Lexus Steering Weight
08-27-20, 06:57 PM
#16
Pole Position
I had the ES and then GS. I believe I made a mistake by getting the ES because the GS was a lot funner and sportier to drive. The GS was built like a tank where as the ES felt more like a Toyota. No offense to ES owners.
08-27-20, 07:36 PM
#17
Lexus Test Driver
Originally Posted by LexRuger
I had the ES and then GS. I believe I made a mistake by getting the ES because the GS was a lot funner and sportier to drive. The GS was built like a tank where as the ES felt more like a Toyota. No offense to ES owners.
08-27-20, 07:38 PM
#18
Lexus Fanatic
08-28-20, 05:11 AM
#19
drives cars
As much as it pains me to say it, yes. The last-gen ES just didn't have the solidity you might want in a Lexus - over bumps, it just felt a little floppy. The current-generation ES is much better in this regard though, especially in terms of ride quality. They really managed to maintain the same level of softness while keeping the suspension less floaty.
08-31-20, 06:12 PM
#21
Lexus Test Driver
The latest gen RWD based models - RC, GS, LC, IS and LS all have heavier steering than previous versions. If you want heavier steering than that then BMW is your answer 😀
MB has lighter steering than Lexus.
MB has lighter steering than Lexus.
09-01-20, 08:46 AM
#24
drives cars
Says the AMG GT 4-door owner. 
Yeah Lexus is remarkably consistent in their overall steering feel. Even if some models are lighter-feeling than others, somehow they all seem to respond similarly. That's even down to the brakes, too. Whereas, if I drive a Toyota Corolla and a Camry, they feel nothing alike.
Steering is hard to get right with EPAS, methinks. The only cars with EPAS that I have thought had truly "great" steering were the Macan and the Camaro SS. Just awesome - heavy enough without feeling labored, and good loading in the corners. Helps that they had smaller-diameter steering wheels. I thought the XF I drove felt a little on the artificially-heavy side, and while I do like my GTI's steering overall, it does have a very noticeable switch from slow to fast when you get off-center a bit thanks to the variable ratio rack. I will say the Lexus IS I had before had very natural feeling steering, but it was pretty numb. Not as numb as, say, an F30 BMW, but had less feel than even my GTI does.
Yeah Lexus is remarkably consistent in their overall steering feel. Even if some models are lighter-feeling than others, somehow they all seem to respond similarly. That's even down to the brakes, too. Whereas, if I drive a Toyota Corolla and a Camry, they feel nothing alike.
Steering is hard to get right with EPAS, methinks. The only cars with EPAS that I have thought had truly "great" steering were the Macan and the Camaro SS. Just awesome - heavy enough without feeling labored, and good loading in the corners. Helps that they had smaller-diameter steering wheels. I thought the XF I drove felt a little on the artificially-heavy side, and while I do like my GTI's steering overall, it does have a very noticeable switch from slow to fast when you get off-center a bit thanks to the variable ratio rack. I will say the Lexus IS I had before had very natural feeling steering, but it was pretty numb. Not as numb as, say, an F30 BMW, but had less feel than even my GTI does.
09-01-20, 09:55 AM
#26
I have a 2016 GS and NX, both non-F Sport. The NX is far stiffer than the GS but the GS has a more buttery smooth feel. The weight and feedback improved on the GS after switching to Michelin PS4S tires.
Prior, my wife had an ES from 2007 and that could be steered with a finger. There wasn't a hint of sport in that car and that's what I loved most about it.
Prior, my wife had an ES from 2007 and that could be steered with a finger. There wasn't a hint of sport in that car and that's what I loved most about it.
09-01-20, 01:47 PM
#27
Lexus Fanatic
Steering on the S560 is lighter than my LS460 for sure.
09-01-20, 02:02 PM
#28
drives cars
It's interesting, I don't find moderately heavy steering to seem totally out of place in bigger sedans. I think the Hyundai Genesis was a good example of that. The steering wasn't overly light, which had the effect of making it feel like I was making something happen when I turned the wheel. I really thought the steering was well-sorted in that car. Now, really light steering can be effortless and nice to have if done right. Like in, say, the newer ES. It's still light, not quite one-finger light, but light enough that turning into a parking space doesn't require any real effort unlike many of the sportier cars I've driven.
09-01-20, 02:16 PM
#29
Lexus Fanatic
I wouldn't say the steering in my LS460 is TOO heavy, its just not turn it with your pinky light at low speeds like the LS430 and LS400 were.
09-01-20, 05:46 PM
#30
Intermediate
Thread Starter
Says the AMG GT 4-door owner.
Yeah Lexus is remarkably consistent in their overall steering feel. Even if some models are lighter-feeling than others, somehow they all seem to respond similarly. That's even down to the brakes, too. Whereas, if I drive a Toyota Corolla and a Camry, they feel nothing alike.
Steering is hard to get right with EPAS, methinks. The only cars with EPAS that I have thought had truly "great" steering were the Macan and the Camaro SS. Just awesome - heavy enough without feeling labored, and good loading in the corners. Helps that they had smaller-diameter steering wheels. I thought the XF I drove felt a little on the artificially-heavy side, and while I do like my GTI's steering overall, it does have a very noticeable switch from slow to fast when you get off-center a bit thanks to the variable ratio rack. I will say the Lexus IS I had before had very natural feeling steering, but it was pretty numb. Not as numb as, say, an F30 BMW, but had less feel than even my GTI does.
Yeah Lexus is remarkably consistent in their overall steering feel. Even if some models are lighter-feeling than others, somehow they all seem to respond similarly. That's even down to the brakes, too. Whereas, if I drive a Toyota Corolla and a Camry, they feel nothing alike.
Steering is hard to get right with EPAS, methinks. The only cars with EPAS that I have thought had truly "great" steering were the Macan and the Camaro SS. Just awesome - heavy enough without feeling labored, and good loading in the corners. Helps that they had smaller-diameter steering wheels. I thought the XF I drove felt a little on the artificially-heavy side, and while I do like my GTI's steering overall, it does have a very noticeable switch from slow to fast when you get off-center a bit thanks to the variable ratio rack. I will say the Lexus IS I had before had very natural feeling steering, but it was pretty numb. Not as numb as, say, an F30 BMW, but had less feel than even my GTI does.
Make sure you check out the Mustang’s steering- very impressive. I have wanted to try a Camaro when on vacation but my wife never packs light enough for our luggage to fit in that trunk!