The Lexus ES Hybrid Comes In Two Fully Loaded Flavors

When you think “hybrid,” chances are your brain immediately jumps to practical electric cars like the Toyota Prius or maybe a fancy plug-in SUV. But Lexus has quietly been playing its own game in this space for years, and the Lexus ES Hybrid is one of the best examples of that. It is elegant, whisper-quiet, and oozes premium comfort while sipping fuel like a monk sips tea.

Base Trim Engine

2.5L I4 Hybrid

Base Trim Transmission

CVT

Base Trim Drivetrain

Front-Wheel Drive

Base Trim Horsepower

176 HP @5700 RPM

Base Trim Torque

163 lb.-ft. @ 3600 RPM

Base Trim Fuel Economy (city/highway/combined)

43/44/44 MPG

Base Trim Battery Type

Lead acid battery

Make

Lexus

Model

ES Hybrid

For 2025, Lexus makes things pretty simple. If you want to sit in the lap of the ES Hybrid’s luxury, you get two fully loaded trims to choose from: Luxury and Ultra Luxury. Nothing like nomenclature to make things simple. Both trims pack in so much equipment, the only real question is how pampered you want to feel. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this smooth operator such a standout and what separates the two “flavors” of Lexus luxury.

A Smooth Operator With A Green Heart

Let’s Start At The Very Beginning

Lexus

Before we talk about the trims, let’s talk about what powers the ES Hybrid. Under that sleek hood sits a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine, teamed up with Lexus’ tried-and-tested hybrid system. Together, they make a combined 215 horsepower, which isn’t jaw-dropping, but that’s not the point here. This isn’t a sports sedan pretending to be green. This is a hybrid luxury cruiser, built for buttery smooth highway runs, silent city gliding, and wallet-friendly fuel bills.

Lexus ES Hybrid Engine Specifications

The e-CVT transmission is seamless, and the car can actually move on electric power alone at low speeds, which makes traffic jams a lot more bearable. Fuel economy is excellent for a mid-size luxury sedan at around 44 miles per gallon combined. That’s a figure that rivals many compact hatchbacks, except here, you’re sitting in leather seats with soft ambient lighting and a Mark Levinson sound system humming in the background.

The Driving Experience Is Calm, Cool, And Collected

Lexus

Regardless of trim, the Lexus ES Hybrid is not a car you buy for canyon carving. It’s front-wheel drive only, the steering is light, and the suspension is tuned for comfort above all else. And honestly, that’s exactly how it should be. The car excels at making your daily grind feel serene. City traffic? It glides through it on electric power with barely a whisper. Highways? It eats up miles like a champ, keeping noise levels impressively low even at higher speeds.

The hybrid system is one of the smoothest in the business, blending gasoline and electric power seamlessly. There’s no jerky hand-off, no weird noises—just effortless, quiet progress. Acceleration is adequate, not thrilling, but that’s by design. The ES Hybrid wants you to relax, not race. And if that’s your vibe, you’ll love it.

Lexus ES Hybrid Chassis Specifications

The Lexus ES Hybrid’s Luxury Trim

The Gold Standard Of Sustainable Luxury

Lexus 

The Luxury trim is not exactly the entry point, but it is where ‘luxury’ enters the conversation. This thing is loaded to the brim. On the outside, it comes with sleek LED headlights, 18-inch alloy wheels, and that trademark Lexus spindle grille, which somehow looks both aggressive and classy. There’s keyless entry, a power moonroof, and of course, Lexus’ impeccable build quality that makes doors shut with that satisfying “thunk.”

Step inside, and the first thing you’ll notice is the interior craftsmanship. Lexus has nailed the mix of technology and tactile luxury. There’s rich leather upholstery, wood trim accents, and soft-touch everything. The eight-inch infotainment screen sits proudly on the dash, now fully touchscreen (thankfully ditching the old touchpad controller).

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are wireless, and there’s a 10-speaker premium sound system that’s crisp and clear. Comfort features are abundant. The heated and ventilated front seats are power-adjustable with memory settings, while the dual-zone climate control keeps everyone happy. The back seat is limousine-like, with plenty of legroom for even tall passengers. Safety tech is top-notch, too. Lexus bundles in Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, which includes:

• Adaptive cruise control
• Lane-keeping assist
• Automatic emergency braking
• Pedestrian detection
• Road sign assist

This car will gently nudge and brake its way through traffic like a patient chauffeur. In short, the Luxury trim gives you all the features you’d expect from a premium sedan, with the bonus of hybrid efficiency. For most buyers, this is all the Lexus ES Hybrid they’ll ever need.

The Ultra Luxury Trim Makes A Strong Statement

A Gem That Turns Pampering Up To 11

Lexus 

Now, if you’re the type who believes good things can always be made better, the Ultra Luxury trim is where Lexus really flexes its luxury muscles. Think of it as the “executive suite” version of the ES Hybrid. It takes everything from the Luxury trim and adds even more comfort, convenience, and finesse.

For starters, the rims remain 18 inches but are replaced with five-spoke alloy noise-reduction wheels, giving the car a slightly bolder stance and a quieter interior. Inside, it’s all about elevated pampering. The semi-aniline leather upholstery feels softer and richer, while the headliner switches to a suede-like material. The power rear sunshade and manual side sunshades create a cocoon-like atmosphere for rear passengers, especially useful on sunny commutes.

Further Refinements And Amenities Elevate The Entire Experience

Lexus 

The front seats gain additional adjustment options, including four-way lumbar support and power cushion extenders, which make long drives incredibly comfortable. A 12.3-inch infotainment center comes standard here, along with a 10.2-inch head-up display. There is a Mark Levinson 17-speaker premium audio system, too, that can be added in as an optional extra for both trims.

Other neat extras include a hands-free power trunk, rain-sensing wipers, ambient interior lighting upgrades, and a panoramic view monitor that stitches camera feeds into a 360-degree display, super handy for tight parking spots. If the Luxury trim is first class, the Ultra Luxury trim is private jet territory.

Luxury Vs. Ultra Luxury: Both Offer Competitive Packages

Which One Should You Pick?

Lexus

Honestly, you can’t go wrong with either. If you’re a commuter who values comfort and serenity, the Luxury trim is a sweet spot. But if you regularly chauffeur passengers, take long highway trips, or simply enjoy the finer things, the Ultra Luxury is worth the splurge.

• The Luxury trim gives you almost everything you’d want in a plush, fuel-efficient sedan. It’s elegant, comfortable, and packed with tech.
• The Ultra Luxury trim, on the other hand, is for those who want to go the extra mile. The upgraded materials, performance dampers, and premium infotainment unit make it feel like a mini-LS sedan at a lower price point.

2025 Lexus ES Hybrid Pricing And Value

Lexus

Here’s where things get interesting. Lexus has structured the ES Hybrid lineup so that both trims come with nearly everything included, which simplifies decision-making.

For 2025, the ES 300h Luxury starts at around $48,610, while the Ultra Luxury trim bumps that up to $52,330 before destination fees, of course, which will add $1,150 to the starting MSRP of both trims. For what you get – top-tier comfort, hybrid efficiency, and Lexus reliability – that’s a pretty strong value play in the luxury sedan market. Competitors like the BMW 5-Series Hybrid or Mercedes E-Class Hybrid often cost significantly more once you add similar features.

Conclusion: The ES Hybrid Offers What Few Can

Lexus

The 2025 Lexus ES Hybrid is one of those rare luxury cars that doesn’t try too hard. It doesn’t need to. Its charm lies in effortless elegance, bulletproof reliability, and surprising fuel efficiency. And by offering just two fully-loaded trims, Lexus keeps things refreshingly simple. Whether you pick Luxury or Ultra Luxury, you’re getting a premium sedan that knows exactly what it’s good at and does it with quiet confidence.

Sources: EPA, J.D. Power