2022 Lexus ES 300h F Sport Review. Lots Of Show, Not As Much Go. tom voelk

The 2022 Lexus ES 300h F Sport sedan is designed to appeal to younger and more diverse buyers. And it’s a handsome hybrid outside and in. Without sacrificing any Lexus polish, it keeps the brand’s promise of comfort and quietness. Gets 44 miles to the gallon too. Just don’t think it’ll pin you against the seat. Automotive specialist Tom Voelk checks out a well-equipped model in a week all-wheel drive would be handy. Or snow tires at the very least.
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About Tom: Tom Voelk is an award-winning automotive contributor to The New York Times. His podcast was the first to win an Emmy Award (and he's won for photography, editing, producing and reporting). But really, all you need to know is in the videos. Watch a few and you'll subscribe.
00:00 Intro
1:15 Snow
2:53 Cargo Area
3:28 Traction in Snow
4:03 Powertrain
5:03 Driving Dynamics
7:35 Pricing and Interior
9:24 Back Seat
9:55 Red Light Green Light
10:53 Summary
11:00 Epilogue
13:32 End
14:11 Quote Service
lexus es hybrid 2022, lexus hybrid 2022 sedan, tom volk, automotive press

[@teeboy69]

Have an older generation ES300h here in western NY where we average 100 inches of snow every year. Run 17 inch winter tires on steel wheels, car is a tank in the snow. I’ve had multiple 4WD/AWD trucks & SUV’s with all season tires; winter tires make more of a difference than drivetrain.

[@ElijahsAba]

Amen!

[@brianhuggins7951]

The mere fact that you actually did this review in such wicked weather speaks volumes to why I am a subscriber. And you did it with your usual no nonsense skill in spite of the hazardous conditions. Kudos to you and your awesome assistant.

[@JDelta87]

Thank you, Tom and Martin for braving the elements to deliver a review. Much appreciated!

[@marcpacey]

Another fun , yet informative review. I think the ES has gone from the car you buy only when you retire to tool around the ‘burbs - to a genuine contender in this segment. Props for actually getting out in that weather to film - many wouldn’t.

[@TalismanPHX]

Thanks Tom and Martin and neighbors for the video. Excellent work 👏

[@spvoss74]

Great job in difficult conditions. Always enjoy your reviews.

[@Brahmaso]

This review was so helpful for me to see how this Lexus ES drives in the snow!

[@YazAMG]

They definitely should have given you snow tires. I daily drove a GSF in the snow for 5 years.

[@papayamango7507]

OMG Tom, I always love your videos! Keep it up!

[@68beetlevlog]

Of all the videos you've done. I think I've enjoyed this one the most LOL. I love seeing the limitations of modern cars

[@kenc2257]

Yep...that was quite an adventure with this excellent review. Thanks to Martin (and your 2 good Samaritans). [your icy road conditions must have been even worse than the video shows--seems like most of your neighbors were also staying safe at home]

[@davidcarroll8735]

I’d like to thank you for constantly reminding us to drive two to three vehicles before making a buying decision. I usually get pretty tight on my choice based on statistics and reviews, obviously yours!, but was surprised how different the Toyota Sienna and Pacifica Hybrid drove, and went with the latter.

[@stevejoseph1664]

Great review Tom!

[@cfrb]

good review, definitley points to the glaring flaw, lack of AWD.

[@mariowhyte2816]

Another stellar review, Tom!!! Happy New Year to you and your family!!! Thank you for your awesome reviews!!! Great coverage, the riiiiight amount of wit and humor and I always hang around for your fun facts and information!!! All the best for 2022!!!

[@michaelarch3779]

Tom’s reviews are consistently outstanding! He’s always engaging he’d be excellent on any topic not just cars!

[@joegondo7985]

Fun to watch you struggle as we all do in those conditions..me…Connecticut and Michigan…yay for the hybrid👍👍

[@Jsah11]

Oh and your worst shot video is still better than most so well done and thanks as always!!

[@DrivenCarReviews]

I have high standards

[@rlgwoody8966]

Thank you Tom and Martin … and the guys who pushed you out of the icy snow.

[@Shane-zx4ps]

I test drive an es a few days ago, not the FSport model though and I was highly impressed with the quality of this car

[@AlisonAZ]

Nicely done! Kudos to both of you. I took my Miata out that weekend and made it all the way to Makeda only to find that I could not park anywhere on the ice. Happy New Year!

[@DrivenCarReviews]

You shouldn't put that car in harm's way Alison. Hope all is well.

[@Toymonkeyjr]

I Have the ES 350 F sport, with winter tires I had zero problem in snow you just turn of the tsc by holding it down for 5 seconds while stopped, won't make you second guess getting an awd car, the car is also pretty torquey lowdown and adaptive suspension and Sport+ mode feels great and goes pretty quick for a heavy car

[@B8V86SPD]

Very helpful! Steered me straight to a diesel awd Audi instead since it snows and sleets a lot here in the north east

[@Toyota4Life]

In f-sport trim these cars are beautiful and I LOVE the interior on these cars.

[@thomastalks3841]

Great video (as always), that snow is crazy! We had literally 1 day of snow then the rain washed it away the next day. Interestingly in the UK we had the ES 300h as the sole engine option and the F sport package has been one of the few options you can get with it here. (since it replaced the GS here in 2019)

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Our snow was around for a week. As you can see, messed things up. Cheers!

[@themightymrpink]

That’s some serious snow you got in Seattle, my friend. My area in the southeastern United States was also hit hard with snow.

[@baldheadlogic]

Great Review Tom. I am a Toyota Lexus fan. Kind of surprised that theses don’t have heated rear seats.

[@stephenhendricks103]

Hilarious video, Tom. Made more so by the fact that we weren't hit with the same apocalyptic level snow storm down here on Fox Island that engulfed you folks a bit farther north. Even so, the post-Christmas snow meant that my GTI and the recently acquired VW CC spent much of the week in the garage and the only vehicle that made it up and down our long steep and curvy driveway was the SO's AWD Sorento. (When I moved from Spokane to the "we(s)t side of the Cascades, I vowed to avoid shoveling snow. Fortunately, the KIA even with All Season tires and the center differential lock was up to the challenge.) As far as the Lexus is concerned, it appears that with the demise of the Avalon the folks at Toyota have decided that meeting the needs of the geriatric residents of Sun City and similar environs has been turned over to the Lexus ES 300h. Obviously, it ain't the car for me.

[@MercOne]

This is why Lexus needs to make an ES350 AWD. There is no luxury in 203hp.

[@jml9550]

With that condition even AWD will struggle, snow tires will fix that problem.

[@Druezer]

Appalachian Spring Suite. Glorious.

[@mess0965]

Teamwork! ♥️

[@Kiss__Kiss]

Deserves more power/AWD, this 300H. Especially when paired with the F sport package.

[@panzer_TZ]

It really baffles me that the ES 300h doesn't have eAWD like the new NX. Since you can't get AWD with the 350, it would provide a nice option if you want AWD but with more power than the 250 AWD.

[@Kiss__Kiss]

@@panzer_TZ Exactly!!

[@madclone84]

Heard the AWD is trash compared to RWD please do research before speaking out of your ass. Thanks!

[@Kiss__Kiss]

@@madclone84 Any AWD system not Audi or Subaru is to me, inferior. I've owned a ton in my day(Whether AWD, RWD, FWD). Also, when you use the words "Heard" and "Research" within your rant? Makes you sound less Credible, Sir.

[@Toymonkeyjr]

Try the 350

[@pabss3193]

Winter winter winter tires!! I used to have FWD cars with winter tires and never had an issue

[@citibear57]

Don't be so hard on yourself, Tom. This video was perfectly fine. You did a great job, considering the road conditions. For someone living in Saskatchewan, these conditions are normal in Winter. As you know, tires are very important. Winter tires/snow tires are awesome, but too many people drive on worn tires with very little tread left. It's sad, but most importantly, they are a danger on the roads. I appreciate the hard work that you and your team do to make these top-notch car reviews (and more)!

[@ElijahsAba]

Yup, good snow tires will make more of a difference than 4WD/AWD.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

I have high standards.

[@tinmanslickgreasy999]

fun video... may have to reshoot later on when you get time.

[@Nord_Mann]

Hehe, I’ve been driving this for the last week when the Taycan broke down.. A real old man’s car. Period. Very good lights and sound system. Very sedate and very comfortable. I miss my Taycan, albeit I’m somewhat happy with the calm luxury cruiser the ES300h F-Sport is.

[@CynicalBastard511]

Taycan is a POS, huh? Trade that electric turd for an LS 500h; more reliable and no range anxiety.

[@Nord_Mann]

@@CynicalBastard511 not at all. I’ve driven 60000km in my Taycan and this is the first problem I’ve encountered. It’s been absolutely stellar and nothing beats the versatility of a Taycan. City driving, my long ass commute, winter storms or holidays with my family and the 7 track days I’ve attended with it. It makes minced meat out of anything you throw at it.

[@erikhaw7313]

What happened?

[@Nord_Mann]

@@erikhaw7313 it’s still in for diagnosis and repairs. They don’t really know and are consulting Germany, but it was perfectly normal until God flipped the switch and “engine management failure” lit up on the display. I was doing 80kph, had 73% of battery left and just rolled to a standstill without any power whatsoever. No exits so stopped in the middle of the road on a dark snowy mountain. Everything failed one after the another and eventually the hazards stopped working. Luckily a -94 Ford Explorer pulled up behind me protecting us with his hazards flashing. After 2.5 hrs the tow truck came with a rental we drove to OSL airport and caught a plane home the next day. Been driving the Lexus one week now. Curious to what caused it. I don’t think an ICE would’ve gone this south that fast. Might trade it in on my GT4RS order… We’ll see

[@justrandomthings319]

@@Nord_Mann A car breaking down at 37,000 miles means it's a POS. You could have died on that highway.

[@aktube123]

This car must be for southern states, because in Minnesota this car will be parked for 6 months. That is why SUVs are popular.

[@Gonzol7]

With lemons, one makes lemonade--this was, despite conditions, quite a tasty review!

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Yeah, that analogy doesn't work with hot chocolate. But we went out for fancy coffee drinks after this shoot.

[@MediumBluWonder]

Excellent review and I am grateful you gave a real life application that was still very comprehensive while raising an excellent question regarding the ES line. Which is, why not add all wheel drive to your most powerful car on paper, the Lexus ES 350 F sport? It would make alot of sense, since most people who can afford a new ES more than likely would cross shop it with the Mercedes E class, BMW 5 series and Audi A6. All of those competitors offer all wheel drive, two of which have offered it for more than 30 years, and the other, roughly 20 years. It is also clear the powertrain exists, since its present in the Lexus RX 350, which starts off life as front wheel drive. It could genuinely be a game changer for that car in terms of sales, coupled with the new for this generation, adaptive dampers.

[@kentonbolte931]

I was out in my 1989 Volvo 240 4-door. Getting over to the Bryant area for North Seattle. General no problems except for that day you were out. Side streets - bad. It's always the day after the big melt starts that's the worst.

[@Momo_8k]

Appreciate the honest, just deal with it, review.

[@JamaicanMeCrazy]

Really like this thing. Car prices are just nuts these days

[@migy5031]

The conditions looked so atrocious that even winter tires would’ve struggled. Thank you Tom and Martin pulling off the review without any serious damage.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

A neighbor with a Blizzak-equipped Camry was all over this storm so there's that. He had no issues.

[@Nord_Mann]

I drive my rental ES300h F-Sport with studded winter tyres and have no issues, for a FWD car that is. Of course I miss my AWD Taycan which makes mince meat of ANY road conditions, even our severe arctic winter storms, it all comes down to what tyres you got, and those in this video were crap and should’ve never been mounted on any car driving on snow covered roads.

[@deniscdyck]

We live in Canada and drive 2 front wheel drive cars with winter tires. We have waaaaaay more traction than any awd with all seasons. Tires is where it's at, not awd. Specially if you are already moving and need to break or maneuver quickly cause people with the wrong tires are on the road (cause they "know how to drive" and don't need winter tires, yeah right...)

[@Jsah11]

Great video as always! Do the roads not get gritted over there?

[@DrivenCarReviews]

The arterials do. And a few of the side streets. We just don't have the equipment.

[@superioraddo2381]

I love the new model

[@eamonnmcdermott1939]

Not probably the tyres, definitely the tyres is the issue here!

[@Nord_Mann]

Yep, for sure. Everyone knows there’s nothing called an all-season tyre. A tyre capable on both snow and tarmac doesn’t exist.

[@andynickles7505]

Ive put floor mats under my tires to give me traction and they worked really well.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Yes. That works. I didn't want to ruin Lexus" mats though.

[@ThorMaxx]

Not sure if it improved since 2012, but our 2012 prius traction control sucked in Canadian winters….could not disable the traction control in the prius unless you followed the following set of steps: Step 1: Set the ignition switch to ON, not READY. To do this press the power button two times, without pressing the brake pedal. Step 2: While the transmission is still in park (P), fully press the gas pedal two times. Step 3: Apply the parking brake to ensure that the vehicle will not move during this step. Put the transmission in neutral (N) and fully press the gas pedal two times. Step 4: Put the transmission back in park (P) and fully press the gas pedal two times. The car will display “!Car!” in the upper left corner of the LCD screen. Step 5: Press the brake pedal and turn the ignition switch to the start position, without going back to the ready position, to start the engine. If these steps are followed correctly, the vehicle will start with the traction control system defeated.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

This has a defeat setting but it seemed like it wouldn't completely disengage. Still experienced the engine reducing power.

[@ahkeen]

Looks more like a Camry than an Avalon. Really wish the rear seats do fold down though.

[@nateisright]

They’re going to sell hundreds of these!

[@pappaslivery]

Can you fully shut off the traction control?

[@timalma]

Amazing MPG

[@porsche558]

Some cars just suck in the snow. My old Acura TL with FWD was garbage in the snow……it was also garbage reliability wise as well.

[@sxmolin]

Arizona!

[@rabito85]

Always my issue with eco Toyota/Lexus hybrids… vs Honda/Acura performance hybrids Great review!

[@Jcewazhere]

Would love to see you review the Rav4 Prime PHEV. My mom and grandma aren't ready for full electric, and they love their SUVs, so a big plug in hybrid would be great for either of them on paper, but a video review would be better.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

I did. Search my channel.

[@superioraddo2381]

Tom when are u going to review the Mercedes benz c class 2022 model

[@Julianvanderheijden]

Best car ever made.

[@0HOON0]

I have a very similar Camry Hybrid and can confirm that it's poor in the snow.

[@tails300]

Mine did fine and I’ve in a close by city.

[@kyrosmike]

I lived in Salt Lake City even my GTO with snow tires was just fine, all the awds with all seasons still have issues

[@ElijahsAba]

AWD / 4WD without the right tires can be pretty useless

[@anthonycbrown1952]

Thanks for the review however, given as long as you have been in the area, I am surprised you do not have / use a set of tire chains for your vehicles. I understand (as you have stated) this type of weather does not happen annually however, if it occurs where you can't navigate a street safely and are reduced to backing down a road it seems keeping a set is a must for safety. Changing out to winter tires seasonally may be overkill however, your neighborhood topography and ice is a recipe for accidents (@1:39). Would love to hear your thoughts.

[@pnwautocar5291]

Tire chains are wheel-size specific! It wouldn’t make sense given the wide variety of press cars he’s given.

[@anthonycbrown1952]

@@pnwautocar5291 I was speaking to him not having tire chains for his own cars.

[@limpunsing224]

Still a compelling luxe family sedan A-1 detailed review

[@Druezer]

Buttons. Yay!

[@tonyw2167]

Nice review as always, Tom! I am quite obsessed with cars with high MPGs (that’s why I’m owning a Kia Sorento PHEV right now), so I am always attracted by this Lexus 300h (I also owned a Lexus UXh for a year). If this ES hybrid can at least come up with AWD version and add a hatchback, it will probably be in my short list for my next/second car. Having a F-Sport trim for this comfort cruiser is so unnecessary in my opinion though.

[@rightlanehog3151]

ES Hybrid AWD wagon is what I want.

[@Toymonkeyjr]

The f sport makes a lot of the technology and comfort options standard and also makes the car look good, versus the base model whoever designed that grille needs to be fired and there's way too much chrome, plus adding a hatchback would work better on the IS, the ES is a full size sedan it wouldn't make sense or be practical at all.

[@alliejr]

I still can’t believe that Seattle doesn’t plow. 🤦🏽‍♂️🤦🏽‍♂️🤦🏽‍♂️

[@joepalmer75]

Snow tires make a huge difference...and no one tries to drive on ice!

[@holaponitini769]

Wish if they have the 4WD only IS have that !

[@K03sport]

You need tire socks... Down hill? Tailwind? No bodies in the trunk? Combination of all three? Tom, am I right? 🏁

[@rickjames5998]

holy shit what? How dat mpg?

[@feeke22]

To be fair - those roads are solid ice - AWD would have the same issue. I live in MN with a 2022 F sport 300h and no problems this winter.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Also to be fair, I stated the icy conditions multiple times. And that our Chevy did okay on them. And the day before, the VW ID.4 AWD with all-seasons romped over some of the the steepest grades in Seattle. And MN maintains its roads.

[@niccanavan1028]

Is it just me or is Tom looking more and more like Mark Harmon 😂

[@alexmobil7463]

Traction control can not be turned off..completely?

[@harmonicdoc400]

Tom what happened to your previous ES350 2019 video? Did you removed it? becos it was very informative unlike this one in snow only. Please repost it thanks 10 yrs viewer

[@Boomington847]

Thanks for this glass of lemonade from your winter crop of lemons. Looked dangerous out there.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Nicely put, though it's more of a hot chocolate day.

[@76carmel]

I just wished Lexus offered AWD in the ES in the V6 and the hybrid. It wouldn’t dropped the fuel economy too much.

[@Nord_Mann]

And a bigger battery with much more electrical assistance..

[@danielc3321]

Are you saying that snow was sitting around for 5 days? Don’t they plow the streets in Seattle?

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Arterials were fairly clear. It doesn't make sense to maintain a huge snow removal fleet when we get snow maybe every other year.

[@arikahn7807]

Way to give it the college try!

[@BigEightiesNewWave]

1:39 how many cars did the truck hit ?

[@gmw1964z]

Looked at your quote service and Lexus is not an option, why?

[@TomCook1993]

Just use kitty litter. Leave a trail of it about the width of your wheel base and up you go….or just use chains.

[@alh06]

In my experience, the F Sport model is significant stiffer on the ES, but both I’ve driven were V6s. Also you really could’ve used some snow tires on this one geez.

[@Toymonkeyjr]

That's because it has adaptive suspension where nonfsport models do not, hence while in different drive modes the suspension changes and you can modify how stiff it gets but it also reacts to the road and your driving, many people don't understand that about the f sport they think it's just trim, good mention.

[@nostradamus7648]

Last year with the classic clock, I believe. This generation doesn’t understand the allure of a fine timepiece because all they know is digital.

[@mcmt1139]

Canadian here. Do people that experience snow in the US, refuse to get snow tires?

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Pretty much. Yes.

[@mcmt1139]

@@DrivenCarReviews Insurance companies offer discounts when switching to winter tires up here. I enjoy your quality reviews nonetheless.

[@DJL78]

Who is the target customer for this car? The MPG is impressive and it’s a looker but the interface and lack of AWD diminish it’s appeal.

[@hwmason530]

Thank you Tom! Kind words for Lexus basically there is nothing good about this car.

[@marekw.9816]

Are those all season tires or summer?

[@DrivenCarReviews]

All season

[@Nord_Mann]

@@DrivenCarReviews you shouldn’t be driving on snow with “all seasons”. Where I’m from, there’s nothing called all-seasons. Everyone knows no tyre can perform properly on both snow and tarmac.

[@redmusichouse]

I bet Lexus is kicking themselves for dropping this off right in the middle of a snow storm!

[@rightlanehog3151]

Tom, I am glad you guys got through this shoot without a major mishap. There is nothing luxurious about the ride quality resulting from those rubber band tires on 19' wheels. Whoever approved that penurious rear headroom should get the remainder of that cat litter as their bonus. Hopefully an interior sized for adults and an AWD Hybrid option are on the drawing board for the next ES.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Nope, not luxurious. That's a job for LS. For low profile rubber in cold temperature and rough roads, the ride quality of the ES was commendable. It's something the ES does very well. And not everyone wants a sport sedan, many buyers want something that doesn't beat them up.

[@rightlanehog3151]

@@DrivenCarReviews To clarify, the ride was "commendable" but not "luxurious". In a car like the ES my aim would be a 'very comfortable' ride and I think 17 inch rims with added sidewall would help me enjoy the outstanding 44 mpg.

[@gsingh5402]

Mad that the sunroof isnt panaromic in the hybrid

[@petergazarek4238]

LEXUS 👌🏻😍👍🏻

[@chevon5707]

What kind of tires did they have on it?

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Michelin all-seasons, low rolling resistance Green X tech.

[@arthurguillaume5977]

Another reminder of why I moved from Massachusetts to Florida... oh regarding the car... save$$ and get the Avalon Hybrid. Now get yourselves some hot coffee or cocoa.

[@Tully3674]

Lexus is happy engineering cars that are not exciting. They take the conservative approach to the next level. With that said, I drove a 2007 Lexus GS350 for 150,000+ miles and 14+ years (still in the garage to be used by out-of-town guests) and now drive a 2022 Lexus LS F Sport. A better value then any comparable MB, Audi or BMW I test drove. A car I drive effortlessly and most likely to be driven trouble free for the next 10+ years.

[@colechapman6976]

2022, and Lexus is still doing analog clocks. Thank god these are like the most reliable cars on the planet, otherwise they might actually have to innovate!

[@alh06]

Many luxury manufacturers are still doing it, it’s classy looking. Also the new LX and NX prove you wrong

[@s50201]

Go get a Mercedes’ if you want gadgets. Disposable luxury.

[@jml9550]

So does Bentley.

[@colechapman6976]

@@jml9550 In a Bentley it makes sense, in a Lexus, not so much

[@jml9550]

@@colechapman6976 why, because Bentley cost $250K+? I have a Lexus and I read the analogy clock more than the tiny digital clock.

[@Arcticarc1]

Tires tires and…tires!

[@777jones]

Pretty much the car needs winter biased all seasons. Then no problem.

[@alh06]

It needs snow tires

[@Nord_Mann]

Where I’m from, you would go to jail if you had an accident driving on “all season” tyres. Everyone knows a tyre performing well on tarmac and snow doesn’t exist. I’ve been driving a rental ES300h F-Sport for a week now with studded winter tyres and no issues except my steep unplowed driveway which my daily driver Taycan has no issues with it’s incredible AWD system and friction winter tyres

[@wzDH106]

@@Nord_Mann Winter tires aren't really a thing here in the states. Probably why the all weather, snow focused "all season" tires are being pushed recently as a one size solution. Sure, it's not a replacement for dedicated winter tires, but it's a significant step in better direction over status quo. Probably more critical here in the Pacific Northwest, where we lack road treating and plowing infrastructure, we see more rain than snow. Rocking all seasons year round in northern Midwestern cities is common place, but offers incredible treating and clearing infrastructure...... and maybe the lack of hills help a bit

[@gogutzy]

Wouldn't have driven away with summer tires on that snow...

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Me either. They're all-seasons.

[@e70_x5_guy4]

Yeah in Seattle with the snow storm the 300h isn’t great

[@Jacobk66]

Manufacturers shouldn’t be allowed to make “sport” packages on their slowest model.

[@dr-ok3sn]

seriously they are not shipping snow on such roads and even throwing salt? what’s wrong with them