Used 2015 Lexus ES 300h Consumer Reviews

3's a Charm

This is my 4th Lexus; 3rd ES and 1st hybrid. I've enjoyed my sportier cars (S60, C30, Boxster, Z3, TT) but my current need is for a comfortable commuter car that masks the horrible Houston streets and doesn't suck gas during crawls home in traffic. During the 4 months I've owned this ES300h, I've been very impressed with the overall experience with the hybrid system, comfort, and obvious quality of this vehicle. Without changing much about former driving habits I'm managing about 33-34 mpg in mostly heavy city traffic. And it's actually more fun/engaging to drive that I anticipated, given pro reviews. But again, this is no 3-series, and for me, thankfully so.

Excellent luxury hybrid!

We just bought this car in late January, so we haven’t put in as many miles as some other folks. Having said that, I have a daily commute averaging 100 miles, so I think I am qualified to write a review on this car by now :) To put it simply, if your objective is to purchase a nice, luxurious family car that is beautiful inside and out and gives excellent gas mileage, then you simply just can’t go wrong with this car. For context, we purchased the Ultra Premium Luxury package with the Mark Levinson audio system. While this car may not be the fastest luxury car out there (spend another $50,000 in change and get a Tesla Model S then), it is a phenomenal grand touring car, no question.

Extraordinary Hybrid

We traded our RX 450 h, which we loved, for a bit better fuel mileage - boy did we get it. Driving home from the dealer, all highway, the car averaged 39 MPG at speeds between 65 and 75. It was smooth, eerily quiet and handled extremely well. If you don't drive it like a race car and accelerate smoothly and hold your speeds nicely, you WILL get the mileage claimed. Others who complain about the mileage do NOT drive that way - we have owned five hybrids and that IS always the case. The complainers never drive the way the car was designed. We also love the lengthened body - it provides a great deal of leg room in the back - our taller, larger passengers love it!

Lov'n this car

Update: July 2017: I was in an accident and the car was amazing with minimal damages done compared to the amount of force it absorbed. It did surprising well. Had the car fix d with OEM parts and is like brand new. Love this car! Gas mileage is still awesome! I've owned this car for two months now and feel ready to give a review. I traded in my 06 Acura TL. My daily commute is 140 hwy miles round trip (Oakland to Stockton, CA). I drive over two large hill ranges, dare I say, one is mountainous. 98% of my driving is hwy miles and my mileage is amazing. If I drive 70-75 mph, I'll get 39-41mpg, while if I go 65-69 mph, I can get 42 mpg. I've tried just about every way to drive. Easy going, to "really" easy going and in ECO mode gets me the same as in Normal mode. In sport mode and driving really hard I'm getting 34- 35 but again that's fast at every turn, on ramp, and passing other cars.

great

It is a great car and i have been getting 40 mpg on the road. i don't get how people get like 26 mpg they must be driving fast. Update: After 7 years of owning it, I have not experienced any problems with it.

My favorite car to date!

I love driving this car. I had a BMW 3 series convertible before my Lexus, which I loved up until I sold it at 168,000. I didn't think I'd love another car like my BMW. But, I do! I love my Lexus hybrid even more. It's so comfortable. It handles beautifully. I commute over 100 miles a day, so comfort, reliability, gas mileage were my primary concerns this go around. I have to say, I enjoy my car so much I look forward to driving it. I don't mind my commute at all. I like the mouse feature for the navigation system. After a month or two I feel very comfortable using it. The car has everything, so I am never bored with music. Between my Satellite Radio, Bluetooth, Pandora, and CD (which I've never had to use, yet) I am always singing in the car I haven't used the enform representative feature that comes free for a year as I feel like I am bugging someone if I ring them for questions. It's just me, I know that's their job. Be careful eating in the car as crumbs can fall into the the little holes in the upholstery that heat and cool your seats, otherwise it's perfect to me. Update : My car was totaled in an accident. The safety of my Lexus was beyond comparison to the other vehicle. The Lexus protected my occupants where they hardly believed they were in an accident! What car did I replace my Lexus Es 300 hybrid with? Another Lexus ES 300 hybrid just newer!! That's how much I love this car. Update: 2019 still love it!

great choice

very quiet, smooth, comfortable. I haven't had any maintenance, repair or dealership support needs- therefor the N/A. Navigation doesn't react well to voice command and isn't up to date. Acceleration is good in economy mode, best in sport mode if you need it34

You can always get what you want

Had wanted a Lexus over an Avalon but didn't think I could find the right mix of features for the right price. End of the year sales deals allowed significant savings, even over car buying service pricing. Having driven Toyota's for years, the value and quality increase in a Lexus is clearly evident and will likely make me a Lexus buyer in the future. My only regret would be the loss in trunk space to allow for hybrid battery storage but the long term fuel savings of 40 mpg vs 24 mpg (combined) make the regret easy to get over.

Have enjoyed this car even more than I anticipated

Have owned a Lexus in the past, but this is my first Hybrid. Would be completely satisfied except my friend has car exactly like mine and he is averaging 43 miles per gallon over 12000 miles and I am averaging 38.9 through 2500 miles. Guess I have to work on my Hybrid driving skills if I am going to catch him.

Peppy performance for hybrid

If you think "hybrid" translates to "doggy," you'd be wrong with this car. Well-built, quiet and smooth ride. All the bells and whistles you need and most of what you want. Recently drove to FL for 3 months; combined mileage for entire trip was 42 mpg

My First Lexus

I have owned Toyotas for years and still have and love my Land Cruiser. My wife drives an Avalon which has given us great service over the years. I built my Lexus 300H online last year and got it just as I specified. It has exceeded my expectations for a year and I can't believe I waited until last year to get one. The Fire Agate Pearl color is just beautiful and I have no regrets in getting my first Lexus whatsoever.

Still —No disappointment here! (Update)

Have had over 50 cars— six new - considered a used MKZ hybrids (price point) but my son suggested trying the Lexus. Doubted I could afford one, but after driving the ‘15 (certified) I knew the MKZ was history. Now, after nearly two completely trouble free Years of driving I’m still excited every time I get in. It is very quiet, smooth as silk; still spotless inside and out - the stock stereo is wonderful (and I’m picky).... just a fine luxury auto and getting me 36-40 mpg all the time. You have to wonder how a car company can produce vehicles that just don’t break down. (I also have a 2008 RX350 with 200k mikes. Last three years —- a battery!) I strain to think of a complaint— perhaps a little more cushion in the seats for us older folks would be nice— but it’s a minor complaint. All in all I have to say my all time favorite car! I felt I’d be happy but I’m beyond happy! Blessed to have the pleasure of owning and driving it. Lexus builds a bulletin proof car, and Lexus of Austin, TX treats their customers very well — same tech takes care of my car at each service. 24 hour loaners and all kinds of goodies to make the wait a pleasure. If you can get a Lexus, it doesn’t have to be brand new; Certified Used gets you the SAME wonderful treatment! After several more months and the Arctic Blast we endured here in Texas I was able to evaluate my ES300H in very harsh conditions. Flawless— felt very safe and warm in zero temps. All systems worked as advertised. Still no mechanical issues as I near the 90,000 mark. Guess my first ‘repair’ will be a new set of tires this summer! The hybrid battery will expire at 100,000 miles so I may consider an after market warranty down the road to avoid a future big hit. But that’s it. Still looks new and feels like the day I drive it home for the first time. Update: I have had nothing but satisfaction after over three years. At 7 years of age it drives flawlessly. New tires and wiper blades all I have done other than routine maintenance. Current MPG 39 — more important now with gas prices double a year ago! 4/10/24 Now at 98,000 trouble free miles. Still Very little difference in the overall ‘feel’ Of the drive. My MPG average is still 36-38 all the time. I find it hard to believe there seems to be no Issues as I prepare to cross the 100,000 mile mark. I will have a thorough service at 100 k. Paint and interior appointments wearing very well with just a small wear mark on the drivers side seat back. I had a blow out a couple weeks ago - in town under 30Mph I never saw what I hit but my tire pressure dropped to -0- in seconds. Don’t got to look under the floor mat in the trunk for the first time. I was delighted to find a good size ‘temporary’ spare. Also, all The tools were carefully placed in a foam piece that Spanned the width of the trunk With every needed tool firmly secured. So, I’m still More than satisfied with this hybrid. I guess we will go another year or two. A side note: I recently bought a beautiful one owners on 2014 RX350. Unfortunately, it is not ‘Lexus Smooth’ as were the earlier RX’s were (I’ve had two). Great drive (tight extra) but too choppy for my taste. Wont keep it too long. 3 yr update: Turned 100k trouble free miles. No repairs needed (new tires and wipers about it) I didn’t do the 100k maintenance— cost doubled in 6 months thanks to excessive inflation. Just fluid and filter replacements. MPG’s staying strong (36-40 every tank) Factory sound system still great / no rattles / no surprise vibrations etc I have noticed a little paint fade on the ‘spoiler’ on the trunk. No fade on actual car body and it has not been garaged. I’m wondering how long the standard battery will last? It’s in the trunk. I bought the car as Certified used (56k on the clock) do I don’t know if it is original. Verdict—extremely satisfied at 103,000 trouble free miles if satisfaction The 2015 ES300H has been named the most dependable Lexus and midsize car in general. No wonder!

Good gas mileage!! Low maintenance costs

7Bought the 2014 300H 7/2016 ( 7 years). Only got 48K miles on it. In the city, I get 35 to 37 mpg. Highway, it is more like 38mpg. In spring/fall like weather when I am not using either A/C or heat, in 45mpg roads, I used to get 45 mpg if it is not stop-n-go. MPG has gone down over the years. New small non-hybrid are getting close close to 35 mpg now. Car is very comfortable. Seat vents work great especially in the summer. Heated steering wheel is a welcome addition in the cold mornings. Since it was 'Dealer Certified', all maintenance (oil changes and other fluids, air filter changes, tire rotation and car washes) have all been free. Obviously this ended after 3 years. But now I have to pay. But watch out, every now and then, the dealer tries to 'sell' another service that is not covered (like wheel alignment - which is not necessary unless you have been hitting lots pot holes or curbs). The dealer service area is very clean - and full of light refreshments (fruit, hot chocolate, cookies, chips, soda, etc.) plus several rooms to watch whatever TV channel you want while you wait. Did I say they also have WiFi in case you need it. Be careful about 'Dealer' recommending 45K service or such. Ask specifically what will be done. For me they said the service was to check all the fluids, change oil and filter (all for $475). Its up to you what you decide. I got all that done at the Toyota dealer for $80. Am sure you can find a cheaper place just insist on synthetic oil. In 6 1/2 years, I have (apart for new tires) spent less than $200.

Buying another hybrid

Seating tight for a six foot plus driver.

great car

EVERYTHING works after 10yrs, BEST CAR investment ever

A great car

Of 50 years of buying all types of cars, I can honestly say that this 2014 Lexus hybrid beats them all hands down. As I trade cars every two or three years I have ordered a Tesla Model X and it breaks my heart to have to part with my 300h but no garage space to keep it. It's the best car I have ever owned.

Sweet Ride

Luggage area could certainly be larger, and entering g and exiting driver's seat for someone over six feet a challenge at times, I loved this car. Mileage was averaging 36 mph.

I used to love it !

I got this car and I loved it, i could not make any bad comment about it. But recently it start gives me headaches! The hybrid system stop working and engine turns off in middle of the road, I took it to dealer, and they kept the car for a week and gave it back without knowing what was the problem! After 3 hours of driving, I had to call thow truck to take it bad because of same reason! And still they dont know what is wrong !

Gas Mileage Smells of Volkswagen Corruption

UPDATE. 5.28.22. Toyota and Lexus are still deceiving people with the gas milage they state and what is actual, IMO. I understand druving conditions differ, but should never be this off in calculations. One day, a subcommittee will undertake my concern and hopefully we will get an answer. UPDATE. 11.28.2020. Edmunds ask me to up date my review. As of today, I believe more than ever, that Lexus and Toyota, specifically Akio Toyoda and Mark Templin, knowingly and wittingly, falsified data to get better gas mileage on my ES300 and from every Lexus owner Ive asked, 100% everyone says the same, no where near gas mileage adverised. Inhave sent results to EPA and expect Toyota lobbiest to squash it. UPDATE: 5-26-19 I've put over 25,000 miles on my 2015 300h now. It has never got the 40/39 on the highway. 35mpg at the most. Also, Lexus HQ in Plano Texas has refused to give me history of the service performed. Lexus certified my vehicle based on work performed at a Toyota dealership in AZ. However, they refuse to provide the service details. Why? The heaving breathing lady on at the corporate office, who says "as far as I'm concerned, she is the CEO to me" says "I would just have to take her word". Yes! She said those exact words. It is my opinion from the run around Lexus is giving me because I only ask for what service was performed at one Toyota dealership, and they refuse to give it, that it appears to be some form of cover up of wrong doing. Lexus, the new smell of Volkswagen! I have put over 5000 miles on my 2015 300H. It has never got close to the 40/39 advertised. At max it gets 33 hwy. Lexus dealership tested it 4 times and the first 43 miles per service manager trip they drove only got 32 mph at 55mph hwy. They filled up tank, drove 43 miles and refilled tank with 1.3 gallons. Computer read out was 43 miles per gallon. Do the math. 43/1.3=33.07. This has a smell of Volkswagen in my opinion. P.s. I have the print outs from Lexus to prove it.

Why do the rotors need turning after 3000 miles??

Fourth Lexus and second hybrid. At first, it was a dream to drive. Very comfortable and solid on the road, plenty of responsiveness in corners and in braking. As it is mostly driven by a little old lady on Sundays, I assumed it would be as reliable as the last couple. I was wrong. On the first scheduled maintenance visit, we noted the the Ac no longer blew cold and the brakes felt a little mushy. After two days at the dealership, we were informed that rodents had chewed several wires, causing the AC to no longer work, the radio to act funny, and other sundry issues that showed up during a thorough inspection. Also, asphalt had caked the underside of the car, causing the rotors to need to be turned. They suggested that we contact our insurance agency to get all this fixed. I think this is ridiculous, as the previous cars never had a problem with asphalt caking, or AC losing freon, or the radio stations not wanting to change after several minutes of scanning. I am very unhappy with this, and am looking into other cars.

Tons of "Normal" Defects

I'll start by saying I believe the issues I had with a brand new 2014 Lexus ES300H was due to a defective car, not consistent with others. I simply have to assume this is the case. I had two major issues never resolved which forced me to break the lease and sell the car. #1 - after 6 months of owning the car, when the car reaches about 30 miles an hour, a large rattle would occur lasting a few seconds. I took it to the Santa Monica Lexus repair shop. I was able to demonstrate the issue during a test drive with the head shop foreman. After 1 week in the shop they identified the issue as being the heat shield. The heat shield was "repaired", I picked up the car, the problem returned. This went on for 2 more visit before I gave up and took it to another Lexus repair shop. Long story short, that repair shop stated the sound is "normal" and therefore didn't want to repair it. The sound was very loud. Not possible to have a sound like that on any new car. The second problem had to do with the A/C. Each time I started my car with the A/C already in the 'ON' position, a mildew smell would come out the vents. I was told this is caused by a buildup of water in the engine area, also considered "Normal". The advice was to turn the AC off before starting the car which is ridiculous for a brand new car. Between these two issues and the terrible service, I decided to bite the bullet by getting out of the lease (at a significant cost). I am happy to be rid of the car and will never by a Lexus again.

2014 Lexus ES300h Unfortunately is a step back!

This is my third Lexus and my first hybrid. The 34 mpg and the fact that it runs on "regular" gas is great, however, Lexus made some lower quality moves inside the car that I find quite annoying: They put composition felt (many pieces of different colored felt pressed together) on the sides of each front seat, facing to the console. TACKY!! There is no longer a light in the coin compartment which is located on the far left under the dash, causing one to have to remove change to hold it up to look at it under the light at night: CHEAP! Lastly, I absolutely hate the Lexus GPS system! It was outdated when I bought the car and a year later, when I asked the Lexus dealer to update it, the Lexus service man blew up my whole sound system including the radio (which they replaced free of charge, but I was without my car over a week!). When I received my car back, the GPS was still the same outdated one! As my work involves traveling to new clients daily, I also pay $300 annually for live Lexus Navigation Assistance and they are wrong half the time! and the other half, their system hasn't added new addresses! I finally asked who they use to find addresses and they said BING! I found that I can Google it on my phone and receive more accurate directions, much quicker! When I asked the operator to use Google, she responded that they aren't allowed to use Google! Shame on Lexus for cheapening what used to be a "TOP OF THE LINE" car!

Most uncomfortable Lexus I have ever owned

I've owned a Lexus for 13 years and and always loved them. So I was hoping for a similar experience when I bought the 2014 Lexus ES 300h, premium package. The car drives fine, although there is that hesitation every time you start up after stopping, which is common with many hybrids. After almost 7 years of ownership, I am still only getting only 29 mpg, and always have. I don't drive fast, and I drive the way they say to in the manual to maximize mileage. The boxy styling is ugly. The interior materials are much lower quality than past Lexuses I have owned. But the worst problem is the ventilated seat. It is very uncomfortable. It is so bad that my back hurts every time I drive it. I complained and the service manager acknowledged "some" people feel just like me and offered to put extra cushioning in the back, although that would void the ventilation; I said OK and although better, it is still a terrible seat which makes me hate this car more and more every day. After seven years I’ve only driven this car 44,000 miles because I’d rather drive my 19 year old RX300 than this uncomfortable ugly box. Worst car purchase I’ve ever made.

first 300 miles - very poor mpg

Very Poor mpg. Not even close. Barely 26 mpg, 50% highway 50% city Speed was maintained withing limits ( 65m/h), driving, eco mode ( even I hate it) I feel cheated.

300h

Love the gas mileage. Beautiful interior. I am 5'4" and getting in and out of the car was cumbersome. The navigation system is not user friendly or allows for "dummies" like me.

jala201

i bought the car in 2014 Dec. LEXUS ES300H .on the value paper it was written that it has 39 city and 40 highway mileage, and also need to use regular gas. since i bought this car in 2014 i never ever get this many millage i don't know how are they claiming that es300h give this many millage. i don't know where they claiming i m only getting 34-35 mile pr gallen 13.26% variation , useally it should be giving more mileage then it was showing. in August this year i had incident i was back up the car from my driveway and the car was park on other side of the road i touch the car i had back up camera was on but the blind spot monitor was not working and it dosent beep so i come out from the car and look there was damage on my bumper.long story short i called LEXUS they ask me to take the car to dealer thy check my car and said due to the impact on the bumper blind spot monitor not working, they didn't take bumper of and look at that, if this car has bsm break down by touching other car then it is not belong to the road its should look good in show room .

Hybrid Praise

I've owned my 2014 Lexus ES300h since new. It's 11 years old with just over 62,000 miles. The only maintenance cost, aside from oil changes, was a replacement engine battery after 6 years on the original equipment battery. Currently averaging 36 MPG on regular gas. Everything works (except the older analog emergency roadside system). I love it as much as the day I acquired it.

Love the car so far!