I have to say, (I'm sure this is not surprising) the build quality on our GSs is so much better.

The current ES while much more gadgety has a little bit of a cheap feel to it, more so than the previous ES. :/

I'm a little bummed because at some point I was looking at "upgrading" my 450h. I guess it is better I am not happy with it.

Incoherent ramblings over.

 

No surprise.
A $12K list difference when comparably equipped.

 

It also feels somewhat of a downgrade from the previous ES, so there's that.

 

True.
I had two last gen ES350's and I agree.
Costs cutting shows.
The new gen ES does handle better,though.

 

well, it should....the ES competes in a completely different class than either of the GS cars. The ES shares a lot with the Camry but the GS cars stand alone, other than the Japan market cars they share with.

 

I had an ES loaner for a week recently, and I came away feeling much as you Stoodo. Other than the ES feeling like it had more bells and whistles, it has virtually nothing that I prefer over my GS. Ths 'busy' feel of the 4th gen interiors *(GS, ES) is not something that appeals to me.

 

I have a 2016 ES 350 Luxury Edition and I got it brand new. It is made in the US.. I'm assuming Kentucky idk..

Anyway straight out the factory I have a problem with transmission noise.. you know that loud transmission gear noise.

Long story short, it ended being that after a transmission oil change and resetting the oil level the noise went away. Not sure what it was but after changing the transmission oil it was gone. Perhaps the level was off straight out the factory.