44 MPG combined is a great figure for a mid-size luxury sedan, and it’s exactly what the 2023 Lexus ES 300h gets. This isn’t a sports sedan for track days, or an SUV bragging about off-road capability. The ES 300h is about quiet, comfortable efficiency, favoring a smooth ride and a quiet cabin. It’s built for those who value reliability and fuel savings with understated luxury.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates are very consistent for the ES 300h, at 43 MPG in the city and 44 MPG on the highway. This close parity shows the effectiveness of the hybrid system across different driving. In cities, the electric motor ensures strong low-end torque, letting the gasoline engine stay off during stop-and-go traffic, for fuel savings. The smooth transitions between electric and gasoline power are nearly unnoticeable. The ES 300h maintains efficiency on the highway, benefiting from its aerodynamic design and well-tuned hybrid powertrain.

Annual fuel cost

According to the EPA, the estimated annual fuel cost for the 2023 Lexus ES 300h is $1,000. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. It’s a great sign of the long-term cost savings of a hybrid like the ES 300h, as fuel prices change. This is why many ES 300h buyers choose the hybrid over the standard gasoline model.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates are a good start, real-world fuel economy will change based on driving, traffic, and weather. Many ES 300h owners say they get fuel economy numbers that meet or exceed the EPA estimates with smart driving.

Hard acceleration and heavy braking will hurt fuel economy. Drivers who focus on smooth acceleration and consistent speeds can expect to see numbers in the low to mid 40s in combined driving.

How it compares

The Lexus ES 300h is exceptional in its class for fuel economy. The Acura TLX, in its base 2.0T configuration, gets only 25 MPG combined. The BMW 530e, a plug-in hybrid, has electric-only range, but its combined MPG is still lower than the ES 300h when running in hybrid mode. Other hybrids like the Toyota Camry Hybrid (52 MPG combined in the LE trim) require less luxury. The ES MPG across all years shows that Lexus has been focused on efficiency. For buyers prioritizing fuel economy without sacrificing a premium experience, the ES 300h offers fuel savings and luxury. See all all Lexus fuel economy data to put these figures in perspective.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Gentle acceleration helps fuel economy in the ES 300h. Avoid fast starts and try to watch traffic to keep a smooth pace. The electric motor is more efficient during low-speed acceleration, so let it do its job.

Use the “Eco” drive mode. This mode changes throttle response and climate control to favor fuel efficiency. It might reduce performance a little, but the change is small in normal driving and can improve MPG.

Tire inflation is important. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which hurts fuel economy. Check your tire pressure and inflate your tires to the recommended level, on the sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb. Low rolling resistance tires can also help.

Reduce weight in the vehicle. Extra cargo strains the engine and hurts fuel efficiency. Remove items you don’t need, like sporting equipment or tools, to lighten the load.

Plan your trips. Combining errands into one trip minimizes cold starts, which consume more fuel. Avoid peak traffic to reduce stop-and-go driving and have a smoother, more efficient pace.