Overview & Reviews

While you won't often find the phrases "luxury sedan" and "fuel-efficient" used in the same sentence, the Lexus ES 300h proves that the two ideas aren't necessarily mutually exclusive.

Based on the latest incarnation of the luxury automaker's ES 350 sedan, the midsize Lexus ES 300h benefits from that model's recent upgrades, including a roomier backseat and suspension and steering refinements designed to make the driving experience more engaging. What sets the ES 300h apart, though, is what's under the hood, namely a gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain that returns EPA fuel economy estimates of 40 mpg in combined city and highway driving.

Current Lexus ES 300h
The Lexus 300h is a hybrid-powered version of the automaker's midsize ES 350 entry-level luxury sedan. It's offered in a single trim level with standard features that include 17-inch alloy wheels, a sunroof, keyless ignition and entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, leatherette (premium vinyl) upholstery, power front seats, Bluetooth and an eight-speaker sound system. Major options, most of which are offered in packages, include xenon headlights, leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, adaptive cruise control, a navigation system and a 15-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system.

Moving all this down the road is a hybrid powertrain consisting of a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine mated to an electric motor and battery pack for a total output of 200 horsepower. Power flows to the front wheels through a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Acceleration is respectable -- expect a 0-60 mph time of about 8 seconds -- but the true draw here is fuel economy. The EPA estimates you'll get 40 mpg in combined driving. That's below Toyota Prius territory, but it's still very good and one of the best ways to save gas while still driving a luxury car.

The Lexus ES 300h's interior is well built and attractive, especially with the optional leather upholstery and bamboo wood trim. Front and rear seats offer plenty of room and most gauges and controls are straightforward and easy to use, though the optional Lexus Remote Touch System with its mouselike interface takes some getting used to. Some trunk space has been lost due to the car's battery pack, but there's still a very useful 15.2 cubic feet available.

From behind the steering wheel, the ES 300h offers a classy driving experience, with the hushed interior complemented by the quiet all-electric propulsion that kicks in at low speeds. Though the ES is far from sporty, the powertrain delivers ample acceleration, while the recalibrated steering and suspension hardware give it a more precise feel than previous models. Ride quality is luxury sedan smooth, with pavement irregularities effectively quelled well before they can reach the occupants.

Used Lexus ES 300h Models
The Lexus ES 300h debuted for the 2013 model year. There have been no major changes since.

User Reviews:

Showing 21 through 23 of 23.00

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  Extraordinary Hybrid - 2014 Lexus ES 300h
  By rzca - October 9 - 10:14 am

  We traded our RX 450 h, which we loved, for a bit better fuel mileage - boy did we get it. Driving home from the dealer, all highway, the car averaged 39 MPG at speeds between 65 and 75. It was smooth, eerily quiet and handled extremely well. If you dont drive it like a race car and accelerate smoothly and hold your speeds nicely, you WILL get the mileage claimed. Others who complain about the mileage do NOT drive that way - we have owned five hybrids and that IS always the case. The complainers never drive the way the car was designed. We also love the lengthened body - it provides a great deal of leg room in the back - our taller, larger passengers love it!

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  Excellent luxury hybrid! - 2014 Lexus ES 300h
  By oreoelsa - June 6 - 6:53 pm

  We just bought this car in late January, so we haven’t put in as many miles as some other folks. Having said that, I have a daily commute averaging 100 miles, so I think I am qualified to write a review on this car by now :) To put it simply, if your objective is to purchase a nice, luxurious family car that is beautiful inside and out and gives excellent gas mileage, then you simply just can’t go wrong with this car. For context, we purchased the Ultra Premium Luxury package with the Mark Levinson audio system. While this car may not be the fastest luxury car out there (spend another $50,000 in change and get a Tesla Model S then), it is a phenomenal grand touring car, no question.

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  Unique model with some minor shortcomings - 2013 Lexus ES 300h
  By jpallen01 - January 2 - 4:14 am

  My wife and I purchased this car 2 weeks ago and we have nearly 1000 miles on it already. We are generally very pleased with it. It has a ton of room in the front and rear seats. It is very quiet, the ride is excellent and the handling is capable. We anticipate the fuel mileage will be in the 40 range when we stop playing with it. Currently we are getting 36MPH in mixed driving. The controls are well thought out but the Lexus Enform and Navigation Tech is taking a little getting use to. I hope they will update the software with some better navigation of the menus. But the Tech is still very cool. The Hybrid system rocks! Changes from motor to battery with hardly a notice! Its a keeper.