2023 Lexus ES300h F Sport: The Brand’s Midsize Hybrid Attempts To Capture GS Buyers

Highlight: The ES300 hybrid has a combined gas mileage of 44 miles per gallon.

Test Vehicle's MSRP: $ 54,520   Base Hybrid Model MSRP: $43,790

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Features: ABS; a rear back up 

camera; a pre collision system with pedestrian detection; a lane departure alert system with steering assist; a radar activated cruise control system; a first aid kit; a tire pressure monitoring system; a temporary spare tire; a blind spot monitor system; and a rear cross traffic alert system

Standard Equipment ES 300h (Test Model): 19-inch alloy wheels; active noise control; aluminum trim interior; aluminum pedals; a black headliner; a heated leather steering wheel; bolstered heated/ventilated front seats; a tuned variable suspension system; a leather trimmed shift knob and steering wheel; performance inspired instrumentation with a sliding bezel; a variety driving modes: sport s/s+ and custom modes; performance dampers; power moonroof; power folding mirrors; rain sensing wipers; a rear spoiler; and a heated leather steering wheel

Other Trims:

Lexus ES gasoline model

Options: a heads-up display system; triple beam headlamps; smart access card key; 12-inch cloud-based navigation screen; power and open trunk with kick sensor; premium exterior paint; key glove; carpeted trunk mat; illuminated door sills; and wheel locks

Standard Audio on Test Vehicle: a 10-speaker audio system with AM/FM/HD with SiriusXM

Bluetooth Connectivity: Standard

USB Connectivity: Standard

Apple/Android Connectivity: Standard

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 6 years/70,000 miles

Standard Engine/Horsepower: 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder engine/ 176-hp

Recommended Fuel: Regular

Standard Fuel Mileage: 43-city/44-hwy

What’s New: The F-Sport Design and Handling trims are all-new for the 2023 model year.

Why:

A host of standard of driving aid features

A hybrid model offers great mileage

19-inch BBS wheels

Red interior seating

An oversized infotainment screen

A peppy hybrid engine

Great road trip vehicle

A roomy vehicle

A host of luxury features

Heated steering wheel

Heated/ventilated front seats

A premium 

A firm suspension

But: 

This is not a sports sedan no matter if the engineers adjust the suspension and/or soup-up the styling

Wide-mouth spindle fascia

A cloud-based navigation system requires a subscription

The red interior reminds us of being inside of a Camry

Verdict: Lexus has made every effort to capture those customers seeking the former rear-wheel drive GS sedan. This year the front-wheel drive ES F Sport adds a sport tuned package. Unfortunately, the pseudo performance-like sedan just can’t capture the look, feel and handling abilities of a true midsize sports sedan. It lacks the horsepower, engagement in terms of driving and its a hybrid. However, for those seeking an ES with a little flavor, this trim should fit the bit.

On the other hand, for buyers seeking a ‘true’ sports sedan from the Lexus portfolio, we recommend checking out the smaller rear-wheel drive IS 500. The IS 500, which houses a throaty V8 engine, embodies the feel, touch, style and handling experience that beckons to be driven.

Competition: N/A