When I see Lexus on my list of upcoming test vehicles I get excited. I will have to admit some bias here as I have grown to love the Lexus brand. I think they have the formula for sedans figured out and there are a lot of choices, even inside the ES version.
My test week with the 2023 Lexus ES 300H F Sport was nothing short of exceptional. This car is a beauty. The black and red F Sport seats give this car an upscale but sporty look. The 300H has amazing looks but it is also a very nice driving car and you won’t realize how noisy other cars are until you drive a Lexus. The cabin locks out a lot of outside noise and the car gives you a feeling of confidence as you face the driving adventures of the day.
There is more to love about the ES 300H F Sport. Let’s take a deeper look into the details.
Exterior:
The 2023 Lexus ES maintains its sleek and polished appearance, a carryover from the previous year. The exterior boasts 11 color options, including the exclusive Ultra White and Ultrasonic Blue Mica 2.0 for F Sport trims. My test vehicle was in Iridium (as seen pictured) which is a beautiful and classic Silver color. I think the Iridium shows off the lines of the car well, especially as the sun is setting. The design features, such as the signature grille and triple-beam LED headlights, contribute to the ES’s classy and stylish presence. The F SPORT Design and F SPORT Handling grades enhance the exterior with 19-inch split-five-spoke alloy wheels and unique styling elements.
2023 Lexus ES 300h F SPORT
Interior:
On the inside of the 2023 ES you will notice a meticulously crafted interior. Lexus does this well on their entire lineup and they are always perfecting design elements in each model year. The F Sport seats are a huge stand out and really made me want to spend more time in the vehicle.
The redesigned center console now hosts a sunglass holder, a new cup holder location, and an available wireless charger. The introduction of the state-of-the-art Lexus Interface multimedia system brings a higher-resolution touchscreen display and intuitive touch and voice activation controls. The ES offers a range of interior trims, from NuLuxe®-trimmed options to semi-aniline leather-trimmed choices, providing a luxurious feel across different models.
We went out to a nice upscale restaurant in Sedona for a special occasion and this car gets a lot of second looks and compliments.
Engine and Transmission:
The ES 300h Ultra Luxury, in particular, stands out with its hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.5L four-cylinder gas engine with the Lexus Hybrid Drive. The result is a blend of performance and efficiency, producing a combined 215 total system horsepower and achieving an estimated 44 combined mpg. The ES F SPORT Handling grade takes the driving experience up a notch with Sport+ and Custom Drive modes, F SPORT-tuned Adaptive Variable Suspension, and a suite of performance-oriented features.hybrid transaxle. The F SPORT Handling grade further enhances the driving experience with Sport+ and Custom Drive modes, F SPORT-tuned Adaptive Variable Suspension, and a heated F SPORT steering wheel.
Driver Experience:
Whether you opt for the serene ES 300h Ultra Luxury or the more performance-inspired ES F SPORT, the driving experience in the 2023 Lexus ES is designed to meet diverse preferences. The ES 300h impresses with its quiet and spacious interior, efficient hybrid powertrain, and a range of driver assistance features. Meanwhile, the ES F SPORT Handling grade caters to enthusiasts with its sporty design, customizable drive modes, and enhanced handling capabilities. I like the boost you get when you go into Sport mode and the option to save gas in Eco mode when you are looking to just cruise and save gas. It is a noticeable difference from Eco to Sport mode. Driving the Lexus ES is a positive experience. The car handles really wel, has plenty of acceleration and the cabin is quiet so you don’t have a lot of the road noise and outside disturbances. The seats are comfortable and it is a great daily driver or long road trip vehicle. There are a lot of options to tailor the interior and drive experience to your individual wants and needs.
Safety:
Lexus prioritizes safety, evident in the standard Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 across all 2023 ES models. This active safety technology includes features like Pre-Collision System, Emergency Steering Assist, Lane Tracing Assist, and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. The ES F SPORT Handling grade adds Intuitive Park Assist, ensuring a comprehensive safety net for drivers.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the 2023 Lexus ES lineup continues to impress with its refined aesthetics, advanced technology, and driving versatility. Whether you’re drawn to the frugality of the ES 300h Ultra Luxury or the dynamic performance of the ES F SPORT Handling, Lexus ensures a compelling package. The comprehensive safety features, intuitive connectivity, and a diverse range of options make the 2023 Lexus ES a standout choice in the midsize luxury sedan segment. As it celebrates its 1-year birthday, the ES series exemplifies Lexus’s dedication to crafting vehicles that deliver a best-of-all-worlds combination for discerning drivers.
