How many cylinders are in the Lexus ES 300h?
The Lexus ES 300h uses a four-cylinder gasoline engine paired with electric motors as part of its hybrid system.
In more detail, the ES 300h combines a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle inline-4 engine with electric motors and a battery pack to deliver the hybrid power. The vehicle’s gasoline engine has four cylinders; the electric motors provide additional torque to improve efficiency and smoothness. Exact power figures can vary by model year and market, and most versions use a continuously variable transmission (CVT) to optimize fuel economy.
Engine and drivetrain details
The core configuration for the ES 300h remains a four-cylinder gasoline engine. The hybrid system supplements this with electric motors and a battery pack, enabling electric-only operation under certain conditions and contributing to overall efficiency. In most markets, the front-wheel-drive model employs a CVT integrated with the hybrid system.
What this means for performance and efficiency
Because the ES 300h prioritizes efficiency over raw power, its four-cylinder engine is paired with electric motors to provide smooth acceleration and better fuel economy for a luxury sedan. This setup typically results in lower emissions and better city/combined efficiency compared with traditional gasoline-only luxury sedans.
Summary
In short, the Lexus ES 300h is a four-cylinder hybrid, combining a four-cylinder gasoline engine with electric motors to deliver its hybrid performance and efficiency.
What kind of engine is in the ES 300h?
Engine
| Base engine size | 2.5 L |
|---|---|
| Cylinders | Inline 4 |
| Base engine type | Hybrid |
Is the Lexus ES 300h fast?
Lexus Hybrid Power and Efficiency
The powertrain will take you from zero to 60 miles per hour in 8.3 seconds – not sports-car fast, but more than fast enough in the real world. According to the EPA, the ES300h delivers remarkable fuel economy, achieving 43 mpg city, 44 mpg highway and 44 mpg combined.
What are common 300h problems?
Poor engine idling/misfiring
If you are having any problems with the engine misfiring and poor engine idling, this will be caused by a problem with either the throttle body, or MAF (Mass Air Flow) sensor. These can become clogged up with carbon, resulting in the above problems.
What is the difference between Lexus ES 350 and ES 300h?
The main difference is the powertrain: the ES 350 uses a powerful V6 gasoline engine for higher performance, while the ES 300h is a hybrid with a four-cylinder engine that prioritizes superior fuel economy. This means the ES 350 has more horsepower and a quicker acceleration, while the ES 300h offers significantly better MPG. While they have comparable features and styling on the same trim levels, their performance and efficiency are the key distinctions.
This video compares the performance and features of the ES 350 and ES 300h: 59sHawkeye RidesYouTube · Nov 4, 2024
| Feature | Lexus ES 350 | Lexus ES 300h |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 3.5L V6 gas engine | 2.5L 4-cylinder gas engine + hybrid system |
| Horsepower | 302 hp | 215 hp (combined system) |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) |
| Fuel Economy | Lower MPG (e.g., 22 city / 33-32 highway) | Much higher MPG (e.g., 43 city / 45 highway) |
| Performance | Quicker acceleration and more power | Less powerful, but still provides an engaging drive |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) | Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) |
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You can watch this video for a full comparison of the Lexus ES 350 and ES 300h, including interior and exterior views: 1mPerformance LexusYouTube · Jul 19, 2025
