Lexus ES 300h
Lexus ES 400h
Lexus ES 400h

2020 Lexus ES 300h

Pros: Roomy back seat; strong V6 engine; available hybrid model; comfortable ride

Cons: Finicky touchpad infotainment interface, back seat does not fold to increase trunk room

CG Says: The Lexus ES is expected to gain Android Auto compatibility later in the model year, otherwise there are few changes. The Lexus ES midsize sedan kicked off its seventh generation for 2019. The ES 350’s engine is a 302-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 paired with an 8-speed automatic. Combined horsepower for the ES 300h hybrid’s 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine and electric motor is 215. All ESs are front-wheel drive only; all-wheel drive is not offered. Tech features include Apple CarPlay smartphone connectivity, WiFi hotspot, and Amazon Alexa connectivity. Lane Tracing Assist is a driver aid that can help keep the ES in its lane by monitoring the road’s lane markings or the path of the preceding vehicle. Automatic rear braking is a safety feature that works in conjunction with the rear-obstacle detection system. Other safety features include forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, lane-keep assist and lane departure warning, blind-spot monitor, and adaptive cruise control. The Lexus ES has long been one of the cushiest, most serene luxury sedans on the market, but it was never a particularly athletic vehicle. The current generation ES adds a welcome dose of dynamic capability—particularly in the sporty new F Sport trim level—while maintaining a comfortable, pleasant overall demeanor. We’re still not big fans of Lexus’s Remote Touch infotainment control system and the lack of folding rear seatbacks is an unfortunate quirk, but this quiet, roomy sedan is still one of the best vehicles in its class—and it’s a great value as well.

The Facts
Class Premium Midsize Car
Body Style(s) 4-door sedan
Passenger Count 5
Drive Wheels front-wheel drive
Manufacturer Lexus
Nation of Manufacture USA, Japan
Base Prices ES 350: $40,925
ES 350 Luxury: $43,780
ES 350 Ultra Luxury: $44,775
ES 350 F Sport: $45,660
ES 300h: $42,785
ES 300h Luxury: $45,640
ES 300h Ultra Luxury: $46,635

Base Engine
3.5-liter V6 (ES 350)
Horsepower
302
Std. Transmission
8-speed automatic
Avail. Transmission
NA
EPA City Range (mpg)
22
EPA Hwy Range (mpg)
31-33

Optional Engine
2.5-liter 4-cylinder/electric (ES 300h)
Horsepower
215
Std. Transmission
CVT
Avail. Transmission
NA
EPA City Range (mpg)
43
EPA Hwy Range (mpg)
44

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