TCASMER

I have never owned a hybrid vehicle and have just purchased a 2019 ES 300h UL, and am asking if there are any suggestions as to maintenance that needs particular attention.
Thanks in advance.

TBarrow

Just stick to manufactures recommended. I came from a Toyota Avalon 2017 with 70k miles and did the same with zero issues. I just purchased mine on July 3rd of this year and really enjoy it.

TechNut

Nothing special to do - just the normal routine stuff that you would perform on any other car driven by an internal combustion engine. This is our third Lexus hybrid following two Toyota hybrids and I have just treated them like any other car. I have been hearing there is a filter on the fan that cools the battery that may need to be cleaned at some point, but I have never owned one long enough to require that cleaning so nothing to worry about for a long time.

Enjoy the car and the benefits of that hybrid drivetrain. My dash gauge is reading just over 47mpg right now with mostly city driving (note: gauge tends to run about 1.5 to 2 mpg high compared to hand calculated).

TCASMER

Thanks for your input. It is good to hear that there is not any quirks to keep in mind.

I have been experiencing 42 to 46 mpg on two 400 mile trips. One of my concerns was the stated horsepower is only 215, combined electric and gas, but it has plenty of power for long grades on the highway, in my opinion.

bootman

The hybrid actually has more usable torque early in the revs vs the V6 so it still has plenty of usable power available.
No issues here with acceleration in real world (non track) driving.

mcomer

Welcome to the hybrid world! A key behavior to get the best from the
technology is to use the brake very lightly whenever possible. You will
then be generating electricity not heat and brake dust. Anticipate stops
and apply very light braking a bit earlier than conventionally. Be conscious
of surrounding traffic so not be become a "mobile chicane". The Power
Meter that replaces the Tachometer (except in Sport Driving Mode) deserves
an occasional glance as you learn how much throttle and brake to use.

ionian

I too recently joined the hybrid family. I just bought a very low miles 2019 ES300H. My first Lexus after years with the Germans.

mcomer

Conventional Lexus/Toyota cars are more reliable than many of the German designs anyway
and then add (subtract really!) all the parts that your Hybrid does not have...
Lexus/Toyota Hybrids do not have an Alternator or a Starter Motor. Both functions are
handled by Motor Generator 1 (MG1) which is attached to the Internal Combustion (IC) motor.
Powered by the 288v DC Traction Battery it starts the IC when needed and generates power
for recharging when needed.

ES, NX, UX, CT and equivalent Toyotas do not have accessory belts or pulleys. Power Steering
Water and Air Conditioning Compressor pumps are electrically driven by the Traction Battery at
exactly the speed required. Historically driven at engine speed by the belt(s) those pumps were
always at the wrong speed! Need to cool a hot car while maneuvering around a parking lot?
IC motor is idling while recently started and cold while pump demand is sky high... At highway speed
the motor is running fast and the power steering pump is virtually unneeded but yet is churning away...

wasjr

Our first hybrid was my wife's 13 300h that we bought in December 2012. Purchased mainly for gas mileage and use of regular gas as gas prices in 2012 were $3.50+/gallon. My concern was electric motor battery replacement, but had some assurance with the 8 yr/100k battery warranty. The next spring I was in NYC and noted the huge number of Camry hybrids in the taxi fleet, with the same electric motor and gas engine as the 300h. This gave me more comfort with reliability. We've been very satisfied and last year bought her the 19 300h.

mcomer

3The generational change from the 2013 to 2019 raised the MPG rating to 43 city from 40
and the Hybrid Battery warrantee from the 8 yr/100k miles to 10 yr./150K miles!