The current-generation Toyota Corolla remains an impressively competitive product in the new vehicle market, taking the fight directly to the immensely popular crossover and SUV segment. The Corolla shows us that there is still a strong demand for competitively priced compact sedans that return good reliability and efficiency ratings. While a lot more upmarket than previous iterations, the new Toyota Corolla remains a budget offering with some compromised interior fittings. If luxury is a must for you, and you don’t mind diving into the used vehicle market, there is a lot of value in considering a used 2018 Lexus ES 300h Hybrid. This midsize premium sedan is based on the Toyota Camry, but benefits from the Japanese brand’s luxury arm’s upmarket interior quality.
- Base Trim Engine
-
2.5L Inline-4 Hybrid
- Base Trim Transmission
-
Continuously Variable Automatic (CVT)
- Base Trim Drivetrain
-
Front-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
-
200 hp
- Base Trim Torque
-
156 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm
- Fuel Economy
-
40/39 MPG
- Make
-
Lexus
- Model
-
ES Hybrid
- Segment
-
Midsize Luxury Sedan
The Lexus ES 300h is a rare case of a premium HEV sedan that holds its value impressively well in the used market, which is why you have to stretch as far as seven years to match the Corolla’s base MSRP. We also have to point out that we’ve matched it against the Corolla Hybrid’s starting price, as this is a more of an appropriate comparison. This model also forms part of the previous-generation ES range, which will soon become two generations old when the all-new ES generation arrives in the U.S. sometime next year. Despite its age, the seven-year-old Lexus ES 300h is a commendable used sedan consideration, as you’ll get to benefit from a high level of luxury without compromising efficiency or reliability.
In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from Lexus’s websites and other authoritative sources, including Edmunds, J.D. Power, iSeeCars, and the EPA.
The 2018 Lexus ES 300h Sells For $24,925
This Is Almost As Much As A New Corolla Hybrid LE
According to J.D. Power’s valuation of the 2018 Lexus ES 300h, 80 percent of people currently pay $24,925 for the 2018 Lexus ES 300h, with overall prices ranging between $23,759 and $26,263, depending on specification, condition, and mileage. The 2026 Toyota Corolla Hybrid range currently starts at $24,575 for the base LE derivative.
The iSeeCars valuation system returns similar metrics, with an average used price of $23,994, but with a much broader price range of $17,806 to $30,164. When new, the ES300h was a unique trim of its own, with a $41,820 MSRP starting price.
Ownership Costs And Depreciation Predictions
As per the iSeeCars overview, the 2018 Lexus ES 300h boasts a predicted $19,637 or 45.2 percent value loss over five years or 60,000 miles, which is on par with what we see today. The publication also issues the model with an 8.6/10 reliability score, indicating that the HEV sedan will run for 14.9 years or 166,144 miles before experiencing any noteworthy mechanical issues. Joining this is a 27.3-percent probability of reaching 200,000 miles.
“I have had my 2016 ES300h for 2 years. I really like the outside styling, and the interior is luxurious and very comfortable. I am getting very good gas mileage. Acceleration in power mode is very good, but I don’t use it that often, preferring to get better fuel economy.”
– Edmunds Review of a 2018 Lexus ES 300h
The model currently features a 4.5/5-star rating on the Edmunds owner review page, with 64 percent of the 33 reviewers giving it five stars. Standout positives include a high comfort level, impressive reliability and interior quality, and a comprehensive standard safety package. Downsides include the infotainment system, poor handling characteristics, and inconsistent brakes.
200 Horsepower At Your Disposal
It’s Not Exactly What We Would Call A Performance Sedan
The Lexus ES 300h features an identical powertrain to the Toyota Camry, which consists of a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder Atkinson-cycle engine connected to a pair of permanent-magnet-synchronous motors. Unlike the Camry, you can only have the ES 300h with the front-wheel-drive system, producing a combined 200 horsepower. In true Toyota fashion, there’s no idea of how much torque the system produces.
2018 Lexus ES 300h Performance Specifications
Naturally, you shouldn’t expect the best performance from this model. Lexus claims that the ES 300h will sprint from 0-60 MPH in 8.1 seconds before hitting a 116 MPH limited top speed. As is the case with all naturally aspirated Toyota hybrids, the ES 300h features a direct-drive eCVT system as opposed to a conventional automatic transmission, making it the perfect fit if you find yourself traversing slow-moving urban and extra-urban environments. It is possible to use this model in full EV mode, but this is only under very strict conditions at slow-moving speeds, which is a common consideration for almost all hybrids in this segment.
Exemplary Efficiency Returns
While you sacrifice power when driving a Lexus ES 300h, you do get to benefit from some of the most impressive fuel consumption returns that you can enjoy from the segment. According to the EPA’s estimates, you can expect this model to return a 40/39/40 MPG consumption on the city/highway/combined cycle and cover 688 miles on a single 17.2-gallon tank of gas, with some help from a 1.6-kWh lithium-ion battery pack.
2018 Lexus ES 300h EPA Estimates
|
Fuel Consumption (City) |
40 MPG |
|
Fuel Consumption (Highway) |
39 MPG |
|
Fuel Consumption (Combined) |
40 MPG |
|
Range |
688 Miles |
|
Five-Year Fuel Savings |
$2,750 |
|
Annual Fuel Cost |
$1,150 |
|
Cost To Drive 25 Miles |
$1.96 |
|
Cost To Fill The Tank |
$54 |
|
Tank Capacity |
17.2 Gallons |
|
Battery Capacity |
1.6 kWh |
Based on these same estimates, you can also expect to save $2,750 in fuel costs over five years. A year’s worth of gas will cost you $1,150, while you’ll find yourself spending $1.69 to drive 25 miles. You’ll also be spending about $54 to fill up the tank.
Only One Premium Trim To Choose From
Lexus Kept This Generation Simple And Easy To Understand
The 2018 Lexus ES 300h is a unique trim of its own, boasting a high specification level next to its ICE counterpart, much unlike the model available today. The configurator did feature a lot more optional packages, resulting in prospective owners being able to create a series of unique and specific examples.
Key standard features for the trim include an electronic sunroof, the brand’s 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, an eight-speaker premium audio system, dual-zone climate control, perforated NuLuxe interior upholstery, 10-way electrically adjustable front seats, LED exterior lighting, rain-sensing wipers with auto-on headlights, and a host of advanced driver assist functions, courtesyof the Lexus Safety System+ suite.
Multiple Individual Options And Packages
Specific option consists of front seat heating and ventilation, a wood and leather-combination upholstered multifunction steering wheel with heating, Intuitive Park assist, a power rear sunshade, twin-projector Bi-LED headlights, and a power open and close trunk.
The five optional packages include the Navigation Package, Mark Levinson Audio Package, Premium Package, Luxury Package, and Ultra Luxury Package.
Navigation Package
- Remote Touch
- Navigation System with color multimedia display
- Lexus Enform App Suite
The Mark Levinson audio package includes the navigation features, together with a 15-speaker 835-Watt audio system with Clari-Fi technology.
Premium Package
- Espresso Bird’s-Eye Maple, Matte Honey Bamboo, or Linear Dark Mocha wood interior trim.
- Power tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel
- Lexus Memory System for driver’s seat, outside mirrors, and steering wheel
- Remote keyless entry-linked memory
Luxury Package
- Includes Premium Package
- Embossed-stitch perforated leather–trimmed interior
- Wood-trimmed console
- Heated and ventilated front seats
Ultra Luxury Package
- Includes Premium and Luxury Packages
- Embossed-stitch perforated semi-aniline leather interior trim
- Power rear sunshade with manual rear-door sunshades
- Driver-seat power cushion extender
- Ambient interior lighting
- Lexus Memory System for the front passenger’s seat
A Broad Range Of Paints And Leathers
Where colors and shades are concerned, Lexus ensured that those specifying the 2018 ES 300h had a broad range of tasteful options to choose from. NuLuxe leather upholstery options consist of Black, Parchment, Stratus Gray, and Flaxen Brown. Interior trimmings include Piano Black, Espresso Bird’s-Eye Maple, Matte Honey, and Linear Dark Mocha. As for exterior paints, all models were available in Eminent White Pearl, Silver Lining Metallic, Caviar Black, Satin Cashmere Metallic, Obsidian Black, Atomic Silver, Matador Red Mica, Autumn Shimmer, and Nightfall Mica.
Lexus also offered a small list of accessories, including a rear spoiler, illuminated door sills, and body-side protective moldings.