2024 Lexus ES Hybrid

　　

2024 Lexus ES Hybrid 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.

　　, rating written byMichael CantuManager, 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).

　　The ES is Lexus' midsize luxury sedan. It starts at a similar price as the smaller and sportier IS but is significantly more affordable than the larger LS. As with most Lexus vehicles, the ES provides a comfortable interior, excellent ride quality and top-notch build quality, and it comes standard with a large package of advanced driver aids.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2024 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

　　ES 300h

　　300h 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) (Most Popular) - $43,440 MSRP300h F SPORT Design 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $47,825 MSRP300h Luxury 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $48,610 MSRP300h F SPORT Handling 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $49,735 MSRP300h Ultra Luxury 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $52,330 MSRP

　　vs

　　$198/mo

　　Avg. Large Car

　　

zzdcar spotlight: An ES for almost everyone

Besides luxurious and sporty trim levels, the ES offers three models to choose from. Each has a different character. The added traction of the ES 250's standard all-wheel-drive system is great for those living in cold or wet climates. Frugal car shoppers will be impressed by the 300h's efficient hybrid powertrain that delivers an EPA-estimated 44 mpg combined, which is impressive for a midsize luxury sedan. But if you want some power under the hood, the ES 350's smooth 302-horsepower V6 provides plenty throughout the rev range and quick acceleration.

　　

Competitors to consider

The Lexus ES is a solid choice that's more affordable than most of its rivals. But if you want a luxury sedan with more style and power than the ES can provide, take a look at the BMW 3 Series or the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. The Volvo S60 and Genesis G70 or G80 are fine choices as well. To help you decide, check out our test team's in-depth review in the zzdcar Expert Rating below.

　　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