The 2024 Lexus ES 300h Ultra Luxury is luxurious, but its true beauty is outstanding fuel economy: 43 mpg city

Table of Contents

Sedan vs. SUV
Lexus ES In the U.S.
2024 Lexus ES Pricing
Powertrain and Performance
Ride and Handling
Driver Assistance Finesse
Interior Function
Why Buy the 2024 Lexus ES 300h?
Specifications

BY MARK MAYNARD

Iconsider myself a card-carrying, sport-tuned car enthusiast, but a test week in an Ultra Luxury Lexus ES hybrid reminds me of a kinder and gentler driving experience.

As America has fled to sport-utility vehicles, many motorists have forgotten the simple pleasures of a well-done, four-door sedan. Automotive marketers believe their buyers are young and athletic trendsetters who want everything all at once. They disdain wagons and prefer SUVs to fit their lifestyle, even if they only use them as a station wagon. Buyers are teased with speed-line images of sporty-ish SUVS or adventure-tempting trail runners. Blacked-out trim, low-profile tires on black wheels, and dual exhaust tips deliver an outward message that this driver just rolled out of a pricey cologne advertisement.

Toyota’s luxury division Lexus has made the SUV transition, too. It now offers just three sedan body styles (IS, ES, and LS) — and 14 choices of sport utility vehicles, from subcompact to full size, with powertrains of gasoline, gasoline-electric hybrid, or plug-in hybrid.

There is still a heartbeat in the sedan segment, and the midsize Lexus ES has been the brand’s best-selling sedan for 15 years. Toyota has filled the ES lineup with 14 trim levels! Buyers can choose gasoline-electric hybrid powertrains, four-cylinder, or V-6 with starting prices from about $44,000 to $53,000, with some offering all-wheel drive.

Some popularity of the Lexus ES is its size-to-luxury factor. And any sedan will cost thousands less than a comparably sized SUV and get better fuel economy.

Sedan vs. SUV

Motorists favor the raised ride height in an SUV but not so much the leg up to climb aboard. And then there’s the stiffer suspension to balance the weight and, with it, the jiggle, jarring, and head waggle of awkward road dips and transitions. Marketers refer to the rougher ride quality as “sporty,” and who doesn’t want to be considered sporty?

There is a confident swagger to sedans that has been bypassed in the rush to an SUV. However, not all midsize sedans are created equal. The Lexus ES is especially enjoyable because it is not extremely low riding and has unobscured sightlines for the driver. Other makers lowered their sedans to help nurse aerodynamics for fuel economy ratings but, in so doing, lost interest from buyers who complained of restricted headroom.

The big incentive for the 2024 Lexus ES 300h is its fuel economy: 43 mpg city, 44 highway, and 44 mpg combined on 87 octane. Fill its 13.2-gallon tank and hit the road for a possible 580 miles. Using Eco mode, I saw 44.5 mpg consistently while driving on the highway at 65 to 70 mph. Careful drivers might eke out a few more mpgs. Compare your vehicle at FuelEconomy.gov.

With that mileage, the ES 300h is a comfortable half-step into the electrified vehicle space.

Lexus ES In the U.S.

Now in its seventh generation, the Lexus ES had its U.S. debut in 1989. It is the second vehicle in the Lexus lineup and is based on the Toyota Camry. The second-generation ES ran from 1991 to 1994, with updates for 1995 and 1996. The third generation came out in 1996 for the 1997 model year, with a refresh for model year 2000. The fourth generation ran from 2001 to 2006, followed by the fifth generation for the 2007 model year, with a midcycle facelift in 2010. The sixth generation, 2012 through 2018, was moved to the architecture of the full-size Toyota Avalon, which had a roomier cabin. Also added was the hybrid ES 300h.

The seventh generation of the midsize sedan will be redesigned in 2025. It will then transition to the Lexus Interactive infotainment system and new driver-assistance and safety technology. The F Sport trim and all-wheel drive were also added for the seventh-gen model.

2024 Lexus ES Pricing

Powertrain choices for the 2024 Lexus ES are:

• 203-horsepower 2.5-liter four cylinder;
• 302-hp 3.5-liter V-6;
• 215-hp gasoline-electric hybrid.

Four-cylinder Lexus ES 250 gas models have starting prices that range from $43,190 to $47,775, including all-wheel drive.

Lexus ES 350 gas models range from $43,190 (same as the entry ES 250) to $49,650 for the ES 350 F Sport Handling.

There are five trims of the ES 300h (hybrid), all front-wheel drive and ranging in price from $44,590 to $50,885 for the ES 300h F Sport Handling. The 300h F Sport is fully youth-enized with such style features as 19-inch gloss-black wheels, black grille, thumping 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio, and more advanced technologies, such as Intuitive Parking Assist and an option for Adaptive Variable Suspension. (Toyota does excellent engineering for smoothness in its AVS).

Today’s tester, a Lexus ES 300h Ultra Luxury, is the most expensive of the three Ultra Luxury hybrid trim levels. Its pricing starts at $53,480, including the $1,150 freight charge from Georgetown, Ky. This trim level has just three factory option packages: the 17-speaker, 1,800-watt Mark Levinson audio system ($1,080), triple-beam LED headlights ($1.215), and SmartAccess card key ($100). But there are many accessory choices, ranging from trunk and floor liners ($130-$190) to a dash cam ($375-$550), and around 20 Kurgo pet accessories.

Lexus warranty coverages are extensive, including 8 years or 100,000 miles for the hybrid system. Coverage includes the hybrid control module, hybrid battery control module, and inverter with converter. The hybrid battery has coverage of 10 years or 150,000 miles.

Check current Lexus pricing here. And check here for purchase or lease offers.

Powertrain and Performance

The gasoline-electric powertrain in the Lexus ES 300h integrates a 2.5-liter Atkinson cycle, D-4S direct-injected four-cylinder engine with a 259-volt lithium-ion battery pack of 70 cells and a high-output, permanent-magnet, electric-drive motor. (D-4S uses direct and port fuel injection for a more complete and clean fuel burn. Here’s a D-4S explainer.)

Lexus says that total horsepower of 215 hp and maximum torque of 163 foot-pounds at 3,600 rpm is sufficient to launch the ES 300h to 60 mph in 8.1 seconds. There might be quicker midsize sedans, but the ES 300h does not feel power starved — except in Eco mode around town — and the acceleration uptake between 45 to 55 mph is sharp for freeway merging.

With a curb weight of 4,740 pounds, or closer to 5,000 pounds with a passenger or two, most owners will not object to 8.1 seconds, especially with 44 mpg.

An electronically controlled continuously variable transmission, e-CVT, simulates six gear shifts with complete smoothness.

ES 300h Ride and Handling

Close the door, shut out the noise of life, and just enjoy the drive.

The steel-spring suspension and the tester’s Adaptive Variable Suspension heft the curb weight without dive or wallow. Performance through sweeping exit arcs is controlled and confident — refreshing for a hybrid sedan. Four-wheel power discs have generously sized 12-inch ventilated rotors at the front and 11.1-inch solid rear rotors.

The tester’s 18-inch Bridgestone Turanza EL 440 grand touring all-season tires were not as quiet as I would have expected of a Lexus. The tires felt hard across seams in the road and uneven pavement. When replacing these Bridgestones, consider the Michelin Primacy Tour A/S or Pirelli P Zero All Season Plus Elect. Bridgestone Turanza replacements run about $300 a piece, while the Michelin Primacy Tour and Pirelli P Zero are around $250. Check Tire Rack.com for details.

Driver Assistance Finesse

Toyota and Lexus are leaders in their technologies for semi-autonomous driver assistance systems.

The package of technologies in the Lexus ES 300h — Lexus Safety System-plus 2.5 — gives consistent lane centering and holds true in cornering. However, when driving into sunlight, the system gets confused when the highway markings are obscured by glare or washout. In such situations, the car might follow dark lines on the concrete surface or struggle to determine the lane. These situations are common to all such semi-autonomous systems by all makers, so driving in assist mode must always be with both hands on the wheel. And the Toyota-Lexus system will only tolerate one-handed driving for a short period before firing off a warning.

ES Interior Function

There are large car proportions to the interior of the Lexus ES. The entry height is comfortable without a duck-and-drop maneuver. Headroom of 37.4 inches, with the sunroof, should be acceptable for tall but not overly tall drivers.

Sightlines are uncompromised over the shoulder and at the side mirrors, which are offset from the body (not attached to the windshield pillar), providing a snip more visibility and reduced wind noise.

And there is no fussy joystick controller to access cabin controls. Instead, a broad dash-top touchscreen is easily viewed in all light conditions.

Ultra luxury in the ES 300h is defined more by the long list of conveniences and technologies than a pampering experience. But the cabin has all the amenities for long-term rewards, such as heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a wireless charging pad, and semi-aniline perforated leather upholstery. The materials used in the cabin are modern and contemporary with appealing textures, such as the stylized gray wood trim, though some Toyota-grade plastics with rough edges can be seen in lower areas, such as door panel pockets.

The front seats have hours-long support, with a 14-way power driver seat with a seat-cushion extender. The passenger seat is 10-way power adjustable with lumbar support.

Back-seat legroom is long at 39.3 inches, and it is not cramped when tall people are up front. Rear seatbacks are at a comfortable angle, which also helps with headroom, 37.4 inches.

Trunk space of 13.9 cubic feet is typical of a midsize sedan, but the seatback does not fold to expand capacity. However, there is a ski passthrough.

Why Buy the 2024 Lexus ES 300h?

I like chrome trim on a car, and I cannot lie. But I like high fuel economy and luxury.

My Ultra Luxury ES 300h tester came in the elegant paint hue of Moonbeam Beige, but I call it gold. Vapor Chrome wheels pulled all the styling elements together for a classy-looking experience.

Hybrid warranty coverage provides long-term security. After 8 years, this owner will be ready for the next new Lexus ES hybrid.

If the 2024 pricing is too steep, the same model from 2020-2023 is a good alternative. Shop dealership websites for the Certified Preowned Lexus ES 300h.

2024 Lexus ES 300h Specifications

Body style: midsize, 4-door, 5-seat, front-wheel drive sedan; welded-steel unibody

Engine: 2.5-liter Atkinson Cycle, D-4S direct-injected 4 cylinder; 16-valve DOHC with VVT-iE; 163 lb.ft. torque at 3,600 rpm

Hybrid drive: high-output, permanent-magnet, electric-drive motor with EV mode

Total system power: 215 hp

Hybrid battery: 259-volt lithium ion with 70 cells

Battery power: 29.1/39 kW/hp

Transmission: e-CVT with paddle shifters

Fuel economy: 43/44/44 mpg city/hwy/combined

0-60 mph acceleration: 8.1 seconds

BY THE NUMBERS

Fuel tank: 13.2 gallons

Trunk space: 13.9 cubic feet

Front head/leg room: 37.4*/42.4 inches *37.5 w/o moonroof

Rear head/leg room: 37.4/39.3 inches

Front hip/shoulder room: 55/55.9 inches

Length/wheelbase: 195.9/113 inches

Curb weight: 4,740 pounds

Turning circle: 38.8 feet

FEATURES

Standard equipment includes: SmartAccess locking with push-button ignition, power moonroof, 14-way power driver seat with seat-cushion extender, wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto infotainment, Bluetooth and USB smartphone connectivity, Wi-Fi Connect hot spot (AT&T trial service), Lexus 10-speaker audio system, bi-led headlights, LED taillights;

Ultra Luxury features: Intuitive Parking Assist, panoramic view monitor, head-up windshield display, DriveConnect with cloud navigation (with Intelligent assist and Destination assist (3-year trial with 4G network), 12.3-inch touchscreen display, semi-aniline quilted and perforated leather-trimmed upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, leather-and-wood trimmed steering wheel (with memory), wood trim with ambient lighting, wireless phone charging pad, power rear sunshade, manual rear side sunshades, Vapor Chrome 18-inch alloy wheels, power folding side mirrors (with memory), power trunk with kick sensor;

Safety features and technologies: 10 air bags, ABS, electronic
Brakeforce distribution, Brake Assist, traction and stability controls;

Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 includes a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, dynamic radar cruise control, lane-tracing assist, road sign assist, pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with steering assist, blind spot monitor, auto-dimming high-beam headlights.

SUSPENSION COMPONENTS

Brakes: 4-wheel power discs with ABS, brake force distribution, brake assist, and stability and traction controls. Front 12-inch ventilated rotors; rear 11.1-inch solid rotors

Steering: electric power assist, 38.8-foot turning circle

Tires-wheels: 18-inch split-five-spoke alloy noise-reduction wheels with Vapor Chrome finish; 235/45 18-inch grand-touring Bridgestone Turanza EL440 all-season tires;

Suspension: 4-wheel independent; front MacPherson struts; rear trailing wishbone.

PRICING

Base price: $53,480, including $1,150 freight charge; price as tested $53,480

Options on test vehicle: none

Where assembled: Georgetown, Ky.

Warranties: 4-years/50,000-miles bumper to bumper (all components other than normal wear and maintenance items); wheel alignment and balancing are covered for 12 months or 12,000 miles; powertrain 6-years/70,000-miles, whichever occurs first (engine, transmission/transaxle, front-wheel-drive system and rear-wheel drive); Hybrid Vehicle System: 8-years/100,000-miles, includes hybrid control module, hybrid battery control module, hybrid battery and inverter with converter