The Lexus ES 300h is a midsize luxury hybrid sedan that offers a smooth ride, a spacious cabin, and excellent fuel economy. The 2023 model year brings some updates to the Lexus ES 300h, including a new multimedia system, a redesigned center console, and two new F Sport trims. We will review the features, performance, and pricing of the 2023 Lexus ES 300h and compare it with some of its competitors.
Features and Design
The 2023 Lexus ES 300h comes in five trim levels: Base, F Sport Design, Luxury, F Sport Handling, and Ultra Luxury. All trims are powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and an electric motor that produce a combined output of 215 horsepower. The hybrid system is paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive.
The Base trim comes with standard features such as LED headlights, a sunroof, keyless entry and ignition, dual-zone automatic climate control, simulated leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto compatibility, a 10-speaker sound system, and a suite of advanced safety features.
The F Sport Design trim adds sporty styling elements such as 19-inch gloss-black alloy wheels, a unique front bumper, grille surround, rear spoiler, and F Sport badges. It also includes collision warning as standard.
The Luxury trim enhances the comfort level with features such as leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, wood trim, ambient lighting, a power rear sunshade, and a hands-free trunk.
The F Sport Handling trim is the most performance-oriented variant of the Lexus ES 300h. It adds an adaptive variable suspension, Sport Plus and Custom drive modes, paddle shifters, aluminum pedals, and perforated leather upholstery.
The Ultra Luxury trim is the most luxurious option for the ES 300h. It adds features such as a panoramic sunroof, a head-up display, a heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, a power trunk lid with a kick sensor, and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson sound system.
Performance and Fuel Economy
The new Lexus ES 300h delivers a refined and comfortable driving experience. The hybrid system provides adequate power for most situations, though it takes time compared to some rivals. The CVT is smooth and responsive, and the regenerative braking system is well-tuned. The steering is light and precise, and the suspension absorbs most road imperfections.
One of the main selling points of the ES 300h is its impressive fuel economy. The ES 300h achieves 43 mpg in the city and 44 mpg on the highway. This is significantly better than most other midsize luxury sedans, especially those with conventional gasoline engines.
Pricing and Competition
The 2023 Lexus ES 300h has a starting price of $43,340, which is reasonable for its class. The F Sport Design trim costs $47,725, the Luxury trim costs $48,510, the F Sport Handling trim costs $49,635, and the Ultra Luxury trim costs $52,130. These prices include a destination fee of $1,150.
The main competitors of the ES 300h are other midsize luxury hybrid sedans such as the BMW 530e and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Hybrid. Both of these models are plug-in hybrids that can run on electric power alone for a limited range. They also offer more power and performance than the ES 300h but at a higher cost. The BMW 530e has a starting price of $58,195 and an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 24 mpg combined. The Mercedes-Benz E-Class Hybrid has a starting price of $64,95013 and an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 26 mpg combined.
Another competitor of the ES 300h is the Toyota Avalon Hybrid, which is not a luxury sedan but shares the same platform and hybrid system as the Lexus. The Toyota Avalon Hybrid offers similar features and space as the ES 300h but at a lower price. The Avalon Hybrid has a starting price of $37,100 and an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 43 mpg in the city and 44 mpg on the highway.
Conclusion
The new Lexus ES 300h hybrid sedan delivers comfort and efficiency. It offers a smooth ride, a spacious cabin, excellent fuel economy, and plenty of features for its price. It also benefits from some updates for the new model year, such as a new multimedia system, a redesigned center console, and two new F Sport trims. The ES 300h may not be the most exciting or powerful car in its class. Still, it is a great choice for anyone looking for a reliable, comfortable, and economical luxury sedan.
