2019 Lexus ES 300h Hybrid Review | The Best ES Yet

The new 2019 Lexus ES 300h is quite likely the best ES ever made. It is also arguably one of the best LEXUS vehicles ever made as well. Smooth, refined, luxurious, efficient, all for a reasonable price. Let's Review this luxurious hybrid sedan from Lexus.

[@jerryb.7021]

I bought a fully loaded 2019 ultra luxury es300h last week, every option included. It has the mark levinson, triple beams, etc. Not easy finding an ultra luxury! The few i found in los angeles were black, the only color i really didnt want. I flew up to oakland to get one in white then drove it 400 miles back home. Make sure you guys negotiate on price. I was able to get 7.5% off MSRP. Awesome car. Just learning how the hybrid works as far as efficiency. Interestingly, driving it from oakland to L.A. with no traffic, i got 42.5mpg. But driving it to work on the horrible 405 in bumber to bumper traffic, i got 48mpg! The Mark Levinson stereo sounds amazing. Im still learning all the features of the car. Blind spot warning is invaluable. I'll try to put up a review one of these days, from an actual owner. But im a little camera shy, unlike Kirk. If anyone has any questions, i can answer them in the comments section.

[@KirkKreifels]

Congrats on your new ES 300h! It's a great vehicle.

[@pablocastillo]

How's the power on the them going up hills? I'm hesitant in buying one because it's a 4 cylinder versus the Lexus Es350 6 cylinder.

[@KirkKreifels]

@@pablocastillo test drive one to see if it's powerful enough for you. I think you'll like it.

[@jerryb.7021]

@@pablocastillo no problem at all. This aint a Prius. I have a 6 cyclinder acura tl as well, and i cannot tell a big difference in power. Even passing other cars on freeways is no problem. But definitely test drive it to see if it suits your needs.

[@MrFalken91]

@@jerryb.7021 Hmm learning to drive a hybrid.... may I suggest searching for "hypermiling lexus" on youtube. Thats how I learned to get over 55mpg with my ct(highest I ever got was 65mpg) regularly. I dont use every trick but gives a nice tips to get out the max out of the hybrid system. Heh went from a subaru wrx so abit of a different driving style, wanted a cheaper daily even though I never had to change anything on it, was just regular maintenance. Been 2years of ct, and so far so good, just regular maintenance.

[@BenHTran-ou8bq]

I just bought my 2nd ES fully loaded and the ultra luxury. I’m still keeping my IS crafted line and my Blue NX F-Sport but I’ll be daily driving my new ES for a few months then I’ll switch to my NX then my IS.

[@az958]

Great review. Enjoyed that and very informative. Thanks!

[@brettsinclair3550]

Excellent review. Personal yet objective. Thank You.

[@KirkKreifels]

Thanks for watching!

[@terrychapp9028]

My ES300h was built in Canada. During the part of the year when temperatures are above 30F, I easily get 44mpg. Plenty of zip, comfort, and reliability. Love this car.❤

[@ClazzioCovers]

Finally, been waiting for this review! Just clean the snow off the sensors or disable park assist using the button if they are covered in snow. This happens to my GS when the sensors are covered.

[@KirkKreifels]

It's annoying though!

[@susiefrostad7078]

Clarice Fluitt

[@yiuhhsinggou3666]

Thank you, waiting for this view (from you) for a long time!

[@KirkKreifels]

Thanks for your patience.

[@yiuhhsinggou3666]

@@KirkKreifels do you think the 10 grand worth the difference between ES300h and UX250h ? quietness, power, steering response etc? Thanks.

[@KirkKreifels]

@@yiuhhsinggou3666 yes I do. ES is one of the best vehicles that you can buy, hybrid or not. Opt for Mark Levinson sound and noise cancelling wheels if it's in your budget. Cheers.

[@yiuhhsinggou3666]

@@KirkKreifels Thank you very much. I was actually wondering about that noise reduction wheel as well. Appreciate your reply.

[@saltie.7783]

At first I did not like the new ES. It really looks gorgeous now. I like the changes Lexus is taking. Also I see that 2010-2015 RX 450h. I’d also like to see a review on that lol

[@chiricochubee]

One thing that was very impressive to me is how you got 40+mpg combined in this cold weather while other reviewers were claiming it is around 37~39 mpg combined.

[@KirkKreifels]

I was babying it 😉

[@edmorse8654]

You do a good job reviewing, keep up the good work although I wasn’t aware people in Nebraska purchased luxury vehicles. Move down here to sunny Florida and you will make a killing. 85 here today.

[@KirkKreifels]

I lived in Naples for 5+ years. Not as a Lexus salesman though 😊

[@saltie.7783]

LEXUriouS Kirk I currently live in Orlando and its fantastic here

[@buzzbobforu]

beautiful car. amazing quality. nothing beats Lexus or Toyota and I know it's the same company for people who keep commenting and telling me it's the same company.

[@kobe9843]

Volkswagon is the same company as Audi Bentley, Porsche Bugatti. Don’t see people spamming that in Bugatti videos 🤷🏾‍♂️

[@dazsid100]

Great car. Lexus are amazing

[@hereandthere8900]

Great review.

[@KirkKreifels]

Thanks!

[@jimv1983]

I special ordered this car back in October and finally got a production date(mix up in the order) of 2/28/2019. I can't wait to get it in late March. That 44MPG is well worth the trade off of maybe 1-1.5 seconds better 0-60. No joke about how long breaks last. I just had to do front breaks on my 2011 Camry for the first time and the only reason it was needed is because the rotors had developed hot spots which required a brake job. It was at 160,000 miles. I actually had to do the rear brakes first at like 130,000 miles.

[@KirkKreifels]

Awesome! Congratulations on your new ES!

[@jimv1983]

@@KirkKreifels I've been spending some time at a Lexus owners forum as some have mentioned a pretty loud wind noise that sounds like it's coming from the driver window. It only seems to happen at higher speeds. I didn't hear it on my two test drives. Also, some have said almost no sound comes out of the rear door speakers. They've said it's both the standard and ML system but that it's worse on the standard system. I listened to both and again, I didn't notice that but I wasn't listening for it and didn't sit in the back. I got the ML system primarily because of how much better XM radio sounds. I'd love to hear your experience with these things. Maybe a detailed video of your thoughts on the ML sound system?

[@KirkKreifels]

@@jimv1983 I've never noticed wind noise from a window in a new ES. Also ML in the ES is definitely catered to the front driver and passenger as they are the most used areas of the vehicle. I blasted ML in the ES at about 55 volume at stock settings yesterday for about 40 minutes, it was an incredible drive! I rarely listen to music but it was addictive with the ML sound.

[@jimvlahos2488]

@@KirkKreifels So how low is the speaker output sitting in the back? As a passenger sitting in the back do you still find it enjoyable?

[@jimv1983]

@@KirkKreifels hey, just curious, what's with the name change of the channel? I thought it was actually a different channel for a while.

[@ONI1013.]

I‘ve been Lexus owner for years and I was debating between getting this car ES350 (Ultra Luxury Pkg with all the options) vs the new 2019 Audi A6 -Prestige. Actually ended up getting the Audi, bc just wanted to try something different for next 3 years leased. Although I like the Audi, the reliability is something I really miss with the Lexus. Only had the Audi for 3 weeks now and already brought in shop for two different issues. The Tech is admittedly more beautiful and innovative in the Audi, but is _glitchy as hell._ Luckily in 3 years, I can get out of the Audi before it starts giving me any big costly issues out of warranty, and this ES model will still be around. I will definitely look at getting this ES. For those that haven’t driven it yet.. the ride quality is absolutely wonderful.

[@KirkKreifels]

Wow thanks for sharing your story. Audis are beautiful, but the German stereo type for expensive and unreliable seems to be validated by your story. I can't wait to review all luxury cars 😎

[@ONI1013.]

LEXUriouS Kirk - yes I heard it was unreliable (hence the lease), but I didn’t expect problems _this_ soon. Maybe I just got really unlucky with this car. Hopefully everything will get resolved. I just wanted to share with other viewers in case they were also debating between Audi Vs Lexus.

[@JustinTPat]

Thank you for sharing your experienced!

[@user-fp3oc9bx7z]

I got one fully loaded in Annapolis md. Atomic silver. Nice car comfortable and quiet.

[@shujayethossain6554]

How many miles you get in a full tank?

[@user-fp3oc9bx7z]

@@shujayethossain6554 10000

[@shujayethossain6554]

@@user-fp3oc9bx7z Did you mean to say 1,000 miles?

[@davidklen7974]

Kirk, All your reviews on the 2019 ES have been very helpful. Do you know if acoustic glass in used in the front side windows of any of these ES trims? The Toyota website clearly shows which Avalon trims have acoustic side glass but I haven't been able to find any documented information on the ES. Thanks.

[@KirkKreifels]

I believe the luxury and ultra luxury have acoustic class in the front side windows.

[@MrJordanc14]

This car is super nice. I just bought a new avalon my first new car purchase, i feel it resembles this in some ways.

[@KirkKreifels]

Avalon is very nice. I drive a 2004!

[@ONI1013.]

I had the 2013 Avalon. Very nice car. Congrats!

[@MrJordanc14]

@@ONI1013. Thanks bro.

[@philipclock]

Leased luxury ES 300h October 2019; 10,000 miles, mixed city/freeway, GREAT CAR! Had 2017 ES 350 2 yrs 30,000 miles, very nice car! 2019 platform easily more solid, drivable, luxurious, refined, stress free driving, a very obvious step or two up, easily a mni-LS (Owned '97 LS400 for 5 yrs) great job Lexus! Low-mid 30's city; high 30's-low 40's EZ freeway driving 60-65. Lacks for nothing except automatic door closers on LS. Would only consider trading for fully loaded LS 500h for extra luxury and a bit more space.

[@josephrudik5026]

Thank you for the great review Where is ex350 fsport made?

[@KirkKreifels]

ES 350 F sport are assembled in Kentucky

[@josephrudik5026]

Thank you

[@lawrencebautista1]

The 2021 update now has lithium ion batteries freeing up more space on the trunk. Would you be checking it out?

[@brainrockhenyo]

Hoping to see your review of gs450h😃

[@olinator9676]

Can somebody please explain to me why some Lexus models, particularly those I see in videos from the USA have the model badge (here it is 300h) but not the Lexus badge at the left of the tailgate? Thanks

[@ritchejosh4346]

Im thinking about getting this car but i’m find the front bumpers too low.. i might scratch the bottom.. What’s the ground clearance ?

[@adrianaramirez5217]

I'm looking into getting a used Lexus hybrid ES 2019-3023. What would be an affordable price for a used one?

[@chiricochubee]

The yellow warnings were telling you that “please clean parking assist sensor” so I guess something (dirt, snow, frosty ice, protective stickers that dealer needs to take off?)was preventing it from functioning properly so it let you know. You must be driving on a very noisy free way, cause I don’t get the impression that it is a quiet ride. Can you comment on the sports mode. How does it feel? Anyway, good honest review.

[@KirkKreifels]

Thanks for watching! Noisy freeway and my phone is using it's microphone. I don't have a dedicated mic yet so it picks up everything.

[@chiricochubee]

Well, don’t get me wrong, on regular roads, it’s very quiet.

[@KirkKreifels]

@@chiricochubee Even our smoothest roads in Nebraska are rough compared to the glass-like roads I had in Florida.

[@tashinasimpson1927]

Yep one yah bad.looking beautiful like the ladies in jamaica my country.big up.toyota the only dam king of auto

[@gjmob]

Every car in Australia has a cap over a threaded hole that an eye bolt screws into, so that it can be winched on to a tilt tray truck, if it breaks down.

[@kubanskiloewe]

i would definately go with the old V6Hybrid in the GS450h ! these 4cylý are to much overstressed here on AUtobahn without speedlimit and the FWD is not my thing anyway. The GS450H F-Sport with rear axle steering in white an bamboo inside is my favourite all time LEXUS !

[@asianskywalker]

In some reviews ive read the es300h drive is more comfortable and quieter than a 5 series and e-class and other reviews say its not as good. Have you compared them?

[@KirkKreifels]

I haven't compared them, but this es hybrid with the noise cancelling wheels is one if the quietest cars I've driven!

[@shahrukhabbas7687]

Mini predator Lexus ES.

[@ecklar123]

Do the noise canceling wheels give up any handling characteristics? Also, are they noise canceling wheels or tires or both?

[@KirkKreifels]

Just wheels. Normal tires.

[@seannguyen593]

Any reason why the ES hybrid is not available in F Sport, but the UX hybrid is?

[@KirkKreifels]

Great question. Lexus decides depending on the vehicle and market. UX being geared towards younger people see the F sport hybrid as being an attractive option for their target market. Also the hybrid UX is higher performance than non hybrid.

[@chiricochubee]

In Japan, they do have hybrid with F Sport trim. Don’t.know why it’s not an option in the US.

[@KirkKreifels]

@@chiricochubee hybrids sell way better in Japan. Also, f sports may be way more popular there. Lexus does their research and build cars for an intended market. That's all I can say.

[@jimv1983]

The ES in other countries has a lot of features that the American version doesn't. Power folding mirrors and control panel between the rear seats that has controls for things like climate control and I think reclining seats and heated/cooled rear seats which would be nice.

[@seannguyen593]

LEXUriouS Kirk but the RX hybrid does come in F Sport and that model is similar demographic as the ES.

[@moneyn123]

Hey Kirk I am wanting to buy a 2019 ES 300H I am wondering what the differences are from the Base, Luxury, and Ultra Luxury? Also any update when Android Auto will be able in this car?

[@KirkKreifels]

No word on Auto. Lots of differences between the three. Look at online brochure of the ES, and scroll to the end where you see packages and you'll find the differences.

[@fldashxam]

Android Auto just debuted on the 2020 Tacoma, so *probably* 2020 for Lexus as well...

[@jimv1983]

@@KirkKreifels Toyota recently released a statement that they would start supporting Android Auto. When it eventually comes to Lexus do you think the 2019 could get it as a software update?

[@KirkKreifels]

@@jimv1983 holy sh....I have to make a video ASAP on this!

[@TheAnnemike]

What colour is this? Sonic titanium?

[@mrsj1417]

I know you can't tell by a video, but this car seems noisier - and a lot - than some of the others you've tested. Is it just the placement of the camera/phone? Also given the state of sedan sales, why is the lease SO expensive for this car? I think in my area it's higher than the lease on an RX hybrid, which gives you so much more room and versatility. Thanks.

[@KirkKreifels]

Leasing is very complicated so I'm not going to guess why it's high where you live. Car is very quiet. It could very well be the position of the camera for this video. Also by me having the fans on to stay warm may have made it louder. Thanks for watching.

[@edmorse8654]

I’m in Mt Dora which is 30 miles ne of Orlando

[@jamescc2010]

Do you have a review for 2020 ES300h? Just bought one. :)

[@KirkKreifels]

Congratulations. I may do one eventually. It's 99.9% identical to the 2019.

[@rickmalone270]

Kirk Kreifels Can't you turn off the parking assist so that you don't get that nag message all the time?

[@KirkKreifels]

Yes it can he disabled but it's dangerous to do so while driving.

[@rickmalone270]

@@KirkKreifels Thank you Kirk for the quick reply.

[@mohitrastogi4515]

Hey my key fob is now starting the car anymore. Went to dealership they said no technical problems and unaware of why it’ stopped after 1 year. Can u help me it’s 2019 Ed 300h

[@joeemm3020]

With my 2016, the remote start was complimentary for one year. Then I had to pay for the service that remote start was part of. Did you renew and pay? Might be the reason.

[@mohitrastogi4515]

@@joeemm3020 I fight with them and told it’s not right to cheat, finally they agreed to put long distance remote starter for free. There initial response was like the feature was only meant for the buyers in states not in Canada. They are stupid only want free money by cheaper ways.

[@bwilliam4023]

does it have rear recling seats?

[@KirkKreifels]

Not in America.

[@zachs.9600]

Luckily, that tow hook will never have to be used.

[@futbol1972]

We are debating between this car OR an suv hybrid🤔🤔

[@kubanskiloewe]

it will come with another e-motor in rear for AWD next years. But without the V6Hybrid its to slow for my taste on Autobahn. And the 4cyl. sound sucks anyway

[@FrederickGFX]

You're nice to look at.

[@edmorse8654]

Nw I meant

[@92hbhbhybrid88]

Interior dash looks too cheap and dumbed down when compared with previous gen.. At least with previous gen. The screen was fully integrated, now it looks like all companies are just gluing a tablet screen to the dash and calling it a day.. Just like an entry level corolla... I would demand more from this lexus model..

[@KirkKreifels]

the great thing for you is that there are tons of pre owned ES that have the design you like if you're in the market.

[@92hbhbhybrid88]

@@KirkKreifels , indeed , I have a '13.. Perhaps in 6-7 yrs I'll be back in the mkt for maybe an '18 LS500...

[@KirkKreifels]

@@92hbhbhybrid88 LS 500 is awesome!

[@nicknana4319]

3:15

[@ferencvad8251]

U forgot to show the backseat area

[@KirkKreifels]

Seriously?!?! Man my bad. It's super spacious. You might be a little higher in the back compared to the non-hybrid since the battery is under the seat. Thanks for watching and calling me out!

[@NoHypebeastZay]

F sport is the best

[@4ft3rburn3r]

I know i'm probably in the minority, but I really dont like that new grill.

[@KirkKreifels]

It's hate it or love it

[@UpstateBreezy]

I can’t tell if I hate it or like it. Idk.

[@BarrioFinoification]

i love it!

[@AHMEDMOOSAJI]

It doesn't look too bad but the problem is that it will outdate very quickly because it's vertical Horizontal doesn't outdate as fast

[@jimv1983]

I like it but I would rather have the F-Sport grill. Too bad it's not on the hybrid.

[@crocop2o12]

indeed a great car, awesome design, too bad you have to spend 4000$ every 200k km for battery change, i sold my is 300h f'sport and went back to Honda :) and i get better MPG without a hybrid system

[@KirkKreifels]

Did your battery go bad? If so what year was yours?

[@robovac3557]

I saw one for the 1st time today. Phuk me, it's way too long.

[@clintmyers3415]

Disappointed by your preparation...looking at other reviews.

[@davideselvi3906]

Nobody cares

[@blitzchaserjzx100]

Lovely car just one thing I'd prefer it to be rwd

[@KirkKreifels]

Most wish it was AWD. RWD would be get my vote for second though.