Is the on/off switch located on the driver's overhead console the only way for the rear passenger's reading lamps to be turned on?

 

That's the way I read it, and it seems the only way they operate.

 

They should also turn on when you open any of the doors. I wish rear passengers had access to turn these on for reading purposes.

 

I wish there was a way to change it out for a much better light. I was looking at the wifes IS350 rear seat light and wonder if I can have the dealer replace the ES with the IS light, now that would be cool.

 

The longer I've been around Toyota, the more headscratchers I seem to find... For example a Scion comes with one touch auto up & down window switches, my Sequoia did too, yet I'm stuck with a driver only auto "down" button in the Camry... WTF? charge me $50 more and upgrade the stupid switches.

Anyway back on topic... This too apears to be an anurism in the "creature comfort" department with Toyota. Maybe there are competing design teams and they don't share information, but rather design based on some drawings of a common platform. While not totally familiar with the ES rear lighting, I thought the reading lights to be pretty trick in the SE. Open a door and only the light on that side goes on and there are rear passenger controlled switches?

 

Ditto. I agree with what you said. Our Gen 5 Camry has covered hinges for the bootlid. The new one goes back to the exposed hinges like a Corolla. What gives? Also, the XLE V6 gets reclining rear seats but the ES doesn't.

 

One less thing for the kids to play with and brake.