by Gerhard Horn
Lexus was not only Toyota's grand way of selling luxury vehicles but also a testing platform for introducing hybrid models to the masses. Sure, the Prius came first, but Lexus made going green cool with models like the Lexus ES Hybrid. If you look at its current range in the USA, the majority of the cars it offers are available with a hybrid powertrain. Even the LC performance grand tourer can be equipped with a cleaner, greener engine. The ES was one of the first, however, and in our opinion, still one of the best. It may come across as an oddity in terms of size and segment, but it has always been the thinking man's GS/LS. It offers Lexus build quality, a long list of standard features, and a ride that puts German cars twice the price to shame. The only downside is the lackluster performance from the ES 300h's 2.5-liter four-cylinder/electric motor combination, which remains the only hybrid engine option in the range.
The significant changes are only applicable to the gas-powered ES models, but the hybrid lineup benefits from a few new features added across the range. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are now standard from the base model. Lexus's Enform Safety Connect suite is standard across the range, which includes Wi-Fi. A new Rich Cream interior option is also available. The most significant change is one the owner will likely never see. Lexus dumped the old nickel-metal hybrid battery in favor of a lithium-ion version. This battery now sits underneath the rear seats, increasing overall trunk space. Lexus also says it improves handling, but since the ES was never about canyon carving, we doubt drivers will notice.
See trim levels and configurations:
| Trim | Engine | Transmission | Drivetrain | Price (MSRP) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ES 300h |
2.5L Inline-4 Hybrid
|
Continuously Variable Automatic (CVT)
|
Front-Wheel Drive
|
$41,910 |
| ES 300h Luxury |
2.5L Inline-4 Hybrid
|
Continuously Variable Automatic (CVT)
|
Front-Wheel Drive
|
$47,110 |
| ES 300h Ultra Luxury |
2.5L Inline-4 Hybrid
|
Continuously Variable Automatic (CVT)
|
Front-Wheel Drive
|
$50,910 |
We love the Lexus approach to luxury sedan building, as this review of the ES Hybrid has made clear. Sure, there are sportier driving modes, but you get the sense that they're simply there for marketing purposes. The ride is plush, and the interior is so well-insulated that it disconnects you from what's going on outside. Mercedes-Benz used to say that the S-Class reduced the driver's heartbeat, but we believe Lexus has taken over that mantle. That's how we like our luxury cars, which is why the ES gets good marks in the ride and handling department, even though it's no ball of fire. The ES Hybrid model is unashamedly biased toward achieving low gas mileage figures, which it does well. According to Lexus, it will achieve 43/44/44 mpg city/highway/combined. We also like the current Lexus design language and the fact that every model is equipped with driver assistance systems. The ES has plenty to offer and is worth every penny of its reasonable asking price.
The 2021 Lexus ES hybrid range kicks off with the base 300h, retailing for $41,910. The Luxury trim will cost $47,110, while the top-spec Ultra Luxury model has a starting price of $50,910. These figures exclude Lexus's destination charge of $1,025.
The most popular competitors of 2021 Lexus ES Hybrid:
Acura
Alfa Romeo
Aston Martin
Audi
Bentley
BMW
Bollinger
BrightDrop
Bugatti
Buick
Cadillac
Caterham
Chevrolet
Chrysler
Dodge
Ferrari
Fiat
Fisker
Ford
Genesis
GMC
Gordon Murray Automotive
Hennessey
Honda
Hyundai
Infiniti
Jaguar
Jeep
Karma
Kia
Koenigsegg
Lamborghini
Land Rover
Lexus
Lincoln
Lordstown
Lotus
Lucid Motors
Maserati
Mazda
McLaren
Mercedes-Benz
Mini
Mitsubishi
Nissan
Pagani
Polestar
Porsche
Ram
Rimac
Rivian
Rolls-Royce
Spyker
Subaru
Tesla
Toyota
VinFast
Volkswagen
Volvo