FastFord

I took my 2016 RX in for some service campaign and I got a 2016 ES350 as my loaner. I don't think it was a loaded one, but it sure drove great! Very smooth on the highway, fast ( sort of), good handling, and overall a very nice vehicle.

So if Lexus can make this car, why can't they sort out the tranny problems with the RX. I suspect that the ES is a 6 speed and the RX350 is an 8 speed. Future ES owners better hope they don't stick an 8 speed in your car, cause you might not enjoy it.

I think I'll ignore the dealers calls to come and pick up my RX and enjoy the smooth shifting of a real transmission!
Have a great day.

lesz

Yes, the Generation 6 ES has a 6 speed transmission, and combined with the 3.5 liter V6, I think it makes an excellent power train.

I suspect that, when the Generation 7 ES is introduced for the 2019 model year, there is a good possibility that Lexus will move to an 8 speed transmission for the car, and I'm not sure that that would be a step forward. Not only with the RX, but also with other Lexus models and models from other manufacturers, I've read a good number of complaints about 8 speed (or more) transmissions.

dchar

I have the 8-speed in my 2017 GS350 and it performs nothing like the 8-speed in the RX...no issues or complaints. I wonder if it's due to the transverse mounting in FWD...? Pretty sure Lexus will work hard to make sure the issues in the RX doesn't show up in the next gen ES.

bc6152

Forget the eight speed tranny. The LC500 has a 10 speed trans. YOW!

Check out this link: https://www.autoblog.com/2017/04/10/...ith-10-speeds/

I can't speak for every 2013 ES, but the engine and 6 speed transmission in my car runs as smooth as a prom queen's thighs...
As I'm planning on a 2019 I'm hoping things don't change too much in that department.

LexBob2

I've had three (non Lexus) vehicles with 8 speed transmissions including two currently and they've all been smooth as butter with no issues. As mentioed 9 and 10 speed trannies are appearing in more vehicles.

BradTank

In my experience, the more gears automakers add, the worse it drives. All to save a tiny amount on fuel economy to meet the ridiculous government standards.

I hope they figure out, but I've driven new luxury cars that 15 years ago nobody would accept on an entry level car. Constant jerking and surging at parking lot speeds, etc.

EJC

The issue with the Tranny as I understand is the 8-10 gears make it difficult for it to settle into a gear for cruising. Depending on driving style it will continuously search for the proper gear.

LexBob2

ZF supplied 8 speed transmissions are very smooth and have received positive reviews in cars that use them. One of our cars has an Aisin supplied 8 speed (I believe Lexus uses them) and it's smooth too. These 8-10 speeds should get better and more refined at more manufacturers use them.