September production cut specifically hits the ES
 

This Wall Street Journal story calls out the Tsutsumi plant that makes Camry and Lexus ES as a target for shutdown. Since it's been reported elsewhere in this forum that the ES300h hybrid is Japanese-built whille the V6 ES350 is built in Kentucky, I'd assume the Tsutsumi closure will impact the former. However, other stories have also said that 27 of Toyota's 28 non-Japan factories will be hit as well, so I'd expect an impact on the ES350 too.

The only vehicles spared? The ones with the most demand and profit: the Texas-built pickup trucks.

Way back in 2010 the hybrid RX 450h was built in Japan while the gas RX 350's were built in Canada.
With the advent of the KY plant for the ES production is not separated that way. Our 2018 ESh was
built in Japan but our 2020 ESh was built here. Not assembly plant specific but I will tell you that the
new generation ES is completely amazing, they improved stuff I didn't realize could be any better.
Larger, quieter, faster, ML stereo absolutely rocks!. The fuel economy was uprated from 40 to 44
city and I am actually getting 50 rather than 42 mpg.

I've read the same with other manufacturers, mostly due to the chip shortage. The economy models are the first to get put on hold while they spit out plenty of 12 passenger SUVs.
Makes total sense, but still a bummer.

Here's a shot of the Kentucky factory where the Camry, Avalon, and ES350 are stored after production:

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.clu...f1ed86e03c.png

How recent is that shot?

The A25A-FXS engine is actually nosier under acceleration than the outgoing 2AR-FXE. At highway speeds, they measure the same decibels inside the cabin.
The 2016 ES has more rear leg room and less raked roof for easier entrance. The ML stereo on the outgoing 2016+ model is subjectively better sounding too.

I'm not sure, but I think the previous V6 lacked direct injection, which makes more noise as it boosts performance. Under the circumstances, it's pretty impressive that they prevented an increase in noise level while cruising.

But I do agree that when they went longer-lower-wider for 2019, there obviousliy were some packaging compromises in entry/exit, headroom and rear seating position. Which is better? Obviously Lexus decided that with the average age of the buyers having crept up to 67, they had no choice but to go where the live buyers were — even the old car wasn't going to out-SUV the RX for rear seat and cargo space.

I’m not talking about the V6, but the ES300h and the noise level of that in-line 4.

A25A-FSX is indeed the hybrid engine. My mistake. Thanks for correcting it.

I don't have the 2016 ES, but my us built 2020 ESh is extremely quiet. I can never hear the 4 cylinder engine, unless i floor it.

In terms of rear leg room, i am 5ft9 and i can sit behind my self with at least 6" gap between my knees and seat back.

I'm not sure of your source for this and I cannot argue one way or another. However, I have owned both and I cannot "hear" or perceive any difference inside the car - at least with my hearing, which is normal for a nearly 60 year old male. With that in mind, I would argue that it is a non-issue.

[QUOTE=5thaccord;11111473

Also for what it's worth, I'm not yet 67 but am over 60, and I'm very much alive thank you.[/QUOTE]

And I'm over 70, can see my feet, have hair, and drive a topless Corvette at 80 mph on the Pennsylvania turnpike... :bigthumbu

I'm over 60 but drive a faster corvette than you!

:)