2021 Lexus ES 300h

Price Range: $26,990 - $39,998

Lexus ES 300h Base Sedan Exterior Exterior

Good

The 2021 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.

See all features & specs

See All for Sale

Shop vehicle inventory at dealers near you

Lexus ES 300h for Sale

Pricing

Select year

Select a type

Average price: $29,129

Min$

Max$

See listings

Appraise My 2021 Lexus ES 300h

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

Overview

Written by automotive expert Travis Langness

1/20/2021

While there are quite a few luxury hybrid vehicles available for 2021, most of them are plug-in hybrids. So what if you just want a regular hybrid to help keep cost and complexity in check? One option could be the Lexus ES 300h. This luxury sedan is comfortable and quiet and offers seriously impressive fuel economy. The EPA estimates that the 300h will get 44 mpg combined, which is excellent for any sedan, let alone a luxury ride.

The 300h has some drawbacks, such as poor acceleration for its class and an infotainment system with a steep learning curve. But overall this is a pretty appealing sedan. For all the details on the ES 300h and how it performs in the real world, read our Expert Rating below.

Edmunds Expert Rating

edmunds TESTED

by the Edmunds Experts

Good

7.9

out of 10

We drove the 2021 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 makes 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.

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.)

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.

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. Unfortunately, you can't fold the rear seats to increase space; there's only a pass-through slot for long items.

Storage for small items inside the cabin is abundant. There's also 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 evaluation route, which indicates 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?

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.

For sale near Ashburn, VA

90 listings

Sort by:

Price Drop
2021 Lexus ES 300h
Luxury Sedan
$34,998
- 58,981 miles
- 43 City / 44 Hwy MPG
- 96 mi away
- Free delivery available*
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Leather Seats
- Sunroof/Moonroof
- Keyless Entry/Start
Close
Located in Richmond, VA
Wanna drive? CarMax puts you in the driver's seat-and that includes transparency and pricing without document or processing fees. Certain cars may hav...
Features and Specs:
44 Combined MPG (43 City/44 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN:
58AEA1C19MU007478
Stock:
70231784
Certified Pre-Owned:
No
2020 Lexus ES 300h
Ultra Luxury Sedan
$33,796
- 76,473 miles
- 43 City / 44 Hwy MPG
- 52 mi away
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Leather Seats
- Sunroof/Moonroof
- Keyless Entry/Start
Close
Located in Hampstead, MD
At Hampstead Pre-Owned, we take the pain out of purchasing by following one simple principle: treat you the way we'd want to be treated.Honest answers...
Features and Specs:
44 Combined MPG (43 City/44 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN:
58AF21B15LU012422
Stock:
LGA012422
Certified Pre-Owned:
No
Listed since:
04-28-2026

See all for sale

2021 Lexus ES 300h trim level differences

The 2021 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 2021 Lexus ES 300h trim levels in-depth.

Which ES 300h trim does Edmunds recommend?

The base trim on the Lexus ES 300h comes relatively well equipped, but we recommend upgrading to the midlevel Luxury trim. On top of the standard equipment, the Luxury trim adds heated and ventilated front seats, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and upgraded interior materials including leather upholstery.

Lexus ES 300h Reviews

Owner Reviews

4.4

30 reviews

5(77%)

4(10%)

3(0%)

2(3%)

1(10%)

See all 30 reviews of the Lexus ES 300h

Write a vehicle review

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Beautiful car! Better ride!

Pat Kunnecke, 01/16/2021

2021 Lexus ES 300h Luxury 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

My wife and I love to travel and have gone through three ES models before this purchase. Just love the ride and luxury interior. Decided on the 300h this time and are very pleased. Still a smooth ride with plenty of pickup for the interstate on ramps. But now we add the 40+ mpg for both in town and long trips. It’s a beautiful ride.

ES300h Ultra Luxury

Richard 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 …

Love! Love! My Lexus !

Patricia, 05/21/2021

2021 Lexus ES 300h Luxury 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

First of all I’m such a lexus fan once I had my first Lexus never looked back! My current hybrid is so smooth and I can’t remember the last time I had to put gas in it! I’m loving the smooth drive, beautiful interior and exterior, luxurious car and the fact that I can enjoy it without putting gas for over a month is a dream😄

Nicely Appointed Mid-Size Hybrid

Richard, 11/28/2020

2021 Lexus ES 300h 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

Full set of modern safety features. Roomy trunk. Great deal on lease. Very comfortable. Hybrid drive very smooth and efficient. Able to connect Android cell phone to screen; can use Google Maps. Poor choice of exterior colors, but they had one my wife liked. Dealer sent out person to do orientation for all the features; he stayed 2.5 hours till we knew all the features and …

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2021 Lexus ES 300h, so we've included reviews for other years of the ES 300h since its last redesign.

Helpful shopping links

2021 ES 300h Features & Specs

Trim:

Base

Est. Market Value	$31,228
Engine Type	Hybrid
Combined MPG	44 MPG
Cost to Drive	$120/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	13.9 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles

See all features & specs

Reliability

The 2021 Lexus ES 300h has a 4 years / 50,000 miles basic warranty and no recalls.

Recalls

There are no recalls for the 2021 Lexus ES 300h

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

Compare the Lexus ES 300h

Lexus ES 300h
Add any vehicle to compare

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.

Research other ES 300h years

FAQ

Is the Lexus ES 300h a good car?

The Edmunds experts tested the 2021 ES 300h both on the road and at the track, giving it a 7.9 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2021 ES 300h gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 30 reviews) What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the ES 300h has 13.9 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

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 4-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more

Is the 2021 Lexus ES 300h a good car?

There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2021 Lexus ES 300h is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2021 ES 300h and gave it a 7.9 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2021 ES 300h gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 30 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2021 ES 300h is a good car for you. Learn more

How much should I pay for a 2021 Lexus ES 300h?

The least-expensive 2021 Lexus ES 300h is the 2021 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 $41,910.

Other versions include:

4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) which starts at $41,910
Luxury 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) which starts at $47,110
Ultra Luxury 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) which starts at $50,910

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