2025’s Most Reliable Hybrid Car You Can Buy Right Now

Hybrid cars are becoming more and more popular as time goes on, existing as the perfect middle ground between traditional gas power and fully electric vehicles. However, one of the biggest concerns for the average buyer is still whether hybrids are as reliable as traditional cars.

While the cost savings of hybrids are enough for most people to make the jump, some sit on the fence due to reliability concerns. However, there are a number of models out there that prove that hybrids can be exceptionally reliable. In fact, one hybrid sedan stands out by being one of the most reliable new cars you can buy in 2025.

We explore this sturdy hybrid, diving into data from authoritative sources to demonstrate how it is built to last. We also outline how its low price and high interior comfort help it stand out in a sea of rivals. Finally, we detail the stoic powertrain that not only saves you money on gas, but promises to last you years with little to no issues.

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The 2025 Lexus ES Hybrid Is Untouchable When It Comes to Reliability

Comfort, refinement, and reliability are a rare package in today’s world, especially if you are wanting a hybrid that is light on fuel. Not only does the Lexus ES hybrid rank highest among its luxury rivals, but it is the most reliable hybrid sedan overall, which is an incredible feat.

Reliability Scores

There are a number of authoritative sites which have done extensive research into which models are the most reliable. Among these sources is J.D. Power, which gives cars a score based on the number of faults or complaints against a vehicle. They awarded the Lexus ES hybrid sedan an 88 out of 100 for quality and reliability, higher than any other hybrid sedan.

Equally important as the views of authorities are the personal experiences of owners. In this area, the ES continues to excel. Looking at all models in the current generation, with the oldest being around five years old, the lowest score awarded overall for the Lexus ES 300h was a 4.7 out of five. Reliability is consistently rated five stars out of five.

Maintenance and Warranties

• Limited Warranty – Four Years or 50,000 Miles
• Powertrain Warranty – Six Years or 70,000 Miles
• Hybrid Component Warranty – Eight Years or 100,000 Miles
• Complimentary Maintenance – One Year or 10,000 Miles

While having a reliable car is fantastic, having an extensive warranty means you’re not likely to be surprised if something does happen to go wrong. Lexus has you covered with a comprehensive suite which covers you from any kind of factory fault for an impressively long time after it rolls off the lot.

Maintenance is a cost that can easily sneak up on you, and a car that is not maintained well isn’t going to be reliable, no matter how highly rated it is. Lexus offers your first maintenance visit for your ES 300h on the house. CarEdge also estimates that in ten years of ownership, you’ll pay around $5,972 for maintenance, which is $3,818 cheaper than the average luxury sedan. There is also only a 15.63 percent chance that you’ll face a single repair that costs more than $500 in that time.

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As Far as Luxury Hybrids Go, the ES 300h Is a Bargain

Interior shot of the dashboard in a 2025 Lexus ES 

Shopping in the mid-size luxury segment generally requires you to have decently deep pockets, with most of the top competitors starting well above the $50,000 mark, some encroaching on $60,000. If you’re willing to forgo driving verve, the ES can give you similar levels of interior quality at a fraction of the price.

2025 Trims and Pricing

When shopping for a hybrid ES sedan, prices start at just under $45,000, making it one of the most affordable options in the segment. Despite its relatively low starting price, the ES comes with an interior absolutely packed with comfort and tech features. As you climb the trim ladder, the ES gets more comfortable.

While many of the ES’ main rivals still try to strike some balance between sportiness and comfort, the Lexus leans fully into the latter, with a number of factors hindering its ability to be fun. This is the trade-off for the lower point, but for those who purely want plush transport, it is well worth it.

Best Value Trim

As mentioned above, the Lexus ES is not a sporty car, no matter how well you spec it. This is especially true of the tame hybrid ES 300h. Thus, the F Sport models both feel a little bit silly. This leaves either the entry-level models or the top trim. In the case of the mid-size Lexus, we actually think the fully-kitted Ultra Luxury is the way to go.

This model focuses on delivering a driving experience that is a posh as possible. This includes adding features like quilted semi-aniline leather upholstery, a steering wheel that is coated in leather and wood, and a power-operated rear sunshade. It also comes with the upgraded infotainment system, featuring a larger touchscreen.

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The ES 300h Features a Stoic Powertrain That Is Built To Last

Engine bay of a 2021 Lexus ES 300h

One of the biggest keys to reliability in a vehicle, particularly when it comes to a hybrid, is a strong and refined powertrain. The ES hybrid may not be the fastest mid-size luxury sedan, but it is likely to have a much longer usable life than most of its rivals, and it’ll save you tons of fuel in the meantime.

Performance Specifications

While the gas-powered ES can be had with a V-6, the hybrid 300h makes do with a four-cylinder engine which pairs with an electric motor to create a humble amount of power. The hybrid sedan won’t struggle to keep up with traffic or to merge on the highway, but it isn’t going to be thrilling in any situation.

However, if you’re buying an ES it’s likely that comfort is your number one priority, and this is where the Lexus shines. It features the smooth and responsive handling that the Japanese brand has become acclaimed for along with the incredibly compliant ride quality that simply soaks up any bumps in the road.

Fuel Economy

This is where you really start to see the extra value that comes with picking up a Lexus ES. Not only is it the most efficient luxury hybrid available in 2025, but there are only a handful of mainstream models that sit ahead of it. The Lexus ES 300h is one of the most efficient vehicles currently available.

The consistency between efficiency in the city and on the highway also makes it much easier to manage your fuel budget. Fill it up with gas, and you’re good to go for a total range of around 581 miles.

Safety and Driver Assists

In most cases, the more tech that a car has, the less reliable it is overall. However, the Lexus ES breaks this trend, remaining one of the highest-rated cars when it comes to reliability while also featuring a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assists. This includes features like automated emergency braking and an adaptive cruise control system that works at all speeds.

These features, as well as sturdy build quality, mean that the ES 300h is not only reliable, but it is safe as well. The NHTSA awards the sedan five stars out of five for safety.

Base Trim Engine

2.5L I4 Hybrid

Base Trim Transmission

CVT

Base Trim Drivetrain

Front-Wheel Drive

Base Trim Horsepower

176 HP @5700 RPM

Base Trim Torque

163 lb.-ft. @ 3600 RPM