detboy

Looking into purchasing a es 300h. No doubt the widescreen looks much better. Wondering if I’m planning on using CarPlay for Navi and streaming if practically there wide screen offers any advantage over the standard 8 inch screen?

thanks in advance

LexESness

I have driven ES models with small screen as loaners. Compared to my ES with the wide screen, the extra width does not really give additional functionality. Apple carplay will display an extra column of icons, and the google/apple map view will give more info on either side, which I find nice but not really a big deal. My other car with carplay has an even smaller screen than the ES small screen and I don't really miss any functionality.

Having said that, it looks to me that the ES widescreen is a much higher quality display. I haven't looked up the specifications but I would guess the widescreen has a higher resolution, better contrast, and richer color. That back-to-back comparison of both screens validated my choice of going with the widescreen. Purely subjective as others may not care as much about picture quality. If you get the small screen, the trick is not to ride the model with the widescreen

ionian

The 12.3" widescreen on my ES300h is awesome. I love it. I came from the 8 inch on the Audi and it can't hold a candle to the ES. Well worth the upgrade considering the typical ES buyers' age hehe. I know my eyesight isn't as good as they were in my 40s heh.

wvufanmg

Coming from a 2017 to a 2021 ES350, the larger, wider screen is excellent. With CarPlay, I can have both the Waze map and another app (music, audiobook, etc.) open on the screen and still see everything easily. The wider is definitely beneficial if you’re using that application.

mcomer

With the Lexus Navigation and larger screen you get the Weather Channel. Info is updated for
free through local HD radio stations and/or your paired phone with the Lexus App. I have not
found a suitable Apple Car Play weather app, Weatherology is lame.

It is nice to view the native Lexus Nav screen and run Waze in the background. Alerts chime in
and it is easy to tap the Waze screen up to view traffic conditions but having any of the ACP
Nav Apps up only permits the side bar to show phone based media.

mcomer

Switched to "Day Mode" to show resolution of the wide screen, too bright to drive with however.