONLY gripe is extremely subjective, it’s that enormous grill. Looks like a whale scooping up krill. How is the interior noise level. Ours was quite noisy - especially from the rear seat. We still liked the car and had it for seven years.
09-23-18, 05:23 AM
#53
Lexus Fanatic
I must respectfully disagree. We find the tablet integration with the center stack to be quite useful and ergonomic to use. I have used the Lexus trackpad and mouse and found them to be frustrating and cumbersome. Yes, the Avalon infotainment system initially looks out of place until you sit behind the wheel and start interacting with it. Everyone is different. For us, it works well.
Last edited by Toys4RJill; 09-23-18 at 05:43 AM.
09-23-18, 07:39 AM
#54
Lexus Test Driver
I must respectfully disagree. We find the tablet integration with the center stack to be quite useful and ergonomic to use. I have used the Lexus trackpad and mouse and found them to be frustrating and cumbersome. Yes, the Avalon infotainment system initially looks out of place until you sit behind the wheel and start interacting with it. Everyone is different. For us, it works well.
I really like the new generation ES350, but as I mentioned earlier, it all came down to price for us. Is the ES350 a better car? Hard to say, but it is decidedly a more sleeker looking car. Yes, the grill on the Avalon is quite large, but I believe the limited grill looks much better than the touring grill. I am sure the new ES350 will outsell the Avalon as time goes forward. Not trying to sway anyone here on the merits of the Avalon over the Lexus - its just that for us, it was the better value.
I really like the new generation ES350, but as I mentioned earlier, it all came down to price for us. Is the ES350 a better car? Hard to say, but it is decidedly a more sleeker looking car. Yes, the grill on the Avalon is quite large, but I believe the limited grill looks much better than the touring grill. I am sure the new ES350 will outsell the Avalon as time goes forward. Not trying to sway anyone here on the merits of the Avalon over the Lexus - its just that for us, it was the better value.
09-23-18, 08:14 AM
#55
Lexus Champion
The touchscreen versus remote touch issue is always a fun one. No way to satisfy everyone unless you offer both, and even that is a compromised solution. I am totally fine with remote touch and hate the touchscreen in my Highlander. Such is life. Kind of great here with the ES and Avalon, as you can choose which you like the most if you feel that strongly about it.
09-23-18, 08:18 AM
#56
Lexus Fanatic
The touchscreen versus remote touch issue is always a fun one. No way to satisfy everyone unless you offer both, and even that is a compromised solution. I am totally fine with remote touch and hate the touchscreen in my Highlander. Such is life. Kind of great here with the ES and Avalon, as you can choose which you like the most if you feel that strongly about it.
09-23-18, 09:09 AM
#57
Lexus Test Driver
09-23-18, 09:15 AM
#58
RAM trucks, Vovlvo, and the almighty Tesla have enormous screens right in the middle that are touch. Maybe more cars will go that route. I personally don't mind the remote touch, I want simplified menus. I can shut off the AC in the Vette by pushing one button and still have outside air coming in. The RX takes... 3 step I think?
09-23-18, 09:27 AM
#59
Lexus Fanatic
09-23-18, 04:59 PM
#60
Lexus Champion
In my Highlander, they’ve put it within easy reach. Not recessed up high under a hood. Gets terrible glare and I have to take my eyes further off the road to see and use it.