2020 Lexus ES 300h Review
Price Range: $23,990 - $31,990
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Good
7.9
out of 10
edmunds TESTED
The 2020 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.
Price & Payment
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Average price: $26,773
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to$
Price
Pros
- Excellent ride quality and a quiet cabin
- Good fuel economy for the size and power
- Comfortable and mostly upscale interior
Cons
- Cumbersome infotainment interface
- Disappointing quality of some interior materials
- Rear seats don't fold down
- Acceleration is slow by luxury-sedan standards
What's new
- The Lexus ES 300h carries over essentially unchanged
- Part of the seventh Lexus ES generation introduced for 2019
Overview
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.
For sale near Ashburn, VA
7 listings
- $23,495great price$3,161 below market
- 94,686 miles
- No accidents, 2 owners, personal use
- 43 City / 44 Hwy MPG
- Fitzgerald Lexington Park Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram (76 mi away)
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Sunroof/Moonroof
- Keyless Entry/Start
Close
Located in Lexington Park, MD
2020 Lexus ES 300h **MD STATE INSPECTED**, 10 Speakers, Dual-Pane Panoramic Sunroof, Leather steering wheel.
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 (43 City/44 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 58AD21B18LU009330
Stock: 0PD19783
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 01-10-2026 - $25,998fair price$433 below market
- 91,926 miles
- 1 accident, 2 owners, personal use only
- 43 City / 44 Hwy MPG
- CarMax El Cajon (2,233 mi away)
- Delivery available*
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Leather Seats
- Sunroof/Moonroof
Close
Located in El Cajon, CA
Wanna drive? CarMax puts you in the driver's seat-and that includes transparency. Certain cars may have unrepaired safety recalls, so check nhtsa.gov/...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: No
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 (43 City/44 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 58AE21B12LU005536
Stock: 28328031
Certified Pre-Owned: No
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
edmunds TESTED
by the Edmunds Experts
Good
7.9
out of 10
We drove the 2020 Lexus ES 300h on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.
Performance
7/10
How does the ES 300h drive? 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.
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.
Comfort
8.5/10
How comfortable is the ES 300h? 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.
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.
Interior
8.5/10
How’s the interior? 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.)
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.)
Technology
6.5/10
How’s the tech? 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.
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.
Storage
8.5/10
How’s the storage? You get a big trunk with the ES 300h. The battery pack resides beneath the rear seats, so cargo space is 13.9 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.
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.
Fuel Economy
9/10
How’s the fuel economy? 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.
Value
8.5/10
Is the ES 300h a good value? 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?
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
7.5/10
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.
2020 Lexus ES 300h trim level differences
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. Compare the 2020 Lexus ES 300h trim levels in-depth.
Which ES 300h trim 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.

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Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$82/mo for ES 300h Base
ES 300h Base
vs
$186/mo
Avg. Large Car
Reliability
The 2020 Lexus ES 300h has a 4 years / 50,000 miles basic warranty and 2 recalls. RepairPal gives it a reliability rating of 4.5 out of 5, ranks it #2 out of 68 among Luxury Midsize Cars. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.
Reliability Rating by RepairPal
4.5 out of 5 stars4.5/5Excellent
#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
$339/yr
vs. $607/yr
for Average Luxury Midsize Car
for Average Luxury Midsize Car
Frequency
0.47x/yr
vs. 1.36x/yr
for Average Luxury Midsize Car
for Average Luxury Midsize Car
Severity
5.6%
vs. 10.5%
for Average Luxury Midsize Car
for Average Luxury Midsize Car
powered by RepairPal
Recalls
2 recalls foundChecking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.
If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).
- Recall Number:
- 23V865000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- 23TA15, 23
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 999901
- Defect Description:
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus ES350, Lexus RX350, Lexus RX450H, 2021 Sienna Hybrid, Lexus ES250, 2020-2022 Camry, Camry Hybrid, and ES300H vehicles. A short circuit may develop in the Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensor, preventing the front passenger air bag from deploying.
- Defect Consequence:
- An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
- Corrective Action:
- Dealers will inspect and replace the sensor as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed October 31, 2024. This is a phased recall. The next phase is anticipated in June 2025. Multiple phases are planned through 2026. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 23TB15/23TA15 Lexus 23LB03/23LA03.
- Recall Number:
- 20V064000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- See report
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 44191
- Defect Description:
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020 Toyota Avalon Hybrid, Camry, Camry Hybrid and Lexus ES300h and 2019-2020 RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid vehicles equipped with 2.5L 4-Cylinder engines. Porosity in the engine castings may result in cracks than can allow coolant to leak internally and/or externally.
- Defect Consequence:
- A coolant leak can cause the engine to overheat and cause a vehicle stall in conventional gasoline vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, for all involved vehicles, the engine may get damaged mechanically, possibly resulting in an engine oil leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
- Corrective Action:
- Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the engine including the engine block, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 3, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TA04. Lexus' number for this recall is 20LA02.
Warranty
4 years / 50,000 miles Basic Warranty- Basic Warranty
- 4 years / 50,000 miles
- Drivetrain Warranty
- 6 years / 70,000 miles
- Hybrid component Warranty
- 8 years / 100,000 miles
- Rust Warranty
- 6 years / unlimited miles
- Roadside assistance Warranty
- 4 years / unlimited miles
- Free maintenance Warranty
- 1 years / 10,000 miles
Lexus ES 300h Reviews
Owner Reviews
5(79%)
4(12%)
3(6%)
2(3%)
1(0%)
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
2019 ES 300h Hybrid Luxury
5 out of 5 starsJ 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 … package. Otherwise, it is a great car. Smooth, quiet, firm easy driving. I would strongly suggest paying extra for the Luxury package in order to get the noise reducing wheels and window glass. They come standard as part of the Luxury package.
BEST Hybrid 'Prius' made
5 out of 5 starsDoug 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 … to placement and position. I got the UL package with every option they offered... not inexpensive, but for what you get.. WELL worth waiting for a special Order. "Get your hands on a Toyota, you'll never let Go".. and the Lexus label is even better..
Very impressed and pleased with this car!
5 out of 5 starsandylibby, 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 … I also don’t expect to make as many trips to the dealer for repairs as I did with both Mercedes cars. I love them, but they wore me out with their maintenance needs. I, also, don’t like the mouse pad as well as the control on my Mercedes, but it’s usable and learnable. I love the quiet cabin, silky smooth ride and the surprisingly responsive handling.
Among my favorite features are the head-up display and ventilated seat, which is truly great in Texas as are the blinds for the rear seat passengers. The mouse pad is the only chink in an otherwise wonderful car, but it's certainly not enough for me to dislike the entire car. It would be nice if Lexus or some aftermarket entity could retrofit a knob of some sort to replace the mouse pad, but I imagine that would be far too problematic.
Update February 2020: I'm still loving the Lexus after five months behind the wheel. I have over 14,000 miles on the car now and can report it's had two trips to the dealership; one for tire rotation at 5k miles and a second at 10k for oil change and checkup. Neither visit cost me anything. I've learned how to use the car's technology package and take full advantage of the advanced features like Apply CarPlay, adaptive cruise, auto-dim headlamps, lane departure, and its various emergency/safety functions which have come in handy more than once in Dallas and Houston traffic. The lights on this car are incredible. For one thing, they're incredibly bright. Yes, I've been flashed more than once by an oncoming car who thought I had brights on. I imagine that's just a matter of perception. Plus, the headlamps track when turning and there are curb/corner lights just like on my Dad's 1967 Buick Electra. Cool! MPG is still going strong at 40+ and gas prices are low. What could be better?
ES300h Ultra Luxury
5 out of 5 starsRichard from Myrtle Beach, 12/29/2019
2020 Lexus ES 300h 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.
After driving the car for six months I still love it but with two noticeable issues.
1) I received a Recall Notice that certain engine blocks were … defective so the entire engine must be replaced to avoid a possible fire. A defective engine will be replaced free of charge.
2) The steering column and seat height requires constant adjustment to avoid having my knee hit the steering column when braking. Evidently the steering column is slightly lower than previous models. Being tall I didn’t have this issue with my 2005 Lexus ES 330.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2020 Lexus ES 300h, so we've included reviews for other years of the ES 300h since its last redesign.
2020 ES 300h Highlights
Base
| Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $41,810 |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | Hybrid |
| Combined MPG | 44 MPG |
| Cost to Drive | $82/month |
| Seating | 5 seats |
| Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 16.7 cu.ft. |
| Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
| Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
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
5 out of 5 starsThe National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverall4 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverall5 / 5
- Side Barrier RatingOverall5 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront Seat5 / 5Back Seat5 / 5
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of Rollover10.5%
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