With the same exact powertrain from a Camry AWD, this vehicle is way too unrefined and harsh to wear a “L” badge. The 8 speed gives lots of effort to make the best of the 203 HP, but it ends up making the car sound and feel agricultural at best. I’ve been in cheaper cars with more refined powertrains. The ES 250 is not worthy of it’s almost $43K starting price. Keep in mind you can easily get one of these to touch $50K with the right options added. There’s several vehicles that can be had in that price range that have enjoyable driving dynamics. The Acura TLX SH-AWD immediately jumps to mind followed up with the Genesis G70, and finishing out with the 2024 BMW 330xi. I’d much rather give those brands my $40-50K and enjoy my sedan than to be behind the wheel of a Camry that’s wearing a little make up and a dress. Harsh, maybe. Truthful, for sure!
No but the Integra was never touted as a luxury vehicle that wanted to forget about its Civic roots. People that own ES’ act as if they’re not driving a slightly nicer Camry.
With the same exact powertrain from a Camry AWD, this vehicle is way too unrefined and harsh to wear a “L” badge. The 8 speed gives lots of effort to make the best of the 203 HP, but it ends up making the car sound and feel agricultural at best. I’ve been in cheaper cars with more refined powertrains. The ES 250 is not worthy of it’s almost $43K starting price. Keep in mind you can easily get one of these to touch $50K with the right options added. There’s several vehicles that can be had in that price range that have enjoyable driving dynamics. The Acura TLX SH-AWD immediately jumps to mind followed up with the Genesis G70, and finishing out with the 2024 BMW 330xi. I’d much rather give those brands my $40-50K and enjoy my sedan than to be behind the wheel of a Camry that’s wearing a little make up and a dress. Harsh, maybe. Truthful, for sure!
V6s are going away in many lines. Highlander I believe comes with a 4 banger in lower trims
All Highlander’s are 4 bangers now. Just with turbos. They actually don’t feel sluggish to me.
well from what I heard they even make es200 in Asia which has the same powertrain as the 2.0 Toyota Corolla with the cvt 😂
Wouldn’t be surprised. 🤣
Not completely unlike the Si vs the Integra in a way
No but the Integra was never touted as a luxury vehicle that wanted to forget about its Civic roots. People that own ES’ act as if they’re not driving a slightly nicer Camry.