Which is better, ES 350 or ES 300h?

In general, the ES 350 offers stronger performance and a more traditional petrol-only experience, while the ES 300h prioritizes fuel efficiency and lower running costs. The right choice depends on how you value acceleration, wallet-friendly fuel economy, cargo, and daily driving habits. This article breaks down the key differences and helps you decide.

Overview: powertrains, value, and what each model aims to deliver

Both the ES 350 and ES 300h sit in Lexus’ midsize luxury sedan lineup, sharing much of the interior design, comfort, and technology. The main distinction is the propulsion: a traditional gasoline V6 in the ES 350 versus a hybrid system in the ES 300h. The ES 350 aims for responsive performance, while the ES 300h prioritizes efficiency without sacrificing Lexus refinement.

Powertrains at a glance

Before diving into driving impressions, here is a quick comparison of the core powertrains and how they translate to everyday driving.

• Power and acceleration: ES 350 uses a 3.5-liter V6 producing roughly 300+ horsepower with brisk acceleration for a mid-size sedan. The ES 300h pairs a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle engine with electric motors for a combined output around 215 horsepower, delivering smoother but slower acceleration.


• Transmission and drivetrain: The ES 350 typically uses an 8-speed automatic transmission with front-wheel drive as standard and AWD available on some trims. The ES 300h uses a hybrid system with an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (eCVT).


• Ride and handling: Both models ride with Lexus’ focus on comfort and quietness; the ES 350 generally feels more athletic in tune and heavier on power, while the ES 300h emphasizes a serene, refined ride with strong low-speed efficiency.

In short, if you want immediate, confident acceleration and a traditional engine note, the ES 350 is the stronger choice. If you value a quiet cabin and best-in-class fuel economy, the ES 300h shines.

Performance and driving experience

Power, acceleration, and response

Both vehicles deliver Lexus-level refinement, but the feel is different. The ES 350’s V6 delivers robust and readily available power, making highway merging and passing stress-free. The ES 300h prioritizes efficiency, so you’ll notice slower acceleration, especially when starting from a standstill or climbing hills, though it remains smooth and sufficient for everyday driving.

• ES 350: strong, linear power with quick response for a midsize sedan; 0–60 mph times are typically around the mid-6 second range depending on the year and configuration.


• ES 300h: notably smoother and quieter, with competent, but modest, acceleration; 0–60 mph times are usually in the high 7s to 8 seconds range.

Bottom line: if sportiness matters to you, the ES 350 is the more satisfying drivable option; if you prioritize seamless power delivery and fuel economy, the ES 300h performs well enough without fuss.

Drivetrain, handling, and ride quality

Handling in both models leans toward comfort and composure rather than razor sharp sportiness. The ES 350’s extra mass from the V6 can contribute to a more substantial feel in corners, but Lexus tunes suspension to maintain a cushioned ride. The ES 300h, with its hybrid system, benefits from quiet operation and refined low-speed balance, though some drivers may notice marginally more body roll in aggressive turns.

• ES 350: composed ride with confident highway manners; semi-sporty bias in some trims with adaptive suspension options.


• ES 300h: serene, near-silent operation at typical driving speeds; excellent for long highway trips and daily commuting where refinement matters most.

Choosing between them often comes down to how much you value dynamic response versus overall serenity and efficiency in daily driving.

Fuel economy and ownership costs

Fuel economy and costs at the pump

Fuel economy is the clearest differentiator. The ES 300h delivers substantially better efficiency, especially in urban driving, thanks to its hybrid system. The ES 350 consumes more fuel but offers stronger performance and a traditional powertrain experience. Actual numbers vary by model year, trim, tires, and driving style.

• Fuel economy: ES 350 generally lands in the mid-20s mpg in combined driving, with higher figures on some highway-heavy routes. ES 300h commonly posts significantly higher efficiency—often in the 40 mpg equivalent range on many EPA cycles—though real-world results depend on conditions and maintenance.


• Annual fuel costs: because of superior efficiency, the ES 300h typically lowers fuel expenses over the life of the car, particularly for drivers with long daily commutes or frequent city driving.


• Maintenance and warranties: both cars benefit from Lexus’ reliability and a strong warranty structure. Hybrid components in the ES 300h are covered under the model’s hybrid warranty terms, which reflect extended coverage for battery and hybrid system components. Always check the current terms for your year and market.

In budget terms, the ES 300h tends to save money on fuel over time, but the initial price premium (if any) and the cost of hybrid-specific maintenance should be weighed. A thorough total-cost-of-ownership analysis can reveal which model pays off for you given your driving pattern.

Interior, comfort, and technology

Luxury, space, and cabin refinement

Both the ES 350 and ES 300h share a refined interior with high-grade materials, comfortable seating, and generous standard equipment. The hybrid variant can experience a slight compromise in trunk space due to battery placement, but the cabin remains roomy for front and rear passengers. Standard and optional tech features complement Lexus’ reputation for reliability and ease of use.

• Interior quality and space: premium materials, comfortable front seats, and generous rear legroom; trunk space may be marginally reduced in the hybrid due to packaging.


• Technology and safety: both models offer Lexus Safety System+ or newer versions, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, accessible infotainment, and available premium audio options; cabin insulation keeps road noise to a minimum.

For most buyers, the interior experience is similar across both trims, with the choice largely about powertrain preference and whether trunk space is a priority.

Pricing, warranty, and long-term value

Cost of ownership and resale value

MSRP and real-world prices fluctuate by year, trim level, and market incentives. Generally, the ES 350 and ES 300h sit in a similar price band when new, with the hybrid sometimes carrying a small premium due to the hybrid technology. Lexus’ reputation for reliability supports strong resale value for both. Warranty coverage is robust and typically includes powertrain protections, with additional hybrid-specific coverage for the ES 300h in many markets.

• Pricing and value: both models hold their value well in the luxury midsize category; exact pricing depends on year, options, and regional incentives.


• Resale and reliability: Lexus hybrids are known for durability and long-term reliability, which helps retain resale value for both ES variants.


• Warranty coverage: standard new-car warranty terms plus hybrid-specific coverage; confirm the current terms for your model year and location.

Overall, if resale value and reliability are top priorities, either ES variant delivers strong long-term value; your choice should align with how you weigh upfront price versus ongoing fuel and maintenance costs.

Bottom line: which should you buy?

Test-driving both models is essential, but the core decision hinges on your priorities. If you crave brisk acceleration, confident highway performance, and a more traditional engine feel, the ES 350 is the better pick. If your primary goal is maximum fuel efficiency, lower daily running costs, and a very smooth, quiet ride, the ES 300h makes more sense. For many buyers seeking a balanced compromise, the decision comes down to how much you value performance versus economy and whether your typical driving mix benefits a hybrid setup.

Summary

The ES 350 and ES 300h each offer Lexus level quality and refinement, but they cater to different priorities. Choose the ES 350 for stronger performance, a more traditional driving experience, and similar luxury features. Choose the ES 300h for top-tier fuel economy, lower running costs, and a serene daily drive. Your final decision should reflect your daily mileage, fuel prices in your area, and how much you value a livelier feel versus efficiency and quiet operation.

Which is better, ES 350 or ES 300h?

The main difference is the powertrain: the ES 350 uses a more powerful 3.5L V6 engine for strong acceleration, while the ES 300h uses a four-cylinder hybrid system that prioritizes superior fuel efficiency. The ES 350 has more horsepower (302302302 hp vs. 215215215 hp) and uses an eight-speed automatic transmission, while the ES 300h uses a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Other factors include a slightly higher starting price for the ES 300h and potential differences in features or styling depending on the specific trim and model year. 
This video discusses the differences in features and design between the ES 300h and ES 350: 57sHawkeye RidesYouTube · Nov 4, 2024
Performance

• ES 350:
  • Engine: 3.5-liter V6 
  • Horsepower: 302 hp 
  • Transmission: 8-speed automatic 
  • Performance: Better for drivers who prioritize strong acceleration and a more powerful feel. 
• ES 300h:
  • Engine: 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid 
  • Horsepower: 215 hp 
  • Transmission: Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) 
  • Performance: Significantly better fuel economy, but less powerful. 

Efficiency

• ES 350: Lower fuel efficiency, with an example city/highway rating of 22/3322 / 3322/33 MPG. 
• ES 300h: Much higher fuel efficiency, with example city/highway ratings of 43/4543 / 4543/45 MPG. This makes it a better choice for drivers who do a lot of driving. 

You can watch this video to see the difference in fuel economy between the ES 300h and ES 350: 51sMotoManTVYouTube · Jun 6, 2018
Cost

• ES 300h: Slightly more expensive at the starting MSRP compared to the ES 350. 
• ES 350: Lower starting MSRP. 
• Savings: The ES 300h's better fuel economy can lead to long-term savings at the pump, which may offset the higher initial cost. 

Features and options

• Both models are available with the same features across their trim levels, such as navigation systems, touchscreen displays, and driver-assist technologies. 
• Some specific options, like F Sport exterior and interior styling or a panoramic glass roof, may only be available on certain trims or may be exclusive to one model, depending on the model year. 

This video reviews the interior and exterior features of the ES 350 and ES 300h: 59sPerformance LexusYouTube · Jul 19, 2025

Does the Lexus ES300h need premium gas?

No, the Lexus ES 300h does not need premium gas; it requires regular unleaded 87-octane gasoline. Most Lexus models, particularly those with turbocharged or high-performance engines, require premium fuel, but the ES 300h hybrid is an exception designed to run on 87 octane. 

• Fuel requirement: The Lexus ES 300h is designed to run on regular unleaded 87-octane gasoline. 
• Why it's different: Unlike other Lexus models that require premium for their high-compression or turbocharged engines, the ES 300h's hybrid powertrain is optimized for 87 octane. 
• Other ES models: The standard ES 250 and ES 350 gas-only models also use regular unleaded 87 octane fuel, according to JM Lexus and Lexus of Freehold. 

What is the difference between a Lexus 350 and a Lexus 300?

The difference between the Lexus IS 300 and IS 350 is mainly in performance and number of configurations. The Lexus IS 300 features a 2.0-liter turbo I-4 engine offering 241 horsepower standard, and the Lexus IS 350 has a 3.5-liter V-6 engine with 311 horsepower.

What year to stay away from Lexus ES 350?

You should avoid the 2007, 2008, 2011, 2013, 2014, and 2015 Lexus ES 350 models due to common issues like melting dashboards, engine/transmission problems, and other mechanical failures. While some later years also have specific reported problems, such as a hollow door design on some 2019 models that causes noise, the 2007-2015 period contains the most widely cited issues.
 
Years to avoid and common problems

• 2007–2009: Prone to oil leaks, engine issues like blown head gaskets, and AC problems from a defective evaporator core. The 2007 model is particularly known for its melting dashboard. Transmission problems like rough shifting and hesitations are also common. 
• 2011: Has a high number of complaints for various problems, including engine and transmission issues, as well as other mechanical failures. 
• 2013–2015: Reportedly have issues with exploding sunroofs, engine stalls when turning, and door lock malfunctions. Some of these years also saw problems with ventilated seats and powertrain fluid leaks. 
• 2019: Some owners reported that the doors feel hollow and let in a lot of road noise, a problem that was reportedly fixed around the 2020-2021 model years. 

Years that are generally considered more reliable

• 2012: Often mentioned as a good year to buy. 
• 2017–2019: Generally considered reliable with modern features. 
• 2020 and later: The years following the 2019 model year are generally considered more reliable, with some specific minor issues such as the hollow doors on 2019 models being addressed in later models.