ES IV (XV30) vs Camry XV30: which is better?
Lexus ES IV (XV30) (2001–2006) vs Toyota Camry XV30 (2001–2006): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
Lexus ES IV (XV30)
Toyota Camry XV30Specifications
| Lexus ES IV (XV30) | Toyota Camry XV30 | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 2001–2006 | 2001–2006 |
| Body | sedan | sedan |
| Fuel | petrol | petrol |
| Engines | 3.3 V6 (ES330), 3.0 V6 (ES300) | 2.4, 3.0 V6 |
| Power, up to | 225 hp | 186 hp |
| Torque, up to | 325 Nm | 273 Nm |
| Gearbox | automatic | automatic |
| Drive | front-wheel drive | front-wheel drive |
| Length | 4 855 mm | 4 805 mm |
| Width | 1 810 mm | 1 795 mm |
| Height | 1 455 mm | 1 490 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 720 mm | 2 720 mm |
| Ground clearance | — | 155 mm |
| Fuel tank | 70 L | 70 L |
| KZ tax 2026 (car under 10 years) | ≈ 42 425 ₸ | ≈ 28 750 ₸ |
The better value is highlighted in green.
Pros, cons and common problems
Lexus ES IV (XV30)
Pros
- Powerful versions: up to 225 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
Toyota Camry XV30
Pros
- Japanese Aisin automatic
- Large tank: 70 L
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Toyota 2AZ-FE engine (2.4): oil consumption due to stuck piston rings (especially before 2009)
- Aisin gearbox (Toyota/Lexus 4–8-speed automatic): jolts when shifting at high mileage
- Toyota 1MZ-FE (3.0 V6) engine: piston ring coking and oil consumption
Engine (Toyota 2AZ-FE (2.4)): oil consumption due to stuck piston rings (especially before 2009); stripped cylinder head bolt threads in the aluminum block; water pump leak.
Gearbox (Aisin (Toyota/Lexus 4–8-speed automatic)): shift shocks at high mileage; solenoid wear from old oil.
Which one to choose
- ES IV (XV30) — if you care more about: power, torque.
- Camry XV30 — 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 IV (XV30) or Camry XV30?
ES IV (XV30): up to 225 hp, Camry XV30: up to 186 hp.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: ES IV (XV30) — about 42 425 ₸, Camry XV30 — about 28 750 ₸ (base engine). A 0.7 factor applies to cars aged 10–20 years and 0.5 to cars over 20.