2022 Lexus ES 300h

　　

2022 Lexus ES 300h Review

byChristian WardlawCorrespondent

　　Christian Wardlaw has worked in the automotive industry since 1994. He has written nearly 10,000 car-related articles and tested and reviewed more than 2,000 vehicles over the course of his career. Chris is a correspondent at zzdcar and was the first editor-in-chief of zzdcar.com in the 1990s. He has also contributed to Autotrader, CarGurus, J.D. Power, Kelley Blue Book, NADAguides, New York Daily News Autos and WardsAuto. His mom claims that his first word was “car,” and Chris believes that Miata is always the answer.

　　While high-performance sport sedans and upscale electric vehicles seem to get all of the attention, plenty of people simply want a big, comfortable, quiet, reliable and efficient luxury sedan that won't break the bank to buy and own. Enter the 2022 Lexus ES 300h, which pairs a hybrid powertrain with a roomy interior and the dependability for which the company is well known. Now, thanks to several updates, the 2022 ES 300h is better than ever.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2022 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 $3.06 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$88/mo  for ES 300h Base

　　ES 300h Base

　　4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) (Most Popular) - $42,150 MSRPF SPORT 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $45,700 MSRPLuxury 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $47,550 MSRPUltra Luxury 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $51,330 MSRP

　　vs

　　$198/mo

　　Avg. Large Car

　　In the styling department, revised design details are on the menu and a new ES 300h F Sport trim level debuts with a sportier look. All versions of the car receive suspension changes to improve the ride and handling, and Lexus says brake pedal feel is better. Lexus also adds a new touchscreen infotainment display, dramatically improving the user experience while reducing driver aggravation. Additional upgrades include a newly standard blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert and an updated Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 package with new and improved safety features.

　　Priced like a compact but sized like a large luxury car, the Lexus ES 300h faces few rivals. A handful of other luxury brands offer plug-in hybrid sedans, but they typically cost more to buy and can't match the ES 300h's official fuel economy rating of 44 mpg in combined driving once their electric-only range is used up. You'll give up outright speed in exchange for that miserly efficiency, but otherwise the ES 300h is an appealing, and traditional, luxury car. Be sure to read our full Expert Rating for more details.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Good

　　8.0

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

7.0/10

　　How does the ES 300h drive? You don't expect much vigor or verve from a luxury hybrid, but the ES 300h handles surprisingly well. It stays composed in corners, with better body control than you'd expect from a luxury sedan. The ES 300h isn't made for stoplight sprints, but acceleration is decent for a hybrid. In zzdcar' testing it achieved a 0-60 mph time of 8.3 seconds.

　　The 300h's steering has the same numb, light effort that plagues many hybrids, although Sport mode gives it a livelier feel. Braking is unfortunately clunky, with a harsh sensation when the ES switches between its regenerative and friction brake modes. Otherwise, the engine and CVT automatic's smooth acceleration makes the ES a pleasure to drive, even in city traffic, where it feels like it's gliding.

　　

Comfort

8.5/10

　　How comfortable is the ES 300h? Comfort and a sense of isolation remain ES hallmarks. The front seats are firm and supportive, without excessive side bolsters to hamper getting in or out. The rear seats are just as comfortable, if a bit wide and flat. You can sit up front or in back for long stretches without fatigue.

　　This latest 300h hasn't lost its ability to absorb bumps and road rash either. There's a bit of intrusive wind noise at highway speeds — more than we'd expect of a Lexus — but maybe it's just more noticeable since the car tames road and tire noise so well. Engine noise is almost imperceptible. More warmth from the seat heaters on cold days would be nice.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below