The LEXUS ES 300h is one of the few passenger cars left in the LEXUS range. Only the ES, LS and LC are left. The unloved IS, RC and CT models were kicked to the kerb one by one, along with the awful Toyota Prius.
The rise is electric vehicles has crashed headlong into the take-over of the market by SUVs. One is seen as the way forward, and the other preferred for its practical space. This leaves around 25% of the car market left for passenger cars like sedans, wagons, hatches, and coupés, as an ever-declining segment.
For our purposes, Toyota and LEXUS drives are the same, and for the most part, are solid and reliable. LEXUS has been late to the EV market, but has been into hybrids for ages.
The hybrid gives owners the advantage of fairly low economy while allowing the freedom not currently afforded by full-EV motoring. Hybrids recoup energy lost in braking and coasting, and store it in a small battery for later. It is then put through a small electric motor as needed.
With petrol now costing the same as a small city bungalow, the less of it you consume, the better.
ES300h will spend ats much time in EV mode as it can, but like all batteries, will become less effective with time. We look forward to exchange programmes as more and more people require batteries out of warranty, but for now, the 8 year warranty will cover the life for most new car buyers. It is transferable to used owners, but after the 8 years they’re on their own.
Brochure HERE:ES_eBrochure
Outside:
The LEXUS ES 300h F-Sport with Enhancement Pack (what a ludicrous moniker) is the 2nd top model, so gets much of the stuff most drivers want.
Our deep red metallic car has a volcanic luminescence to it, and the black 19” alloys add a menacing look to an otherwise conservative design. The Front Wheel Drive sedan has been around since 2018 with updates here and there to keep it up to date, so the look is still modern and has aged well.
An electric boot, with kick to open, is ridiculously handy with your hands full, and locking/unlocking is managed from the doorhandles without the need of a key.
Brochure HERE:
This Week Review: 2022 LEXUS ES 300h-Is a Hybrid Worth the Money?
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ABOVE: 2022 LEXUS ES 300h F-Sport
Inside:
LEXUS ES 300h feels properly posh. It is about BMW 5 Series size, but is far less pretentious. It is smooth and flowing, with plenty of padded luxury to make you feel at home. There is a ton of noise dampening too, so sounds as good as it looks.
Rear space is more than adequate, even with front seats all the back. There are USBs and a 12V outlet, as well as a couple of vents, but no climate controls.
The rear window has an electric blind, but only the top model also has blinds on the side windows.
The front seats have heating/cooling and powered adjustment with 3 memories. There is lumbar support, so the driver should be able to find a sport that is just right. Easy Access allows the steering wheel and seat to slide out of the way for quick ingress/egress action, and the centre console lid opens left and right.
The infotainment screen functions, less than harmoniously, with the touch pad command centre on the console. The DVD drive will see little use as LEXUS ES 300h has Apple Carplay/Android Auto via USB.
The Drive:
LEXUS ES 300h has drive modes, but 160kw is never going to set world land speed records. Instead, city and highway driving are a smooth, comfortable affair, with Macpherson struts at the front and Trailing Wishbones at the back. Ride is not only smooth, but very quiet, although it is firmer than I might have expected. A lot of ES hybrids are used as Silver Service Taxis, and Hire Cars and are considered to have economy and ride in equal measure.
There are the usual driver aids like lane control, active cruise, and blind spot monitor. LEXUS ES 300h holds the set speed reasonably, well even on downhill runs, and the blind spot has avoidance control. The steering intervention seems quite subtle, but this, along with most other functions, can be fettled in settings. Settings menus are split between the digital driver display, and the large centre screen.
The HUD adds extra function by putting speed and other data on the windscreen. The holographic effect makes the numbers float at the end of the bonnet, but once you get used to it, you find it hard to do without.
Another handy function is the climate concierge with activates seat heating/cooling, mirror heating, neck heating, steering wheel heating, depending on what is fitted. It is controlled from the temperature buttons on the climate control panel, and can be handy on very cold, or very hot days.
The Hybrid System:
I’ve been a fan of the system from the start, even when Prius was the only model that had it. LEXUS and Toyota plan a Hybrid drive for most of their models, while transitioning to electric drivetrains. For now, this is my favourite. It allows the system to switch between EV and petrol function without the driver knowing.
Your range is as good as being able to make it to the nearest petrol station, and you don’t ever have to plug in to an outlet.
Gay Buyers:
We had a mixed reaction from gay buyers. Some love LEXUS, but other would stick to Germans, despite the reliability issues.
Of those who have driven the ES, all liked it, even if through gritted teeth. Badge envy seems to run strong in the gay community. Lesbians liked it the most, but all preferred an SUV. What a shock.
Conclusion:
LEXUS ES 300h F-Sport is a clam, smooth experience, and the Mark Levinson speakers are sensational.
I continue my uncomfortable relationship with the awful LEXUS touchpad control for the infotainment interface, and find it easier to stop to make changes. Setting your favourite preset radio stations (including DAB) is best done then left to the steering wheel to toggle. Doing it any other way is a faff.
Otherwise, LEXUS ES 300h is a delight. It is simple to drive and gives just the right amount of feedback, be it through the seat and steering wheel, or the instruments.
Compared to most Europeans, the LEXUS has a decent build, a proven driven train, and a huge dealer network. It is arguably better value with a better warranty.
LEXUS ES 300h F-Sport with Enhancement Pack
- Price: $76,530
- Engine: 2.5L Petro;/electric hybrid
- Power: 160kw/300nm
- Trans: CVT automatic
- Econ: 4.6L/100k
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Alan Zurvas is the founder and editor of Gay Car Boys, Australia's leading LGBTQI+ automotive publication. Before launching GCB in 2008, Alan's automotive writing was published in SameSame.com.au and the Star Observer. With over 16 years of hands-on car reviewing experience, Alan brings an honest, irreverent voice to every review — championing value and innovation over brand loyalty.
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