2024 Lexus ES 300h Ultra Luxury

As luxury midsize sedans go, the Lexus ES has achieved near-iconic status. It dates back to 2000 and was last fully redesigned in 2019. We tested the ES 300h hybrid in its high-end Ultra Luxury trim. The 300h succeeds on several fronts: fuel efficiency, comfort, and luxury. It’s powered by a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine and an electric motor, good for 215 hp and 44 mpg in combined city/highway driving. The 300h delivers a smooth, comfortable ride, nicely isolating passengers from the driving environment. Handling is competent and secure for everyday driving. The 300h’s cabin is roomy, stylish, and luxurious in an understated way. The dash has a logical layout, with all controls—including a 12.3-inch touch screen, traditional shift lever, and hard keys for the radio and climate controls—within easy reach of the driver. Materials choices include an abundance of textured and soft-touch surfaces and (on higher trims) leather seating. The Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 set of advanced safety features is standard. It’s not easy to fault the ES 300h, but a few things could use some improvement. The hybrid drivetrain feels underpowered and is noisy under load, and more road and tire noise enter the cabin than ought to. Finally, rear entry and exit can be a bit challenging because of the low roofline.