2023 Lexus ES 300h Hybrid

The trim line sees a slightly new layout for 2023 as the addition of the F Sport model extends the ES 300h catalog. However, this sports-tuned and sharper-looking model would be reviewed separately, leaving the regular model with the usual 3-trim option. The base variant would simply be called the ES 300h and will carry a price tag of $43,690. This is followed by ES 300h Luxury and ES 300h Ultra Luxury, which will sell for $48,860 and $52,480 respectively. The features list sees the addition of new interior trims and shades along with a redesigned media system that runs on the new Lexus Interface system, replacing the Remote Touch system which was considered to be a hassle on the previous models. Some of the standard features include 10-way power-adjustable front seats covered in simulated leather upholstery, a 10-speaker stereo system, and dual-zone automatic climate control along with many other gizmos.

Premium Package

• Rain-sensing windshield wipers
• Wiper de-icer system
• Power-folding exterior mirrors
• Driver's seat memory settings
• Heated, power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel
• Heated and ventilated front seats
• Wireless smartphone charger
• Parking sensors

Navigation Package

• 12.3-inch touchscreen
• Navigation system
• Upgraded voice recognition
• Expanded Lexus Enform connected services

Individual Options

• 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium sound system
• Upgraded wheels and LED headlights
• Card key access
• Surround-view camera
• Wireless smartphone charger
• Parking sensors

We Recommend

Lexus has gotten the pricing right on the ES 300h as it is hard to come by a premium brand offering a vehicle in this range. Out of the three trims, we would pick the mid-tier Luxury model as it keeps the tag under $50k and yet comes with upscale materials and ride quality due to its comfort-specific tune on the suspension.

Release Date

The 2023 ES 300h began production in August 2022 and Lexus commenced the deliveries in the Q4 of 2022.

Powering the ES 300h is a 2.5L inline-4 engine that is tagged along with a Hybrid motor which together produces 215 hp and 163 lb-ft of torque. Although traffic light sprints are not the ES 300h's strong suit, acceleration is respectable for a hybrid. A run against the clock resulted in an 8.1 second 0-60 mph time. The engine is mated to a CVT transmission while the FWD drivetrain is standard across all trims. Though these might not be the most exciting figures, the engine, and CVT are well-refined and keeps the whole vehicle feeling like it's got no mechanical parts under the hood. Lexus knew what it wanted to create right from the beginning and put its RnD into comfort than performance and the ES 300h in that sense is a clear win for the brand. However, those seeking some thrust and high Gs in the acceleration might be disappointed.

Despite having the largest engine, the Lexus fails to offer good acceleration and power when compared to its rivals. In terms of power, Hyundai falls to the bottom with the least output but still manages to beat the Lexus to 60 mph from a standstill. The all-new Toyota Crown produces the highest power and though we haven’t tested the vehicle yet, it is most likely that the Crown would top the table in terms of acceleration. Lexus also happens to be the costliest vehicle here as it carries the luxury tag and hence all that money has gone into refinement and a hassle-free driving experience.

2023 Lexus ES 300h Ride and Handling

This Lexus sedan has the calm handling and accommodating riding qualities that many buyers of premium vehicles adore. All ES 300h models come equipped with balanced handling and weighted steering. The vehicle performs best on open roads, and the body roll is more noticeable when pushed into corners. There is no external noise, the suspension silently absorbs even the worst road imperfections, and, up to a certain extent, the way the car is configured prevents you from even trying to avoid tiny road flaws. The standard 17-inch wheels do help keep the ride stable but produce a slight noise at high speeds. The unique 18-inch wheels that come on the top-spec are designed to reduce this issue and add to the whole suppleness of the car.

2023 Lexus ES 300h Braking Performance

The Lexus 300h comes with regenerative braking and friction braking modes. Unfortunately, the switch between the two is very evident, making the braking on this car feel clunky. The ES 300h isn’t a light car and that becomes evident in an emergency braking situation where the whole weight of the car is felt. At the front, the car receives 12-inch ventilated discs which allow quick cooling to ensure the bite isn’t lost. Move to the rear and you will find 11.1-inch rotors, which are not ventilated like the front brakes. The brake pedal feel has improved a lot from the previous years and provides good feedback, making quick stops a rather easy task to do. A quick braking test revealed that the ES 300h can come to a stop from 60 mph in just 114 ft.

While the information on Toyota Crown isn’t available, both Lexus and Hyundai have a very competitive comparison as they both fall very close in terms of figures. Starting off, both these sedans have the exact same size of brake on the front wheels while the rear brakes on the Sonata are 0.1-inches larger. However, this difference isn’t a lot but the Sonata weighs in at over 200 lbs lesser than the Lexus, giving it the technical advantage. Surprisingly, the heavier Lexus took a lesser distance to completely stop and 114ft. is a great number, giving the new Toyota Crown some tough competition in this section.

Fuel economy is the major forte for all hybrid vehicles and the Lexus fairs well as the EPA ratings state the vehicle to carry a fuel economy of 43 mpg in city traffic while stepping onto the highway can result in an additional mile. Both highway and combined figures stay at 44 mpg. When paired with a fuel of 13.2-gallon fuel tank, the ES 300h is capable of covering 580 miles, which is ample enough to make it a tourer if needed. Though the car comes with multiple sets of wheels, across different trims, it does not affect the fuel efficiency of the car in any manner.

The major reason why people pick a hybrid is in order to save some bills in terms of fuel efficiency. Lexus manages to offer 580 miles in total, which is a great figure for a luxury vehicle. The EPA ratings on the Lexus are also slightly better when compared to the Crown but the Hyundai takes a massive leap when it comes to covering distances using a single tank of gas. Both Lexus and Hyundai share the exact same gas tank capacity and it’s the less powerful engine of the Sonata that helps it offer higher individual gas mileage ratings. The Sonata offers a massive 51 mpg on the highway, which is one of the best figures in terms of hybrid standards.

It might be said that Lexus is the benchmark for premium brands when it comes to fit and finish and material quality. The ES Hybrid's cabin is calm, cozy, and roomy. In fact, the ES benefits from the front-wheel-drive architecture in this situation. A similarly comfy back bench seat is located behind the cushy and supportive front-row chairs. This seat tops the segment since it is wide, can accommodate three adults without difficulty, and has enough legroom. The seatbacks are appropriately positioned to provide enough headroom despite the sloping roofline. A 10-way motorized driver's seat and imitation leather seats are included as standard. Full leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front chairs and a power rear sunshade become available as you move through the grades. Surfaces made of plastic are extremely rare in the ES. A wood steering wheel that is partially covered in leather is added to some levels, along with wood trim elements throughout the interior. The steering also offers heating capabilities as well as tilt and telescopic power.

All these sedans are spacious enough to keep all the passengers comfortable at all times. However, we feel that Lexus has the best passenger room as it is equally roomy in the rear row with enough legroom to stretch and relax. The Crown closely follows with an equally impressive cabin space but takes the win as it offers a larger trunk than the Lexus, making it a more practical choice. The Hyundai has a massive front-row legroom and this eats up some space in the rear, making it slightly carped up compared to its rivals. However, the Sonata boasts the largest trunk space, keeping highway junkies happy.

Some standout interior features on the 2023 Lexus ES 300h include

• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Simulated leather / Leather upholstery
• Paddle shifters
• 10-way power-adjustable front seats
• Wooden interior trim
• Heated and ventilated front seats

How intuitive is the 2023 Lexus ES 300h infotainment system?

Luxury car buyers seek out cars with the newest and most cutting-edge technological features, and the Lexus ES sedan doesn't let them down. It has an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system as standard, and a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen is optional. Both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are supported onboard to provide hassle-free smartphone integration. A 10-speaker audio system with SiriusXM satellite radio is included on all trims. Amazon Alexa compatibility, Bluetooth phone and audio streaming, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and Scout GPS Link navigation are included on the list of basic technological features. There is also an option to pick a 17-speaker stereo system by Mark Levinson that is configurable even on the base trim.

Some of the standout infotainment features on the 2023 Lexus ES 300h are

• 8.0 or 12.3-inch infotainment system
• 10-speaker stereo or 17-speaker Mark Levinson sound system
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Head-up display
• Wireless charger
• Wi-Fi hotspot

The 2023 Lexus ES 300h has a stunning exterior as its serene interior. In the front is one of the cleanest iterations of Lexus' now-signature "spindle" grille ever, which stays low, giving a sleeker appearance. Along the side, where the ES has a low, sinewy posture and a minimum of fussiness, the less-is-more motif is continued. A broad light bar with a brightwork strip at the top gives it a relatively bold appearance from the rear. There aren’t any poke-in-the-eye elements on the car but if that is what you seek, the new F Sport lineup is something you need to check out. However, the ES 300h has a sporty stance and roofline, which can easily mistake people think that it’s a performance sedan.

Take a look at the side profiles of both the Lexus and Hyundai from a distance and it is easy to be confused as both these sedans share very similar exterior dimensions. However, Hyundai has lower ground clearance, making it put its drivers in high-alert mode when treading over a rough patch of the surface. The Toyota Crown has a distinctive design with a tall roof height, giving it a completely different stance compared to the Lexus. Despite the lower roof and sporty exterior, the ES 300h still holds better ground clearance than its rivals.

Some of the standout exterior features include

• 17”/18” Alloy wheels
• LED exterior lighting
• Power-folding exterior mirrors
• Power sunroof
• Rain-sensing windshield wipers
• Trunk lip spoiler

The Lexus ES 300h from the previous year has managed to score a 5-star rating on NHTSA but the car hasn’t been listed on IIHS. However, since the car is based on the same structure as the now-discontinued Toyota Avalon, it is safe to say that the Lexus would perform well in IIHS tests as the Toyota was awarded the Top Safety Pick in 2022. All ES models are equipped with Lexus' Safety System+ 2.5 as standard equipment, which incorporates driving aids like automated emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, pedestrian and cyclist recognition, and adaptive cruise control. Picking the Ultra Luxury trims also brings onboard a surround-view camera that gives the driver a complete 360-degree view for easier maneuverability when in tighter spots.

Some of the standout safety features available with the 2023 Lexus ES 300h are

• Forward collision mitigation 
• Adaptive cruise control
• Lane-keeping assist
• Blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert
• Surround-view camera system
• Parking sensors

2023 Lexus ES 300h vs 2023 Toyota Crown

The Toyota Crown is a new entrant, replacing the Avalon which is the model that the ES 300h is based on. The Crown comes equipped with all the necessary tech and features but carries a major advantage in terms of power and performance. Toyota Crown is definitely the choice for someone looking for good acceleration and power but the Lexus quite seems to offer better comfort and drive nature as it is more relaxed in the way the car is tuned. This mellowed-down character of the engine gives the Lexus better mileage in comparison. Despite having a minor price hike over the Toyota, the Lexus manages to offer a massive bump in terms of luxury and comfort, making the ES a more valuable choice here.

2023 Lexus ES 300h vs 2023 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Limited

The top-of-the-line Hybrid Limited trim of the Sonata is a rather milder car in terms of power compared to the Lexus but its lighter weight helps put out quicker acceleration. The Sonata does not come near the ES 300h in terms of build quality and comfort but does offer much better fuel efficiency, making it slightly more practical. The choice between the two can be hard to make and if your motive is to own a hybrid within a restricted budget, the Sonata is the right choice as it undercuts the Lexus by almost $5,000 but if luxury along with some practicality is what you're after, the Lexus is the best pick.

The Lexus ES 300h comes into 2023 with minimal changes which are majorly in terms of the infotainment system, making it almost the same as was seen the previous year. The ES 300h from Lexus aims at providing a reliable sedan that is also luxurious not just in terms of its looks but also the way the car feels. The drive on the Lexus inst the most fun-filled or energetic as isn’t what the ES aims to provide. The sedan feels refined and the mechanical noises are well-insulated, portraying the level of attention put into building this car. The ES offers a great passenger room and it is possible to fit 3 adults in the rear row without having them feel claustrophobic. In simpler terms, the Lexus ES 300h is a saloon vehicle for those who don't particularly care for or love driving but do like high fuel economy and good audio. And modern technology, if you're craving its elaborate mirror along with the renowned dependability of Lexus. A huge front-drive premium car is never going to inspire the soul, but Lexus may have identified a market niche by providing it as a tax-swerving hybrid and concentrating on making it a beautiful, peaceful place to be. Just not one that will ever pique an enthusiast's interest.