2019 Lexus ES 300h Review

　　

zzdcar' Expert Review

byCameron RogersManager, News

　　Cameron Rogers has worked in the automotive industry since 2013. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Today, he leads the news team in developing cutting-edge news articles, opinion pieces and sneak peeks at upcoming vehicles. Favorite cars that he's driven during his tenure at zzdcar include the 991-era Porsche 911 Turbo S, Rolls-Royce Ghost and several generations of Honda Odyssey (really).

　　

What's new

Fully redesigned for 2019Improved fuel efficiencyUpgraded technology, safety features and driver aidsMore passenger and cargo spacePart of the seventh ES generation introduced for 2019

　　Hybrids typically fall into two price categories. On the lower end are fuel-sipping eco-hatchbacks. Pay more and you'll open the doors to performance luxury vehicles, which use the electric motor's extra power to produce enviable acceleration. The 2019 Lexus ES 300h is one of the few cars that compete in between. Its large, roomy cabin is undeniably more upscale than a standard hybrid's, but its price is barely higher than that of the Toyota Avalon Hybrid upon which it is based. The Lexus can't beat its German rivals in terms of outright speed, but it undercuts the competition by thousands of dollars, and its modest four-cylinder engine is undeniably more fuel-efficient.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2019 Lexus ES 300h 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.04 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$85/mo  for ES 300h Base

　　ES 300h Base

　　4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) (Most Popular) - $41,560 MSRPLuxury 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $44,215 MSRPUltra Luxury 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $45,210 MSRP

　　vs

　　$197/mo

　　Avg. Large Car

　　The ES 300h and the similar V6-powered ES 350 are redesigned for 2019. The sedan is longer, lower and wider than its predecessor, allowing for an increased wheelbase to give it more passenger legroom. The relocated battery pack, now residing under the rear seats, means the ES 300h has the same trunk space as the ES 350.

　　Inside, many of the touch points have been lifted from more expensive Lexuses, giving the ES an even more premium vibe than before. The technology interface continues to be a sore spot, though the availability of Apple CarPlay makes it less aggravating than in years past. Still, the touchpad controller is more finicky and less precise than the knob controller favored by rivals.

　　The 2019 Lexus ES 300h is a marked improvement over its predecessor, with a nicer interior and more passenger and cargo room. It doesn't have many direct competitors — the 2019 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid is the only other like-minded luxury midsize in this price range — and we think buyers looking to step up from everyday hybrids will enjoy its enticing blend of luxury and value.

　　Notably, we picked the 2019 Lexus ES 300h as one of zzdcar' Best Luxury Cars for this year.

　　

zzdcar' Expert Rating

7.9 / 10

　　

Trim tested

　　Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the 2019 Lexus ES 300h (2.5L 4-cyl hybrid | CVT automatic | FWD).

　　

Scorecard

Overall	7.9 / 10
Driving	7.0
Comfort	8.5
Interior	8.5
Utility	8.5
Technology	6.5

　　

Driving

7.0

　　We didn't expect much from this luxury hybrid in terms of performance, but the ES 300h handles surprisingly well. Acceleration is adequate overall, and it's downright impressive for a vehicle this efficient. Unfortunately, the transfer from regenerative to friction braking is harsh and un-Lexus-like.

　　

Acceleration

7.0

　　The ES 300h isn't made for stoplight sprints, but it will leave the line with authority when asked to do so. Our zzdcar testing resulted in a 0-60 mph time of 8.3 seconds. That is slow by luxury standards, but it's quite good when you consider this is a big sedan capable of achieving more than 40 mpg.

　　

Braking

6.0

　　The brakes are a mixed bag. On one hand, braking force builds gradually and the brakes don't feel grabby at the top of the pedal stroke. Unfortunately, the handoff between regenerative and friction brakes is less refined. Under braking, the transfer between the two types of brakes feels like a harsh downshift from a dual-clutch automatic transmission.

　　

Steering

6.5

　　Effort is light, and there's not much buildup as you move from center. There's no feedback, along with zero sense of road texture. These characteristics aren't uncommon for the class, however. Eco mode makes the steering effort feel syrupy, but Sport gives it a more natural firmness.

　　

Handling

8.5

　　The ES 300h's handling abilities are surprisingly good, and the car feels much more planted than expected. There's little body roll, even when you push it further than a typical owner would. Passengers won't feel queasy if you take a set of sharp bends with gusto.

　　

Drivability

8.0

　　Handoff from electric to engine power is imperceptible unless you slam the gas pedal from a stop, which forces the engine to kick on at about 5 mph. Otherwise, the gas motor activates naturally with no shock through the cabin. Eco mode dulls throttle response, but you won't notice while cruising around town. The reduced response is only noticeable at highway speeds.

　　

Comfort

8.5

　　The ES 300h is eminently comfortable. It has a cushy yet well-controlled ride and supportive seats. We have a few minor gripes that include the strained exhaust note and seat heating elements that are merely warm.

　　

Seat comfort

8.0

　　The front seats are quite comfortable and supportive on long hauls. Even so, four-way lumbar should be standard on a luxury sedan. The rear seatbacks are set at a nice angle, and headrest positioning is comfortable. Tall rear passengers sitting behind similar-size front occupants will likely find the bench a little flat.

　　

Ride comfort

8.5

　　The ES drives like the large luxury cruiser it is. The ride is comfortable but composed, without the floaty sensation that some softly tuned sedans exhibit. It soaks up most bumps, but washboard-style roads remain a little rough.

　　

Noise & vibration

8.5

　　The ES 300h accelerates from a stop under quiet electric power, and the transition to the gas engine as speed increases is shock-free. The engine is barely noticeable under light acceleration, but hitting the pedal for quicker response brings the telltale relentless groan of a four-cylinder mated to a CVT.

　　

Climate control

7.5

　　Set to automatic control, the dual-zone climate system sometimes has a hard time figuring out optimal fan speed. For example, when we set the A/C to 73 degrees on a 76-degree day in our test car, the fans maxed out, blowing cold air. The heated seats only get warm on the highest setting, but seat ventilation is phenomenal.

　　

Interior

8.5

　　The cabin of the ES is an inviting place to stay, with plenty of room all around. The interior materials look like they are borrowed from the ES' more expensive siblings.

　　

Ease of use

8.5

　　Most controls are within reach, but a few are obscured. Though the seat heating and cooling controls are not located near the climate controls, we like that they are physical buttons (and not just buried in a display screen menu). The combination volume and tuning knob is thoughtful and well-executed.

　　

Getting in/getting out

8.0

　　The low-slung seats are a boon to shorter passengers, but tall people entering the car will have to scrunch up a bit. The low doorsills make it easy to step in or out. A driver easy entry/exit feature tilts the wheel up and moves the seat back. The ES is so roomy the rear passenger doesn't feel squished.

　　

Driving position

8.0

　　The driver's seat offers a decent range of adjustability, though it could go lower to accommodate tall folks. The door and the center armrest are about the same height, so most drivers can place their elbows comfortably while gripping the wheel at the 9 and 3 o'-clock positions.

　　

Roominess

8.0

　　The ES 300h feels light and airy inside, giving occupants an excellent sense of space. Legroom is abundant both front and rear. However, a standard sunroof and sloping rear roofline reduce front and rear headroom for tall passengers.

　　

Visibility

9.0

　　The front roof pillars are a little thick, but the low hood and high roof make it easy to see out the front. The car's beltline is high but still affords good side visibility. The rear window is large, with a moderately sloping shelf and relatively narrow pillars.

　　

Quality

9.0

　　You wouldn't confuse its interior for the top-line LS 500's, but the ES 300h shares design elements and some switchgear with its far more expensive sibling. High-quality materials and tight panel fitment are up to Lexus' typical high standards.

　　

Utility

8.5

　　The redesigned ES has more interior storage pockets than last year's model, and the LATCH anchors are much more accessible. Cargo space is much improved, too: Moving the battery pack from the trunk to beneath the rear seats means the 300h has the same trunk space as the ES 350.

　　

Small-item storage

8.5

　　The front cupholders are oddly located, but the idea is sound: Keep them offset so two large cups don't bump into each other. The one next to the driver even has a height-adjustable bottom. Space is abundant in the front console, and the rear cupholders are reasonably sized. The door pockets are narrow and short.

　　

Cargo space

8.0

　　The battery pack resides beneath the rear seats, so there's no cargo-reducing hump in the trunk. Cargo space is 13.9 cubic feet, the same as the non-hybrid ES. Unlike the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid, you can't fold the rear seats to increase space; there's only a pass-through for long items.

　　

Child safety seat accommodation

8.5

　　Four anchors are hidden beneath removable Isofix covers. Three tethers are located on the rear shelf, though curiously farther from the seatback than most. They require a bit of a stretch to reach, but the hooks are easy to latch onto.

　　

Technology

6.5

　　Lexus finally offers Apple CarPlay on the ES, and high-quality music sounds fantastic on the Mark Levinson audio system. The high-tech display screen looks good, but a horrid user interface drags down the overall score.

　　

Audio & navigation

5.0

　　The touchpad is atrocious to use and is in no way an improvement over the previous model's mouse-like controller. It's imprecise, allowing you to overshoot the menu option you're trying to select, and fine-tuning selections is difficult. The optional Mark Levinson sound system is well worth the upgrade.

　　

Smartphone integration

7.0

　　The ES 300h comes with four USB ports (two in front and two behind the center console). If you still have devices to charge, there's a Qi wireless pad in the center console. Apple CarPlay is optional, and Android Auto is not offered.

　　

Driver aids

8.5

　　The ES 300h comes standard with a number of driving aids, including lane keeping assist and forward collision warning. Parking sensors are a little sensitive but can be disabled temporarily, so they don't beep constantly if you stop a little close to the car in front.

　　

Voice control

7.0

　　The voice control system recognizes some limited free speech. It will direct you to the nearest X as long as X is a well-known chain. It will take you to the nearest Starbucks, for instance, but not Jersey Mike's or a specific hotel. It's not nearly as good as some rivals' voice systems.

　　

Which ES 300h does zzdcar recommend?

　　The Lexus ES 300h comes well-equipped without needing anything else, and it's suitable if you're looking for luxury on a budget. But we recommend getting the Luxury trim, which adds leather seating, heated and ventilated front seats, wood interior trim, and ambient interior lighting. We'd also check the box for the navigation system since it's the only way to get Apple CarPlay.

　　

2019 Lexus ES 300h models

　　The 2019 Lexus ES 300h is a midsize luxury sedan sold in three main trim levels with numerous available features packages and stand-alone options. Note that some options and configurations may be limited depending on where the car is purchased.

　　The ES 300h features a hybrid powertrain (a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine paired to an electric motor) that produces 215 total system horsepower. Those who prefer a bit more oomph under the hood are encouraged to check out the similar V6-powered Best Luxury Cars.

　　Standard features on the 2019 Lexus ES 300h include 17-inch wheels, LED headlights, a sunroof, keyless entry and ignition, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a digital instrument panel, dual-zone automatic climate control, selectable driving modes, power-adjustable front seats, simulated-leather upholstery, onboard Wi-Fi, an 8-inch central display, three USB ports, and a 10-speaker audio system with a CD player and satellite radio.

　　Every ES 300h also comes with a wealth of advanced safety features, including a rearview camera, automatic high-beam control, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and mitigation, and a pre-collision warning system with automatic emergency braking.

　　On the base ES, you can order the optional Premium package, which adds automatic wipers, a power-adjustable steering wheel, driver-seat memory settings, and heated and ventilated front seats.

　　The Luxury trim includes those upgrades, plus heated mirrors, sound-reducing side windows, leather upholstery, ambient lighting and genuine wood trim. The Ultra Luxury package pulls out all the stops with hands-free trunk release, upgraded leather upholstery, a power rear sunshade, manual rear side sunshades, and special chassis dampers that help absorb vibrations when cornering.

　　Notable stand-alone options include 18-inch wheels, a heated steering wheel, adaptive suspension dampers, a panoramic sunroof, a head-up display, a 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system, blind-spot monitoring, front and rear parking sensors, rear cross-traffic alert, rear pedestrian alert with automatic braking, a 360-degree parking camera, and a wireless charging pad. An optional navigation system is paired with a larger 12.3-inch display screen and Apple CarPlay functionality.

　　

2019 ES 300h Highlights

Trim: BaseLuxuryUltra LuxuryBase

　　

Base MSRP	$41,560
Engine Type	Hybrid
Combined MPG	44 MPG
Cost to Drive	$85/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	16.7 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles