Model Year | 2006 | 2008 | |
Model | Lexus ES | Volkswagen Jetta / Rabbit / GTI | |
Engine | 3.3L V6 DOHC-4v 218 hp@5600 236 lb-ft@3600 |
3.2L V6 DOHC-4v 250 hp@6300 236 lb-ft@2500 |
|
Transmission | 5-speed automatic | 6-speed automated manual | |
Drivetrain | FWD | AWD | |
Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr Sedan | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 107.1 in | 101.5 in | 5.6 in |
Length | 191.1 in | 179.3 in | 11.8 in |
Width | 71.3 in | 70.1 in | 1.2 in |
Height | 57.3 in | 57.4 in | -0.1 in |
Curb Weight | 3472 lb. | 3802 lb. | -330 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 18.5 gal. | 14.5 gal. | 4 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 37.6 in | 38.5 in | -0.9 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 56.8 in | 54.8 in | 2 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 55.5 in | 0.0 in | 55.5 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 42.2 in | 41.2 in | 1 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 36.9 in | 37.2 in | -0.3 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 55.8 in | 53.1 in | 2.7 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 55.5 in | 0.0 in | 55.5 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 35.6 in | 35.4 in | 0.2 in |
Total Legroom | 77.8 in (over 2 rows) | 76.6 in (over 2 rows) | 1.2 in |
Cargo Volume | 14.5 ft3 | 16.0 ft3 | -1.5 ft3 |
2006 Lexus ES Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2005 | 4dr Sedan 225-horsepower 3.3L V6 5-speed automatic FWD |
Comfortable seats. see full Lexus ES review |
2006 Lexus ES Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2007 | 4dr Sedan 272-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Had a ton of trouble with front seat comfort - had to trade it in after only 4 mos. Even my daughter's Sonata was more comfortable. Did everything i could to rectifiy - even had firmer cushions put into driver seat. Others have had the same issue. see full Lexus ES review |
2007 | 4dr Sedan 272-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Most awful front seats i have ever experienced in 40 yrs of driving. I have done everything i can to make it comfortable. Even had extra firmer padding added to the driver seat. Pain in my leg and lower back is unbearable - check forums for Lexus owners - seems to be a problem with taller men and even some women. Never ever had a problem like this in any car i have had or driven. Strange issue. see full Lexus ES review |
2007 | 4dr Sedan 272-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
If tall person sits in front seat, rear seat will not have a lot of legroom. Otherwise, very comfortable. Poor interior lighting in rear (front is bad, too, but slightly better). see full Lexus ES review |
2008 Volkswagen Jetta / Rabbit / GTI Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2009 | 2dr Hatch 170-horsepower 2.5L I5 5-speed manual FWD |
Plenty of shoulder/elbow/head room. see full Volkswagen Jetta / Rabbit / GTI review |
2009 | 2dr Hatch 170-horsepower 2.5L I5 5-speed manual FWD |
Adequate for 2 adults to sit comfortably. High roof, adequate legroom. see full Volkswagen Jetta / Rabbit / GTI review |
2009 | 2dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
Quite possibly the most comfortable front seats I have ever sat in. It is as if they were pulled straight from an Audi and placed in the GTI. An added bonus is the heated cloth, which is unusual because usually you need to option cold leather for heat. see full Volkswagen Jetta / Rabbit / GTI review |
2009 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed automated manual FWD |
Front seats are extremely supportive and even heated with the Interlagos cloth option see full Volkswagen Jetta / Rabbit / GTI review |
2008 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
Plenty of space, good lumbar support, nice side bolstering. see full Volkswagen Jetta / Rabbit / GTI review |
2008 | 4dr Hatch 170-horsepower 2.5L I5 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
well bolstered, firm, both driver and passenger seats have height and lumbar adjust see full Volkswagen Jetta / Rabbit / GTI review |
2008 | 2dr Hatch 250-horsepower 3.2L V6 6-speed automated manual AWD |
Fits me perfectly, all controls ideal for me. see full Volkswagen Jetta / Rabbit / GTI review |
2008 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed automated manual FWD |
With the 4 door GTI I can drive 4 full size adults around in comfort. Easy ingress-egress. see full Volkswagen Jetta / Rabbit / GTI review |
2008 | 2dr Hatch 250-horsepower 3.2L V6 6-speed automated manual AWD |
With only one car, I needed a sporty car with legitimate rear seat room and an automatic for the other users. I have had 2 6ft passengers in the back seat without complaint. The cushion could use a little more height/angle to aid in leg support. Nitpickin see full Volkswagen Jetta / Rabbit / GTI review |
2007 | 2dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed automated manual FWD |
The front seats offer great lateral support. see full Volkswagen Jetta / Rabbit / GTI review |
2008 Volkswagen Jetta / Rabbit / GTI Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2008 | 2dr Hatch 170-horsepower 2.5L I5 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
It works fine for me, but if you have adults that use the rear seat often they may find it a little uncomfortable for long trips. The legroom is decent, but the seats are a bit hard and not all that ergonomic. see full Volkswagen Jetta / Rabbit / GTI review |
2007 | 2dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed automated manual FWD |
Great for my kids (4 and 7) but small for adults. see full Volkswagen Jetta / Rabbit / GTI review |