Ahem. So, I have a confession to make. The 2025 Lexus ES is NOT all new-new this year, like I predicted it might be in a review last year. Instead, the well-styled, midsize luxury sedan returns unchanged for 2025. It has, however, recently received a facelift for the Chinese market with notable style and tech upgrades, with the U.S. left waiting awhile longer to see those updates. It’s hard to complain though, the ES being the fantastic sedan that it is today.
The ES 300h F Sport Handling I recently spent a week with gives off sporty vibes in a Matador Red Mica hue with F Sport distinguishing features that include Gloss Black-finished 19-inch five-spoke alloy wheels, an F Sport bumper, grille surround and rear spoiler.
Article continues below this ad
This particular vehicle isn’t outfitted with a ton of options – so it’s missing Lexus’ available Triple-Beam headlights. Bi- LED headlights, LED daytime running lights and LED tail lights are standard.
Article continues below this ad
Performance
Is the ES 300h the best-performing luxury sports sedan out there? With just 215-horsepower, from a 2.5-liter Inline-4 hybrid system, you won’t be surprised when I say no. But it’s not meant to be. The point of the ES 300h F Sport is to appeal to Lexus ES lovers who crave a bit sportier feel to the traditional executive sedan -while delivering the great fuel economy of a hybrid. While it’s not a performance-hybrid, and doesn’t for a second pretend to be, acceleration is still surprisingly good and it feels just right for this sedan. Sport S/S+ modes are exclusive to this trim.
Interior
A sporty Circuit Red and black interior awaits you in the cabin. F Sport perforated Nuluxe-trimmed bolstered, heated and ventilated 10-way power front seats keep you comfy and supported.
Article continues below this ad
F Sport features also include exclusive Hadori aluminum trim, an F Sport heated leather steering wheel with memory. Above the steering wheel, a performance-inspired digital driver display gives you easy-to-read info.
Thanks to a Technology Package, this vehicle is outfitted with a 12.3-inch touchscreen that replaces a standard 8-inch. It runs the last-generation Lexus Interface and is compatible with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Article continues below this ad
Available navigation looks great and the available Lexus Intelligent Assistant works well. A 10-speaker sound system is standard. It’s ok, but I’d upgrade to an optional 17-speaker Mark Levinson surround sound system if it were me.
Since we’re still waiting for tech updates in the cabin, the center stack sticks to traditional buttons for climate functions.
Article continues below this ad
Beneath the climate controls, a slim center console houses a leather-wrapped, somewhat chunky, gear shift knob, Auto Hold, EV mode, an available vertical wireless charger and two cupholders.
A roomy second-row offers passengers their own USB ports along with a drop-down center console with two smaller sized cupholders. There’s great cargo space in the trunk, thanks to the placement of the hybrid battery. But this vehicle is missing the available power trunk.
Article continues below this ad
F Sport features also include a wireless charger, rain-sensing wipers. Options on this vehicle include a power rear sunshade and panoramic view monitor. All ES models are equipped with dual zone climate control, a power moonroof and 6 USB ports.
Ride and Drive
The Lexus ES 300h F Sport feels great on the road. It’s the only trim with Adaptive Variable Suspension that’s integrated with its F Sport suspension tuning. F Sport performance dampers also do their job too of absorbing vibrations. Driving dynamics are engaging, especially in Sport+ mode. It’s a quiet, ride too.
Safety
The ES is equipped with Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 plus Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert. The F sport adds Intuitive Parking Assist with Auto Braking and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.
Article continues below this ad
Options and What You’ll Pay
A Technology package ($1630) includes a really terrific color 10.2-inch Head Up Display, SmartAccess Card Key, Lexus interface with 12.3-inch touchscreen, drive connect with cloud navigation, Intelligent Assist, and Destination Assist.
Other options include the power rear sunshade ($210) and panoramic view monitor ($835). Total MSRP is $53,585.
Article continues below this ad
Verdict
The ES 300h F Sport Handling will appeal to Lexus fans looking for a sportier sedan that doesn’t sacrifice comfort or great fuel economy. Keep in mind, the ES will likely see significant updates at the very least, next year.
What I Liked Most: Sporty F Sport exterior, Lexus hallmark luxury, Circuit Red interior, driving dynamics.
What I would change: Nothing in this generation.
Official Color: Matador Red Mica.
MSRP: Base price $49.735./Total MSRP: $53,585.
Fuel Economy: 43 city/ 44 highway/ 44 mpg overall.
Odometer reading when tested: 1,018 miles.
Weight: 4,740 pounds.
Spare tire: Temporary Compact.
Length-Width-Height: 195.9″ long/73.4″ wide/56.9″ high.
Fuel Tank Capacity: 13.2 gallons with the filler on the driver’s side.
Towing Capacity: N/A.
2025 Lexus ES 300h in a few words: It won’t set your hair on fire but it’s a stylish, enjoyable and fuel-efficient luxury sedan to jet around town in.
Warranty: 48 months/50,000 miles Basic Warranty; 72 months/70,000 miles powertrain/8-years/100,000 miles Hybrid Warranty; 10-years or 150,000 miles/ Hybrid Battery Warranty
Final Assembly Location: Georgetown, Kentucky.
Manufacturer’s website: Lexus
Article continues below this ad
Article continues below this ad
This article originally appeared on
Article continues below this ad
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source link
