FACE OFF: 2011 Lexus ES350 VS 2011 Toyota Avalon Which Is The Better Buy?

Yes, I realize that the Toyota Avalon and Lexus ES350 aren’t competitors. I know the ES350 is based on the Toyota Camry, and I realize they’re in two totally different classes. But hear me out.

Over the past couple of weeks, we’ve been driving both the 2011 Avalon and 2011 ES350, and I’d say they’re incredibly similar. In fact, I’d bet there are plenty of buyers who would cross-shop the two. Despite the size difference, the two are closely related. Both are luxury sedans powered by the same 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 268 horsepower, both use the same 6-speed automatic transmission, and both transfer the power to the front wheels. Both get about the same fuel economy (I averaged a little over 24 mpg in each, ) have the same safety features, and use the same audio and navigation system. They even cost around the same amount of money, provided you equip both similarly.



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knowitall1985 - 2/28/2011 3:23:40 PM

+6 Boost

I'll take the ES350. Better warranty and resale. I would rather go to a Lexus dealer for service. I think the ES looks less grandpa as well.....

SanJoseDriver - 2/28/2011 3:28:04 PM

+7 Boost

The ES has an available panoramic roof, better finish, and Lexus service.

monster - 2/28/2011 3:39:55 PM

+2 Boost

I would go with Avalon. full size car and Lexus type fit an finish for same price as a midsize Lexus.

Willis - 2/28/2011 3:49:33 PM

-3 Boost

Yaris!

LexSucks - 2/28/2011 5:22:10 PM

+1 Boost

Battle of the Supreme Lame Mobiles.

theoptimisticpessimist - 2/28/2011 5:23:47 PM

-4 Boost

Aren't they the same car.

vinman1013 - 2/28/2011 6:06:53 PM

-2 Boost

Strangely enough, a comparably equipped ES costs the same as the Avalon. Lexus then. But the minute the price differential is above $1k then its the Toyota all the way. Only and idiot would pay a 30% mark up for the same car...

BimmersNme - 2/28/2011 10:12:42 PM

-1 Boost

I am out of words trying to describe the lameness,naiveness and total lack of taste that the large majority of japanese Car Makers constantly show with their "designs".I mean, look at the Headlights of that Avalon!And the Lexus is no better...They should give up trying to design their cars,leave it to the Italians! They make some pretty good cars, but design-wise, they are a Joke...a bad one...

quizz - 2/28/2011 11:17:22 PM

-1 Boost

The person shopping for an Avalon needs the space and has no reason to buy an ES, a ridiculous comparison. We bought an Avalon for my parents because they feel secure in a large car and like driving their grandkids in a roomy sedan; sure for the same price we could've gotten an ES but that's a completely different car.

What next? Ford F250 vs. BMW 128i?

carguy68 - 3/1/2011 11:28:43 AM

0 Boost

They both fail!

chesterremy_29 - 7/6/2011 4:23:06 AM

+1 Boost

What I know about these cars is they're completely the same in terms of performance and style. You'll just have the same satisfaction." No car between the two is no good. Both are great. In terms of parts replacements and repairs, both are also great. You won't have to worry about it because it's not that costly and it's all worth spending like for instance having your <a href="http://www.automd.com/repair/lexus_m13/">Lexus repair</a> wouldn't be a problem. The parts are not that hard to find and you can do the repairing yourself. There's an easy way to owning both these cars.