Faith in hybrid technology is growing, meaning that more and more automakers are finding ways to include hybrids in their lineups. This is particularly true in the luxury segment, where hybrid technology is offsetting the poor fuel economy the market is traditionally known for without sacrificing power.
If you’re someone who is looking for a luxury hybrid sedan, you have more choices than ever before. However, if value for money is your number one priority, there is no better place to look than Japan. Automakers from the island nation have built their reputation by offering more for less money.
We took a look at some of the best hybrid sedans on the market and identified one option from Japan that stands out as offering excellent value. This sedan not only delivers in the way of comfort and technology, but it also features a thrifty powertrain that will save you tons on gas in the long run.
In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including TopSpeed and the EPA.
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The Lexus ES 300h Starts at a Reasonable $44,615
The luxury mid-size segment is pretty competitive, with a ton of fantastic hybrid sedans on offer. However, if you’re not willing to spend close to $60,000, at least, then your options are limited. Lexus, as usual, comes to the rescue of budget-oriented buyers who are still looking for a taste of luxury, with the ES sedan, a nameplate that has been around for decades.
2025 Trims And Pricing
|
Model |
Starting MSRP |
|---|---|
|
300h |
$44,615 |
|
300h F Sport Design |
$49,000 |
|
300h Luxury |
$49,785 |
|
300h F Sport Handling |
$50,910 |
|
300h Ultra Luxury |
$53,505 |
While the likes of the BMW 5-Series and Audi A6 have starting prices in the high $50,000 range, the Lexus ES comes in over ten thousand dollars lower to start. True, it may not be as sporty, focusing more on a smooth and plush experience, but it still offers more than enough to justify the price that it commands. It comes loaded with standard tech and plenty of comfort features even on the most basic model.
Best Value Trims
The ES 300h can be had in a number of different forms. The base model offers a pretty well-balanced experience for budget buyers, though there are some desirable luxury features that you’ll miss out on. The Luxury and Ultra Luxury models invest heavily in comfort, coming with all the bells and whistles you’d expect from a player in this segment. The F Sport models aim for sportiness. However, the ES isn’t a particularly sporty sedan, especially in its hybrid form.
To get the most for your money, we’d suggest opting for the range-topping Ultra Luxury model. It still costs much less than other high-end mid-size hybrid sedans, but comes with tons of equipment. You’ll find some of the highest quality materials within the cabin, a fantastic infotainment suite, and plenty of tech features that aim to make your daily life that much easier.
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An Incredibly Plush Interior Awaits You in the ES 300h
Interior shot of the dashboard in a 2025 Lexus ES
The mid-size sedan segment is becoming more and more defined by comfort, where once performance was the most important factor. In this new age, where cars like the 5-Series have become a little more tame, the ES’ stock is going up. This is because it has always been more of a comfortable cruiser than a raucous machine. This is proven through its super classy interior.
Comfort And Cargo
|
First Row Headroom |
37.5 Inches |
|---|---|
|
First Row Legroom |
42.4 Inches |
|
Second Row Headroom |
37.8 Inches |
|
Second Row Legroom |
39.2 Inches |
|
Cargo Capacity |
13.9 Cubic Feet |
The Lexus ES is super spacious, with passengers having plenty of space to stretch their legs, whether they’re in the front seat or relegated to the back. The seats are also exceptionally comfortable, with high-end models coming with semi-aniline leather upholstery. Cargo space also matches rivals, like the Volvo S90 and the Acura TLX. The only downside here is that the Lexus doesn’t come with folding rear seats, meaning there isn’t much room for oversized cargo.
Lexus embraces both the new and the old with the ES. Its dashboard is designed in a satisfyingly asymmetrical way, coated in high-quality soft-touch materials. A panoramic sunroof that drizzles light into the cabin and a dual zone climate control system are both standard. Most impressively, though, the ES’ cabin remains serene and peaceful, even when pushing up to highway speeds.
Infotainment And Technology
Lexus has always been an innovator when it comes to technology. It makes sense, then, that the ES 300h comes loaded with some of the industry’s most impressive technology. Infotainment-wise, the sedan comes standard with an eight-inch touchscreen, with higher end models coming equipped with a 12.3-inch unit instead. All models come with a dynamic digital gauge cluster, with a 10.2-inch heads-up display being optional.
Standard features include a 10-speaker sound system, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay capability, and a panoramic view monitor. The sound system can, however, be upgraded to a fantastic 17-speaker Mark Levinson system instead. It also comes equipped with one of the most comprehensive driver assist suites you can find on any luxury sedan out there.
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A Powerful Yet Efficient Hybrid Powertrain Motivates the ES 300h
Engine bay of a 2021 Lexus ES 300h
As we’ve mentioned a couple of times now, the Lexus ES is no performance sedan. However, Lexus has been refining hybrid powertrains for a long time now, and the unit that powers the 300h is excellently designed. If you’re an enthusiast, and you want something even remotely sporty, look elsewhere. If efficiency and a fantastically smooth ride are what you’re after, the ES is the way to go.
Performance Specifications
|
Engine |
2.5-Liter Hybrid Inline-Four |
|
Transmission |
CVT |
|
Horsepower |
215 HP |
|
Torque |
163 LB-FT |
|
Driveline |
FWD |
|
0-60 MPH |
8.3 Seconds |
|
Top Speed |
117 MPH |
Front-wheel drive and a CVT are both standard on every model of the hybrid ES, which on their own are enough to prove that Lexus isn’t aiming to set any record laps in their mid-size sedan. A super reliable four-banger pairs with electric power to produce a humble amount of power that won’t get you anywhere particularly quickly. However, if simple commuting is your aim, it’ll never feel too sluggish either.
One of the main reasons that people have opted for Lexus for decades is the brand’s legendary ride quality. The ES lives up to all your expectations in this sense, making it feel absolutely effortless to drive. Handling is composed, and it’ll get in and out of most tightly packed parking lots without too much fuss. The F Sport models add a unique suspension tune that sharpens handling, but never to the point that it is ever truly rewarding.
Fuel Economy
|
Model |
City |
Highway |
Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
|
ES 300h |
43 MPG |
44 MPG |
44 MPG |
According to the EPA, the ES 300h is one of the most frugal mid-size sedans on the market, luxury or mainstream. One of the fantastic benefits of hybrids is that they often return similar efficiency values whether you drive them in the city or the highway. This is the case for the ES 300h, which performs just as well on long-haul trips as it does around urban areas.
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Lexus Adds Tons of Value With a Fantastic Warranty Package
Front 3/4 action shot of a 2025 Lexus ES 300h
One of the best ways that an automaker can add value to their vehicles is through warranty plans. It may not seem like much at first, but these plans can save you plenty of money if anything goes wrong. It also demonstrates an automaker’s faith in their own product. Lexus consistently has one of the best warranty packages, beating most of its rivals in the luxury market.
Warranties And Complimentary Maintenance
Lexus offers a longer warranty on the ES 300h than you will find on rivals from the likes of BMW or Mercedes-Benz. The only brand that sits head and shoulders ahead is Genesis, who offer the best warranty package on the market right now.
The limited warranty on your ES 300h will cover you for four years or 50,000 miles. The powertrain warranty is more comprehensive, with all internal combustion parts covered for six years or 70,000 miles. The hybrid components are covered for longer, up to 10 years or 150,000 miles. Lexus also offers complimentary maintenance for your first visit, covering you for one year or 10,000 miles.
