ES V (XV40) vs GS III (S190): which is better?
Lexus ES V (XV40) (2006–2012) vs Lexus GS III (S190) (2005–2011): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
Lexus ES V (XV40)
Lexus GS III (S190)Specifications
| Lexus ES V (XV40) | Lexus GS III (S190) | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 2006–2012 | 2005–2011 |
| Body | sedan | sedan |
| Fuel | petrol | petrol |
| Engines | 3.5 V6 (ES350) | 3.0 V6 (GS300) |
| Power, up to | 277 hp | 249 hp |
| Torque, up to | 346 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Gearbox | automatic | automatic |
| Drive | front-wheel drive | rear-wheel drive |
| Length | 4 855 mm | 4 825 mm |
| Width | 1 820 mm | 1 820 mm |
| Height | 1 450 mm | 1 425 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 775 mm | 2 850 mm |
| Fuel tank | 70 L | 71 L |
| KZ tax 2026 (car under 10 years) | ≈ 68 375 ₸ | ≈ 42 425 ₸ |
The better value is highlighted in green.
Pros, cons and common problems
Lexus ES V (XV40)
Pros
- Powerful versions: up to 277 hp
- Japanese Aisin automatic
- Large tank: 70 L
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Engine Toyota 2GR-FE/FKS (3.5 V6): rubber VVT-i oil line can burst on early engines (before ~2010)
- Aisin gearbox (Toyota/Lexus 4–8-speed automatic): jolts when shifting at high mileage
Engine (Toyota 2GR-FE/FKS (3.5 V6)): rupture of the rubber VVT-i oil line on early engines (before ~2010); water pump leak; valve cover gasket leaks.
Gearbox (Aisin (Toyota/Lexus 4–8-speed automatic)): shift shocks at high mileage; solenoid wear from old oil.
Lexus GS III (S190)
Pros
- Gearbox Aisin automatic: generally reliable
- Powerful versions: up to 249 hp
- Large tank: 71 L
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Lexus 3GR/4GR-FSE (V6) engine: carbon buildup on intake valves due to direct injection
- Gearbox Aisin automatic: valve body wear at high mileage
Engine (Lexus 3GR/4GR-FSE (V6)): carbon buildup on intake valves due to direct injection; oil consumption.
Gearbox (Aisin automatic): generally reliable; at high mileage — valve body wear.
Which one to choose
- ES V (XV40) — if you care more about: power, torque.
- GS III (S190) — if you care more about: wheelbase, fuel tank, 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 V (XV40) or GS III (S190)?
ES V (XV40): up to 277 hp, GS III (S190): up to 249 hp.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: ES V (XV40) — about 68 375 ₸, GS III (S190) — about 42 425 ₸ (base engine). A 0.7 factor applies to cars aged 10–20 years and 0.5 to cars over 20.