Lexus ES300h 7th Generation Executive

Product Details

The Lexus ES 300h is one of just a few luxury midsize hybrid sedans. Fuel economy is excellent, and the 300h handles surprisingly well and retains the Lexus hallmark focus on comfort and serenity. European plug-in hybrids are typically sportier, but the ES remains one of today's best all-around performers.

What's new

• F Sport Design and F Sport Handling trims
• updated infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Redesigned center console
• Part of the seventh Lexus ES generation introduced for 2019

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.

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.