ES III (XV20) vs Camry XV20: which is better?
Lexus ES III (XV20) (1996–2001) vs Toyota Camry XV20 (1996–2001): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
Lexus ES III (XV20)
Toyota Camry XV20Specifications
| Lexus ES III (XV20) | Toyota Camry XV20 | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 1996–2001 | 1996–2001 |
| Body | sedan | sedan |
| Fuel | petrol | petrol |
| Engines | 3.0 V6 (ES300) | 2.2, 3.0 V6 |
| Power, up to | 200 hp | 194 hp |
| Torque, up to | 290 Nm | 283 Nm |
| Gearbox | automatic | automatic |
| Drive | front-wheel drive | front-wheel drive |
| Length | 4 830 mm | 4 760 mm |
| Width | 1 790 mm | 1 785 mm |
| Height | 1 420 mm | 1 420 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 670 mm | 2 670 mm |
| Fuel tank | 70 L | 70 L |
| KZ tax 2026 (car under 10 years) | ≈ 42 425 ₸ | ≈ 27 350 ₸ |
The better value is highlighted in green.
Pros, cons and common problems
Lexus ES III (XV20)
Pros
- Powerful versions: up to 200 hp
- Conventional automatic, no robotized gearbox or CVT
- Large tank: 70 L
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Toyota 1MZ-FE (3.0 V6) engine: piston ring coking and oil consumption
- Age: the last cars were built in 2001, condition is everything
Engine (Toyota 1MZ-FE (3.0 V6)): ring coking and oil consumption; cracked engine mounts.
Toyota Camry XV20
Pros
- Powerful versions: up to 194 hp
- Conventional automatic, no robotized gearbox or CVT
- Large tank: 70 L
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Toyota S-FE (2.0–2.2) engine: oil consumption after 250k+ km
- Toyota 1MZ-FE (3.0 V6) engine: piston ring coking and oil consumption
- Low ground clearance: 130 mm
- Age: the last cars were built in 2001, condition is everything
Engine (Toyota S-FE (2.0–2.2)): oil consumption after 250k+ km; seal leaks.
Which one to choose
- ES III (XV20) — if you care more about: power, torque.
- Camry XV20 — if you care more about: kz tax 2026.
The condition of a specific car matters more than the model: check the service history and get the engine and gearbox inspected before buying.
FAQ
Which is more powerful: ES III (XV20) or Camry XV20?
ES III (XV20): up to 200 hp, Camry XV20: up to 194 hp.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: ES III (XV20) — about 42 425 ₸, Camry XV20 — about 27 350 ₸ (base engine). A 0.7 factor applies to cars aged 10–20 years and 0.5 to cars over 20.
Other comparisons
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