2023 Lexus ES Hybrid Luxury Midsize Sedan Review

The 2023 Lexus ES Hybrid is a partially electrified version of the praiseworthy 2023 ES midsize sedan. It is supposed to offer all of what’s available on the standard ES, plus a higher fuel efficiency and lower emissions. So, how does it hold up?

To find out, the following is the 2023 Lexus ES Hybrid Review:

Features

The Lexus ES is currently in its seventh generation which was facelifted in 2021. The hybrid version offers a single powertrain and five trims for you to choose from.

This year’s model sees plenty of updates which include the F Sport Handling trim level and several upgrades to the infotainment system.

Powertrain and Numbers

The ES Hybrid 2023 is powered by a 2.5-liter hybrid engine that produces a total of 215 hp. This power is sent to a front-wheel drive system using an eCVT gearbox. Lexus says that the car can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in just 8.1 seconds, but testers have achieved even better figures.

There are different driving modes – Eco, Normal, and Sport depending on what your mood is. It also comes with an exclusive EV mode which essentially allows the car to travel a couple of miles using just the juice from the hybrid battery pack.

As expected, the 2023 ES Hybrid is the most efficient model in the whole ES range. The EPA states that all its trim levels can achieve up to 43 mpg in the city, 44 mpg on the highway, and 44 mpg combined. This means that it has a total range of 700 miles when you fill it up.

Interior and Technology

On the inside, you get a sleek interior design which is very soothing for the eyes. You’ll find high-end materials everywhere that look and feel very nice. The car is built with the five occupants’ comfort being the top priority so there’s a lot of room.

You also get a decent amount of storage space for the class, despite this being a hybrid. There are enough cubbies to go around. The trunk size is reasonable and it is wide as well, which makes loading easier. You can also opt for a hands free trunk lid for easier access.

The following are the trim levels on the 2023 ES Hybrid and their standard features:

2023 ES 300h
The entry-level ES Hybrid 2023 comes with lovely perforated NuLuxe-trimmed seats. You get dual-zone climate control, push-button ignition, keyless entry, 10-way power-adjustable front seats, a digital instrumentation screen, and a lot more if you opt for the right package.

The infotainment comprises an 8-inch touchscreen mated to 10 speakers, and wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. You also receive wifi hotspot capabilities, SiriusXM radio, Bluetooth, and some USB ports and power points for added connectivity.

For safety, there’s automated emergency braking (w/pedestrian and cyclist detection), lane-departure warning, lane-keep assistance, a backup camera, blind-spot monitoring (w/rear cross-traffic alert), and adaptive cruise control.

2023 ES 300h F Sport Design
The first of the two F Sport models adds a classier wood trim and a leather-wrapped steering wheel that’s heated. It also gets you heated and ventilated front seats, and a parking assist system with automatic braking and rear cross-traffic alert.

2023 ES 300h Luxury
On the 2023 ES 300h Luxury, you unlock ambient lighting to go along with the wood trim, and a quilted and perforated semi-aniline leather–trimmed interior. The driver’s seat is now 14-way power-adjustable and comes with a power cushion extender and memory settings.

The steering wheel is now wood- and leather-trimmed, but it still offers heating. There’s also wireless charging for your smartphone.

2023 ES 300h F Sport Handling
The 2023 ES 300h F Sport Handling loses some amenities to save weight and enhance performance. However, it gets you some add-ons such as a Hadori aluminum trim and a custom F Sport perforated shift knob, aluminum pedals, and heated leather steering wheel.

2023 ES 300h Ultra Luxury
The Ultra Luxury ES 300h builds on top of the Luxury with its 10.2-inch head-up display, a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, an upgraded parking assist system, and a panoramic rearview monitor.

2023 ES Hybrid 300h

2023 ES Hybrid Luxury

2023 ES Hybrid F Sport Design

Exterior and Driving

The Lexus ES Hybrid 2023 is an attractive car with many striking features. Bi-LED headlamps, LED taillamps and DRLs, along with a power moonroof are standard across all trims. The same goes for rain-sensing wipers and power-folding mirrors – offered on a package on the base.

17-inch dark metallic wheels are standard on the base model, while the Luxury and Ultra Luxury come with 18-inchers. The F Sport models have some unique traits to distinguish them. They have a custom front bumper, grille surround and rear spoiler, plus 19-inch gloss black rims.

The exterior colors of the 2023 Lexus ESh are the following:

Do make sure to check which ones are available on the trim of your choice.

The ES Hybrid is a pretty good vehicle to have if you want a comfortable cruiser that has enough power to overtake on the highway. Opting for the F Sport models gives you sportier handling due to the tuned suspension system.

Reliability and Warranty

The 2023 ES has been ranked atop JD Power’s list of premium midsize sedans for the year. This is partly due to its stellar reliability rating of 87 out of 100, putting it in the ‘Great’ category. Consumer Reports expects it to be more reliable than its peers.

The ES Hybrid 2023 comes with a limited warranty of 4 years/50k miles, a powertrain warranty of 6 years/70k miles, and complimentary maintenance for 1 year/10k miles.

Verdict

If you’re a fan of high-end sedans that are environmentally friendly, inexpensive to run, and filled with technology, the Lexus ES Hybrid should be your go-to vehicle. It has the characteristics of a luxurious cruising machine, plus the reliability to ensure that there are no unnecessary pit stops.

To buy the 2023 Lexus ES Hybrid Luxury Midsize Sedan in Fort Thomas, Fort Mitchell, and Highland Heights, check out Performance Lexus Rivercenter here.