3.8 AWD vs ES 350

[Maikeru]

First posting for me in these forums, but have been reading them for a few weeks.

I live in Canada, so looking at a 2015 3.8 AWD--still deciding which package, but probably the Luxury one.

In the back of my mind I had always considered getting either a Toyota Avalon LTD/Premium or a Lexus ES 350 (or ES300 hybrid) as my next car, but after reading more about the Genesis and visiting a dealer last night to see 2 of them in person, I was very impressed. Plan to test drive one in the next week or so.

So, my long winded question is this--how would you compare the Genesis to the ES 350? I've been partial to Toyota over the years..yes I know most say they are boring, but we have 2 (one a Prius V), and I have been happy with their product over the past 10 years. Have yet to own a Hyundai, but many of my co-workers have them and are happy with their purchases. I don't know anyone personally who has purchased a Genesis, so figured I would ask here.


What I want in a car--comfort, good sized cabin, reliability and a bit of luxury is fine as well. Thanks.

 

[DRS]

Welcome to exploring the world of Genesis. You will not be disappointed. Your choice of Genny to examine in detail is a good one.

It is tough for any long term Toyota fan to think outside the clan, no matter the other brand. You have taken a big step..

There are some little differences that may come apparent to you. Deep in the bowels of the Genny V6 verses the Toyota. How about double chain for DOHC, instead of a belt? Huge difference in reliability and one less expensive maintenance to do at 100k. Many other example like that. Like massive brakes in a Genny that many experience no pad replacement until after 100k miles, and no rotor replacement.

I think once you drive and experience the capability and features of the Genny, you will be sold. Good luck, and keep asking questions. Welcome.

 

[ppern]

avalon and es 350 are front wheel drive only
if your looking for that the acura tl is nice too
genesis is rear wheel or awd different driving experience than fwd
based on what u want in a car genesis will fit the bill
it is a little bigger than the other two u were looking at
and awd is around 4400 lbs give or take

 

[jonjon72]

The ES is a prettied up Camry XLE. Even with that, the interior is really nothing to write home about. FWD vs AWD. One will eat less gas than the other however, the Genesis has more power and handles so much better than the ES.

You see ES's everywhere and the Genesis is a rare breed on the road.

 

[Ernie3647]

You see ES's everywhere and the Genesis is a rare breed on the road.

That's one of the things I enjoy most. It's always an event to see another Genesis of any year even in my crowed environment.

 

[Maikeru]

The ES is a prettied up Camry XLE. Even with that, the interior is really nothing to write home about. FWD vs AWD. One will eat less gas than the other however, the Genesis has more power and handles so much better than the ES.

You see ES's everywhere and the Genesis is a rare breed on the road.

That's what I'm thinking..or you could say ES is an Avalon with a slightly higher price. And even though I have been a supporter of made in Japan cars, I do have to say the ES just has that kind of vanilla look to it.


They have some manufacturer discounts this month in my area-- ES's have a 3500 discount if you pay cash, Avalons zero discount (so you may as well just get the Lexus) and Genesis about $2700 discount for the one I would probably buy, but you could combine that with zero % financing. I typically pay cash, but I suppose with zero % financing I could pay some cash and finance the rest.

Naturally whatever discount you get get after that is up to however you handle the deal.

The only other AWD I was thinking about was the new Subaru Legacy...I know it is a step down, but it does have a good AWD system--but some reading of the Legacy forums has put me off them totally. Way, way too many quality issues...things like not starting, water in the cabin etc. Not what you want to see in any car, never mind a new one.

Still thinking....

 

[Sal Collaziano]

The ES is now on the Avalon platform. And the Avalon and Camry are two very different vehicles on the inside. I actually like the interior of the Avalon - not so much the Camry.

Yes, the ES is FWD so that's a negative compared to the Genesis. The ES is better on gas. The Genesis does have more power and definitely handles better than the ES. And while I think the ES is a nice looking car - it really doesn't compare to the appearance - inside or out - of the Genesis.

If reliability is important - there's nothing better than Lexus. Nothing.

JD Power problems per 100 cars sold:

Lexus: 89
Industry Average: 147
Hyundai: 188

But if you want a unique, luxurious looking and feeling car - go for the Genesis. It's a head turner.

The ES is a prettied up Camry XLE. Even with that, the interior is really nothing to write home about. FWD vs AWD. One will eat less gas than the other however, the Genesis has more power and handles so much better than the ES.

You see ES's everywhere and the Genesis is a rare breed on the road.