2022 Lexus ES Hybrid
Overview
The good-looking Lexus ES Hybrid (or ES 300h) presents a combination of luxury and fuel efficiency in a compact four-door package. This gas-electric version of the popular ES 350 has been captivating drivers since 2012, and it reemerges for model year 2022 with some significant changes. For one, its infotainment system now uses more intuitive touchscreen operation that’s more user-friendly than the remote controller it replaces. It’s also oriented closer to the driver, for improved ergonomics and ease of use. Also, the Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 suite is now standard for every trim, as is blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. One of the biggest developments aside from the new touchscreen, though, is the availability of an F Sport edition, which is a first for this hybrid.
Trims, Powertrain, and Fuel Economy
The ES 300h is a front-wheel-drive four-door sedan made in a selection of trim levels: Base, Luxury, Ultra Luxury, and F Sport. Their hybrid powerplant consists of a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine and an electric motor, which combine to produce 215 hp. This gas-electric system works with an electronic continuously variable transmission (eCVT). As stated by EPA estimates, the ES Hybrid returns 43 mpg in the city and 44 mpg on the highway, regardless of trim level.
Base
The Base trim has a multitude of amenities to complement its efficient hybrid powertrain, with the highlights being a moonroof, LED headlights, and perforated synthetic leather seats that are power-adjustable in the front row. It’s also equipped with SmartAccess (which lets you unlock the vehicle just by having the key fob in proximity), push-button start/stop, dual-zone automatic climate control, and selectable drive modes. Its Lexus Multimedia infotainment system can be controlled by its 8-inch touchscreen or voice recognition; its other features are smartphone integration (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), Amazon Alexa, Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio streaming, SiriusXM satellite radio, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a 10-speaker premium audio system.
The Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 suite comes standard, too. It includes a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane tracing assist, lane departure alert with steering assist, road sign assist, all-speed dynamic radar cruise control, and automatic high beams. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert is provided as well.
Three packages are offered for this trim. The Premium Package has heated and ventilated front seats, a heated and power tilt-and-telescopic leather-wrapped steering wheel, a wireless phone charger, rain-sensing wipers, a windshield wiper de-icer, power-folding side mirrors, position memory settings, and automatic parking assist. The Navigation Package will upgrade Lexus Multimedia with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, Lexus Enform dynamic navigation and destination assist, and improved voice recognition software. The Navigation/Mark Levinson Premium Audio Package comes with those same items from the basic Navigation Package, in addition to a high-end Mark Levinson sound system with 17 speakers.
F Sport
The F Sport is set apart by its athletic attributes, from its specialized exterior styling elements to its bolstered front seats, which are heated and ventilated. Not only that, but the F Sport also adds the wireless charger and rain-sensing wipers to its list of standard equipment, and it’s eligible for the aforementioned Navigation Package.
Luxury
The Luxury comes standard with the contents of the Premium Package. Its cabin is richly enhanced with quilted and perforated semi-aniline leather upholstery, a wood- and leather-trimmed steering wheel, ambient interior lighting, a power rear sunshade, and a driver’s seat boasting additional power adjustments and a cushion extender for additional leg support. The Navigation and Navigation/Mark Levinson Premium Audio Package are both still available.
Ultra Luxury
The Ultra Luxury is loaded with the full roster of deluxe equipment, starting with the contents of the Navigation Package (the Mark Levinson package remains optional. Its other standard features are a hands-free trunk, manual rear-door sunshades, and a 10.2-inch head-up display, plus, the active safety suite is enriched with reverse pedestrian detection and a surround-view monitor. It’s also worth noting that some of those upscale features are offered on the lower trims as standalone add-ons.