We're number one! Motor Trend did an article on in-cabin air cleanliness. The 2019 ES300h had the dirtiest air of all vehicles tested!

 

What about the 350?

 

Fake news.

 

As far as I know, the 350 wasn't tested, but I would assume it would test the same as the 300h.

 

Why is this fake news? I can send source info if it helps, but it likely won't change your mind (judging from your flippant reply).

 

What makes one cars cabin dirtier than another?

 

Poor filtering by the cabin air filter? Or, perhaps the design of the HVAC system leaks dirty air in which mixes with the clean filtered air.

 

I think Most cabin filters are the same. Lexus uses an odor cancelling compound( carbon) in addition.

All fresh air goes through the filter before mixing with internal Air.

I still don't understand how it is possible that the air is dirtier. Cabin air filter is meant to remove the dust and pollen from air. If outside air is contaminated, then it will not be cleaned by any cabin air filter, no matter what they claim. Just my opinion...

 

Something as simple as a bad seal on the cabin filter could cause it to be ineffective in cleaning the air. Too, any "leak" in the entire "clean air system," or cabin itself, could lead to bad air.

The testing reporting in Motor Trend was done by a third-party, and used scientific instruments to look at the size of the particles and numbers of particles in the cabin, in relation to the outside air (being drawn into the cabin). Hopefully the 300h they tested was an anomaly, and not representative of all ES's!

 

Is this your first time posting online? Who the heck declares something like this without providing a link?

 

Googled this and found. Very disturbing and hope lexus responds. https://www.motortrend.com/news/vehi...es-fleet-data/

 

My guess is their HVAC system is quite basic and "leaky" meaning not air tight. Also the filter itself might be cheap as well. Maybe I'll upgrade filters next time since Rockauto has a whole list of brands to choose from. Buy a Honda Civic filter and cut it to size? lol

This is one of those "Secret" internal money savers Toyota likes to favor and I have a feeling the system is as cheap and basic internally (Secretly) as it can be because no one is looking or testing. a consumer will just turn the AC on and go "oh it blows, cool" why would a manufacturer want to spend money? Every few cents increase in cost is massive over thousands of cars.

Say what you will about Honda but in my many years observing the behavior of car companies, they're one of the good ones doing secret internal high end engineering where no one will see or notice.

Lexus is still better in my view, but Honda is more consistent. If that makes sense. I can cite many examples from my detailed experience w/ cars (and no not just driving them, using them) but thats beyond the scope here. Good job Honda!

 

clqw: Don't kill the messenger! The number of times I've posted is documented in the header of my post, so obviously, this not my first time posting. I read this information in a hard copy issue of Motor Trend and offered to provide the "source" info (issue date/page #) if needed. I've provided links in previous posts when referring to online info. Is this your first time replying to a CL post? Generally, members attempt to be civil to other CL members and don't publicly berate them.

Alextv: Thanks for finding the article online and providing the link!

 

Thank you for the link. This is what the OP should have provided when he made the post to declare something so concerning to most owners of a vehicle this class.

Note to self, don't turn on the air recirculation mode!

 

^Well to be fair he was reading a hardcopy of the magazine and did not have access to an article in the form of a link. Hell I googled for that article yesterday and i couldn't find it.