ES VI (XV60) vs IS III (XE30): which is better?
Lexus ES VI (XV60) (2012–2018) vs Lexus IS III (XE30) (2013–present): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
Lexus ES VI (XV60)
Lexus IS III (XE30)Specifications
| Lexus ES VI (XV60) | Lexus IS III (XE30) | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 2012–2018 | 2013–present |
| Body | sedan | sedan |
| Fuel | petrol | petrol |
| Engines | 2.5 (ES250) | 2.5 V6 (IS250) |
| Power, up to | 184 hp | 208 hp |
| Torque, up to | 235 Nm | 252 Nm |
| Gearbox | automatic | automatic |
| Drive | front-wheel drive | rear-wheel drive |
| Length | 4 900 mm | 4 665 mm |
| Width | 1 820 mm | 1 810 mm |
| Height | 1 450 mm | 1 430 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 820 mm | 2 800 mm |
| Fuel tank | 65 L | 66 L |
| KZ tax 2026 (car under 10 years) | ≈ 29 450 ₸ | ≈ 29 450 ₸ |
The better value is highlighted in green.
Pros, cons and common problems
Lexus ES VI (XV60)
Pros
- Japanese Aisin automatic
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Toyota 2AR-FE engine (2.5): VVT-i actuator rattle on cold start
- Aisin gearbox (Toyota/Lexus 4–8-speed automatic): jolts when shifting at high mileage
Engine (Toyota 2AR-FE (2.5)): VVT-i coupling rattle on cold start; water pump leak; at high mileage — increased oil consumption.
Gearbox (Aisin (Toyota/Lexus 4–8-speed automatic)): shift shocks at high mileage; solenoid wear from old oil.
Lexus IS III (XE30)
Pros
- Gearbox Aisin automatic: generally reliable
- Powerful versions: up to 208 hp
- Currently in production — can be bought new
- 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 VI (XV60) — if you care more about: wheelbase.
- IS III (XE30) — if you care more about: power, torque, 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 VI (XV60) or IS III (XE30)?
ES VI (XV60): up to 184 hp, IS III (XE30): up to 208 hp.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: ES VI (XV60) — about 29 450 ₸, IS III (XE30) — about 29 450 ₸ (base engine). A 0.7 factor applies to cars aged 10–20 years and 0.5 to cars over 20.