A place where expert car reviews meet professional buying of cars is childcareman.xyz – and the advice from Car Expert, who provides you with reliable service, personalised service and real savings on your next new car.
It’s been almost five years since I last drove a Lexus ES, and while the mid-size luxury sedan was updated shortly after that, the range is soon to be replaced by a new-generation ES – making this something of a goodbye.
Given the ES is essentially the Lexus-ised version of the Toyota Camry – though heavily upgraded – this model ended production in December, following the release of a new Camry in late 2025.
And if you’re going to see the new Lexus ES with it as night follows day, you can be sure that this will cost more. Depending on what stock Lexus has left, there may be some deals for this outgoing model as well as the .
A pre-update ES250 F Sport, which was in the middle of the model line- up, I’d been sitting for some time but this is when keys were thrown to the hybrid ‘ES300h Sports Luxury – the range-topping variant’. This is the end of all ES250 variants, with the ESS300h available only in three grades Luxury, F Sport and Sports Luxury.
Lexus ES has much going on for the SUV for those who don’t want to be in an SUV, especially if you’re willing to go out for it and get the e300h Sports Luxury.
That’s one of the most comfortable, efficient and reliable sedans left in showrooms – it’s just a positive thing that I think is to be sure about its basis on the Toyota Camry. And there’s a reason why it’t the one option for taxi and ride-share drivers – and their passengers.
And as we say goodbye to the seventh-generation Lexus ES, do you think it’s worth reading or should I wait for the new one?
How much does the Lexus ES300h cost?
The entry-level ES300h Luxury is somewhat of a bargain in 2026, starting at $65,540 before on-road costs.
| Model | Price before on-road costs |
| — | — |
| ES300h Luxury | $65,540 |
| ES300h F Sport | $74,920 |
| ES300h Sport Luxury | $80,170 |
But while the F Sport may look cool, the sporty add-ons don’t really fit the character of the ES. The choice of the bunch is certainly the range-topping Sports Luxury, for those with the means.
With production of the ES range ending in December 2025, buyers may be able to find an attractive a runout deal with their bid for it.
To see how the Lexus ES300h lines up against the competition, check out our
comparison tool
Let us help you find your new car
Buy your new car without the stress. It’s fast, simple and completely free.
a great service from Travis and team, second time I have used this business would not hesitate to recommend them to anyone.
Craig C.
Purchased a Ford Ranger in Sunshine Coast, QLD
childcareman.xyz helped Craig save thousands on his Ford Ranger, now let us save you on your next new car.
Find a deal
What is the Lexus ES300h like on the inside?
I mentioned earlier that the ES range had been updated since I last drove it in 2021, but technically speaking the model has actually been twice updated by Lexus in those few short years. A nip here and a tuck there, nothing major (just one smuggle here) and another duck in the middle of nowhere – all with the intent to keep the model fresh.
When you hear the first thing that strikes you is how beautiful it is inside. It’s a good thing to say, we’re talking about beautiful design, beautiful materials and quality, thoughtful touch surfaces. A complete piece of .
And, sadly this is where Lexus excels at paraphrasing. That struaked pattern on the steering wheel buttons and trim pieces, the quality buttons, wraparound dashboard… It’s a very nice place to find yourself; you look for excuse.
That’s all good and lovely, but it’t really the best part of that. It’s a classic car, which is to say almost all the buttons and controls are predictably where they should be.’ The best thing about the cabin of the ES is that it’t still ‘normally traditional cars (e.g. There are still real buttons for features you will want to use, and some of the key functions that s do. Be a good cheer!
If you haven’t been in a new car for the last five years, that might sound slightly odd. And, if you think that automakers are out of things to do, so they’ve reinvented the wheel.’ In some cases ‘very literally speaking’ everything from indicators stalks and transmission selector-and anything else you can think of (including buttons) is removed.
Sure, every photo is cool and interesting but it’s a downright pain for you. If you have been driving for the last 20 years behind the wheel only to learn how to drive even the most basic of things that are going on your plate?
All in Lexus ES is as predictable to use as… well, a Camry, with the exception of the electric parking brake (which is slightly annoyingly located at the left knee) and the power that comes with it. Funny funny that .
However, the designers at Lexus devoted all their spare time to making the car better. e.g., the shape and position of the shifter is perfect for all-encompassing perfection; it can be easily handed over by hand (i.e
The engineers didn’t always do the same thing as they did, however, with the thumb button on the shifter wiggling around when you use it (like in an old taxi).
Similarly, some of the climate temperature toggles are too deflection and too much of a gap with the steering wheel controls.
The pleather is a bit of an emotional quality, which frankly feels like the one that’s found in the Toyota HiLux. Lexus has made me a little disappointed by the quality of leather used to , too thin and cheap. It’s at least a consistent , at the very least it’.
Am i picking up? Sure am I picking up This is a beautiful cabin space, in general, though it’s just slightly disappointed by the few things that don’t quite fit into – luxury sedan. The majority of owners will not notice or care, but I’m paid to take care of them.
Then there’s the Mark Levinson stereo, which is very good for most of the time, but has some flabby bass. It was a difference that came to be apparent after just leaving ‘the week before’ – which had been offering sex with punchier bass and stereo.
Also, as I was driving along, the stereo would fade down for a second or two (likely as if the car was about to announce something in my mind – but then nothing and music would go back up again). Just like when you have to turn down the music for focus on parking, but it was the car doing that itself.
The seats are very comfortable, even for a big-gent like me, and the ergonomics are basically perfect thanks to’very much adjustment’. There are acres of space in the back seat for passengers as you would imagine – with their own controls to power backrest, heated outboard seats, climate control and stereo. The boot is big 454-litre, which matches with some mid-size SUVs.
The seat heating and ventilation were well-worked, and thanks to Melbourne’s bipolar weather both the two were often used. sometimes on the same trip as .
The Lexus ES, though, is very predictably and comfortable to spend some time in — it’s a wonderful space for the perfect regardless of any minor niggles.
| Dimensions | Lexus ES300h |
| — | — |
| Length | 4975mm |
| Width | 1865mm |
| Height | 1445mm |
| Wheelbase | 2870mm |
| Cargo capacity | 454L |
To see how the Lexus ES300h lines up against the competition, check out our
comparison tool
What’s under the bonnet?
The Lexus ES300h is a hybrid powertrain, which mixes smashed 2 with. The electric motor is used to produce 160kW of power from 5-litre non-turbo four cylinder petrol engine with an electric drive.
a 6 paraphrasing of A 6). This is powered by 5Ah battery, and the front wheels are driven via an e-CVT (as in a claimed 8) which has helped the Lexus reach 100km/h from’stand still at. 9sec.
Thanks to the hybrid system, Lexus claims a combined fuel consumption figure of 4.8L/100km.
| Specifications | ES300h Sports Luxury |
| — | — |
| Engine | 2.5-litre non-turbo four-cylinder petrol hybrid |
| Engine outputs | 131kW / 221Nm |
| Electric motor outputs | 88kW / 202Nm |
| System outputs | 160kW |
| Battery | 6.5Ah |
| Transmission | e-CVT |
| Drive type | FWD |
| Weight | 1740kg |
| 0-100km/h (claimed) | 8.9 seconds |
| Fuel economy (claimed) | 4.8L/100km |
| Fuel economy (as tested) | 4.9L/100km |
| Fuel tank capacity | 50L |
| Fuel requirement | 95-octane premium unleaded |
| CO2 emissions | 109g/km |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6 |
To see how the Lexus ES300h lines up against the competition, check out our
comparison tool
How does the Lexus ES300h drive?
The 2021 Lexus ES250 F Sport was widely complained of, but most were related to the wheezy, underpowered engine and sleepy, poorly-tuned transmission. All of that led to a little fear for me to return behind the wheel of another ES.
But it’s amazing the difference a couple of model updates can have. And about $10,000.
The addition of Toyota’s well-used hybrid system on the four-cylinder engine means the powertrain now works the way it should.
Xus Lexus says the hybrid ES300h produces 160kW of power, while the engine’s 221Nm of torque is supported by an electric motor (advanced with a 202Nnm) – all driving the front wheels through an e-CVT. This is a transmission type I hate but in this car it works well and matches the character of the car.
I have been annoyanced by the powertrain, but my past problems are not addressed to me. The ES is really pleasure as commuter car and it’s a true pleasure for me to write home about this?
That ain’t even the best part of that, but that isn’T just an in-depth . My ES300h was my last . I was on 4 average after the time with it. 9L/100km. Even though the firm claims 4. Considering the size, luxury and technology of this ES (and considering its size), 8L/100km is still an impressive number. But when you think that, while it’s not a powerhouse the ES300h isn’t really bad in usable performance.
0-100km/h time of 8 Lexus lists a 0-100 km/H time, according to LexUS. It’s a bit slower than I would have expected, and 9 seconds for the ES300h is frankly – just shy of what I thought was going to be. Sprint times are a portion of the story that is told only by sprint times, and because all torque available in this car gives you an extent of practical performance which doesn’t reflect on the numbers.
I’ve ever been in something that isn’t a sports car, and the steering is about as good as it was for me when trying to get an expensive sedan with very decent handling. That’s a nice reminder about the fact that we’ve abandoned our shift of sedans to SUVs.
I think it’s just the torque from the electric motor, but ES300h is nowhere near as heavy as I remember that was. Sure, its kerb weight of 1740kg isn’t exactly light; however, it doesn’re certainly not overweight by today’s standards and makes the Lexus so shining when it comes to on-road dynamics. And just assuming you’re not pushing it to the edge of being ragged, and that is what s are.
Despite its good handling, the ride comfort is absolutely sublime and really makes the ES300h so much more than just a fake-up Camry.
Several years ago I drove an ES250 F Sport that was too firm, but it wasn’t remotely the case with the ESS300h. It is right on the money, and I wouldn’t be able to change something about it as far as how it drives its Sports Luxury moniker given to the variant.
Just be sure, don’t I get off the ground The Lexus isn’T fun to drive by any stretch. Honestly, it’s just boring – but in the right way. The ES is certainly the right fit for purpose, especially when they arrive at office (or back at home) to keep their blood pressure at an absolute minimum.
To see how the Lexus ES300h lines up against the competition, check out our
comparison tool
What do you get?
The Lexus ES300h is very well appointed, and it’s hard to imagine wanting anything more than this range-topping features list.
Trusted Reviews, Smarter Choices, Better Prices
A place where expert car reviews meet professional buying of cars is childcareman.xyz – and the advice from Car Expert, who provides you with reliable service, personalised service and real savings on your next new car.
View showroom
Find a deal
2026 Lexus ES300h Sports Luxury standard equipment highlights:
- 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display
- Wireless Apple CarPlay
- Wired Android Auto
- DAB+ digital radio
- Surround-view camera
- Mark Levinson 17-speaker audio including subwoofer and amplifier
- Cloud-based satellite navigation with live traffic information
- Wireless phone charger
- Selectable drive modes
- Active Cornering Assist (ACA)
- LED headlights with BladeScan adaptive high-beam
- LED tail-lights
- Keyless entry and start
- Tri-zone climate control with humidity sensor
- Tilt/slide moonroof
- Lexus Connected Services
- Alarm system
- Tyre pressure warning system
- Self-dimming interior mirror
- Head-up display
- Smart Key Card
- Rear privacy glass
- Type-C USB chargers (2x rear)
- Rear spoiler
- Power-adjustable steering column
- Hands-free power boot lid
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- Heated steering wheel
- Semi-aniline leather-accented interior trim
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- 12-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with memory
- Power-adjustable reclining/heated outer rear seats
- Rear armrest with air-conditioning, audio, rear heater, rear reclining and sunshade controls
- Sunshade on rear window (power) and rear doors (manual)
- 8.0-inch driver display
To see how the Lexus ES300h lines up against the competition, check out our
comparison tool
Is the Lexus ES300h safe?
This is a reason for the fact that its previous five-star rating has expired because it was tested back in 2018 and Lexus ES300h, while technically unrated by ANCAP at the time of writing.
While its 2018 score doesn’t guarantee that the ES would (or wouldn’s) receive a five-star rating today, as ANCAP constantly updates its rules and assessment criteria each year. I can’t know without the car being retested, and that is unlikely to be true as there’s another model coming out.
Standard active safety equipment includes:
- Autonomous emergency braking (City, Interurban and Vulnerable Road User)
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Lane-keep assist
- Lane-departure warning
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Adaptive cruise control
- Traffic sign recognition
To see how the Lexus ES300h lines up against the competition, check out our
comparison tool
How much does the Lexus ES300h cost to run?
ES300h is standard with a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty from Lexus and an additional five years of coverage for the battery – provided that if he has sat at the fifth year,.
Lexus also offers a five-year term of capped-price service, and while its website was not offering current pricing, our 2024 article listed each 12-month/15,000km service as $495.
| Servicing and Warranty | Lexus ES300h |
| — | — |
| Warranty | 5 years, unlimited kilometres |
| Battery warranty | 10 years, unlimited kilometres |
| Roadside assistance | 3 years (Lexus Encore) |
| Service intervals | 12 months or 15,000km |
| Capped-price servicing | 5 years or 75,000km ($495 each) |
| Total capped-price service cost | $2475 |
To see how the Lexus ES300h lines up against the competition, check out our
comparison tool
childcareman.xyz’s Take on the Lexus ES300h Sports Luxury
Am I just a little disappointed with the older Lexus ES250 F Sport? I didn’t look forward to my time with this ESS300h Sports Luxury. But it’s a lesson – because some small changes to the powertrain and chassis of. car can make ‘the world of difference,’ I was very impressed with how well done out there.
This is almost the perfect car for Lexus ES300h, which s say. It is not a top-notch German or South Korean rival in any single area, but the overall package is one of style, luxury and quality; it delivered ‘perfectly lovely on-road experience’. That’s all the car you could ever want – and for most of your life, it’s just that little bit more.
I’m curious that the Lexus LBX Morizo RR is about the same price as the ES300h Sports Luxury. The paper – because I’m young, cool and an enthusiast – would have been the LBX Morizo ahead of the ‘ES300h’.
And yet the ES is much larger, more comfortable and more relaxed than it’s tech-richer with a better stereo (and has far greater experience of luxury)?
That’s not the LBX’s fuel, it uses less than half of its own car-running power and does not lose any driving pleasure. That’s a different kind of pleasure than the one with fizzy Morizo, where you are taken by the ES to your place in peace and luxury.
With the reviews of the new Toyota Camry, I’m sure looking forward to seeing the brand new Lexus ES when it comes this year. And, for those who have negotiated without losing comfort or enjoyment, an outgoing ES300h may be the ticket.
Interested in buying a Lexus ES? Let childcareman.xyz find you the best deal
here
Click the images for the full gallery
MORE:
Explore the Lexus ES showroom
Thanks for reading 2026 Lexus ES review
