In general, automakers offer hybrids as either fuel-sipping eco-hatchbacks or pricey performance-oriented luxury hybrids. One notable exception, however, is the 2020 Lexus ES 300h. Want high fuel economy, plenty of luxury features and typical sedan styling? You've come to the right place.

You'll also be impressed with the 300h's value — it doesn't cost much more than the regular Lexus ES 350. While its four-cylinder won't dazzle performance enthusiasts, the 300h is remarkably fuel-efficient. With a rating of 44 mpg combined, it outperforms hybrid versions of mainstream sedans such as the Ford Fusion and the Hyundai Sonata. And in our testing, it even beat its own EPA rating.

Given its value and fuel efficiency, it's easy to see why this hybrid version of the Lexus ES has been a favorite since its debut nearly a decade ago. It's a quiet, comfortable and well-built sedan with an impressive array of standard equipment and a luxury appeal. For 2020, the ES 300h carries over unchanged. That's no surprise since the ES series was fully redesigned the year before, and Lexus has infused this latest-generation model with more personality.

There are a few other choices for a luxury hybrid sedan. You could check out the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. It's a like-minded luxury midsize that costs about the same and offers similar fuel economy. If you want to go the plug-in hybrid route, Mercedes-Benz has a new electrified C-Class sedan. You might even check out one of Lexus' hybrid SUVs for greater utility. But overall, we like how the ES 300h provides an enticing blend of luxury and value.

Edmunds’ Expert Rating

Rated for you by America’s best test team

Our verdict

7.9 / 10

The Lexus ES 300h is one of just a few luxury midsize hybrid sedans. Fuel economy is excellent, and the 300h handles surprisingly well and retains the Lexus hallmark focus on comfort and serenity. European plug-in hybrids are typically sportier, but the ES remains one of today's best all-around performers.

How does it drive?

7.0

You don't expect much vigor or verve from a luxury hybrid, but the ES 300h handles surprisingly well. It stays composed in corners, with better body control than you'd expect from a luxury sedan. The ES 300h isn't made for stoplight sprints, but acceleration is decent for a hybrid. In Edmunds testing it achieved a 0-60 mph time of 8.3 seconds.

The 300h's steering has the same numb, light effort that plagues many hybrids, although Sport mode gives it a livelier feel. Braking is unfortunately clunky, with a harsh sensation when the ES switches between its regenerative and friction brake modes. Otherwise, the engine and CVT automatic's smooth acceleration make the ES a pleasure to drive, even in city traffic, where it feels like it's gliding.

How comfortable is it?

8.5

Comfort and a sense of isolation remain ES hallmarks. The front seats are firm and supportive, without excessive side bolsters to impede entry and exit. The rear seats are just as comfortable, if a bit wide and flat. You can sit up front or in back for long stretches without fatigue.

This latest 300h hasn't lost its ability to absorb bumps and road rash either. There's a bit of intrusive wind noise at highway speeds — more than we'd expect of a Lexus — but maybe it's just more noticeable since the car tames road and tire noise so well. Engine noise is almost imperceptible. More warmth from the seat heaters on cold days would be nice.

How’s the interior?

8.5

Getting in and out of the ES is no trouble thanks to the low seat cushions and wide door openings. There's also a good-size gap between front passengers and door panels that creates a feeling of space. There's loads of room in the back seat, especially between the seatbacks and knees, even for 6-foot-tall passengers.

Drivers of most heights and body types should find a comfortable driving position given the ES' power-adjustable seat and mostly clear views all around the car. Only the ES' incoherent array of buttons and switchgear is inexplicably inelegant in an otherwise elegant cabin. (The volume knob is great, though, and feels like an old-school stereo receiver.)

How’s the tech?

6.5

Our test car came with the spectacular-looking 12-inch infotainment display. The widescreen navigation maps look great thanks to excellent color contrast and indicators. But using the touchpad controller while in motion is onerous; a dial-and-button controller would be preferable. Fortunately, you can control many nav, phone, audio, and even climate control functions through voice commands.

The ES also includes several standard driver safety features, such as adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist, which help minimize lane wandering. This isn't semi-automated driving, and the degree of steering correction is limited, but it's useful for occasional lapses of attention.

How’s the storage?

8.5

You get a big trunk with the ES 300h. The battery pack resides beneath the rear seats, so cargo space is 16.7 cubic feet, the same as in the non-hybrid ES. Unlike the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid, you can't fold the rear seats to increase space; there's only a pass-through for long items. Storage for small items inside the cabin is also abundant.

There's plenty of space for child safety seats, and they're easy to install. Just detach the plastic tabs over the car seat anchors in the seat cushions. Generous rear-seat room means most seats will fit without a need for sliding up the front seats.

How economical is it?

9.0

With an EPA rating of 44 mpg combined, the ES 300h is one of the more efficient sedans you can buy. We observed 46.2 mpg on our test loop, which goes to show that the EPA ratings are attainable.

Is it a good value?

8.5

For a relatively affordable sum, the redesigned ES 300h delivers a substantial luxury experience. The upholstery feels supple and substantial, and the cabin shows typical Lexus attention to detail: tight panel gaps, high-quality controls and detailed stitching. Warranty coverage is on par for the segment.

It doesn't cost much more than a top-of-the-line Toyota Avalon Hybrid. Why not splurge a bit and get the Lexus?

Wildcard

7.5

The ES 300h isn't as fun to drive as more expensive European plug-in hybrids. But it excels in other ways. It's comfortable without being floaty, large without feeling ponderous, and serene without being detached. Sublime suspension tuning, a wonderful audio system, and a welcoming and roomy interior are other advantages.

Which ES 300h does Edmunds recommend?

The 2020 Lexus ES 300h comes very nicely equipped if you want luxury on a budget, with features such as a sunroof, 10-way power-adjustable front seats, a premium sound system and in-car Wi-Fi. But if you can stretch to the Luxury trim, it adds desirable extras such as leather seating, heated and ventilated front seats, wood interior trim, and ambient interior lighting. Audiophiles should consider the Navigation/Mark Levinson Premium Audio package not only for its integrated nav system but also because it offers one of the best sound systems available in any car.

Lexus ES 300h models

The 2020 Lexus ES 300h is a midsize luxury sedan available in three trims: the base ES 300h, Luxury and Ultra Luxury. All trims are powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired to an electric motor (215 total system horsepower) and a continuously variable automatic transmission. Only front-wheel drive is available.

Thanks to its extensive standard features, the base ES 350 may be enough for many shoppers. It comes with LED headlights, a sunroof, simulated-leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, an 8-inch central infotainment display, Bluetooth, smartphone app-based navigation, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a 10-speaker sound system among other items.

Standard safety tech includes forward collision mitigation, lane keeping assist and lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and parking sensors. An optional Premium package adds a handful of other luxuries, such as heated and ventilated front seats and a power-adjustable steering wheel.

The Luxury trim pads on the Premium package features along with leather upholstery, additional front-seat adjustments and noise-reducing side windows, while the Ultra Luxury offers a more advanced suspension, upgraded leather and a hands-free trunk release.

Buyers might consider a few other options, including a navigation system (which includes a 12.3-inch display) and a premium Mark Levinson sound system. These can be optioned together or individually. Other options include 18-inch wheels, a wireless phone charging pad, and safety features such as blind-spot monitoring and a surround-view camera system.

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the 2020 Lexus ES 300h.

5 star reviews: 75%

4 star reviews: 25%

3 star reviews: 0%

2 star reviews: 0%

1 star reviews: 0%

Average user rating: 4.8 stars based on 4 total reviews

Most helpful consumer reviews

5 out of 5 stars, ES300h Ultra Luxury

Richard from Myrtle Beach, 12/29/2019

Ultra Luxury 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

This model has all of the bells and whistles that I wanted. Plus some new features I didn't know it had. For example, a forward camera that also provides a visual image when pulling up to a curb so you don't hit the front grille area.

4 out of 5 stars, Didn't buy it because....

Richard, 02/05/2020

4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

As a Lexus owner for the past 30 years, I was ready and willing to buy my 3rd, a 2020 ES350h sedan. While I liked the car's styling, ride quality and pricing two big flaws in its interior design kept me from buying it: (1) The interior navigation screen is just stuck onto the top of the dash, rather than integrated into it (as is the case with every other car in this class). Worse than its appearance was that the screen is not hooded or shaded in any way so that the outside light coming through the windshield directly behind the screen makes the screen difficult to see. (2) The touch pad controller, which is the only way to interface manually with the car's electronics was terrible -- worse than every reviewer says it is. Although the input sensitivity of the touch pad has 2 customizable settings other than standard, the interface experience remained very "twitchy" and difficult to use even at the least sensitive setting and even after I spent 1/2 hour in the parked car working with it. I would hate to have to use this while driving. I'm was unhappily surprised -- Lexus has been building luxury cars long enough to know better.

5 out of 5 stars, 2020 Lexus ES 300h

3 Times Lexus Owner, 01/21/2020

Luxury 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

Really enjoying my new car after first month of driving. It has very nice features and is a pleasure to drive.

5 out of 5 stars, We are driving New Car ES300H 2020

Zaldy and Myrna mae, 03/18/2020

Luxury 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

Super new and my wife love to drive everyday. Have nothing more to say me and my wife very satisfied the overall performance of this car incl. quality, price and safety features.

Write a review

See all 4 reviews

Features & Specs

4dr Sedan features & specs
4dr Sedan 2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT
MSRP	$41,810
MPG	43 city / 44 hwy
Seating	Seats 5
Transmission	Continuously variable-speed automatic
Horsepower	215 hp @ 5700 rpm

See all for sale

Luxury 4dr Sedan features & specs
Luxury 4dr Sedan 2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT
MSRP	$44,665
MPG	43 city / 44 hwy
Seating	Seats 5
Transmission	Continuously variable-speed automatic
Horsepower	215 hp @ 5700 rpm

See all for sale

Ultra Luxury 4dr Sedan features & specs
Ultra Luxury 4dr Sedan 2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT
MSRP	$45,660
MPG	43 city / 44 hwy
Seating	Seats 5
Transmission	Continuously variable-speed automatic
Horsepower	215 hp @ 5700 rpm

See all for sale

See all 2020 Lexus ES 300h features & specs

Safety

Our experts’ favorite ES 300h safety features:

Lexus Safety System+ 2.0: Bundles a variety of standard safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking and lane keeping assist.
Panoramic View Monitor: Displays a 360-degree image of the area around the vehicle to aid in parking maneuvers.
Blind-Spot Monitor: Warns the driver if a vehicle is in the ES 300h's blind spot.

NHTSA Overall Rating 5 out of 5 stars

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating	Rating
Overall	4 / 5
Driver	5 / 5
Passenger	4 / 5
Side Crash Rating	Rating
Overall	5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating	Rating
Overall	5 / 5
Driver	5 / 5
Passenger	5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings	Rating
Front Seat	5 / 5
Back Seat	5 / 5
Rollover	Rating
Rollover	4 / 5
Dynamic Test Result	No Tip
Risk Of Rollover	10.5%

Lexus ES 300h vs. the competition

Lexus ES 300h vs. Toyota Avalon Hybrid

The Lexus ES 300h is essentially a more luxury-oriented (and expensive) version of the already fairly upscale Toyota Avalon Hybrid. The Lexus has nicer interior appointments, while the Avalon's touchscreen infotainment system is much easier to use on a day-to-day basis.

Compare Lexus ES 300h & Toyota Avalon Hybrid features

Lexus ES 300h vs. Lexus ES 350

The main difference between these two cars is the engine. Instead of a hybrid powertrain, the ES 350 uses Lexus' tried-and-true 3.5-liter V6. The ES 350 is much less fuel-efficient — its city mpg rating is half that of the ES 300h's — but it's quicker and the sticker price is lower.

Compare Lexus ES 300h & Lexus ES 350 features

Lexus ES 300h vs. BMW 5 Series

The ES 300h and the BMW 5 Series take vastly different approaches to midsize hybrid luxury sedans. The ES 300h has a fairly low starting price, a typical hybrid powertrain and remarkable fuel efficiency. The 5 Series is a more performance-oriented plug-in hybrid with an all-electric range of 15 miles before the gas engine kicks on. It also has a quick 0-60 mph time and a much higher price tag.

Compare Lexus ES 300h & BMW 5 Series features

People who viewed this also viewed

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4.1666665 average Rating out of 18 reviews.
Starting at $28,430

FAQ

Is the Lexus ES 300h a good car?

The Edmunds experts tested the 2020 ES 300h both on the road and at the track, giving it a 7.9 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2020 ES 300h gets an average rating of 5 stars out of 5 (based on 4 reviews) You probably care about Lexus ES 300h fuel economy, so it's important to know that the ES 300h gets an EPA-estimated 44 mpg. What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the ES 300h has 16.7 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Lexus ES 300h. Learn more

What's new in the 2020 Lexus ES 300h?

According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2020 Lexus ES 300h:

The Lexus ES 300h carries over essentially unchanged
Part of the seventh Lexus ES generation introduced for 2019

Learn more

Is the Lexus ES 300h reliable?

To determine whether the Lexus ES 300h is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the ES 300h. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the ES 300h's 5-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more

Is the 2020 Lexus ES 300h a good car?

There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2020 Lexus ES 300h is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2020 ES 300h and gave it a 7.9 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2020 ES 300h gets an average rating of 5 stars out of 5 (based on 4 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2020 ES 300h is a good car for you. Learn more

How much should I pay for a 2020 Lexus ES 300h?

The least-expensive 2020 Lexus ES 300h is the 2020 Lexus ES 300h 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $41,810.

Other versions include:

4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) which starts at $41,810
Luxury 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) which starts at $44,665
Ultra Luxury 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) which starts at $45,660

Learn more

What are the different models of Lexus ES 300h?

If you're interested in the Lexus ES 300h, the next question is, which ES 300h model is right for you? ES 300h variants include 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT), Luxury 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT), and Ultra Luxury 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT). For a full list of ES 300h models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more

More about the 2020 Lexus ES 300h

2020 Lexus ES 300h Overview

The 2020 Lexus ES 300h is offered in the following submodels: ES 300h Sedan. Available styles include 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT), Luxury 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT), and Ultra Luxury 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT).

What do people think of the 2020 Lexus ES 300h?

Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2020 Lexus ES 300h and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2020 ES 300h 4.8 on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2020 ES 300h.

Edmunds Expert Reviews

Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2020 Lexus ES 300h and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2020 ES 300h featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.

Our Review Process

This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.

We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.

What's a good price for a New 2020 Lexus ES 300h?

2020 Lexus ES 300h Ultra Luxury 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

The 2020 Lexus ES 300h Ultra Luxury 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $46,685. The average price paid for a new 2020 Lexus ES 300h Ultra Luxury 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) is trending $2,718 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.

Edmunds members save an average of $2,718 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $43,967.

The average savings for the 2020 Lexus ES 300h Ultra Luxury 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) is 5.8% below the MSRP.

Available Inventory:

We are showing 1 2020 Lexus ES 300h Ultra Luxury 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.

2020 Lexus ES 300h Luxury 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

The 2020 Lexus ES 300h Luxury 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $50,765. The average price paid for a new 2020 Lexus ES 300h Luxury 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) is trending $4,350 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.

Edmunds members save an average of $4,350 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $46,415.

The average savings for the 2020 Lexus ES 300h Luxury 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) is 8.6% below the MSRP.

Available Inventory:

We are showing 42 2020 Lexus ES 300h Luxury 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.

2020 Lexus ES 300h 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

The 2020 Lexus ES 300h 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $48,705. The average price paid for a new 2020 Lexus ES 300h 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) is trending $4,860 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.

Edmunds members save an average of $4,860 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $43,845.

The average savings for the 2020 Lexus ES 300h 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) is 10% below the MSRP.

Available Inventory:

We are showing 12 2020 Lexus ES 300h 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.

Which 2020 Lexus ES 300hs are available in my area?

Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2020 Lexus ES 300h for sale near. There are currently 93 new 2020 ES 300hs listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as $46,935 and mileage as low as 0 miles. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a car from our massive database to find cheap vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the AutoCheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the 2020 Lexus ES 300h. Then select Edmunds special offers, perks, deals, and incentives to contact the dealer of your choice and save up to $2,898 on a used or CPO 2020 ES 300h available from a dealership near you.

Can't find a new 2020 Lexus ES 300hs you want in your area? Consider a broader search.

Find a new Lexus ES 300h for sale - 8 great deals out of 22 listings starting at $24,603.

Find a new Lexus for sale - 2 great deals out of 15 listings starting at $14,848.

Why trust Edmunds?

Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including rich, trim-level features and specs information like: MSRP, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, heated seating, cooled seating, cruise control, parking assistance, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats ,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, wheel tire, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, engine torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy (city, highway, combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (length, width, seating capacity, cargo space), car safety, true cost to own. Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, fuel economy, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds rating, and color.

Should I lease or buy a 2020 Lexus ES 300h?

Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.

Check out Lexus lease specials

2020 Lexus ES 300h