No the acceleration delays and jerking is not normal. I have a 2020 ES 350 and I just recently started to experience the jerking and a time delay when accelerating and decelerating. My car is currently at the dealer, for this issue. This is my third time taking it to the dealership within the past three months, due to this issue. They told me they fixed it before and that the system just needed to update and now they are trying to tell me it’s normal. I’m not buying it. There is clearly an issue with the acceleration that they do not won’t to properly address. I experienced this same issue with my 2010 Toyota Corolla, and had to have the transmission replaced. After the transmission was replaced the acceleration was smooth.

 

Let us know what happens. I would be very interested in what your dealer says/does.

I did a little digging and apparently the 2021 model has a different computer part number. I don’t know about the software, but my SA at the dealer did mention that others have said the same as I have about noticing a substantial performance and drivability improvement over the 2019/2020 models in the 2021s after having one as a loaner.

 

I had a 2021 ES250 loaner with the 8 speed transmission and a 2020 RX with the 8 speed transmission. The drivability of them is far worse than the refined and smooth 6-speed transmission that I am accustomed to. I always have to keep them in SPORT mode to get any decent acceleration with these 8 speeds, especially with the ES250 which is grossly underpowered and has the wrong powertrain for this vehicle (which should be in a Camry not an ES) to begin with.

 

The 8 speed in the ES s far worse than that in the RX. Not even close.

 

I agree with you 6 speed automatic is a rock sold i used to have a 2008 GS 350 and the driving experience was very enjoyable and very smooth, now with my 2019 ES 350 F sport i get what you saying with the 8 speed automatic but from what i read and watch alot of videos saying this is the new transmission characteristics of this transmission and nothing wrong at all with it, you just gotta get used to it, do you ever drive it in S mode ( manual ) it’s a different story 👌🚀

 

For what it's worth, my 2021 was experiencing some hesitation on shifting up from a stop, especially climbing a hill. I switched to 91 octane fuel and everything went away. You and others may be skeptical. All I can say is it worked wonders in my low mileage original owner car. Try a tankful. You have nothing to lose. I use Sunoco.

 

22' ES350 F-Sport experiencing same symptoms as many others. Especially when cold and in ECO mode forget it, it's like a jittery roller coaster. When warm it always hunts gears and when stopping very aggressive downshifts that make you jolt forward. Dealer stated it is normal for the 8-Speed's. Has anyone changed fluid and see if it helps smoothen things out? Also saw a few responses about a TCU update but it looks like on earlier models?

 

My advice - you eventually get used to it. I have five years into ownership. I won't let anyone touch the fluid for fear it could make things worse. If you do lots of stop and go driving, this tranny is probably not for you.

 

If one leaves the car is Sports mode. how bad does the MPG get? It is really that much of a difference?

 

I suspect nearly no difference. I've never tested that theory though. I only drive in Sport mode. Switch it on at every startup without even thinking about it.

 

Rarely ever used sport mode but for about a year I used normal and when switched to eco it was about 2-3 MPG difference and just leave it there. Mine is hybrid and may not relate to non hybrid mode settings. I really like the AGC feature when in eco mode.

 

Yeah I can't imagine SPORT in a hybrid? But I'll find out soon. My wife takes delivery later today on a 24 RX350h.

 

When you drive the RX Hybrid your ES 8 speed might start feeling like a new driver learning a stick shift.
My '24 ES350 sometimes downshifts abrubtly at a stop sign epecially when cold but I've been happy otherwise.

 

very funny indeed!