2023 Lexus ES 350: Is This More Than Just A Fancy Camry?

Today I drive and review a 2023 Lexus ES 350 Premium!
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[@kennguyen8038]

I’ve owned a Camry before and it’s not even close comparing to the 2022 ES 350. We were looking to get a daily car and didn’t want to pay over $40k. I test drove the 2022 ES 350, then brought my wife a week later to test drive. She fell in love with the car right away and we ended up purchased the car which cost 53k out of door. No regret so far. Even our young kids can tell the different in ride quality, smoothness, and quietness of the vehicle. We had Camry, Honda Accord, and Acura before and so far none can compare to ES 350.

[@805fillmore]

Cant beat a lexus. Although I wouldve went with sligntly older model for around 25-30k

[@gous5649]

Cool, enjoy your new lexus

[@stephaniedcflores]

💀 doenst compare ?? You do know Toyotas OWNS & MAKES Lexus right 😂 Lexus is TOYOTAS luxury car brand 💀

[@805fillmore]

@@stephaniedcflores what’s that got to do with anything? Lexus is the best luxury brand(better than benz/bmw/etc)

[@stephaniedcflores]

@@805fillmore cool ? Gold star for you common sense comment 😂👏🏼⭐️ when did I say it wasn’t ? Anyone w a brain knows bmw are shit

[@aerohk]

As a retiree, buying this care has been one of the best decisions I have made. Money well spent. Very peaceful car.

[@fiftysteps]

Love this car so much. Runs like butter. I agree on the speed, but you buy this car for comfort, luxury and longevity.

[@kane5445]

I have the 2023 Es350 I think it’s plenty fast . There’s no situation where I need to speed like that unless I’m running from cops lol

[@larryzeldin7561]

Agreed. It’s a sluggish off the line but once it gets going it’s pretty quick

[@tonysterbenc]

@@larryzeldin7561 I agree. At highway speed, it outaccelerates my previous 300-hp Acura RL. And it's so quiet and smooth, you're up toward ticket territory before you realize it.

[@christopherjoyce9788]

I totally agree. I have a tricked out Ram. I just bought a 2024 es350 it is much quitter and plenty quick. I drive early In the morning and it's no slouch passing other cars.

[@DavidHansenCarney]

​@@larryzeldin7561that's a standard 6cyl lag. Get a Turbo for that off the line speed.

[@jasonthomas8515]

When I first purchased mines I kept saying man this car is slow! Little did I know it has a eco, normal, and sport mode. Put it in sport mode she wakes up all cylinders and gitty up ! It has a ton of features a Camry doesn’t offer! I’m proud to be a Lexus owner!

[@Aschoolbusandsimulatorfan2219]

My favorite Lexus sedan! Good video Ben.

[@politicsreporter4247]

Great review tons of info no BS. 👍👍👍👍

[@johnstone2215]

We love our 2023 Lexus ES 350 Ultra luxury! It was a great move! Very quiet and luxurious!

[@regmatt]

man i love this car !!! so smooth v6 !!!👍ride and comfort and queitness , yes can you review the hybrid too

[@td4611]

I've been driving a Lexus 350 for over 15 years. I lease and trade every 3 years. I'm getting a new one next week and don't even plan to test drive.

[@HOBOLOCO13]

I have a 2015 ES. Got the bumper painted. Was given a 2018 Camry as a loaner. Its not even close. Not even alittle bit.

[@epoxy1710]

My 2008 LS600hl still feels new after 180.000 miles.

[@mervinprone]

Omg, that engine sounds sooo good. What a sleeper. And it’ll last forever.

[@missmilrose]

I really love LEXUS car, it is really luxury,comfortable,quiet and smooth to drive! everything I like it. I had a Lexus CT200 hybrid which they discontinued,I kept this car for long.Lately,I test drove ES350,OMG I feel like a millionaire :-) (in a moment).Hope to have a newest LEXUS again maybe ES350 or RX350,in my dream LOL.Keep it up LEXUS for excellent quality.

[@aranmawlood123]

Best part is.. it takes regular gas!! No need to pay an extra $1 per gallon for prem

[@jayramsey9736]

Just bought 2019 ES 350 2 months ago low mileage out the door for 28k, also own 08 Rx 350 used owned for 10yrs still runs like butter. Two of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

[@k.s.3421]

I just bought a 2019 in Caviar with 40k miles for 27k and LOVE IT! The transmission went out in my 2015 Q50 and I was’t replacing it at 10k, (118k miles) plus I just spent 3k fixing the axle!! Should’ve went Lexus a long time ago!

[@jayramsey9736]

@@k.s.3421 bro I had a G35 thank god never had anything major go out. I do know one thing Infinity can’t touch Lexus in terms of quality.

[@k.s.3421]

@@jayramsey9736 i had a G35 too. Bought brand new and got rear ended 4 years into ownership, went from there to a Benz R550 with too many electrical issues. I must say I think I am sold on Lexus! I’m a car girl. 52 years old and I get it from my father … lol

[@adrianaramirez5217]

Where did you search for it? I'm looking for a lexus but I don't want to pay so much for it

[@lava6692]

It isn’t built on the Camry foundation anymore it’s built on the Avalons

[@MercOne]

Uh...they're all the SAME PLATFORM.

[@tonysterbenc]

@@MercOne Marcus, quit "educating" us. Yes, they all share a platform, and that's not a secret. But the ES has more structural bracing, more soundproofing, exclusive trick shocks, and exclusive resonance-absorbing dampers mounted to the frame on top trims. And the difference is evident when you drive it. Drive the cars instead of engaging in Internet spec-sheet road testing.

[@MercOne]

@@tonysterbenc So are you just not able to put my response to the previous post? Clearly they didn't know what they were talking about. They are the same platform. Period. I didn't speak to differences or anything about how they drove. I have driven the ES at least 2-3 times now when I get a service loaner. I didn't speak to how it drives. I spoke to the platform that it rides on. He was wrong. End of story. Stop assuming that no one has driven a pedestrian car like an ES.

[@tonysterbenc]

@@MercOne Marcus, there's no nice way to say this: You're sloppy with facts and you're personally a rude troll. You DID "speak to differences," when you inaccurately said the "underpinnings" -- not just the "platforms" -- were identical. And there's no reason for you to toss in the gratuitous insult that the ES is "pedestrian" except to show yours is somehow longer than everyone else's. Sorry -- the ES is longer, but yours isn't.

[@MusicConnoisseurian]

Same platform but entirely different experience. Own both many generations. Camry has nothing on the ES in terms of comfort and driving experience - except the most recent gen, Camry did step up in comfort.

[@jasonthomas8515]

Mines has a foot activation to open and close the trunk if your hands are full. Also has a button to open and close the trunk also. Don’t know if it’s standard equipped or not

[@ed.blessedbygod1436]

Kennguyen . I couldn’t be more agreed with you. Camry is a beautiful car but definitely we can’t compare it with the Es . I owned a Camry before and now I own one of my dreams car . Lexus Es 350. It’s a beautiful, stunning and very reliable car.

[@Trackstar491]

In 2013 the Es350 was based off the same platform as the now discontinued Avalon.

[@92younqboss]

I have a 2018 lexus es 350, smoothest car I’ve ever driven in my life, hoping sometime this year going into next year I’ll get a 2023 or 24 to have it more modern in terms of tech for a young person like me.

[@luptonpittman6520]

Buy it before they go to a turbo 4

[@tonysterbenc]

Like Lupton said. 2024 will reportedly be less than a full model year, and the '25 will be the end of the V6.

[@0524432]

def review the 300h

[@jayjayjiang8603]

Really looking forward into 300h but a great review before buying would be great

[@christhornycroft3686]

Sadly, the hybrid isn’t an option for me because it doesn’t come in all wheel drive.

[@SexPistolS_69]

Love mines, came from a Honda Accord touring

[@SALSAKID49]

Yes, on the 300h.. Is there a link? :)

[@xXReaperXx714]

I use to own Avalon gonna be totaled here soon I’m in salt lake looking into this or nx

[@thegreenroom5820]

The ES is so very conservative. Why not just make a larger IS or reengineer the GS styling to incorparate fwd and awd. However, these do look the only cars on the road that can still be longterm owned.

[@naveenthemachine]

Because now if you want a Lexus GS it’s called the genesis g80

[@tonysterbenc]

@@naveenthemachine Naveen, yet another Lexus thread you're trolling as a Genesis fanboi? Get a hobby or take your own life or something. No, a car with below-average reliability and a crude powertrain is not a Lexus GS.

[@antcantcook960]

why not reeingineer a poorly selling model instead of our best selling sedan?

[@Karma-hy6ki]

Great video, I really liked it. Can you comment on the FWD and if it is annoying and noticeable? That’s my only issue with this car and I’m hoping it’s not that bad

[@kennguyen8038]

No issue for me.

[@luptonpittman6520]

How could FWD be “annoying or noticeable”?

[@Karma-hy6ki]

@@luptonpittman6520 torque steer, oversteering and having a feeling of being pulled as opposed to being pushed while also giving issues in snowny or rainy conditions

[@luptonpittman6520]

@@Karma-hy6ki I believe you mean understeering. Understeering and torque steering are never an issue with any front wheel drive car unless you hit the accelerator too hard or take a turn too fast. If you just drive normal, it’s never an “issue.” As far as driving in the snow or rain, it’s really about the tires. Is front wheel drive as good as all wheel drive in the snow? No, of course not. But it’s better than rear wheel drive. A front wheel drive car with winter tires can be as impressive as AWD with all seasons.

[@Karma-hy6ki]

@@luptonpittman6520 gotchu

[@minipandora22]

Such a #classy car!

[@2024_Edge]

Can you do 2023 Infiniti Q50 Red Sport 400 AWD?

[@BenHardyCars]

Yes

[@bwanaPele]

My mom bought this car about 9 months ago. It's an incredibly boring car that she isn't completely happy with but it's a workhorse and does what it was intended to do. She's 73 and will probably take it to the grave. edit: check with me in 5 years to see if she passed it down to my son who will be a freshman in college by then. she says that's her plan

[@larryzeldin7561]

That would be a hell of a present!

[@storyofmylife7080]

Your 78-year mom will have a freshman in college???😂😂😂

[@k.s.3421]

@@storyofmylife7080 reading comprehension skills are essential…. It’s her grandson she’ll be passing the car down too. 😂

[@DavidHansenCarney]

I chose the 2024 ES350 in December of 2023 over a Cadillac CT5 because I thought the CT5 was too sporty for me. After 1 month in the ES350, I've realized the car is an incredibly boring, no frills car, and I would have preferred the sportier CT5. Lexus dependability is the only reason I consider it the better decision.

[@aurorajones8481]

Yea do the Hi bird!

[@FlexSZN23]

If this is just a fancy Camry, the Bentley Bentayga is just a fancy Volkswagen Touareg

[@tonysterbenc]

Which it is. And the Bentley Continental is just a fancy Audi A8. But as you suggest, who cares?

[@keithwilliams5600]

This would be the car for me since the Avalon is gone and the new Toyota Crown's interior is cheap looking and has too much plastic. The Lexus ES350 Luxury or the Ultra Luxury trim would be my choice. 👏💪

[@kauigirl808]

I have a 2008 Lexus ES350 I bought in 2019 for $9k. 140k mi. Looks brand new but the mechanic says the struts need to be changed $1700. 147k mi now. Does anyone know how imperative it needs to be changed? The car feels fine to me

[@tonysterbenc]

Not urgent, but if you replace them it'll ride and handle more like new, and you may also protect somewhat against wear of other suspension parts. That price sounds high, and I'd get a second opinion on it. If you'd like to save money over Lexus brand parts, BTW, a good brand to substitute is KYB.

[@kauigirl808]

@@tonysterbenc thank you 😊

[@Justin083190]

The car is beautiful and the reliability speaks for itself.That being said, here are my negatives -infotainment/hvac controls beneath the dash vent look straight out of a 90’s home stereo.The little silver buttons with the writing next to it 🤮. -didn’t watch the video all the way thru yet but it looks like this car lacks rear heated seats.My 21 accord touring comes standard with that. -no HUD,my 21 accord has this as well

[@tonysterbenc]

•I dig '70s-80s-90s home stereos. I think the homage was on purpose. Edmunds praised the volume knob for that very reason. •HUD is an option. Over 10 inches, widest in the class. •Nope, no rear heated seats, which is pretty ridiculous.

[@luptonpittman6520]

It’s interesting. You talk at normal speed when inside the car. Outside of the car, you talk like the micro machine guy.

[@jjames2460]

Anyone noticed issues with the sound system on the 2023 ES 350?

[@tonysterbenc]

Some complain that there's not enough sound coming from the back, especially on 2019-20 models.

[@aces928]

Is there a way to slow down this video so I can understand what Ben talking at 100mph is saying?

[@Funexpected]

Touch your screen while video is playing. Tap on the gear icon (settings), and change playback speed to .75x

[@shawnbl2048]

​@Paul I swear I learn so much from youtube. Thanks Paul I never knew you could do that lol 😅

[@user-um1mf7es8j]

Maybe I missed it, but you never mentioned Camry at all. What's the purpose of this video if not to compare it to the Camry??

[@AntLive29]

I thought the ES was cousins to the Avalon?

[@BenHardyCars]

Ava-discontinued

[@BenHardyCars]

Ava-long gone

[@naveenthemachine]

The es is a fancy Avalon but the Avalon is a fancy Camry Saying the ES is a fancy Camry is valid whether or not the Avalon exists

[@luptonpittman6520]

ES is built on Avalon platform

[@MercOne]

The Camry, Avalon and ES are all built on the same chassis/component set.

[@Gemini530]

Wish the wood trim is in a lighter color. You can't even notice it here.

[@tonysterbenc]

I have the black wood, and i couldn't agree with you more. It's a keen disappointment.

[@Nurtureddreams815]

Why isn’t anyone telling all of the steering wheel features to understand what they mean? and slower to hear it well?

[@PlayafromtheHimalayas]

I own a 2022 es 350 f sport and after only 7 months, I'm ready for something else. It's the matador red which is a ridiculously beautiful tri coat paint. The technology is nice, it's got a quick engine with a smooth transmission, interior is very good, ride is also very good, BUT. The "but" is this car is......boring. It's missing that little something you can't quite put into words. I'm seriously considering the BMW M340i as a replacement.

[@Karma-hy6ki]

Damn u serious? How exciting does a car have to be for ppl to keep with it? How often are u even going to be driving crazy lol

[@luptonpittman6520]

You’ll take a hit on size and reliability

[@aznxtac808]

LOL. I have the 2023 m340i and am thinking to switch to an es350 or maybe an LS500 f sport if I can find a decent deal on a used one from the 2020-2022 years. Perhaps i have a little case of the grass is greener on the other side lol

[@Karma-hy6ki]

@@aznxtac808 damn, why? Is the new car not worth it? I’m in the market for a new car and I could get a safe new Lexus or a new benz

[@aznxtac808]

@@Karma-hy6ki it’s a good car but I guess I didn’t really appreciate how much I probably preferred something a bit more comfortable and quiet. The Lexus will probably be more reliable over the longer term although so far the current m340i has seemed to have demonstrated pretty good reliability to date. I initially wanted the is350 but just couldn’t find one fully loaded with handling package and mark levinson sound. I’m not so familiar with Mercedes unfortunately.

[@phil1pd]

This is a more refined camry. Not cheap either but it'll last forever.

[@LynnNg-np5md]

Still interior of the previous year model

[@tonysterbenc]

Nope. Look closer. New console, redesigned cupholders, relocated wireless charger, CD player eliminated, entirely new screen interface.

[@sophrhodes]

Wow, PLEASE slow down a bit when speaking.

[@georgeboros263]

Just looking at photos and videos, the Camry is a better looking vehicle in my opinion. I also don't see much about the interior that would make me want to pay $6k more. Maybe if I drove both I would feel differently.

[@sbs-0055]

George, I was feeling the same until I tested drove a 2023 es350. All I can say is there is no other car in this segment that can compare to this car.

[@tonysterbenc]

Photos and videos are a bit misleading in this regard. In person, the ES has noticeably higher-grade materials where you look and touch, from the leather of the steering wheel and shift knob to the sculpted aluminum of the door handles to soft-touch surfaces where you don't expect them, like the interior armrest door grip holes. It's quieter on the move, and the stereos sound better.

[@Freddie-gv1yg]

@@sbs-0055 Many of these commenters are killing me with their comments. If you can AFFORD a Lexus, why the hell would you be looking at the Camry as well and comparing the two? There is no comparison between the two. It's like comparing a German Shepherd to a Poodle.

[@jamarspears6983]

Please stop comparing the lexus es to the camry. It's based on the avalon not the camry. Haven't been on the same platform as the camry for years it's THE AVALON ok

[@MercOne]

You guys here are clueless lol, the Avalon, Camry and ES are all built on the TGNA platform along with a bunch of other Toyota vehicles. The only difference between the Camry, ES and Avalon underpinnings is the wheelbase. Same platform.

[@tonysterbenc]

@@MercOne No, we're not "clueless, LOL." Yes, they all share a platform, and that's not a secret. But the ES has more structural bracing, more soundproofing, exclusive trick shocks, and exclusive resonance-absorbing dampers mounted to the frame on top trims. And the difference is evident when you drive it. Drive the cars instead of engaging in Internet spec-sheet road testing.

[@MercOne]

@@tonysterbenc Clearly some of you are. They're same exact platform, the previous poster did NOT KNOW THIS. I didn't speak to how it drives. I have driven the car many times now and I didn't comment how it drove. Are you really not to follow what they said and what I said?

[@tonysterbenc]

@@MercOne You said, and I quote: "The only difference between the Camry, ES and Avalon underpinnings is the wheelbase. Same platform." That implies they're identical except for length. You didn't just talk about the platform, you made a sweeping statement about the "underpinnings," and that statement was not true. Own that you were wrong.

[@MercOne]

@@tonysterbenc So let me ask you a serious question, do you not understand what a platform or chassis is? The differences you pointed out don't change the fundamental platform that these cars ride on. Each variant will have something added or revised to suit the needs of the car riding on it, but that doesn't change that they are the same platform, which previous poster clearly didn't know. Different shocks don't change the platform. You just don't understand what a platform is. I didn't imply anything I clearly stated it and I was NOT wrong. You're just clueless like I originally thought.

[@antoniocognato5023]

JAPAN MADE?

[@98blade1]

Kentucky

[@tonysterbenc]

Kentucky, but it's still very nicely built. Many of the components are reportedly shipped in from Japan, and the workers go through extensive training that the same plant's Toyota assemblers don't.

[@luptonpittman6520]

Yes. Japanese made. US assembled.

[@tonysterbenc]

@@luptonpittman6520 I can't verify it, but I read a while back on a board a post from someone who claimed, credibly it seemed, that he'd recently gone to work for Toyota. He said exactly that: Toyota lacked confidence in American workmanship for its flagship models, so to his astonishment, it was sending over whole subassemblies of ES vehicles from Japan essentially finished except for final assembly.

[@izni2880]

Next time could you pls speak slowly, not only european viewers)

[@peterb.7147]

This doesn’t compare to the Camry. Its Toyota version is the Avalon. You’re welcome.

[@mrBILL-sr2cu]

I like your reviews, but PLEASE, slow down and better enunciate your words. It would make your videos easier to listen to, and understand...

[@Pete_or_Peter4Long]

Cocaine is a hell of a drug

[@kenmccune8843]

Lexus built a cool car to take your beautiful wife for a drive

[@alanhumphrey4198]

My Lexus is more beautiful than my wife!!!

[@kenmccune8843]

Lexus comes before your beautiful wife to take her on a surprise trip with your new Lexus

[@user-bm8qs5gn8o]

No comparison. The ES is not even built on a Camry frame.

[@nicrwill]

Ugh! I wanna love this car but it looks to similar to a Camry.

[@user-vp5oc6ff4m]

My man, slow down when you speak.

[@esteban1487]

Listen faster, slow brain.

[@mrbungle112loser5]

That’s not the right year!!! It’s a 2019-2021

[@kevinevans8070]

It’s not a Camry it’s an avalon

[@donaldcumbie1698]

how far are you behind the ES changed to the Avalon years ago get a life

[@mnazas2299]

This car has nothing to do with a camry.

[@KARAN7497]

The front big grill is very ugly and most of the people surveyed do not like it, thats why they are not buying it

[@luptonpittman6520]

Don’t be silly. Very few people would not buy the car they want just because they don’t like the grille.

[@Freddie-gv1yg]

People are not buying it because it's expensive. The grill has nothing to do with it. I consider myself to have great taste in many things. The grill is awesome looking.

[@rodrigocanada6570]

Why do you need to talk so fast?

[@BenHardyCars]

I want the videos to be shorter in length

[@PlayafromtheHimalayas]

He only sounds fast for smooth brained individuals

[@BenHardyCars]

@@PlayafromtheHimalayas LOL

[@albertatundra]

Nothing but a fancier Toyota. I really don't see the point to buying this over a Camry.

[@naveenthemachine]

I’d much rather have a Camry w the v6 in XSE trim. Better deal and just as nice with better tech and folding rear seats

[@rmhop81]

I’m guessing you’ve never owned a Lexus then. Camry’s are loud and feel like they aren’t put together very well. ES is way better car than the Camry and is actually reasonably priced for what you get. Why pay more for a high end Camry when you can have a Lexus cheaper? I’ve owned both…

[@naveenthemachine]

@@rmhop81 the v6 in the Camry though is very quiet The 4 cylinder I agree is noisy. But I should point out the ES AWD uses the Camrys noisy 4 cylinder anyway And the Camry has better tech especially the gauge cluster. And unlike any es the rear seats fold

[@rmhop81]

@@naveenthemachine I’ve owned both and the Lexus is way more refined and feels well done. The noise isn’t the engine it’s the road noise in general. The Lexus cannot be beat. If you pick Toyota it’s bc you’ve never owned a Lexus. The 2 do not compare.

[@Mgoblagulkablong]

That's like saying a Camry is a fancier Corolla and not understanding why to buy a Camry instead of a Corolla..

[@naveenthemachine]

Still a Camry. No two ways about it. Fancy it all you want. It’s still a Camry. Uncompetitive with nothing to show for it

[@Mgoblagulkablong]

And you are still just a GM fanboy who talks ridiculous trash on all asian car videos on youtube.

[@luptonpittman6520]

I just bought a new ES to replace a V6 Camry. Night and day difference. If they were the same, they wouldn’t be 300 lbs different in weight.

[@popeyerubi1981]

@@luptonpittman6520 how different are they? Comfort and softer ride with the ES?

[@FJNLLC]

notice you got ratio'd...

[@tonysterbenc]

@@popeyerubi1981 Comfort, softer ride, quietness, room, interior materials, engine tuning, assembly tolerances and fit/finish, paint quality, high-end optional sound system and headlights, sales and dealer service experience. See Savagegeese's ES video for a good rundown.

[@GodsloveMuzik]

It’s meh 🫤 I’ve seen way better and up to date technologies in an Altima and Sonata from 3-5 years older… minus the suspension.

[@tonysterbenc]

When you saw those 5 year old Altimas and Sonatas, did you also happen to see their CVT transmission's belts lying on the road as the cars sat disabled on the shoulder?

[@GodsloveMuzik]

@@tonysterbenc As a matter of fact, I did not. Btw, Sonata does not use CVT transmission from those years. Try again. Badge loyalists are the most biased people I’ve seen. I owned both of them (2014 Altima and 15 Sonata and I still have the Sonata) both of which were very reliable. I sold the Altima to get a 2023 Elantra because I wanted to.

[@Freddie-gv1yg]

@@GodsloveMuzik Go drive the ES and let us all know if it rides like the Elantra or the sonata even though the Sonata is a nice car. Have you seen the 2024?