TechNut

In my opinion, the 2019 ES ride is slightly better (smoother/softer) but not by a great deal. Our 2015 had 17” rims and our 2019 has 18” rims. I would argue that the ride is very comparable, although the car we test drove with 17” rims was slightly smoother than our 2015. The 2019 does feel more solid and absorbs road imperfects better, even if the general ride isn’t dramatically different.

12jimmyjam

I drive in eco in my 300h 98% of the time because mpgs are important to me. Plus during my commute, I’m pretty much boxed in the whole time which makes the hybrid ideal for me. Otherwise I’m just throwing money away. I also find acceleration in eco more than adequate which really surprised me. When merging rapidly I’ll throw it in normal or sport and sport mode is nice on the twisties. Currently averaging 39 mpg and that’s zipping through traffic when I have the opportunities.

Also, in the hybrid model, it feels like you gain half a liter in displacement for every turn of the dial (i.e. 2.0, 2.5, and 3.0).

Dampfwalze

It makes sense to drive conservatively with a hybrid - particularly 4 cylinders, but I haven't driven these cars with the 4 cylinder hybrid. Sorta funny they'd have a sport mode especially since they use a CVT also I believe. However, we have a 2007 one of the first generation hybrids in the Highlander and it still came with the 3.3 V6, so I find it faster because those electric motors get it moving instantly and it still has the power of the V6 once it revs up and takes over the work easily from the electric motors. I'd buy another hybrid if they were still making them like that - minimal mpg improvement, but it's really easy to creep forward in stop in go traffic - and never feels slow. Anyways, I don't think most people consider how the instant torque gets the car moving the first 25-35mph very fast on a hybrid - at least the old ones. It's also funny to see the surprise on people's face when they figure you are going to drive slow since it says hybrid and pull up next to you at a stop.

12jimmyjam

Oh yeah that’s the other thing about sport and normal mode on the hybrid: the exhaust becomes a lot louder I’m assuming from running at higher rpms and it sounds pretty terrible-like a cheap four cylinder rental. And with the cvt it just continually drones under heavy load. Eco is much quieter under load.

JimInTN

Eco mode 100%, like the mpg's at 32 overall, enough power to speed up as needed.

Hasman69

I have a 2016 ES 350 and drive in Eco mode most of the times. Once in a while when I am not stuck in Chicago traffic and in the mood then will use Sports mode but that's very rare. Funny thing is, I prefer Eco over Normal. I really don't feel much difference between Eco and Normal when accelerating. There is more than adequate power in Eco mode for my driving style. I had a GS350 before and felt I used to drive way too fast so with the ES, I try to drive in a more safe and relaxed manner and the boost in mpg is an added bonus.