The Lexus ES has grown up over the years, shedding its “fancy Camry” image and adopting its own identity in the automaker’s lineup. Offered in gas and hybrid configurations, the car is well-built and has one of the quietest cabins in its class. That said, the ES is far from the most engaging car in its segment, prioritizing comfort and fuel economy over speed and performance.
2025 Lexus ES Hybrid Pricing, Specs, and Release Date
- What’s New for the 2025 Lexus ES Hybrid
- Design
- Powertrain
- Interior
- Technology
- Safety
- Pricing and Release Date
- Further Research
What’s New for the 2025 Lexus ES Hybrid
Lexus made no changes to the ES Hybrid for the 2025 model year, which follows only minor updates in 2024, when the automaker introduced a few new features for the F Sport trims. The last significant update happened in 2023, which included the addition of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard features, new F Sport Design and Handling trims, and a revised interior design with a new center console.
Design
The ES follows Lexus’s signature design language, which includes an oversized grille, ultra-sharp light fixtures and lines, and a sleek overall shape with sculpted sides and a busy rear end. Lexus offers a range of wheel options, depending on the trim, and several colors are available, including many added-cost premium hues.
Powertrain
The 2025 ES Hybrid comes with one powertrain option. It includes a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor. The combination makes 215 horsepower and sends it to the front wheels via a continuously variable transmission (CVT). While it offers few thrills, the ES’s powertrain delivers refinement and efficiency in droves. Acceleration from zero to 60 mph takes around eight seconds, but fuel economy reaches 44 mpg on the highway. Additionally, Toyota’s hybrid system is one of the most refined and well-built on the market today.
Interior
The ES comes standard with synthetic leather upholstery, but the five-seater is available with semi-aniline leather. Heated and ventilated front seats are available, along with a heated steering wheel and heated rear seats. Lexus also offers a memory system for the front seats.
Technology
An 8-inch touchscreen comes standard, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Other standard tech features include 10 speakers, SiriusXM radio, Bluetooth, a Wi-Fi hotspot, navigation, and more. Lexus got rid of the annoying touchpad controller in favor of a touchscreen interface, and recent updates to the infotainment system have made the system much easier to use and more responsive.
Safety
The 2025 Lexus ES hasn’t seen complete crash testing by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) yet, so it doesn’t have a Top Safety Pick award. Despite that, the car comes standard with a long list of driver-assistance features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, cyclist and pedestrian detection, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, traffic-sign recognition, and more.
Pricing and Release Date
As of the time of this writing, the base ES300h starts at $44,615. The F Sport Design model costs $49,000, and stepping up to the top Ultra Luxury trim pushes the price to $53,505.