2023 Lexus ES Hybrid

Lexus has a prolific lineup of hybrid cars, with the ES Hybrid being one of the more recent additions. The midsize sedan has been in the USA for four years now and has achieved moderate success. This is largely due to its frugal four-cylinder engine and electric motor combo that makes 215 horsepower and 163 lb-ft of torque while still delivering impressive fuel economy. It may not be quick, but it is a comfortable and practical executive sedan. This puts it up against quicker competitors like the BMW 3 Series Hybrid and more affordable ones like the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. This unique position may make the 2023 Lexus ES Hybrid a niche choice, but it may be the perfect fit for certain buyers.

The price of the 2023 Lexus ES Hybrid is somewhere between its more luxurious European rivals and mainstream competitors closer to home. The 300h is the starting trim and goes for $43,340, while the 300h Luxury adds around $5k, bringing the price up to $48,510. It's another modest jump up to the top-tier trim, with the 300h Ultra Luxury selling for $52,130. The F Sport trims will actually cost you less, with the price of the F Sport Design set at $47,725 and the F Sport Handling at $49,635. These prices for the new Lexus ES Hybrid are MSRP and do not include the $1,150 destination fee.

Despite its athletically sleek styling, the 2023 ES Hybrid is anything but quick, taking more than eight seconds to hit 60 mph. The overall driving experience is also quite uninspired, with very little in the way of steering feel, and the suspension doesn't really like being hustled. Nevertheless, there is a decent amount of grip, though it would inspire more confidence if Lexus offered an all-wheel drivetrain for the hybrid. What is available is the slightly stiffer suspension found in the F Sport Handling trim. It tightens up responses a bit, but it is still a far cry from being a sports car. It also sacrifices too much comfort to be worth it, considering that is where the real strength of the ES lies. With the standard suspension, bumps in the road are smoothed out easily, creating a comfortable ride that pairs nicely with the muted wind and road noise. After you get up to speed on the highway, it makes for a superb cruiser.

Many luxury automakers have tried their hand at creating capable hybrids, but where most apply their hybridized systems towards improving performance, Lexus has made sure to focus purely on economy. Thanks to this, it is able to achieve an impressive 44 mpg combined while still being nice to drive. However, calling it fun would be a stretch. Even the so-called Sport models barely qualify for that name. The suspension is definitely better suited to laidback cruising on the highway or around town. And when you treat it as such, you won't be disappointed. This high level of comfort is complemented by a near-perfect safety rating and a long list of standard features that many other premium brands expect you to pay more for. Top things off with a good track record for reliability, and the Lexus ES Hybrid is a sedan you can count on.

After a review of the Lexus ES Hybrid range, we can safely say that you can skip the F Sport Design and Handling trims. The Luxury models, on the other hand, are well worth the investment, though you don't have to go so far as the Ultra Luxury. At around $50k, the regular 300h Luxury is a good choice, though putting aside a couple grand for the upgraded infotainment suite and some additional driver assists like intuitive parking assist and rear braking with pedestrian detection. Few models in the USA can match it for the price.