ES V (XV40) vs LS IV (XF40): which is better?
Lexus ES V (XV40) (2006–2012) vs Lexus LS IV (XF40) (2006–2017): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
Lexus ES V (XV40)
Lexus LS IV (XF40)Specifications
| Lexus ES V (XV40) | Lexus LS IV (XF40) | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 2006–2012 | 2006–2017 |
| Body | sedan | sedan |
| Fuel | petrol | petrol |
| Engines | 3.5 V6 (ES350) | 4.6 V8 (LS460) |
| Power, up to | 277 hp | 380 hp |
| Torque, up to | 346 Nm | 493 Nm |
| Gearbox | automatic | automatic |
| Drive | front-wheel drive | rear-wheel drive |
| Length | 4 855 mm | 5 060 mm |
| Width | 1 820 mm | 1 875 mm |
| Height | 1 450 mm | 1 465 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 775 mm | 2 970 mm |
| Fuel tank | 70 L | 84 L |
| KZ tax 2026 (car under 10 years) | ≈ 68 375 ₸ | ≈ 510 225 ₸ |
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 LS IV (XF40)
Pros
- Gearbox Aisin automatic: generally reliable
- Powerful versions: up to 380 hp
- Large fuel tank: 84 L
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Toyota/Lexus UR engine (V8): water pump leak
- Gearbox Aisin automatic: valve body wear at high mileage
Engine (Toyota/Lexus UR (V8)): water pump leak; oil leaks through gaskets and seals at high mileage.
Gearbox (Aisin automatic): generally reliable; at high mileage — valve body wear.
Which one to choose
- ES V (XV40) — if you care more about: kz tax 2026.
- LS IV (XF40) — if you care more about: power, torque, wheelbase, fuel tank.
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 LS IV (XF40)?
ES V (XV40): up to 277 hp, LS IV (XF40): up to 380 hp.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: ES V (XV40) — about 68 375 ₸, LS IV (XF40) — about 510 225 ₸ (base engine). A 0.7 factor applies to cars aged 10–20 years and 0.5 to cars over 20.