KBB Best Buy: Midsize Car w/ disclaimer: “Based off of the 2019 model year. Although every reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained on this site, absolute accuracy cannot be guaranteed. Prices shown are manufacturer suggested retail prices only and include destination and handling fees but do not include dealer added options/accessories, taxes, license, or doc fee. Please contact us with any questions. Based on 2014 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary depending on driving conditions, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, battery-pack age/condition and other factors. For Fit EV Models, 132 city/105 highway/118 combined miles per gallon of gasoline-equivalent (MPGe) rating; 82 mile combined (city/highway) driving range rating (adjusted). Ratings determined by EPA. Use for comparison purposes only. Your MPGe and range will vary depending on driving conditions, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, lithium-ion battery age/condition, and other factors. For 2014 Honda Accord Plug-In Hybrid, 115 combined miles per gallon of gasoline-equivalent (MPGe) electric rating; 47 city/46 highway/46 combined MPG gasoline only rating. 13 mile maximum EV mode driving range rating. 570 mile combined gas-electric driving range rating. Based on 2014 EPA mileage and driving range ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your MPGe/MPG and driving range will vary depending on driving conditions, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, lithium-ion battery age/condition, and other factors.
It does look luxurious without looking bulky (squint: Ford E150). They may look puny for such a big car but 16 inch wheels that contribute to a smooth ride come standard. Changing them may pose some risks so do it wisely. All models come with a dual sunroof, perfect during a night drive. If there is a highlight of this vehicle, it would be going inside since the middle captain's chairs clad in leather come with ottoman and a foot rest that resembles the first class section of an airplane. The first two rows can recline using power controls, while third row occupants have to contend with manual adjustment. Other noteworthy features for a comfortable ride include cruise control, mood lighting, and Nano-E technology (Toyota's dust filter). While all gain DVD system, navigation system can be had for the 3.5 V6. Both the driver and six passengers will feel at home at the Alphard. Thanks to its narrow body, navigating through city streets is a piece of cake plus a higher driver's seat coupled to a wide glass makes driving easier. The passengers would love its comfortable ride but can get choppy in some situations. The price to pay may not be cheap, but every peso is worth it. Especially its luxurious aura and its presence, the Alphard is a viable alternative to an American van. While you can drool over the third generation model, well you can get this for less.
The original ES sedan upended the entry luxury category nearly 25 years ago by making a V6 standard in a segment populated by four-cylinder models, and by offering more interior room and more standard luxury amenities. The ES 350 offers an unmistakable look in the class, thanks in large part to the brand’s distinctive spindle grille design flanked by L-themed LED daytime running lights. The roof sweeps back for a coupe-like stance, and the taillights repeat the L motif. The shape cheats the wind with a low 0.27 coefficient of drag (Cd), which helps fuel efficiency while minimizing wind noise. This generation ES 350 design also fools the eye, offering more interior space in a sleeker package. The 1.8-inch stretch in wheelbase over the previous generation yielded a 4.1-inch gain in rear seat legroom, which now stretches to 40 inches (on par with larger sedans) and a 2.8-inch increase in knee room. Even with the sleeker roofline, this generation ES 350 offers nearly an inch more rear seat headroom than the previous generation. Rear passengers also get more foot space below the front seats.
Lexus filled the larger space with comfort, features and design details that belie the “entry luxury” label. The ES 350 comes standard with 10-way adjustable power front seats, automatic climate control, NuLuxe interior available in parchment, light gray or black and elegant piano black trim for instrument panel, doors and upper console. Lexus offers espresso bird’s eye maple for the trim or, new for 2014, bamboo. Also available, 12-way heated/ventilated power front seats allow the seat cushions to extend by 1.4 inches for added leg support. Lexus has been on the forefront of optimal ergonomics, a brand strength that’s helped to make multi-media system controls easy to operate. The ES 350 cockpit is divided into separate “display” and “operation” zones to help the driver remain focused on the road. Large, clear Optitron gauges, a Lexus mainstay, are supplemented by a 3.5-inch color TFT multi-information display screen that puts vital information directly in the driver’s line of sight. Lexus designed the ES 350’s controls to help reduce both driver body movement and eye movement.
