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 1 through 10 of 23.00

• 

  Love Everything, EXCEPT... - 2013 Lexus ES 300h
  By murphy50 - March 17 - 6:26 pm

  Ok, everything is great, except the darn front seats. The front seat cushion side bolsters dig into my hips and thighs. It gets annoying and makes me want to dump the car. Last years model had fantastic seats for the butt. I am not fat - in fact I am skinny and tall, and in my early 40s. If you have a slightly larger than average butt, you better sit in this awhile. I do not like it and mad that I have to "get used to it" I want everyone to know that this is something to look at, and what I consider a design mistake

• 

  First time Lexus and Hybrid Owner - former "German-Only" car buyer - 2013 Lexus ES 300h
  By g007 - February 12 - 5:14 pm

  I was in the market for a vehicle that had a roomy back seat and good fuel economy and AWD or front-wheel drive for driving in snow. I had a VW CC and looked at the Passat Diesel and Audi A8L. Ive owned only German vehicles because I like how they drive (Mercedes GL320, Porsche Boxter, VW Touareg, CC, and GTI). The new 2013 Lexus ES300 caught my eye because of the 40 inch rear leg room, and 40 mpg in city and highway. Plus, it uses regular fuel. My German cars required premium fuel and diesel is not always convenient. I never cared for the Lexus styling as I thought it was rather bland. However, the new horizontal dash resembles the BMW styling and is much more stylish than the VW.

• 

  Most uncomfortable Lexus I have ever owned - 2014 Lexus ES 300h
  By hmbcoastsider - June 5 - 10:46 am

  Ive owned a Lexus for 13 years and and always loved them. So I was hoping for a similar experience when I bought the 2014 Lexus ES 300h, premium package. The car drives fine, although there is that hesitation every time you start up after stopping, which is common with many hybrids. But the problem is the ventilated seat. It is very uncomfortable. It is so bad that my back hurts every time I drive it. I complained and the service manager acknowledged "some" people feel just like me and offered to put extra cushioning in the back, although that would void the ventilation; I said OK and although better, it is still a terrible seat which makes me hate this car more and more every day.

• 

  Absolutely Wonderful Car - 2013 Lexus ES 300h
  By guidobill - May 2 - 8:27 am

  I put 120K trouble free miles on my Altima Hybrid. Really liked the Altima This is basically the same car since Nissan "borrowed" Toyota technology. I expect the same reliability from the Lexus. The difference is in the luxury ride and feel of the Lexus, as well as the outstanding build quality. I get 37 to 40 mpg in mixed driving. Now have 11K miles on Lexus and it has been reliable. The hybrid technology is not "state of the art" but I like that. Its proven. The Nickel Hydride batteries are "bulletproof."

• 

  great - 2014 Lexus ES 300h
  By brendan23 - December 15 - 3:58 pm

  it is a great car and i have been getting 40 mpg on the road. i dont get how people get like 26 mpg they must be driving fast.

• 

  All I expected but . . . - 2013 Lexus ES 300h
  By selkirk2 - December 5 - 11:24 am

  Owned my ES300h for six months and have enjoyed almost everything about the car. It is perfect, for me, except that the fuel consumption (mainly in town), is poor averaging between 7.2 and 7.9 litres per 100 kms - Lexus tell me it will improve but so far no joy. Probably biggest irritation is the GPS - only one voice available and that not to my liking; no Spanish or French option; and it seldom understands my (english) accent! Oh, and the trunk is small. Otherwise, beautiful car. Happy camper I am.

• 

  After 4 years, finally found the car we wanted... - 2013 Lexus ES 300h
  By mdsofky - November 19 - 12:07 am

  My wife and I had been looking for four years to replace our 12 year old Honda Accord EX (which we loved and still runs well). We started casually looking on our anniversary weekend four years ago, but wanted lots of tech, and options that wouldnt be outdated soon. Wanted Bluetooth (phone and audio), blind-side detection, apps (Pandora, etc.), hybrid technology for good gas mileage (that didnt "feel" or look like traditional hybrid), nice quality, etc. We had looked at a Ford Fusion, Honda Accord (although I know there is not a hybrid yet), Buick Regal, Buick Verano (like our Buick Enclave a lot so were considering other Buicks). Ended up test driving ES300h and knew this was the one.

• 

  Lovn this car - 2014 Lexus ES 300h
  By mpgsaver13 - September 26 - 9:59 pm

  Ive owned this car for two months now and feel ready to give a review. I traded in my 06 Acura TL. My daily commute is 140 hwy miles round trip (Oakland to Stockton, CA). I drive over two large hill ranges, dare I say, one is mountainous. 98% of my driving is hwy miles and my mileage is amazing. If I drive 70-75 mph, Ill get 39-41mpg, while if I go 65-69 mph, I can get 42 mpg. Ive tried just about every way to drive. Easy going, to "really" easy going and in ECO mode gets me the same as in Normal mode. In sport mode and driving really hard Im getting 34- 35 but again thats fast at every turn, on ramp, and passing other cars.

• 

  About what I expected - 2013 Lexus ES 300h
  By socal21st - August 21 - 12:25 pm

  Ive been driving this car for about three months now and I finally feel as if Im qualified to write a review. Im coming from a BMW 525i 2005 model. Overall it compares favorably. Its not as sporty as a BMW. Signature Lexus features such as mushy steering, floaty suspension and certain accents you know they got from a Toyota. I paid $47k out the door for the luxury option model with heated/cooled seats, parking assist, side sensors, smart cruise control, voice command, GPS, etc. About the mileage. Im getting 37 on the city and 42 on the highway for about 39-40 combined. You need to learn how to drive this car for efficiency if you want the full hybrid mileage advantages.

• 

  Great Car with Disappointing MPG - 2013 Lexus ES 300h
  By max55fisher - August 10 - 2:12 am

  My wife and I find the car a joy to ride in and drive. The seats are especially supportive and comfortable and long road trips are a pleasure. The ride is smooth, the acceleration is powerful and makes merging with traffic, under any condition, a breeze. The cabin is very quite and theres plenty of room both front and rear. We are a bit disappointed with the mileage weve been getting, though. The car computer calculation differs by about 7-10% from what I calculate. Weve been averaging 37-38 mpg for mixed city/highway driving. We were expecting better! Overall we thing its a great car and wed buy it again.