Michael SatterfieldIn a market overrun with oversized screens and overly complex tech, the 2025 Lexus ES 300h F SPORT reminds us that true luxury lies in refinement, not complication. This isn’t a car built to chase Nürburgring lap times or win tech novelty awards—it’s built for the discerning driver who values comfort, efficiency, and everyday excellence. Driving it shortly after the new Genesis G80, it is clear that Lexus has taken a different route and is serving a different consumer.
Under the hood of the 2025 Lexus ES 300h is a 2.5-liter inline-4 engine paired with Lexus’s proven hybrid drive system, delivering a combined 215 horsepower. While the power output won’t make headlines, the real story is in the drive. Acceleration is smooth, transitions between gas and electric are imperceptible, and the experience is more about effortless grace than adrenaline-fueled bursts.
We easily surpassed the EPA-estimated 44 mpg city / 43 mpg highway, a feat that makes this one of the most fuel-efficient midsize luxury sedans on the market—especially impressive when compared to rivals like the BMW 530e or Audi A6 45 TFSI, which typically require plug-in setups to even come close.
F SPORT Design: Subtle, Not Shouty
Visually, the ES 300h F SPORT Design trim walks the line between elegant and athletic. Our test vehicle arrived in shimmering Iridium paint ($500 option) paired with black-finish 19-inch wheels and a gloss black grille. It’s a premium look that hints at performance without veering into aggressive or over-designed territory.
The F SPORT treatment includes unique front and rear bumpers, black mirror caps, a subtle rear lip spoiler, and a sleek blacked-out mesh grille. For buyers who want something more eye-catching than the base ES but without the flash of high-performance variants, this design hits the sweet spot.
Inside the Lexus ES 300h: Red Leather Luxury and Real Buttons
Open the door, and you’re greeted by Circuit Red NuLuxe seats and Hadori Aluminum trim that instantly set a premium tone. Unlike many in the class that prioritize screens over substance, the 2025 ES 300h blends digital convenience with tactile familiarity. Yes, there’s a 12.3-inch touchscreen, but Lexus retains physical controls for climate, radio volume, and other essential functions—a rarity, and a welcome one.
The driving position is comfortable and commanding, with F SPORT seats offering excellent bolstering for longer journeys. Everything feels precisely assembled—an area where Lexus has always quietly outperformed European competitors.
The ES’s infotainment system is one of Lexus’s most intuitive to date. The optional Intelligent Assistant and Cloud Navigation system ($200) provides clear, real-time routing and responsive voice commands. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, and the optional Mark Levinson 17-speaker premium audio system ($1,080) delivers clean, rich sound that’s easily among the best in the class.
Despite the tech upgrades, Lexus wisely resists the urge to digitize everything. Volume knobs, climate controls, and drive mode selectors are still physical, preserving a sense of analog control that many modern luxury cars have lost.
2025 Lexus ES 300h Pricing and Features
Our test car was well-optioned, showing off just how much value Lexus can pack into a midsize luxury sedan. Key optional equipment included:
- Panorama Glass Roof ($500) – Adds a premium, airy feel to the already spacious cabin.
- Triple-Beam LED Headlamps ($1,280) – Stylish and functional, providing excellent nighttime visibility.
- Head-Up Display ($500) – Keeps critical driving info in the driver’s line of sight without distraction.
- Heated and Ventilated Front Seats – Standard on F SPORT and extremely effective in both cold and hot climates.
The ES 300h comes equipped with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which includes:
- Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection
- Lane Tracing Assist
- Road Sign Assist
- Full-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
- Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
These systems work quietly in the background, intervening only when needed, which helps avoid the annoyance of constant beeping or false alerts. The Driver Attention Monitor and Proactive Driving Assist features provide a bit of added peace of mind, especially for long trips.
With a base price of $47,535 and a final sticker of $53,615 after delivery, the ES 300h undercuts similarly equipped rivals from Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Audi, while offering better long-term reliability and fuel economy.
On the Road: Comfort is King
Even with its F SPORT styling, the ES 300h prioritizes comfort over corner carving. Lexus’s optional Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) helps smooth out bumps and rough pavement, and while the car feels composed in turns, it’s more about confidence than sharp response.
That said, steering is pleasantly direct, and in Sport mode, throttle response sharpens just enough to give the car a more responsive character. But make no mistake: this is a grand tourer, not a sports sedan—and in that role, it shines.
Compared to the Acura TLX, Genesis G80, or Volvo S90, the Lexus offers a more serene ride and lower NVH (noise, vibration, and harshness) levels, particularly at highway speeds. It’s a car that soothes more than stimulates—exactly what many luxury buyers are looking for.
Lexus ES vs. The Competition
The 2025 Lexus ES 300h F SPORT lives in an increasingly niche corner of the market—luxury midsize sedans with a focus on fuel efficiency and comfort. But in that space, it dominates. Here’s how it stacks up:
| Model | Combined MPG | Starting Price | Powertrain | Vibe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lexus ES 300h F SPORT | 44 mpg | $47,535 | Hybrid | Quiet luxury |
| BMW 530e | 28 mpg (est.) | $59,000+ | Plug-in Hybrid | Sporty tech |
| Audi A6 45 TFSI | 27 mpg | $58,000+ | Turbo 4-cyl | Modern Euro |
| Genesis G80 2.5T | 26 mpg | $54,000+ | Turbo 4-cyl | Design-forward |
When it comes to long-term value, fuel economy, and comfort, the Lexus makes a compelling case that’s hard to beat. And with Toyota/Lexus’s reputation for reliability, ownership costs are likely to be far lower than with its European competitors.
The Best Lexus ES Yet?
The 2025 Lexus ES 300h F SPORT doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel—and that’s precisely its strength. Instead, it doubles down on everything Lexus does well: comfort, reliability, elegant design, and thoughtful user experience.
For buyers looking to step away from tech overload and embrace a more timeless take on luxury, this ES delivers. With real buttons, refined performance, and excellent fuel economy, it’s the kind of car that gets better the longer you live with it.
In an era where sedans are an endangered species, the ES 300h proves that there’s still a place for well-made, well-mannered four-doors—and that hybrids don’t have to be boring. For those who appreciate a quiet kind of luxury, this Lexus is hard to top.
I love everything about this car!