Lexus Steering Weight
#1
Intermediate
Thread Starter
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Hi All,
Not sure if this is the right subforum, but I will give it a shot. Mods, feel free to move elsewhere in the site.
In January we got a certified 2016 ES350 for my wife as our first Lexus after mostly European vehicles. I have enjoyed the Lexus very much with the exception of the overly light steering. I will say that sport mode firms up the steering to a greater extent than on our Volvo or Porsche, but even in sport the steering is very light.
The ES needed service and we had a UX for a loaner. The steering was a little heavier in that model. Although I don’t like the UX, I was wondering if the GS, IS or NX would have much better steering weight than our ES.
Those who have owned or driven the current gen of those models, please let me know your thoughts on this matter. Thanks in advance!!
Not sure if this is the right subforum, but I will give it a shot. Mods, feel free to move elsewhere in the site.
In January we got a certified 2016 ES350 for my wife as our first Lexus after mostly European vehicles. I have enjoyed the Lexus very much with the exception of the overly light steering. I will say that sport mode firms up the steering to a greater extent than on our Volvo or Porsche, but even in sport the steering is very light.
The ES needed service and we had a UX for a loaner. The steering was a little heavier in that model. Although I don’t like the UX, I was wondering if the GS, IS or NX would have much better steering weight than our ES.
Those who have owned or driven the current gen of those models, please let me know your thoughts on this matter. Thanks in advance!!
#2
Lexus Fanatic
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The answer is yes, the "sportier" RWD based Lexus models like the IS and GS will have heavier weight to the steering.
#3
Intermediate
Thread Starter
#4
Lexus Test Driver
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They are similar in the same spec. The F-Sport versions of both cars have a Sport+ where steering is much heavier...the suspension also becomes stiffer because of the adaptive suspension.
#5
Lexus Champion
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I wish my AWD LS had lighter steering. Darn electric power steering!
#7
Lexus Fanatic
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The 460 has weightier steering than previous LS generations for sure.
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#8
Lexus Champion
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I have no idea what the LS500s steering is like but I have to imagine that it feels better than the 460s steering.
#9
drives cars
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My IS had decently heavy steering, especially compared to something like a 2016 ES. I seem to remember the 2019 ES loaner I had having heavier steering, but not as heavy as the IS. If I recall correctly, both the ES and RX had very light steering, with the NX being slightly heavier. After that, you have cars like the IS, RC, etc. I have not driven a GS, but the IS and RC felt pretty much identical.
#10
Lexus Fanatic
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The latest ES is heavier steering, but still very light.
#11
drives cars
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Hm, yeah now that you mention it, I think it was pretty light. Maybe it's the new steering wheel, or the rack, but either way, it feels substantially more connected than the last-gen model to me. It's definitely not as over-boosted as something like an Altima, which has a quick rack but also very light steering. The new ES has a better balance of steering ratio and weight. The older one had a slower rack which may only serve to highlight how little feel there was to it.
#12
Racer
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GS F-Sport steering weight is definitely on the heavier side, regardless of what drive mode you're in. The steering feel is fantastic though. Lexus seems to be one of the only manufacturers who've got a grip on electric power steering and know how to make it feel direct and connected to the road, yet still refined and luxurious.
I do wish, every now and then, for a "comfort" type mode where the steering weight was what you'd think it would be like when you think of a "typical Lexus."
I do wish, every now and then, for a "comfort" type mode where the steering weight was what you'd think it would be like when you think of a "typical Lexus."
#14
Intermediate
Thread Starter
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My IS had decently heavy steering, especially compared to something like a 2016 ES. I seem to remember the 2019 ES loaner I had having heavier steering, but not as heavy as the IS. If I recall correctly, both the ES and RX had very light steering, with the NX being slightly heavier. After that, you have cars like the IS, RC, etc. I have not driven a GS, but the IS and RC felt pretty much identical.