2021 Lexus ES Hybrid Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
The Lexus ES competes with other luxury mid-size and large sedans, like the Acura TLX, Genesis G80, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and Volvo S90....
The Lexus ES competes with other luxury mid-size and large sedans, like the Acura TLX, Genesis G80, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and Volvo S90. However, the efficient ES Hybrid variant is in a class of its own and sees just a couple of updates for the 2021 model year.
All ES Hybrids are badged ES 300h, denoting a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired to two electric motor/generators, a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), and front-wheel drive (FWD). Last year’s nickel-metal hydride battery gets replaced with a new lithium-ion battery for 2021, resulting in a 4.7-inch height reduction to the battery pack. This both frees up trunk space and improves the car’s front-to-rear weight ratio, for better handling. That said, fuel economy is the same 43 mpg city, 44 mpg highway, and 44 mpg combined on regular fuel.
Lexus offers the ES Hybrid in Base, Luxury, and Ultra Luxury grades. The Base trim comprises 17-inch alloy wheels, a power moonroof, full LED exterior lighting, a color-keyed rear spoiler, 10-way adjustable power front seats, leatherette upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, keyless access and start, a 10-speaker premium sound system, and an 8-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
The Luxury and Ultra Luxury packages add such features as 18-inch alloy wheels, semi-aniline leather upholstery, a 14-way driver’s seat, navigation, heated and cooled front seats, rain-sensing windshield wipers, a power open/close trunk with kick sensors, power-folding outside mirrors, and a 12.3-inch infotainment system. A Mark Levinson 17-speaker and 1800-watt sound system, a 10.2-inch heads-up display, and a wireless charger are yet more options across all trims.
The ES Hybrid comes standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, bundling forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, lane tracing assist, lane departure alert, road sign assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. The only optional features are blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a parking assistant. Both the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the ES family excellent marks for safety in 2021.
The Lexus ES Hybrid offers an excellent combination of luxury, technology, comfort and fuel economy.
What owners say
"Overall, owners of the 2021 Lexus ES Hybrid appreciate its comfortable driving experience, excellent fuel efficiency, and advanced safety features. Many drivers love the smooth transition from electric to gas power and the overall comfort of the seats. However, some have criticized the uninspired exterior styling and certain minor issues like the navigation system and door handle accessibility."
Nothing comes close to it in terms of price and value.
May 8, 2023Owned a Toyota Avalon Hybrid previously which was an excellent automobile. The Lexus ES 300h is a newer more powerful version of the Avalon with additional safety and convenience features. Have not picked up the car yet but anticipate that it will be even better than the Avalon.
February 7, 2024Excellent driving experience. Seats are very comfortable. Power seat on front passenger allows great visibility above dashboard if desired. Many of the advanced safety features come standard on this vehicle. Hybrid engine offers smooth shifting, unrecognizable moving from battery to engine power. Sufficient acceleration when required.
January 6, 2023What owners say
Nothing comes close to it in terms of price and value.
May 8, 2023Owned a Toyota Avalon Hybrid previously which was an excellent automobile. The Lexus ES 300h is a newer more powerful version of the Avalon with additional safety and convenience features. Have not picked up the car yet but anticipate that it will be even better than the Avalon.
February 7, 2024Excellent driving experience. Seats are very comfortable. Power seat on front passenger allows great visibility above dashboard if desired. Many of the advanced safety features come standard on this vehicle. Hybrid engine offers smooth shifting, unrecognizable moving from battery to engine power. Sufficient acceleration when required.
January 6, 2023The car is incredible. I love the features especially the dynamic cruise control climate control and rain sensing wipers.
September 18, 2021Except for grill, the exterior styling is unimaginative and doesnt stand out. There is an odd intended noise when in reverse to alert the hybrid is backing up. Entry is difficult for me as . The door handle is too far away which makes closing door difficult. Interior design is great, lots of amenities and attractive placements The track pad took a while to figure out. The MPGs although great are 5 MPG less at the pump than what the dash read out claims. Drive is super comfortable and very quiet. Seamless shifting from electric to gas engine is amazing. I am calling dealer regarding Home link doesnt work, and memory of entry seat position doesnt work.
September 22, 2021Great Pickup, Great Handling Car 43 MPH per Gallon of Gas
August 8, 2022I wish it had a Navigation system but when you connect your phone to the car, you can download Google Maps.
February 11, 2024Trims & specs
Base MSRP $50,910 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.5L 215 hp I4 Hybrid | Cargo Capacity 13.9 cu ft |
Combined MPG 43 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $47,110 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.5L 215 hp I4 Hybrid | Cargo Capacity 13.9 cu ft |
Combined MPG 43 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $41,910 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.5L 215 hp I4 Hybrid | Cargo Capacity 13.9 cu ft |
Combined MPG 43 | Drivetrain FWD |
Pricing trends
MSRP range
$41,910 - $50,910
Current avg. market price
$31,269
Trending down by 3.6% this month
May 2026 - October 2026
