2023 Lexus ES 300h Sedan

　　

2023 Lexus ES 300h Review

byMichael CantuCorrespondent

　　Michael Cantu has worked in the automotive industry since 2014. He has written over 800 car-related articles and tested and reviewed over 100 vehicles over the course of his career. Michael is a contributor at zzdcar and has also contributed to MotorTrend, Digital Trends and InsideEVs. Michael was featured on a few InsideEVs YouTube channel videos on the topic of electric vehicles. Michael was a MotorTrend Car of the Year judge for 2019 and was a driver in MotorTrend's World's Greatest Drag Races 7 & 8.

　　The Lexus ES 300h isn't exciting and doesn't boast the latest technology, but it doesn't need to because its top-notch comfort and efficient hybrid powertrain appeal to a wide variety of people. It also has a low price of entry for a large luxury hybrid sedan. The ES 300h is part of the ES lineup, which also includes the separately reviewed non-hybrid ES 350 and ES 250. 

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 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) - $43,340 MSRPF SPORT Design 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $47,725 MSRPLuxury 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $48,510 MSRPF SPORT Handling 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $49,635 MSRPUltra Luxury 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $52,130 MSRP

　　vs

　　$198/mo

　　Avg. Large Car

　　The ES 300h's lack of sportiness and tech hasn't gone unnoticed by Lexus. For 2023, the ES 300h gains two new sporty trim levels, the F Sport Design, which is similar to last year's F Sport trim, and the F Sport Handling. As the name implies, the F Sport Handling improves handling by adding a performance-tuned adaptive suspension and more aggressive driving modes to spice things up. The 300h also received a needed dose of tech in the form of a new infotainment system. The new Lexus Interface system adds a "Hey Lexus" voice assistant, plus wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, and ditches the tricky-to-use touchpad. The lack of the touchpad allowed designers to reconfigure the center console's design.

　　The ES 300h and the larger LS 500h are Lexus' only hybrid cars. Both face off against very few large luxury hybrid sedan rivals. The BMW 530e is one example, but it's a plug-in hybrid that costs significantly more than the 300h. Outside that, there isn't much that competes with it besides non-luxury models like the Toyota Camry Hybrid or Honda Accord Hybrid. And if you aren't hard set on a hybrid model, the additional 87 horsepower the ES 350 provides should please your inner speed demon.

　　In addition to the ES 300h's impressive fuel economy rating of 44 mpg combined, the hybrid will also shuttle you and your family around in supreme comfort thanks to its quiet interior, cushy ride and supportive seats. It also handles quite well for a car that's not designed to. If those qualities can make you forgive its sluggish acceleration and lack of excitement, then the ES 300h might be the car for you. To help you decide, check out our test team's in-depth review below in the zzdcar Expert Rating.

　　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.

　　Great

　　8.1

　　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