LS500Fan

I traded my Model S in for a Lexus. They are two different vehicles for sure LOL - Tesla poor quality is not for me but 0-60 was a hoot. I heard the Y has a bumpy ride.

radiologym

Yeah, don’t get me started on Tesla quality…

Lexus is a different company and driving philosophy altogether. I want my car to feel like it is floating without touching the road. Just relax in it after a long day.

LexFinally

The hybrid does have some extra sound insulation at the firewall. The sound of the engine (when it's in use) is reportedly still not quite as pleasing as the V6, but it's far from loud or objectionable. And as pointed out elsewhere in this thread, in the hybrid it's not always running. (No vested interest here; I have the V6.)

mikemu30

Let's have some fun - all of the hybrid owners jump in and recommend the V6. Conversely all V6 owners tell the OP how awful it is and recommend the hybrid

dezymond

The ES V6 in an impressive vehicle. Quiet, comfy, good power, and reliable. The engine is tried and true and I'm sure the transmission is the same as well. The only drawback I see to the V6 is the fuel consumption.

E46CT

I already made the noise & vibration argument ages ago when this topic comes up. So I'll leave those be.

I always saw the ES300h (7th gen) as the absolute best car in the world due to its powertrain. And I came to that conclusion BEFORE I got one, not after. What I wanted: A large car that can get you real world 40+ mpg. Where else does that exist? And the cherry on top is its near zero maintenance other than oil changes. NO belts. No pulleys. NO transmission. Virtually lifetime brakes. There's a lot of stuff you'll never have to touch vs a traditional V6.

Toyota is working to standardize hybrids before ultimately switching to full EV.

ES350 owners enjoy what you've got. But as a new buyer such as op, if your argument for a V6 is luxury, power & refinement in engine & transmission, there's better choices out there.

ESh

Sometimes the ICE is running but I can't hear it.

The only thing I hate is the fact that most of the time I feel the ICE kick in.
Yesterday I drove the RX450h 2010, you can't feel the gas engine at all.

E46CT

I think that 450h uses a V6 which is inherently smoother than an I4. Of course that car gets MPGs in the 20s so you have to compromise somewhere. As long as you're gentle with the throttle, the 300h is seamless -- rolls on buttery smooth. it's when you hammer the throttle the transition is felt. But if you've ever drove the 3rd gen prius (the prior gen hybrid) it's way rougher at all times.

E46CT

Also pro tip: if you want the 300h powertrain to be always-on, just knock the shifter into manual-auto mode. You'll have instant full response from the stop light! ICE never shuts off.

I used this trick in my CT200h when I knew I was going to be "gunning" the accelerator on and off and didn't want to stress the system. such as when driving through a canyon.

radiologym

great idea! What is the price difference between loaded 300h and v6? I paid sticker for NX hybrid in May and can wait for 2023 model.

glamglam

E46CT,
Better choices like what? Is the V6 a bad choice? I’d like to hear your input on what other vehicles you believe that have the V6 are better choices than the ES350.

rooseveltd

Definitely get the hybrid, especially with the way gas prices are now, I have an ES250 AWD and I love it, I drive over 20k miles a year commuting to Boston and the 28.7 combined MPG I am averaging is not terrible but makes me wish I had the Hybrid instead. I had to get the AWD because I drive through snow in the winter and I don't want t6o have top buy and store snow tires. If they ever come out with an ES hybrid with AWD I am buying it on the spot. The ES300h drives great, is very reliable, possibly quieter and the ES350 and will be amazing when it comes to saving you fuel expenses every month. I pay about $64 a week just for gas.

E46CT

The hybrid does have extra insulation at the firewall which helps as well as the engine being off up to 75mph. also ES300h has 0.26cd drag vs 0.29 of the ES350. less drag=less noise.

My last fill up was $71. but that's california.

UTChE96

Depends on how much you drive and your personal driving preferences. I loved how the V6 felt and only drive 6k miles a year.

dezymond

Interesting, I didn't know there was a difference in drag between the two, since they're the same body with no noticeable differences, other than the rear bumper.

CA gas prices, I feel ya. Definitely feels much better to fill this up than my V6 previously every 4 days (and on Premium gas). Longest stretch I've gone between fill-ups with my 300h is 11 days even though I didn't drive much at all on some of those days. Right now I'm at 7 days with little more than half a tank and 275mi on the range left (I think I did 250mi on it so far).