I recently drove the 2017 Lexus ES300h. It's one of the higher end hybrids car to consider if you are looking for efficiency, reliability, and modest styling. Lexus has 2 different ES models to choose from, the traditional ES350 with a V6, MPG of 30/21, and a starting price of $38,900. The E300h has an I4 engine and a hybrid engine, MPG 39/40, and is starting at $41,820. A great convenience factor of hybrid cars are that they usually get 500+ miles per tank so you don't have to refuel at the gas station as frequently. Hybrids are much quieter and usually don't require frequent replacement of brake pads. When the driver applies the brakes on an hybrid/electric vehicle, this causes the vehicle's electric motor to go into reverse, slowing down the vehicle, and charging the electric battery. I've talked with mechanics who haven't had to replace brake pads on the Toyota Prius over a 120,000 miles when driven by ideal drivers. This hybrid will save you time. Money will only be saved if you keep your car for about 5 years to recoup the initial cost premium ($2,920) at today's low gas prices. Disadvantages of the E300h include a much smaller trunk space that has to accomodate the rechargeable battery. Also, the acceleration isn't as great as the traditional engine equipped E350. Regarding the ES300h, the driver and passenger seats are all extremely comfortable. Other cars have cramped rear seats, but this isn't the case in the ES. Even tall backseat passengers have enough legroom to relax in comfort. The ES300h driving experience is expected to be muted and quiet. This car won't have you itching to drive it to the mountains or take sharp turns because it simply doesn't have the performance or handling for it. It's your typical hybrid car with handling as if you were driving a Camry (ie. a box car). However, it does it in a nice package and in comfort. With upgrades, this car has safety features such as blind spot monitoring, lane depature warning system that are very handy. The upgraded sound system for this car is pretty good in my opinion. The styling of the dashboard/front panel is decent, but could use some improvement. I personally prefer a touch screen menu, but the ES still uses a mouse like controller to switch between menus on the screen and to select things. It is a little inconvenient and should be re-designed in the future for easier access to information. Also, I feel that the amount of steering wheel buttons could be cut back and simplified. Some buttons on the steering wheel are there just to toggle lane assist and parking sensors on and off and don't need to be on the steering wheel. Other than that, everything else is pretty standard. I definitely recommend the car over the Lexus CT200h if you're looking for a car with more room and can afford it. It's a nice upgrade from the higher end Prius models as well.
Bottom Line: This is a good car if you're looking for a reliable hybrid with a strong focus on transporting you from point A to point B.
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