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Well, they are comparable. Though suffice it to say the ES and Avalon right very identical. And eco mode on my GS feels pretty damn cozy.
I agree. I really enjoy driving my GS F-Sport in Eco mode. The ride is noticeably softer and smoother than Normal mode & the steering is a touch lighter and less twitchy with less feedback, especially on the freeway. Very comfortable & great for cruising around in. Could’ve been called “comfort mode” rather than Eco, IMO. But with 19” wheels and low profile tires & the overall sporty nature of the GS, probably won’t be as numb as an ES (numb being the keyword here).
There is no setting for the GS that will make it as 'soft and floaty' as an Avalon.
Originally Posted by NickMayer
Well, they are comparable. Though suffice it to say the ES and Avalon right very identical. And eco mode on my GS feels pretty damn cozy.
ECO, NORMAL and SPORT drive modes all have the same suspension firmness. ECO mode does not alter the suspension...and neither does NORMAL or SPORT modes. Only F-Sport and Luxury models have the SPORT S+ that tighten the suspension.
SPORT S/S+ MODES
Sport S mode changes the gauge-cluster lighting to a fiery red and alters the powertrain for faster gear changes and more dynamic throttle mapping. Available Sport S+ mode goes a step further by also tightening the suspension and increasing steering response. In both modes, the transmission's shift points are automatically altered coming into and out of corners for sharper acceleration.
NORMAL MODE
Normal mode provides the optimal balance of fuel efficiency, engine performance and, on F SPORT–equipped models, the degree of road feel.
ECO MODE
In ECO mode, a calming blue light surrounds the gauge cluster, while the throttle response and engine power output are moderated for increased fuel efficiency. Other vehicle systems are also optimized for reduced power consumption.
@bclexus you can post the same dated charts/screenshots all you want, but it’s simply not true. In my experience with my ‘18 GS F-Sport, Eco has softer damping than Normal. Normal has softer damping than Sport S. Sport S has softer damping than Sport S+. You can argue all you’d like, but you’re incorrect and I stand by my statements.
@bclexus you can post the same dated charts/screenshots all you want, but it’s simply not true. In my experience with my ‘18 GS F-Sport, Eco has softer damping than Normal. Normal has softer damping than Sport S. Sport S has softer damping than Sport S+. You can argue all you’d like, but you’re incorrect and I stand by my statements.
Even with the adjustable dampers, the difference isn't very large in the first place (my GS has the Sport+ mode).
And it certainly can't change the characteristics from GS-sharp to ES-floaty. With that said, if your mind makes you feel that your GS can become floaty with a twist of a ****, that's your enjoyment that I ought not take away.
Please provide a chart that is in reference to 2016+ facelift GS models and not from 2012 when the GS was first released.
I’ve stated countless times that our 2015 pre-facelift GS behaves as described in that chart, but our 2018 facelift GS does not.
I have many years and many miles of experience behind the wheel of both new and old versions of the 4GS with every system offered from AVS to VGRS to rear wheel steering but if you somehow believe you know best with your pre-facelift GS that doesn’t even have any of the systems we’re discussing, I can’t help you with that. You’re entitled to believe you know how the systems function, even though you haven’t experienced them day in and day out.
@bclexus you can post the same dated charts/screenshots all you want, but it’s simply not true.In my experience with my ‘18 GS F-Sport, Eco has softer damping than Normal. Normal has softer damping than Sport S. Sport S has softer damping than Sport S+. You can argue all you’d like, but you’re incorrect and I stand by my statements.
Originally Posted by signdetres
Please provide a chart that is in reference to 2016+ facelift GS models and not from 2012 when the GS was first released.
I’ve stated countless times that our 2015 pre-facelift GS behaves as described in that chart, but our 2018 facelift GS does not.
I have many years and many miles of experience behind the wheel of both new and old versions of the 4GS with every system offered from AVS to VGRS to rear wheel steering but if you somehow believe you know best with your pre-facelift GS that doesn’t even have any of the systems we’re discussing, I can’t help you with that. You’re entitled to believe you know how the systems function, even though you haven’t experienced them day in and day out.
You must be talking about the 'automatic' damping force adjustments to the shock absorbers based on driving conditions and road surface conditions. As noted in the image below; "Its absorber control ECU estimates the vehicle conditions based on the signals from sensors and the switches. Then, the absorber control ECU actuates the absorber control actuator, varies the flow of oil, and controls the damping force." (Note: The change in absorber firmness is based on 'driving conditions and road surfaces'. This cannot be controlled by the driver and is constantly changing based on 'driving conditions and road surfaces', not which Drive Mode the driver selects. It has nothing to do with Drive Mode as you suggest.)
As noted in the image below; "By operating the drive mode select, the driver can select 2 types of damping forces for the shock absorber assemblies."
Repeat - By operating the drive mode select, the driver can select 2 types of damping forces for the shock absorber assemblies. Only two (2) types of damping forces can be selected - ECO, STANDARD & SPORT are all the same damping force...with SPORT S+ being firmer.
Here ya go...
I hope this helps you to understand the AVS on your car. What you are probably feeling is the 'automatic' damping force adjustments to the shock absorbers based on driving conditions and road surface conditions. It has noting to do with Drive Modes...
Only in this forum will you find someone suggest a supra to a guy who owns an Avalon and LS and is shopping for something similar, lol
I just watched a couple of YouTube videos with a few guys taking delivery of theirs... the Supra was on my mind... and the with price point being similar... I might be a Supra owner in the next year or so.
So if this GS guy is considering a switch... hey, someone might be thinking like me.
BTW, it is surprising that the ES has grown so much... a couple of inches longer than the GS.
I just watched a couple of YouTube videos with a few guys taking delivery of theirs... the Supra was on my mind... and the with price point being similar... I might be a Supra owner in the next year or so.
So if this GS guy is considering a switch... hey, someone might be thinking like me.
BTW, it is surprising that the ES has grown so much... a couple of inches longer than the GS.
ECO, NORMAL and SPORT drive modes all have the same suspension firmness. ECO mode does not alter the suspension...and neither does NORMAL or SPORT modes. Only F-Sport and Luxury models have the SPORT S+ that tighten the suspension.
SPORT S/S+ MODES
Sport S mode changes the gauge-cluster lighting to a fiery red and alters the powertrain for faster gear changes and more dynamic throttle mapping. Available Sport S+ mode goes a step further by also tightening the suspension and increasing steering response. In both modes, the transmission's shift points are automatically altered coming into and out of corners for sharper acceleration.
NORMAL MODE
Normal mode provides the optimal balance of fuel efficiency, engine performance and, on F SPORT–equipped models, the degree of road feel.
ECO MODE
In ECO mode, a calming blue light surrounds the gauge cluster, while the throttle response and engine power output are moderated for increased fuel efficiency. Other vehicle systems are also optimized for reduced power consumption.
I don't wish to interfere in this lovers quarrel, but since you quoted my post as well, lol.
You posted, "ECO MODE
In ECO mode, a calming blue light surrounds the gauge cluster, while the throttle response and engine power output are moderated for increased fuel efficiency. Other vehicle systems are also optimized for reduced power consumption."
And I mentioned that ECO mode drove cozy. Which it does. Systems are optimized, throttle response and engine power are moderated. This is factors into the 'cozy' part. So the point stands. I care little for the suspension differences as even though I have Sport+ mode, I never use it. I do love that Sport and + have their own modes so that when I want the engine to beef up I can do that and leave steering and suspension alone.
So the GS is never going to be as muted as the ES/Avalon, in ECO mode they are "comparable"
I don't wish to interfere in this lovers quarrel, but since you quoted my post as well, lol.
You posted, "ECO MODE
In ECO mode, a calming blue light surrounds the gauge cluster, while the throttle response and engine power output are moderated for increased fuel efficiency. Other vehicle systems are also optimized for reduced power consumption."
And I mentioned that ECO mode drove cozy. Which it does. Systems are optimized, throttle response and engine power are moderated. This is factors into the 'cozy' part. So the point stands. I care little for the suspension differences as even though I have Sport+ mode, I never use it. I do love that Sport and + have their own modes so that when I want the engine to beef up I can do that and leave steering and suspension alone.
So the GS is never going to be as muted as the ES/Avalon, in ECO mode they are "comparable"
From a throttle response standpoint, comparing the GS 350 in ECO mode with the ES/Avalon would be a fair. However, I think most people would include the suspension when comparing the ride of the GS 350 with the ride of the ES/Avalon, especially when words like 'soft' and 'floaty' are used to describe it.
You could even put the car in 'Snow' mode and take off in 2nd gear for an even more subdued throttle response.
