This used hybrid delivers smooth luxury and massive fuel savings

Finding a vehicle that blends luxury refinement with real-world efficiency can feel like a balancing act, but one used hybrid has quietly mastered both. For buyers who want the comfort and sophistication typically associated with premium sedans, and significant savings at the pump, this Toyota-based luxury hybrid delivers in a way few others do. With its smooth, composed ride and efficient powertrain, it proves that upscale comfort and fuel economy don’t have to be mutually exclusive.

What makes this hybrid especially appealing is how naturally it combines refinement with everyday usability. Its cabin offers high-quality materials, thoughtful ergonomics, and a serene driving experience that rivals far more expensive luxury cars. At the same time, its electrified powertrain consistently returns impressive mileage, reducing your fuel costs without sacrificing composure or power. That balance makes it especially compelling for daily commuters and long-distance drivers alike.

If you’re looking for a used sedan that feels premium every time you slide into the driver’s seat, while also delivering large fuel-savings numbers, this hybrid proves that luxury and efficiency can coexist beautifully. It’s one of the smarter value buys on the used market today.

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A three-year-old Lexus ES 300h is a bargain, upfront and in the long run

Affordable to buy and to own

If you’re looking for an affordable luxury car, then chances are that you’ve already started looking at Lexus. Generally, they undercut their rivals by a couple thousand dollars, which is not a small margin. If you’re looking to save yourself even more money, then the used market is the place to go. Even simply getting a three-year-old ES 300h means you’ll save tons compared to buying one brand new.

2023 Lexus ES 300h average used price

Three years ago, if you were to buy yourself a 2023 Lexus ES 300h, prices would start at around $44,490, going up to $52,280 for the most expensive trim level. This means that you’re saving pretty close to $10,000 on average by going with a slightly used model. A base 300h is currently going for pretty close to a new mid-trim Toyota Camry, despite offering much more luxury.

While all trims have depreciated to a point where they are excellent deals, we think that it is really hard to pass up the Ultra Luxury model. It best keeps with the core mission of the ES, with tons of incredibly plush equipment. It comes fitted with quilted semi-aniline leather upholstery, a wood and leather steering wheel, a hands-free trunk lid, and 18-inch wheels, among other things. We’d look for a model equipped with the navigation package too, which nets you a ton of tech upgrades.

Maintenance, warranties, and reliability

• Limited warranty: Four years or 50,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty: Six years or 70,000 miles
• Average ten-year maintenance costs: $5,925 (CarEdge)
• Reliability score: 85/100 (J.D. Power)

When buying a used car, reliability is a major factor. Lexus is considered to be one of the most reliable auto brands on the market, and the ES in particular scores highly across a number of model years, including the 2023 model. Even if you’re not totally convinced, the used model that you pick up should still come with a balance of both the powertrain and limited warranties.

The reality of car ownership is that you’re going to have to fork out money to keep it in good running condition. Another major benefit of opting for a Lexus is that their maintenance costs are generally low. According to CarEdge, the long-term maintenance costs of a Lexus ES are more comparable to a mainstream sedan than a luxury one.

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Lexus’ ES hybrid is one of the most efficient luxury cars on the road

Silky smooth and light on fuel

Credit: Lexus

While there are definitely mid-sized luxury sedans out there that are likely to offer better thrills, there are few that will save you as much on gas as the ES 300h will. Lexus leans fully into the luxury experience here, rather than trying to balance it with performance, resulting in one of the most comfortable sedans in its class.

2023 Lexus ES 300h performance

Compared to most of its rivals in the mid-size luxury sedan segment, the ES 300h is a little under-powered. Under the hood sits a humble naturally aspirated four-pot which pairs with two electric motors. All power is sent to the front wheels, with all-wheel drive not offered as an option. Every model comes fitted with a continuously variable transmission.

The ES isn’t the fastest sedan out there, with it falling behind just about every other luxury midsize sedan. However, it has enough pep to get you from A to B without any complaints. As we mentioned, Lexus was more concerned with comfort when designing the ES rather than athleticism. While this means it won’t excite you, it will coddle you with one of the plushest rides that you’ve ever experienced.

Fuel economy

It isn’t the quickest, but the ES is easily one of the most efficient. We love that it delivers pretty consistent fuel economy figures whether you’re doing city or highway driving. With a 15.9 gallon tank, you can expect to travel around 700 miles on a full tank. The EPA estimates that you’ll save around $3,000 on fuel over five years compared to the average new car.

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An upscale, modern cabin awaits in the 2023 Lexus ES 300h

Fine materials and tons of modern technology

Credit: Lexus

While some rivals might be able to pull ahead of Lexus in specific categories, the ES easily keeps up when it comes to interior comfort and luxury. The brand delivers an elegant and contemporary cockpit that makes use of fantastic soft-touch materials. The 2023 model year was also subject to some tech upgrades, with better usability making it a more well-rounded luxury car.

2023 Lexus ES 300h interior comfort

The ES is a pretty spacious sedan. Up front, you have a ton of room to stretch your legs out. Passengers relegated to the back seat won’t find much to complain about either. Headroom is on the shorter side, though, so that is something to be aware of. Cargo capacity may not be cavernous, but it is in line with what is offered in most similarly classed sedans. One thing to note, though, is that the rear seats on the ES do not fold down.

The interior design in Lexus’ midsize sedan is calm yet stylistic. We’re also incredibly impressed with just how hushed everything feels. Even the most basic model comes equipped with some pretty great features, but top trims feel exceptionally plush.

Infotainment and technology

The ES does not disappoint when it comes to modern tech. Standard in most models is an eight-inch infotainment screen mounted to the center of the dashboard. A larger 12.3-inch screen is optional if you get a model with the Navigation Package. For 2023, every model comes standard with wireless capability for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Every model comes with a pretty decent ten-speaker premium sound system that will more than satisfy most buyers. Other standard features include Amazon Alexa capability, a Wi-FI hotpsot, and built-in GPS.