2023 Lexus ES 300h F Sport Handling - POV Driving Impressions

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[@jlam6449]

I’m now 33, with a stereotypical RWD 440i with a loud valved exhaust. Maturing is realising and understanding why my parents always had a cushy, honest Toyota/Lexus in the driveway growing up. Maturing is understanding why this car just makes sense for day to day commuting after a long day working.

[@BrettLegree]

I'm 54, I looked at one of these for a few minutes, then bought an Audi S4 (which I tuned two days later) 🤪

[@mobeezy81]

I bought a fully loaded 2019 ES350 ultra luxury a couple years ago when I was 33 and I love everything about it. no gimmicks, it just works

[@yesplz2907]

The cars you enjoy have nothing to do with maturity, but I’m glad you’re able to see you belong in something a little more tame.

[@jlam6449]

@@yesplz2907 def a maturity thing for me. I always was like, why wouldn’t you want a car with a stiff suspension pulling 10.879828g and reaching the quarter mile in 2.61 seconds blah blah blah!!! Now there are days I drive in utter silence just to decompress from the world and yearn for absolute comfort and isolation. And shit I don’t even have kids lol

[@yesplz2907]

Again I think it sounds more like a change in preference than growth in maturity. Someone may like a more rowdy car and still be a mature individual.

[@kenchen704]

The Premium LEDs with the ES looks so good. Every one of these I see on the streets just have me staring at them for how elegant they are

[@wonderboy1998]

Oh I already watched his road trip with this Lexus. Toyota/Lexus are just a treat for me, special this model Lexus ES 300.

[@amggaming3528]

I might be getting really boring, but this looks like a very nice car to own.

[@yay842]

Topher with the exquisite taste in cars 👌

[@mohammedosman88]

Looking at this interior and looking at an all-screen BMW interior of this age, makes me want to just give Lexus a big hug. I would die for a BMW but with their new interiors, I am going Lexus. Lexus/Toyota as a main car and hopefully an old BMW as a big boy's toy.

[@carsoncunningham7993]

Thanks for the review. Looking at these and the Crown.

[@marc.cross22]

Excellent review as always! This will more than likely be my next purchase at the new year based on your reviews, over the past few years.

[@sai-pc5fl]

I would strongly advise against the F Sport Handling trim as it compromises the smooth, refined ride quality that the ES is so known for. If you like the styling just get the F Sport Design trim

[@ARentz07]

@@sai-pc5flReally? Chris and Chris didn't mention anything about that in their review. In fact, they said it was "pretty smooth" over bumps.

[@sai-pc5fl]

I actually drove both back-to-back at a dealer. Theres a noticeable stiffness to the f sport variant compared to the regular one. Its still pretty smooth but when the whole premise of the ES is supposed to be a cushy, luxurious ride, you really want the most refined version of it. Trust me, you’re not going to be doing much “spirited driving” on a luxury barge. Watch savagegeese’s review of the ES F sport, they go more in depth about this

[@ARentz07]

@sai-pc5fl That's fair, but I've driven the base ES and found it to be pretty floaty-boaty. I like the idea of it being just a notch more controlled with a better suspension setup. Then again, I have an IS 500 and think it rides great lol. I may be a little biased. But yeah I guess if I were to add an ES to my garage, the F Sport package wouldn't be a must-have - that's not what it is for. Point taken there.

[@Allcarnews]

Drove one for a week at the start of the year, wasn’t for me at all, was a bit expensive for what it had, and i wish it was the non handling package with the softer suspension. Though with just the f sport looks, triple beam lights, a nice color and decent tech options the ES is the last of its kind in the US market especially with the hybrid

[@ahogQ]

I've got one of those (not an F Sport though) and I really like it. It's not a car for dynamic driving at all and cannot compete with the germans in this category but it's very comfortable, smooth and reliable.

[@keagm13]

I would argue it looks sharper than the others

[@brian3787]

I love Lexus/Toyota. Great cars to buy and keep for a long time or resell with minimal loss.

[@Julianvanderheijden]

It cannot compete with the germans? Do you know what the germans cars now do after 125.000 miles? Now compare that to this Lexus again.

[@ahogQ]

@Julianvanderheijden ofc the germans are not as reliable but they are faster, got more tech and handle better. I live in the UK, and they are far more popular here than japanese cars. Most people lease them anyways and don't care about long term reliability.

[@pete64041]

@@ahogQ The high end germans also have a better drive...My X50e is significantly better and more comfortable than my lexus...You have to pay significantly more tho lol

[@Userxxx840]

My theory on the solid feeling is that sedan buyers are more likely to value a high quality interior. CUV drivers may prioritize versatility and ride height over the interior itself.

[@SuperSenis]

Love me some spirited driving

[@Veyronp87]

as sedans continue to disappear, i appreciate these cars more and more.

[@uzairahmed8260]

Always excited when a toyota or a lexus video drops. I don't really like the new lexus rx infotainment system (still better than almost all of competition with just screens) with fan speed in the screen, and temperature wheel knob stuck on screen as well. I really think they topped the interior with this es.

[@uzairahmed8260]

can you do a review of lexus es 300h top model ( not f sport but the luxury pack one), it would be good to know how that drives compare to F sport handling.

[@user-sn2rb8ee6b]

No turbos, no awd. The perfect car for me. I am always looking at mazda too, but their trim options always seem to be missing at least one crucial feature and by the time I pick the car I want, it’s $40k+ and bad fuel economy. I’m absolutely going to buy one of these used in 2-3 years.

[@shawnbl2048]

Im really tempted to get this for a daily driver. Have a 2020 Camry hybrid. I am a super commuter but indrive 150 miles back and forth to work. Camry ⁸seats not comfortable in the LE. Need a more comfy ride

[@EpiCxWoundsx]

Man, Lexus needs to simplify their naming conventions lol good looking vehicle though!

[@konliner9286]

My favorite interior color of this car.

[@wlansky2718]

The steering wheel controls on this ES are far superior to those new capacitive touch version on the NX.

[@jayjacaty3009]

Perhaps it has to do with my insistence to drive a sedan over a comparable SUV, and the practicality that comes with a hatch, but the lack of a fold down rear seat in this vehicle is nearly a deal breaker for me. I love almost everything else about it.

[@Jykobe491]

I'm a Lexus fan and I never knew there was an es 300

[@OuchyWowchyFrybread]

Would love to see the Plug-In Hybrid V6 from the TX in this!

[@jujharsingh4458]

There is no v6 in TX.

[@OuchyWowchyFrybread]

​​@@jujharsingh4458Yes there will be a TX 550h+ with a plug-in hybrid V6 coming soon

[@janzvacek2674]

Audio is subjective however the only 2 things disappointing on this car is the camera and audio system. it’s pioneer, I had to upgrade the audio to audison. No audiophile will like the pioneer that’s for sure. For regular people it’s a good system. thank you guys

[@carsoncunningham7993]

All reviews I have watched say to skip the F-sport handling and just go with “luxury” trim. Would you agree?

[@MorningDew33]

Shoutout the 309

[@wooeykim]

I went from a tesla model 3 to a 300h. I hated the ride quality of the model 3 so much I opted for the most comfy ride that would have decent handling. Loved the ride of the 300h so much the first 1,000 miles were just joy rides to nowhere!

[@bluesgaming5861]

can you do a video on a hyundai palasade?

[@Goodman-4525]

If they did the Crown Sedan instead of the crossover that would be better than this in every imaginable way ... Apart from maybe the gear lever

[@RightAboutRichTV]

I just wouldn’t get the hybrid engine with the f-sport handling package. It seems like an oxymoron. The hybrid engine to me just neuters the car further. Now the 3.5l V6 with f-sport is the more fitting engine, and in sound too.

[@InternetDude]

I have a '22 ES 300h for 1.5 year 33,000 km so far. LOVE it, such a great overall package. My dream ES is now a PHEV AWD ES not unlike the current car. Lexus is losing the plot a little bit with the new stupid steering wheel buttons in their redesigned models. And stupid touch button outside door handles. Lexus used to keep things simple but they are losing their way when it comes to the stuff you interact with.

[@bryanitdoesntmatter8451]

What’s a KM?

[@InternetDude]

kilometer, 1km is equal to about 0.6 US mile @@bryanitdoesntmatter8451

[@dukesim6088]

I have a ES 300h MY2024 in German configuration which is slightly above the US Ultra Luxury: - It has a control panel in the rear arm rest with heated rear seats with electrically adjustable backrest, climate and radio controls). - It has a litte wood trim piece under the climate vents in the back. - It has an addition projector in the headlights for the blade scan adaptive highbeems. I personally need no AWD, no PHEV, it's perfect as it is as you have to make a big trunk space compromise for these two thing, especially in a low car. One other cool thing about the German market ES: You can mix trim and leather color as you wish. I have acorn leather with brown walnut wood (and moon beam beige exterior).

[@dadshomeagain8996]

@@dukesim6088 I read that there is quite some wind noise at higher speed on the autobahn. What is your experience with that? Thanks

[@dukesim6088]

@@dadshomeagain8996 I didn't experience it myself. No distinct wind noises at 170kph or so. As in all cars it gets louder but evenly from all sources. I read about issues with the ES but this were issues related to a specific car not to the model. For example a misaligned sunroof or a defective sealing at the door. As the rest is quiet such defects are pretty irritating. For those high speeds it is a pleasant ride. A little downside compared to rivals with the ES is the soft suspension so at high speed there is a little bit less control, but absolutely safe to drive. As I am no "Autobahnraser" the ES is perfect for me.

[@kewl820607]

What is up with all the top bloggers they all do a review on F sport under power 300 h why not on regular F sport 350 :) hope you do one thanks Is it lexus not give you guys F sport 350?

[@scottanthony3426]

It seems like a great car for what it is. But an interesting buyer profile, targeting someone who wants a luxury car, yet wants to get great mileage (or maybe limit carbon footprint). But people who can shell out 50-55k probably aren't that worried about the price of gas, and you can get a 3-series or E-Class with the turbo 4 that will get you mpg in the low 30's while beating this to 60 by a couple seconds. I like the concept, but I tend to like a lot of cars that aren't hugely popular with the masses. If you walk DOWN the scale, there are Camry, Accord, and Sonata hybrids. This would be killer at about $ 45k, but that isn't today's world.

[@ElectricusTus]

It's definitely an old person's car. The lack of folding rear seats means that you end up with a large footprint vehicle that can't carry large objects. If it's similar to my old Avalon, it's easier to just throw things (large boxes, a bicycle, etc) in the back seats. I suppose if one is older and less busy, it works fine though.

[@Mr21scott]

Your stereotypes of "old people" need updating.

[@Jykobe491]

I've noticed that when it comes to Japanese cars, people will always have something to criticize

[@mikethepups7742]

Define “old person”. These auto reviews in which they classify “old people” in a demanding manner is completely disrespectful.

[@Chineywhale]

Hmmm. Even tho it’s nearly the same prices, the Crown has over 100hp more than this…that’s a big difference.

[@shermamadkhalili9139]

Hello, where is it?

[@styllthesame]

How do you turn onoff traction control

[@seb5945]

Well, I hope ES sedan sticks around longer. I'll drive sporty cars for next few years and will come back to ES later. And I hope next gen ES is even better than this. Also it'd better not turn EV or some shit.

[@sanjayan1572]

I was loving it till I knew it was cvt 😮 8:28

[@THEFIRE360]

I think F sport design package is better suited for the ES series. The handling package is kinda stupid as it "ruins" the one thing that its supposed to be fairly good at which is comfort.

[@ARentz07]

I honestly think there's nothing wrong with giving us an adaptive suspension in and of itself - maybe tuning it to be more comfy would have been a smarter move for the typical ES buyer.

[@boguszn1978]

19inch wheels are ok but unsprung mass favors 18s as this is not sporty car. Little lower tyre profile might thought improve slightly turning.

[@sentryion3106]

if only they stick with this interior on their nx rx tx etc. The new one is just too much tech that it diminishes the usability. The crown and GH interior are fine too

[@1pittmanj]

So I am still torn between the 300H and the 350. I have test driven both of them multiple time and the power in the 350 is so much more enticing. To me the 300H just felt underpowered and underwhelming. Obviously everyone is different

[@jpete3027666]

Yeah the 45 or so mpg for the 300h is appealing though. The ES350 still gets 30+ on the highway. I'd probably still pick the 350 for the power and reliability but the 300h makes me pause for sure. At the end of the day 4cyl engines have no business being in luxury cars, IMO.

[@ogmechsftw]

tell that to the 530i lmao@@jpete3027666

[@JasveerSingh-hb2hk]

@@jpete3027666bro its reliable engine

[@bbbmmmwwwxxx555]

the only thing to complain is FWD

[@viveksoty]

Does this take premium petrol? Nice review as always!

[@GTX790SLI]

regular

[@ARentz07]

Premium is not required.

[@venictos]

You guys mentioned getting your high schooler an ES. I hope you meant used lol

[@TheTopher]

Oh yeah, 100%

[@zoomzoom3839]

Older Lexus IS and ES's actually make great first cars, you can get a 10-12 year old IS or ES for super cheap , and they are so reliable, 200 even 300k miles it will still run like its brand new, they will literally run forever, and even if you do run into problems, unlike most older luxury cars, they aren't overly expensive to repair.

[@doyoulikecrystalgel]

@@zoomzoom3839 can confirm. My uncles '08 ES 350 has 320k miles and it still rides like a cloud. He let me borrow it for a roadtrip I did to Florida, and my passengers and I were completely relaxed the whole drive. It's a straight up bulletproof car. Just do your regular maintenance and the car will pay it forward.

[@cameronson3951]

Why is there paddles if it’s a CVT?

[@fireteam_]

Arguably most Toyota/Lexus hybrids don't even have a transmission in the general sense, even more perplexing on having paddles.

[@stayphun6188]

To use engine braking for example

[@bokebryant3985]

A GS would always be better than a ES, sad they discontinued it.

[@666firehead]

Drove that car, i own a lexus GS350F, the GS handles way better and feels morr sharp and powerful and even the interior components like turn signal switches and other buttons they feel more premium even tho its 2018

[@Dano-MX5]

Well….your GS-F was $70k+ when new 5 years ago so I would expect all the things you mentioned to be better at a $25k premium.

[@ChromePhoenixQ]

If you want something just as comfy, with a bit more excitement, TLX 🤷‍♂️

[@omichaelnato5388]

Grandpa car

[@TheTopher]

Grandpa knows what’s up!

[@kballproduction4412]

This or a bmw 5 series?

[@Userxxx840]

BMW if you want to lease, this one if you want to buy and keep it long term.

[@sethgunn8256]

Top six

[@V8Brah]

I would get this version of the ES hybrid before Lexus butchers it into some ugly lifted hatchback with plastic wheel arches and L-E-X-U-S spelled across the back.

[@faheemabbas3965]

I’m not surprised that I’ve heard some people say that they’ll basically riot if even the USED market doesn’t have any more good reliable cars. Cars are turning into crazy disposables.

[@InternetDude]

Seeing how they are screwing up new models with touch buttons on the steering wheel and touch button door handles outside, I guarantee they will F-K up the next ES for 25 or 26.

[@reverbandchill3425]

@@faheemabbas3965.. what?

[@yumpinyiminy963]

Why would anyone would buy the F Sport Suspension package in the ES line is beyond me. It's like the last generation of Avalon. It's never going to be sports car. You buy an ES for comfort and ride. The F Sport suspension will give you a harsh ride with a small handelin improvement. If you just want the trim package then OK. The outside has little difference vs the inside that other drivers etc will never see. I guess sex and cool sells.

[@LafemmebearMusic]

But but but… there’s a version of the new Prius with more power than this car… come on Lexus

[@timothybracken1728]

For 50k I'll buy a used alfa QV

[@ARentz07]

Not exactly the same use case. This ES is a car for someone who wants a no-gimmicks, comfy luxury sedan. Well, no gimmicks except for the F Sport gauges. You could get a used ES for a lot less than $50k.

[@HiddenWen]

@@ARentz07 Yep. The QV is more fun, but the build quality, utility, reliability and fuel efficiency are not even close. Not the same class, like comparing apples to oranges.

[@agentcontrast9784]

lexus is going away from wood...bad move

[@pieswimmer1]

I love the maple in my Ls430.

[@faheemabbas3965]

I really hate the lack of wood in new Lexuses. The TX and new GX are good examples of this.

[@InternetDude]

They are losing the plot with regards to dash buttons, steering wheel touch sensitive buttons, pathetic ambient lighting, no wood, etc. I like Lexus but they are going in the WRONG direction.

[@sentryion3106]

@@InternetDude Completely agree. Its weird how the new toyota (prius, crown and GH) are figuring it out very well while lexus is going completely to the gimmick realm.

[@dontworryaboutwhoiam456]

Very good move 😂 that wood is ugly

[@zac3643]

third

[@justkypreneyt]

Noway this is 15k dollars😮

[@silasTL]

it’s 50k i think

[@justkypreneyt]

@@silasTL ohh😭🏃‍♂️

[@Lalaafastroli]

You’re right…a new car is IN FACT not 15k bright boy.

[@justkypreneyt]

@@Lalaafastroli 😂🏃‍♂️

[@Lalaafastroli]

run away lil man ill still find ya@@justkypreneyt

[@YrocFrick]

second

[@pexton123456]

fifth , or not

[@MrKOO-sl2hd]

Fourth

[@Reaped.Reaper]

12th

[@ztownsend2277]

fourth

[@colelockridge5816]

11th

[@Lueur-ez6cb]

10th

[@forsaken583]

Ninth

[@avgweeeb]

first

[@ELP1125]

The ES is Hella boring now

[@DoSum4Me]

I’ll never understand why Lexus does the F sport crap. If I’m buying a Lexus I want a cushy boring reliable vehicle. Not something with sport tuned suspension etc. I drove a 2022 ES350 F sport for a few hours at work and I wasn’t impressed. I think I’d rather go a tad smaller and get an Audi A4. Quick and still bets 30 mpg.

[@carsoncunningham7993]

The ES will not compare to the driving dynamics of the German vehicles. It will last longer. It will not cost stupid money to maintain.

[@DoSum4Me]

@@carsoncunningham7993 that’s fine, I’ll gladly take the vehicle that costs more to maintain if that means not owning something that has zero driving enjoyment.

[@ataibsaleem7419]

Just buy a non F sport ES…..

[@ARentz07]

On my IS500, the F Sport Performance badge makes sense because it is a RWD sporty sedan. An ES has never struck me as a car that wanted for a sporty version.