2013 Lexus ES 300h – DRIVE& Review

Courtesy of YNN / Time Warner Cable
Aired: 12/06/2012

The 2013 Lexus ES 300h is a beautiful, stylish vehicle with impressive performance and hybrid technology. Lauren Fix, the Car Coach, brings you a closer look.


Model – 2013 Lexus ES 300h Hybrid
MPG – 40/39 mpg.
Engine – 156-hp, 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder
combined with an electric motor and continuously variable transmission
Price – starts at $38,850
Test Vehicle – $46,070

The 2013 Lexus LS Hybrid is a stylish vehicle that is identical to the V-6 Lexus ES350 in every respect but its powertrain. The ES 300h will afford the driver four options for driving styles: Normal, Sport, Eco and EV. When EV is selected, it will allow the driver to make short trips using only the power built up in the hybrid battery pack. Sport mode provides more powertrain responsiveness, Eco allows for more fuel economy, and Normal is a mix of both Sport and Eco. The ES 300h has a combined fuel economy rating of 40 mpg.

Standard equipment for the ES 300h includes a dual-swivel adaptive front lighting system, dual-zone climate control, power tilt-and-telescopic steering column, 10-way driver’s and front passenger power seats with power lumbar, 8-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 stereo with Sirius XM satellite radio and Bluetooth hands-free accessibility, power tilt-and-slide moonroof, and 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels with all-season tires.

The stylish new ES has a comfortable ride with tight handling. Although no one will ever claim the ES is “sporty,” it offers a precise steering response.

Competes with:
•Lincoln MKZ Hybrid
•Mercedes-Benz E-Class
•Buick LaCrosse eAssist
•Toyota Camry hybrid
•BMW ActiveHybrid 3

Likes:
•Very efficient hybrid powertrain
•Spacious cabin
•Comfortable ride
•Luxurious and high-tech interior

Dislikes:
•Lexus’ “Remote Touch” joystick control

The 2013 Lexus ES 300h is a nice blend of hybrid and gasoline technology with a quality interior, great ride and fantastic fuel economy.