WHY Lexus ES Smashes it. Top 7. Review.

This is the Lexus ES - a luxury saloon with self-charging hybrid tech, a premium interior, tons of interior room and one of the most refined rides on the market. Lexus has been at the forefront of creating impressive hybrid drivetrains, with the ES available with the 2.5-litre 300h unit that maximises efficiency and economy - this ES has official economy stats of between 51 and 54mpg after all.
But that’s far from the Lexus’ biggest plus points. Howard Ritchie borrowed our 300h F-Sport for a week, to bring you a complete consumer review. After giving the ES 300h a thorough test, we think there are SEVEN distinct reasons that make this car the best option in its class. Check out the video.
If you’ve not time to check it out in full, here’s some key questions and answers you’ll find in this ES 300h review:
01:36 - How do you plug your phone in to the Lexus ES?
04:25 - How big is the boot in a Lexus ES?
05:05 - How much does the Lexus ES cost per month?
05:36 - Lexus ES 2021/2022 engine specs
07:18 - What sound system is in the Lexus ES? How does the active noise cancellation work?
09:09 - Lexus ES self-driving cruise control explained
10:19 - Lexus ES vs competition: Why it’s best in class for the money
The ES you see here in this video is the 300h F Sport, but other options include the range-topping Takumi as well as the standard model. Stand-out F-Sport features include:
F-Sport front seats with memory function
Satnav + Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
19in alloy wheels
Adaptive cruise control
Reversing camera
10-speaker Mark Levinson sound system
Compare Lexus ES leasing prices here: bit.ly/3IF4WDZ

[@DCKarlo]

I was driven in new A6, drove G30 and I drive E300de 2022 currently. A6 is expensive VW, G30 is better than the E class. For the first time in my life I tried ES300h two weeks ago. Now I am probably buying it this or next week in Ultra Luxury equipment because 'OMG!'. German cars can't even get close too how everything is made in that car. Owning 4 toyotas and when I saw the quality and now experienced how the Lexus drives, it is time for my first Lexus ever.

[@filmfreek35]

I wish you could drive the Lexus GS450h. Wow what a car. Welcome to Lexus.

[@cameronchiang2735]

I just booked ,paid deposit for ES200 2 weeks ago

[@DCKarlo]

@@japanwatchconnection in terms of real driving experience? No. In terms of made quality when it comes to materials, engine and electronics? Lexus all the way. I am 27. So many cars went thru my hands that most of the time I can't even remember everything I drove(50+). When it's good year for me I am doing 150 000km/year with cars. Taken that into consideration, someone should give me certificate for professional car tester.🤣 But also we could say I am even 90y.o. with so many km and cars passed around. I picked up my ES300H yesterday finally. He is for plesaure. Soon I will take for my wife 340/440 which I will steal from her quite often just to have fun😄

[@cameronchiang2735]

@@japanwatchconnection haha. Exactly. I'm just care about a comfortable space now😂

[@jakub5443]

@@DCKarlo I own IS300H and I miss a bit wider, bigger seats, ventilated seats and better headlights (AHS). And Android auto. All of this is available in ES. But I heard ES is somehow slower (it has also 2.5 liter engine, but it's "dynamic force" which is... less dynamic than in IS?).

[@eamonnmcdermott1939]

Number 8 and possibly the most relevant compared to its rivals, especially the Germans: RELIABILITY!! Stunning car with truly amazing quality, durability and reliability for a very reasonable price compared to its rivals!! This is the clear winner for me!!

[@marantamil459]

depends on how long you have a car. if you have a car for 3-5 years, reliability isn't a problem

[@AB-WhyAlwaysMe]

​@Aswin Anbarasan bruv not everyone is a Maharaja like you. Some of us like the reliability and the long lasting prowess from our cars.

[@shieldaigbencher]

Yes, good shout. Not all of us lease cars. Some of us buy them with actual money. This may be my next car.

[@pakareetos]

Dang compared to all the car enthusiast reviews where performance and numbers is all that seems to matter, this felt like a refreshing and beautiful take on a car review. Almost like a nat geo doc

[@gossy8858]

Great review and couldn't agree more. Once you own a Lexus you never leave the brand.

[@Dan.Maxim1]

It just doesn’t make sense to leave it. Lexus does make most others look and feel cheap, tacky, and overvalued

[@stanleyadriananta]

Thank you 😊

[@tombraider7692]

After owning several Toyotas, I’m looking to get my first Lexus😁

[@Welovedaxies]

@@Dan.Maxim1 absolute nonsense

[@hastensavoir7782]

@@Dan.Maxim1 Lexus materials feel cheap next to BMW and look tacky next to a Volvo.

[@flawns]

I agree. I own this car, it's amazing. Do yourself a favor and get the hybrid. It's the best luxury hybrid you can buy

[@byebyebadman2313]

Test drove this a while back. It was a very good car. I find the steering nicely weighted and the ride comfort exceptional. The engine refinement was so so. In the end I went for the RX 450h as the V6 sounded better and there was more boot capacity Lexus make great cars and the good news is they're getting better and better at it.

[@randy74989]

Yep, I got mine in mid April 2023. It's the ES300h Ultra Luxury Trim. It's the Ultra Luxury trim, which is what we wanted and is the highest trim for the ES hybrid. It is the Cloudburst Gray exterior with Acorn color semi-aniline leather interior. Total Installed Packages & Accessories: 1) Premium Triple-beam LED headlamps; 2) Smartacess Card Key; 3) Premium Paint; 4) Lexus Interface with 12.3-in Multimedia Touchscreen Display; 5) Ultra Luxury Package; 6) All weather floor liners and trunk mat; 7) Door edge film by 3M; 8) The Preferred Accessory Package; and 9) The Dealer added a 5-year windshield protection/replacement coverage package and tinted the driver and passenger windows. More: The three-projector headlamp design creates an eye-catching L shape. Adding to this brilliant design, the headlamps feature LED side turn signals, as well as an Adaptive Front Lighting System6 that uses steering and speed sensors to direct the angle of low-beam illumination as the vehicle enters a curve. The Adaptive Front Lighting System monitors steering and speed with a suite of sensors and will automatically adjust the angle of your low-beam headlights to improve visibility on curved roads. Ultra Luxury extras: 1) 18-inch split-five-spoke alloy noise-reduction wheels 2) Power rear sunshade with manual rear-door sunshades 3) Power open/close trunk with kick sensor 4) 12.3-inch multimedia touchscreen display 10.2-inch Head-Up Display 5) Intuitive Parking Assist with Auto Braking and Rear Pedestrian Detection, and Panoramic View Monitor. Averaging 43+ MPG City/Hwy driving and I had the oil and filter changed at 1,000 miles for my own peace of mind. Just For Reference: I was not going to wait one-year or 10,000 miles to have the factory installed oil & filter changed. And, I shall be changing the Oil (Liqui Moly 0W-16 Spec V) and Toyota filter every 5,000 miles from now on. Like Scotty Kilmer says on KZbin, oil & filters are cheap, engines are expensive. LOL

[@mitchellcole832]

“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” -‭‭Romans‬ ‭10‬:‭9‬

[@Mlegion1988]

Totally agree, I’m 33 years old and just bought a 22 ES, wish I bought a Lexus 8 years ago when I bought my first new vehicle, can’t believe what I was missing. It’s def. A magic carpet ride quality! Prob will never leave this brand now….

[@AB-WhyAlwaysMe]

What else did you drive in those 8 years

[@PD-eg4fw]

Which model of ES do you drive?

[@lam3317]

Having purchased a 2019 Model 2 months ago, I agree with your comments, excellent review. Traded in my 2016 RX for this,so glade I did especially with currant petrol prices,truly a magic carpet ride,so quiet and comfortable on any surface,the fuel economy for a car of this size is amazing, thrash it and it is difficult to get under 35 Miles/gallon, smooth driving on Motorway way averaging in 50s,drove an hour on an A road 40-50 Miles per hour,my RX managed 35 MPJ,got 61 MPG on the ES, the hybrid system is so much better and smoother, the battery is in use a lot more even up to 50MPH,if any one has any doubts about how good this is the watch some of the reviews from other motoring channels like Savagees,etc about the ES300H. The Auto setting on the ventilation system will detect pollution ex driving behind a car that is blowing smoke,will switch the air intake to recirculating air then switch back to fresh air when the air is clear!. Disappointed by the lack of rear folding seats which limit practicality but other than that a truly Amazing car .

[@f.b250]

Hi Thanks. I'm thinking of getting one next couple of days. 20k miles F sport. It's done 20k miles and is on for around 30k. That good value? Nice red interior. My only concern is it seems a little slow for overtaking/ setting off etc What are your thoughts on performance?

[@waltermoore2936]

Great job as always Howard.

[@trustinflames1022]

Excellent review, seriously looking at one of these at the minute to replace my dirty diesel. Just need to look at one in the flesh.

[@chrishext6889]

Great review as always, nice car

[@omendarklight1526]

Man I wish I found this channel sooner, the only reviewer I've ever seen to give a real honest review on lexus products. Thank you, and yes I drove it too... Best in class for sure!!! Going to recommend this channel to anyone curious about Lexus.

[@mitchellcole832]

“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” -‭‭Romans‬ ‭10‬:‭9‬

[@VishalGupta-od5mf]

An excellent review. Thank you.

[@gabrielramirez2823]

Yes, I’m in America and my high is 6’6” and I have ES350 F sport and it is súper confortable for me.

[@haiqiwen9704]

for active noise cancellation, it is not sending negative frequency, but it measures the amplitude in time domain, and play the exactly negative amplitude of the waveform, such that you got almost 0 waveform in total.

[@Dan.Maxim1]

Excellent review, thank you

[@cloudypac]

Great content, I enjoyed it. Thanks!

[@Shane-zx4ps]

Excellent review as per usual, that’ll be my next car, my present car is a Lexus is300h fsport. I’m wondering are the seats in this ES real leather or the Nulux faux seats.

[@photosmithy]

What a gorgeous car. Love the colour and being a Lexus you know you'll never have any issues.

[@nessuno5403]

It's a Toyota Camry in a suit

[@tonywellington7854]

ugly thing design way too busy

[@photosmithy]

@@tonywellington7854 each to their own

[@shane6115]

@@nessuno5403 Audi A6 is a Skoda superb in a suit.. we are all been fooled.😁

[@nessuno5403]

@@shane6115 may be if you were to learn better English syntax, you'd be more credible ;)

[@gabrielramirez2823]

Great video! 👏👏

[@dvyntyme]

EXCELLENT. REVIEW‼️

[@planbparadise2046]

Okay, ES it is. Thanks for a nice review 👍

[@tectorama]

How refreshing to hear a car reviewer who actually likes a Lexus. He should have also mentioned that You'll only see your dealer when it comes round to having it serviced..

[@napassacholkulkittisawat4141]

I love everything with this brand

[@adameve1229]

Just got the ES. I'm so happy with my choice!! Great comfort and refinement. You just feel so special. I had the BMW 320D GT. Nice car, but a mechanics nightmare!

[@Dan.Maxim1]

Congratulations I have an IS and ES will be my next car, Lexuses are such a joy to be in. How are Motorway overtaking capabilities? Does it overtake easily?

[@mitchellcole832]

“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” -‭‭Romans‬ ‭10‬:‭9‬

[@nassarahmmad8057]

Wow, good to see a non biased test .

[@jasonpatterson3918]

Great review. I am purchasing one this year.

[@Ambienfinity]

Great review. From what a couple of owners have told me (who have owned other luxury marques) you can probably add superior reliability to the list. I know that's subjective anyway, and any well kept and maintained vehicle should be ok, but Lexus / Toyota are pretty good.

[@h4x0rl33tee]

I have a is300h f sport thinking of upgrading to this car

[@alanhumphrey4198]

Love Lexus ES!!

[@EVLogic]

Have one on order. Even as a self obsessed EV fanatic, I couldn’t deny the value this car brings. It literally is the best/most car you can get for your money - and still economical too. A Lexus that competes with a 5 series, E class & A6 for the price of a 3 series, C class or A4? No brainer.

[@paulmackintosh9964]

Just found and subscribed to your channel Howard, brilliant review on a superb car🙏🙏 I’m actually thinking of buying this car, is there a chance you can do a full in-depth review 🤞🤞 I was looking at a Jaguar xe but the Lexus has taken me away from it. A beautiful car from Lexus.😍😍 Paul 🇬🇧

[@leasingdotcom]

Attention span on the internet has gone down from 12 seconds to 8. We thought he did ok! But you can post any direct questions here and we will get him to respond. He runs around in a 740d and preferred this for all but two or three items.

[@kewl820607]

Nothing like a Lexus sir, Proud owner of ES 350 F sport Abbas from Canada :)

[@Toyota4Life]

The most underrated vehicle very exquisite you would never know it’s as nice as it is until you experienced it

[@toninocars]

I would agree with you about that car , and I will put you best in class auto reviewer 🚙✅👌

[@daramaccarthy]

If only had a hatchback - I’d buy in a minute

[@shane6115]

I bought this car after watching your video, and your hair is lovely 😊

[@leasingdotcom]

You mean you leased it right? You did lease it didn’t you Shane. 😀

[@shane6115]

@@leasingdotcom. Sorry dude I’m in Ireland and I bought a mint second hand car, any chance of you doing a test on a Lexus LS500h?. I don’t know why but I really respect your opinion 😊.

[@immortal4942]

my biggest gripe about the clock is that i can’t see it as it’s blocked by the steering wheel

[@sjcap4233]

I love the fact that the Lexus is more rare.

[@szymonchalupka]

May I ask which colour is it? It looks great, is it Sonic Platinum?

[@leasingdotcom]

Yep correct :)

[@szymonchalupka]

@@leasingdotcom thank you. I fully agree with your review after testing this car for the last two days. I am in love with it, will order one tomorrow. I have not even bothered visiting German dealers.

[@theark.123]

If it is as 'boring' as family it is as secure and comfortable and homely as family. This car rocks - quietly !😅

[@David_Journey]

Only 2-way adjustable lumbar support, unless you choose the whopping Ultra Luxury package. 4-way lumbar would be nice in base model.

[@USMCAllTheWay]

I agree. We shouldn't have to pay $5000 for 4 way lumber. That's ridiculous.

[@JerrlEvans]

You don't have to use the wireless charger in order to charge the phone. If you plug it up for using Apple Car Play, the phone charges.

[@salihkaya4739]

Hello there, is this car good for airport transfers and taxi ? I'm going to replace my expensive repair billed Mercedes E class to this ? Only worried about boot space.

[@leasingdotcom]

yes - but smaller than c class for multiple cases in the rear.

[@mitchellcole832]

“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” -‭‭Romans‬ ‭10‬:‭9‬

[@keonijosiah3962]

Loved this review will definitely follow you!

[@arikrendshaw]

What you are getting is also reliability and resale value.

[@Julianvanderheijden]

Own it. Love it.

[@kemalmerdanovic7759]

Help me..f sport or luxury line?! Which seats are better? Does the adaptive suspenssion is better on the f sport? Now when i dont need more a child buggy i would sell the rav4 and change to lexus of course,but which one drives and feels better..lexues es or rx..come on people help me and sorry for bad englisch 😊

[@leasingdotcom]

F Sport will be all you need.

[@RickAmorym]

is the es 300h good for grand touring?

[@leasingdotcom]

Absolutely one of our favourite saloons right now if not THE favourite

[@mitchellcole832]

“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” -‭‭Romans‬ ‭10‬:‭9‬

[@raja9102]

Mate! You just sold me one

[@europec2082]

Wish the screen was bigger

[@leasingdotcom]

Enjoyed Howard's review? Find your in stock saloon deal today by visiting this link: buff.ly/3UCjAlv

[@NaZReD]

I'm in the market for something to replace my jag xf s portfolio 2009 . this is a contender & also alpha Romeo, im bored of SUV's they disgust me help

[@effeffess]

Do Honda HR-V and later this year the new 2022 Honda Civic Hatcback ;) I want to hear your thoughts :)

[@awesomusmaximus3766]

I've driven it you can still feel the engine running they should be using a V6 it's far smoother

[@JohnVanSlyke]

If you want the V6 buy the ES 350. Your gas mileage will suck though.

[@JohnnyUtah9173]

@@JohnVanSlykeno it won’t. I get up to 35mpg on long highway runs

[@simonfunwithtrains1572]

Test drove the 2022 ES Takumi, Didn't even bother to go look at the Germans!... just put the order into Lexus.

[@nunayobiznass]

Too bad no thigh extender in f sport

[@billbrimmer7047]

Nice job. Don’t shoot the messenger, but your written mpg is off. You stated it correctly, it’s just not correct in the write up.

[@leasingdotcom]

Ok oops thanks.

[@chinoskateboardv]

Gonna get me one once TerraLUNA goes to the moon…

[@retardrobo9427]

You need a db meter in your review

[@leasingdotcom]

They have several. Good idea to suggest.

[@bossadave]

True luxury is dependability and you can always depend on Japanese build quality, and reliability.

[@ryabrow2189]

Resembles Matt Watson

[@leasingdotcom]

VOTE PARTY: LEXUS ES VS BMW 320D?

[@planbparadise2046]

I am gonna change my middle name to ES 😁

[@christhornycroft3686]

A luxury car should be a hybrid, full electric, or naturally aspirated v6 or v8. I don’t consider any car with 4 cylinder, especially with a turbo, a luxury car. The problem is that great engines aren’t being improved on anymore. They’re like sedans - Zoomers are sending them away.

[@leasingdotcom]

This is all true some might say. The ES tho really does not feel at all like a 4 pot - it really is remarkable.

[@mitchellcole832]

“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” -‭‭Romans‬ ‭10‬:‭9‬

[@Art-is-craft]

It really depends on how the four cylinder car is engineered.

[@aerohk]

Old men car though, it needs a redesign badly. Went for the NX instead for the sharp redesign.

[@shane6115]

And that is why manufacturers make different models in their range because everybody’s tastes are different, enjoy the NX lovely machine but I prefer the ES..

[@Namastefromnorth]

@@shane6115 I agree with you ES is love

[@mikealanzo]

That CVT box shits all over this car yet this guy thinks it's the best car out there.... well done...

[@bengreen1090]

It's actually an eCVT ( electronic continuously variable transmission ) which is very different to a standard CVT so you clearly know what your talking about don't you.

[@mikealanzo]

@@bengreen1090 Oh... and that makes a lot difference huh??? yeah... YOU clearly know what YOU'RE talking about, don't you?!

[@bengreen1090]

@@mikealanzo are you an engineer?

[@bengreen1090]

I asked you a very reasonable question...are you an engineer?

[@mikealanzo]

@@bengreen1090 It dosen't take an engineer to feel the diff between eCVT and PDK! It's not a rocket sience, but if you want to flash your enginners degree on YT, be my guest.

[@9Crow]

they should take your height into consideration if you are 6 ft 8 then you should be able to order you a car that is for someone 6 ft 8. we have 3d printing now it can't be that hard. they're job is no longer difficult. what are they waiting for? Do it.

[@CrazyForCooCooPuffs]

Get a goddamn 4k camera man its 2022 why are you filming in 1080P????

[@HowardRitchie]

Have you hit your head mate?

[@slugger7440]

Shame this review is of the pre-facelift version

[@FPJDK]

It looks premium, but it lacks a bit of *classiness* that you get in a Mercedes

[@AndyGrouch]

Its just simplier, but believe me its very luxurious to drive and to sit in.

[@mitchellcole832]

“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” -‭‭Romans‬ ‭10‬:‭9‬

[@tonysterbenc]

What in heaven's name does this have to do with a Lexus ES review?

[@Agent007mw3]

Mercedes are overpriced .

[@deankamaruddin8211]

5 series is still the benchmark,lexus is just a better made camry with exorbitant price

[@julle50]

Yes but the bmw is more expensive, at least where I live. Bmw reliability is not in the same class. So it depends on priorities I guess but a solid case can be made for the Lexus being more bang for the buck

[@richarddawson5836]

Totally bias review. Why don't you just say you have been paid by Lexus for this advert. The Mercedes, BMW and Audi blow this away in every area.

[@leasingdotcom]

Car brands don't pay creators to make videos with their products on KZbin. Paid advertising on the platform would be marked as "contains paid promotion". Thanks for commenting, your opinion counts just as much Howard's does.

[@ygk6289]

By every area? How old are you Richard? I am asking my self if i should even start this argument with you. Least to say, such a BS claim. Or are you one of these guys who paid 20k more and want to feel it was worth it?

[@richarddawson5836]

@@ygk6289 Yes, in EVERY are. Lexus ES is a boring, overpriced, slow, dated rebadged Toyota Avalon. You sound like a guy who is mad you can't buy a totally superior German car.

[@richarddawson5836]

@@ygk6289 You keep posting more and more comments. You sound like you're about to cry. Such a sad little man you are. Lexus sucks! Get over it. They haven't changed a thing in 10 years. I like to enjoy my driving experience and would rather buy an unreliable fun car than an old man box that looks like crap. I don't even think you actually own a Lexus. You totally sound like a Toyota guy dreaming it was a Lexus. Pathetic!

[@andreasenache135]

@@richarddawson5836 Hey Richard, guess what? Your Audi A3 is a Skoda Octavia, and your Porsche Cayenne is actually a VW Touareg. Don't pretend that Lexus is the only brand that does this. It's a ridiculous argument and it proves that you have no clue what you're talking about. Have you ever been inside the ES?