2019 Lexus ES 300h Review

Name: 2019 Lexus ES 300h Review
Brand: Lexus

Price Range: $27,028 - $32,998

Lexus ES 300h Base Sedan Exterior Exterior

Lexus ES 300h Ultra Luxury Sedan Exterior Shown

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$29,763 avg. price

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Lexus ES 300h model years

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Edmunds' Expert Review

by Cameron Rogers^{Manager, Written Content
Cameron Rogers has worked in the automotive industry since 2013. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. As a manager of written content, he writes and edits the reviews that help consumers find their perfect car. Favorite cars that he's driven during his tenure at Edmunds include the 991-era Porsche 911 Turbo S, Rolls-Royce Ghost and several generations of Honda Odyssey (really).}

Pros

Excellent ride quality and quiet cabin
Good fuel economy for the size and power
Comfortable and mostly upscale interior

Cons

Finicky infotainment interface
Disappointing quality of a few interior plastics
Rear seats don't fold down
Acceleration is slow by luxury sedan standards

What's new

Fully redesigned for 2019
Improved fuel efficiency
Upgraded technology, safety features and driver aids
More passenger and cargo space
Part of the seventh ES generation introduced for 2019

Hybrids typically fall into two price categories. On the lower end are fuel-sipping eco-hatchbacks. Pay more and you'll open the doors to performance luxury vehicles, which use the electric motor's extra power to produce enviable acceleration. The 2019 Lexus ES 300h is one of the few cars that compete in between. Its large, roomy cabin is undeniably more upscale than a standard hybrid's, but its price is barely higher than that of the Toyota Avalon Hybrid upon which it is based. The Lexus can't beat its German rivals in terms of outright speed, but it undercuts the competition by thousands of dollars, and its modest four-cylinder engine is undeniably more fuel-efficient.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

For sale near Ashburn, VA

11 listings

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2019 Lexus ES 300h
Base Sedan
$32,998
fair price
$1,336 below market
- 22,597 miles
- No accidents, 2 owners, personal use only
- 4cyl automatic
- CarMax Frederick (18 mi away)
- Free delivery available*
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Sunroof/Moonroof
- Keyless Entry/Start
Close
Located in Gaithersburg, MD
CarMax values transparency and wants you to love your next car, not settle on it. Certain vehicles may have unrepaired safety recalls. Check nhtsa.gov...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
44 Combined MPG (44 City/45 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: JTHB21B15K2044225
Stock: 27342650
Certified Pre-Owned: No
New Listing
2019 Lexus ES 300h
Luxury Sedan
$27,028
fair price
$487 above market
- 86,750 miles
- No accidents, 2 owners, personal use
- 4cyl automatic
- Driveway (175 mi away)
- Home delivery*
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Leather Seats
- Sunroof/Moonroof
Close
Located in Coraopolis, PA
Green Vehicle,Back-Up Camera,Blind Spot Monitor,Bluetooth,Brake Assist,Hands-Free Liftgate,Heated Seats,Heated Steering Wheel,Keyless Start,Lane Keepi...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
44 Combined MPG (44 City/45 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: JTHB21B16K2007278
Stock: SP6629
Certified Pre-Owned: No

See all for sale

The ES 300h and the similar V6-powered ES 350 are redesigned for 2019. The sedan is longer, lower and wider than its predecessor, allowing for an increased wheelbase to give it more passenger legroom. The relocated battery pack, now residing under the rear seats, means the ES 300h has the same trunk space as the ES 350.

Inside, many of the touch points have been lifted from more expensive Lexuses, giving the ES an even more premium vibe than before. The technology interface continues to be a sore spot, though the availability of Apple CarPlay makes it less aggravating than in years past. Still, the touchpad controller is more finicky and less precise than the knob controller favored by rivals.

The 2019 Lexus ES 300h is a marked improvement over its predecessor, with a nicer interior and more passenger and cargo room. It doesn't have many direct competitors — the 2019 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid is the only other like-minded luxury midsize in this price range — and we think buyers looking to step up from everyday hybrids will enjoy its enticing blend of luxury and value.

Notably, we picked the 2019 Lexus ES 300h as one of Edmunds' Best Luxury Cars for this year.

Edmunds' Expert Rating

7.9 / 10

Trim tested

Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the 2019 Lexus ES 300h (2.5L 4-cyl hybrid | CVT automatic | FWD).

Scorecard

Overall	7.9 / 10
Driving	7.0
Comfort	8.5
Interior	8.5
Utility	8.5
Technology	6.5

Driving

7.0

We didn't expect much from this luxury hybrid in terms of performance, but the ES 300h handles surprisingly well. Acceleration is adequate overall, and it's downright impressive for a vehicle this efficient. Unfortunately, the transfer from regenerative to friction braking is harsh and un-Lexus-like.

Acceleration

7.0

The ES 300h isn't made for stoplight sprints, but it will leave the line with authority when asked to do so. Our Edmunds testing resulted in a 0-60 mph time of 8.3 seconds. That is slow by luxury standards, but it's quite good when you consider this is a big sedan capable of achieving more than 40 mpg.

Braking

6.0

The brakes are a mixed bag. On one hand, braking force builds gradually and the brakes don't feel grabby at the top of the pedal stroke. Unfortunately, the handoff between regenerative and friction brakes is less refined. Under braking, the transfer between the two types of brakes feels like a harsh downshift from a dual-clutch automatic transmission.

Steering

6.5

Effort is light, and there's not much buildup as you move from center. There's no feedback, along with zero sense of road texture. These characteristics aren't uncommon for the class, however. Eco mode makes the steering effort feel syrupy, but Sport gives it a more natural firmness.

Handling

8.5

The ES 300h's handling abilities are surprisingly good, and the car feels much more planted than expected. There's little body roll, even when you push it further than a typical owner would. Passengers won't feel queasy if you take a set of sharp bends with gusto.

Drivability

8.0

Handoff from electric to engine power is imperceptible unless you slam the gas pedal from a stop, which forces the engine to kick on at about 5 mph. Otherwise, the gas motor activates naturally with no shock through the cabin. Eco mode dulls throttle response, but you won't notice while cruising around town. The reduced response is only noticeable at highway speeds.

Comfort

8.5

The ES 300h is eminently comfortable. It has a cushy yet well-controlled ride and supportive seats. We have a few minor gripes that include the strained exhaust note and seat heating elements that are merely warm.

Seat comfort

8.0

The front seats are quite comfortable and supportive on long hauls. Even so, four-way lumbar should be standard on a luxury sedan. The rear seatbacks are set at a nice angle, and headrest positioning is comfortable. Tall rear passengers sitting behind similar-size front occupants will likely find the bench a little flat.

Ride comfort

8.5

The ES drives like the large luxury cruiser it is. The ride is comfortable but composed, without the floaty sensation that some softly tuned sedans exhibit. It soaks up most bumps, but washboard-style roads remain a little rough.

Noise & vibration

8.5

The ES 300h accelerates from a stop under quiet electric power, and the transition to the gas engine as speed increases is shock-free. The engine is barely noticeable under light acceleration, but hitting the pedal for quicker response brings the telltale relentless groan of a four-cylinder mated to a CVT.

Climate control

7.5

Set to automatic control, the dual-zone climate system sometimes has a hard time figuring out optimal fan speed. For example, when we set the A/C to 73 degrees on a 76-degree day in our test car, the fans maxed out, blowing cold air. The heated seats only get warm on the highest setting, but seat ventilation is phenomenal.

Interior

8.5

The cabin of the ES is an inviting place to stay, with plenty of room all around. The interior materials look like they are borrowed from the ES' more expensive siblings.

Ease of use

8.5

Most controls are within reach, but a few are obscured. Though the seat heating and cooling controls are not located near the climate controls, we like that they are physical buttons (and not just buried in a display screen menu). The combination volume and tuning knob is thoughtful and well-executed.

Getting in/getting out

8.0

The low-slung seats are a boon to shorter passengers, but tall people entering the car will have to scrunch up a bit. The low doorsills make it easy to step in or out. A driver easy entry/exit feature tilts the wheel up and moves the seat back. The ES is so roomy the rear passenger doesn't feel squished.

Driving position

8.0

The driver's seat offers a decent range of adjustability, though it could go lower to accommodate tall folks. The door and the center armrest are about the same height, so most drivers can place their elbows comfortably while gripping the wheel at the 9 and 3 o'-clock positions.

Roominess

8.0

The ES 300h feels light and airy inside, giving occupants an excellent sense of space. Legroom is abundant both front and rear. However, a standard sunroof and sloping rear roofline reduce front and rear headroom for tall passengers.

Visibility

9.0

The front roof pillars are a little thick, but the low hood and high roof make it easy to see out the front. The car's beltline is high but still affords good side visibility. The rear window is large, with a moderately sloping shelf and relatively narrow pillars.

Quality

9.0

You wouldn't confuse its interior for the top-line LS 500's, but the ES 300h shares design elements and some switchgear with its far more expensive sibling. High-quality materials and tight panel fitment are up to Lexus' typical high standards.

Utility

8.5

The redesigned ES has more interior storage pockets than last year's model, and the LATCH anchors are much more accessible. Cargo space is much improved, too: Moving the battery pack from the trunk to beneath the rear seats means the 300h has the same trunk space as the ES 350.

Small-item storage

8.5

The front cupholders are oddly located, but the idea is sound: Keep them offset so two large cups don't bump into each other. The one next to the driver even has a height-adjustable bottom. Space is abundant in the front console, and the rear cupholders are reasonably sized. The door pockets are narrow and short.

Cargo space

8.0

The battery pack resides beneath the rear seats, so there's no cargo-reducing hump in the trunk. Cargo space is 13.9 cubic feet, the same as 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.

Child safety seat accommodation

8.5

Four anchors are hidden beneath removable Isofix covers. Three tethers are located on the rear shelf, though curiously farther from the seatback than most. They require a bit of a stretch to reach, but the hooks are easy to latch onto.

Technology

6.5

Lexus finally offers Apple CarPlay on the ES, and high-quality music sounds fantastic on the Mark Levinson audio system. The high-tech display screen looks good, but a horrid user interface drags down the overall score.

Audio & navigation

5.0

The touchpad is atrocious to use and is in no way an improvement over the previous model's mouse-like controller. It's imprecise, allowing you to overshoot the menu option you're trying to select, and fine-tuning selections is difficult. The optional Mark Levinson sound system is well worth the upgrade.

Smartphone integration

7.0

The ES 300h comes with four USB ports (two in front and two behind the center console). If you still have devices to charge, there's a Qi wireless pad in the center console. Apple CarPlay is optional, and Android Auto is not offered.

Driver aids

8.5

The ES 300h comes standard with a number of driving aids, including lane keeping assist and forward collision warning. Parking sensors are a little sensitive but can be disabled temporarily, so they don't beep constantly if you stop a little close to the car in front.

Voice control

7.0

The voice control system recognizes some limited free speech. It will direct you to the nearest X as long as X is a well-known chain. It will take you to the nearest Starbucks, for instance, but not Jersey Mike's or a specific hotel. It's not nearly as good as some rivals' voice systems.

Compare 2019 Lexus ES 300h trim levels

Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart

2019 Lexus ES 300h models

The 2019 Lexus ES 300h is a midsize luxury sedan sold in three main trim levels with numerous available features packages and stand-alone options. Note that some options and configurations may be limited depending on where the car is purchased.

The ES 300h features a hybrid powertrain (a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine paired to an electric motor) that produces 215 total system horsepower. Those who prefer a bit more oomph under the hood are encouraged to check out the similar V6-powered 2019 Lexus ES 350.

Standard features on the 2019 Lexus ES 300h include 17-inch wheels, LED headlights, a sunroof, keyless entry and ignition, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a digital instrument panel, dual-zone automatic climate control, selectable driving modes, power-adjustable front seats, simulated-leather upholstery, onboard Wi-Fi, an 8-inch central display, three USB ports, and a 10-speaker audio system with a CD player and satellite radio.

Every ES 300h also comes with a wealth of advanced safety features, including a rearview camera, automatic high-beam control, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and mitigation, and a pre-collision warning system with automatic emergency braking.

On the base ES, you can order the optional Premium package, which adds automatic wipers, a power-adjustable steering wheel, driver-seat memory settings, and heated and ventilated front seats.

The Luxury trim includes those upgrades, plus heated mirrors, sound-reducing side windows, leather upholstery, ambient lighting and genuine wood trim. The Ultra Luxury package pulls out all the stops with hands-free trunk release, upgraded leather upholstery, a power rear sunshade, manual rear side sunshades, and special chassis dampers that help absorb vibrations when cornering.

Notable stand-alone options include 18-inch wheels, a heated steering wheel, adaptive suspension dampers, a panoramic sunroof, a head-up display, a 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system, blind-spot monitoring, front and rear parking sensors, rear cross-traffic alert, rear pedestrian alert with automatic braking, a 360-degree parking camera, and a wireless charging pad. An optional navigation system is paired with a larger 12.3-inch display screen and Apple CarPlay functionality.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2019 Lexus ES 300h 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.01 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$85/mo

$191/mo

Avg. Large Car

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Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

4.5/5Excellent

#2 out of 68 among Luxury Midsize Cars

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.

Cost

^{The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Lexus ES 300h from 2008-2022.}

$339/yr

vs. $607/yr
for Average Luxury Midsize Car

Frequency

^{The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).}

0.47x/yr

vs. 1.36x/yr
for Average Luxury Midsize Car

Severity

^{The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).}

5.6%

vs. 10.5%
for Average Luxury Midsize Car

powered by RepairPal ^{Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.}

Lexus ES 300h Reviews

Owner Reviews

4.5

19 reviews

5(74%)

4(10%)

3(11%)

2(5%)

1(0%)

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Most Helpful Owner Reviews

2019 ES 300h Hybrid Luxury

J Daw, 02/10/2019

2019 Lexus ES 300h Luxury 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

This is a luxury, teriffic milage, car that is very quiet. The layout of tha interior is similar to the LS. The operation of the instrumentation leaves something to be desired-way too complicated to operate. Lexus seemed to go out of their way making everything instrumental way too hard to easily operate. My 2013 Lexus ES300h was much easier insofar as operation of the instrumental …

BEST Hybrid 'Prius' made

Doug S., 05/08/2019

2019 Lexus ES 300h Ultra Luxury 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

This is my second ES300h. I now have 3,200 miles on this car. SUPERB Automobile.. SO safety conscious. Far superior to the 6th generation. I am a bit of an enomoly... I get 49 - 52.5 mpg about town, 46 on the highway. SO comfortable.. seats are wonderful to drive from.. This 'Mark Levinson' is infinitely better than previous versions. Driving, on the road, is surgical as …

Very impressed and pleased with this car!

andylibby, 07/30/2019

2019 Lexus ES 300h Ultra Luxury 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

This is my first Lexus. My last four cars were (1) 2012 Prius 5, (2) 2013 Avalon Limited Hybrid, (3) 2014 Mercedes E250, and (4) 2017 Mercedes E300 so I’m not unfamiliar with luxury cars or hybrids. This car is truly awesome. I drive about 35,000 miles per year and appreciate comfort and technology. This car has loads of both. The interior is not as stunning as my Mercedes E300, but …

We love our 2019 ES 300h

Jerryd, 03/01/2019

2019 Lexus ES 300h Luxury 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

This has to be the most enjoyable car we have ever owned. It is a dream to drive. My wife and I fight over who gets to drive the car. The ride is smooth, the cabin is bank vault quiet , and the milage is outstanding. With mostly city driving, we have averaged 42 mpg since we bought the car. I would recommend paying extra and getting the luxury package. With that package you get the …

See all 19 reviews of the Lexus ES 300h

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2019 ES 300h Highlights

Trim:

Base

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$41,560
Engine Type	Hybrid
Combined MPG	44 MPG
Cost to Drive	$85/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	16.7 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Our experts like the ES 300h models:

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

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Overall4 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger4 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front Seat5 / 5
Back Seat5 / 5
Rollover
Rollover4 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover10.5%

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