The Lexus ES Hybrid may share its underpinnings with the Toyota Camry, but it brings its own attitude and styling and a sublime ride quality the “lesser” Toyota can’t match. Lexus offers the car in a staggering number of configurations for 2023, including the base ES 300h, two F Sport trims, a Luxury trim, and an Ultra Luxury trim.

What’s New for the 2023 Lexus ES Hybrid

For 2023, select ES models get an F Sport Handling Package that brings an adaptive suspension and unique interior touches. There’s also a new interior color and an updated infotainment system with wireless smartphone connectivity.

Design

No secrets here. This is a Lexus, so we’re talking about a gigantic grille, sculpted styling, and a plush interior. The 2023 ES is available with wheels ranging from 17 to 19 inches in size, and F Sport models add dark exterior trim for a more aggressive look. Interior styling is clean, and Lexus left some physical controls to help simplify vehicle operation.

Powertrain

The 2023 Lexus ES 300h comes with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and an electric motor for a combined 215 horsepower and 163 pound-feet of torque. The setup is paired with an electronically-controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT). Though Lexus offers all-wheel drive (AWD) in the base ES 250, the hybrid is only available with front-wheel drive (FWD).

Interior

Lexus equips the 2023 ES with synthetic leather upholstery as standard, along with 10-way power seats, a leather-wrapped shift knob, automatic climate controls, a new center console design, and contrasting stitching. The dash design is asymmetrical with a tilt toward the driver, and the front passenger gets spacious, uncluttered accommodations. There’s good room in both rows, even for taller adults, and the ES maintains serene noise levels in most situations.

Technology

An 8-inch touchscreen comes standard for 2023, but Lexus also offers a 12.3-inch display. The new infotainment interface brings with it a smoother, more intuitive experience, and Lexus wasn’t stingy with the tech features. Bluetooth, Amazon Alexa, a Wi-Fi hotspot, navigation, SiriusXM radio, and more all come standard. Available features include a 17-speaker Mark Levinson sound system with 1,800 watts, a head-up display, and remote app services.

Safety

The Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 comes standard, bringing road-sign recognition, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, cyclist and pedestrian detection, and intersection support. Automatic emergency braking, forward collision warnings, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alerts, and an array of airbags are also standard.

The 2023 Lexus ES earned a Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), which included “Good” scores in all crash test categories except for the new side test, where it picked up an “Acceptable” score.

Pricing

Pricing for the 2023 Lexus ES starts at $42,590 and ranges to the low $50,000s for top hybrid models. Lexus doesn’t go overboard with options packages like some luxury automakers do, but buyers can add upgraded noise-reduction wheels, a Mark Levinson stereo, a panoramic glass roof, and premium headlights, depending on the trim.