Hybrid 300h vs V6 ES350? (Merged threads)
12-21-22 | 02:08 PM
#241
2nd gear
Joined: Dec 2022
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: CA
12-21-22 | 02:47 PM
#242
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 269
Likes: 123
From: CA
I purchased last August and now have about 1,400 miles on it. Averaging about 44.
Ride and acceleration are excellent. I don’t think I would want to go back to a regular transmission.
I bought when the market was interesting. The dealers had markups on them but since we’ve been customers since 2007 I didn’t have to pay the markup and paid window sticker.
I did add several items, window tint, PPF and we always purchase the Lexus extended warranty.
They were fair with my trade-in. Hate selling privately.
Ride and acceleration are excellent. I don’t think I would want to go back to a regular transmission.
I bought when the market was interesting. The dealers had markups on them but since we’ve been customers since 2007 I didn’t have to pay the markup and paid window sticker.
I did add several items, window tint, PPF and we always purchase the Lexus extended warranty.
They were fair with my trade-in. Hate selling privately.
01-29-23 | 08:02 PM
#244
1st Gear
Joined: Jan 2023
Posts: 1
Likes: 3
From: texas
2013 es 300h here
I hated the transmission of the ES 350 so much that I traded it in 3 weeks later for a ES 300h, taking a ~$7k hit in the process, and so far I do not regret it.
As has been mentioned already, the best thing to do is to test drive them both and decide for yourself. Just don't make the mistake I did and assume any jerkiness you may encounter with the transmission in the ES 350 will mellow out as the computers "learn".
If you don't care about exciting sporty style driving, and you don't plan on keeping the car more than 8 years or 100,000 miles, I would say the hybrid is easily the best choice. I only mention 8 yrs/100k miles because that's when the hybrid system goes out of warranty. The hybrid battery is covered for another 2 years or 150,000 miles. Not saying you should definitely avoid the ES 300h if you plan on keepin itg past the hybrid system warranty, but it's just something to pause and consider due to the high cost of repairs or replacement if something goes wrong with the hybrid components.
As has been mentioned already, the best thing to do is to test drive them both and decide for yourself. Just don't make the mistake I did and assume any jerkiness you may encounter with the transmission in the ES 350 will mellow out as the computers "learn".
If you don't care about exciting sporty style driving, and you don't plan on keeping the car more than 8 years or 100,000 miles, I would say the hybrid is easily the best choice. I only mention 8 yrs/100k miles because that's when the hybrid system goes out of warranty. The hybrid battery is covered for another 2 years or 150,000 miles. Not saying you should definitely avoid the ES 300h if you plan on keepin itg past the hybrid system warranty, but it's just something to pause and consider due to the high cost of repairs or replacement if something goes wrong with the hybrid components.
I made an appointment with the dealership and spoke to a couple of the Lexus engineers and mechanics and they simply told me that the hybrid engines are bulletproof. There have been some hybrids that have come in with 300k miles on them with the same battery still in it.
so as far as longevity, I would not worry at all about it. I love my hybrid and plan to add another one soon and rent this one out to friends and family that need a car. I’ll definitely keep it to pass on and continue maintaining it
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12-31-23 | 10:42 AM
#247
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2023
Posts: 909
Likes: 409
From: TX
Drive both definitely before you decide. Wife and I have a 23 ES300h and a 23 IS350 FS both are great powertrains. It’s our second hybrid.
The V6 IMO is too much power for front wheel drive without a limited slip differential but if you don’t drive very aggressively it won’t be much of a problem.
Arlind town the hybrid accelerates better than you might think. The V6 sounds great and is pretty powerful. Both are really smooth. The hybrid is more quiet generally.
Internet car forums being what they are, you’ll probably hear a lot of arguments from owners explaining why they one they own is the best. This has been the case since I first joined one 25 years ago when I got an Acura 3.2TL.
The V6 IMO is too much power for front wheel drive without a limited slip differential but if you don’t drive very aggressively it won’t be much of a problem.
Arlind town the hybrid accelerates better than you might think. The V6 sounds great and is pretty powerful. Both are really smooth. The hybrid is more quiet generally.
Internet car forums being what they are, you’ll probably hear a lot of arguments from owners explaining why they one they own is the best. This has been the case since I first joined one 25 years ago when I got an Acura 3.2TL.
01-01-24 | 06:58 AM
#249
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Dec 2021
Posts: 15
Likes: 1
From: WI
2019 ES300h
Hello,
I have 2007 ES 350 which has been great. I am looking for a replacement and would like to see if 350 or 300h would work best for me. I am looking for a comfortable ride without distractions.
I have not driven 300h and wonder if it will be better because CVT should be smoother when shifting plus looks like Lexus put extra soundproofing in 300, probably to compensate for higher pitch of 4 cylinder engine. One review mentioned that you can hear your rear passengers and car audio better due to this. We do drive cross country often so better fuel economy would help.
On the other hand my V6 drowns outside noise in more pleasant lower pitch hum and does not get obnoxiously loud when accelerating or going up the hill as I heard in cheaper rentals cars.
I understand that driving both back to back should help but I probably will need more than short drive at the dealership to really appreciate the difference.
I have 2007 ES 350 which has been great. I am looking for a replacement and would like to see if 350 or 300h would work best for me. I am looking for a comfortable ride without distractions.
I have not driven 300h and wonder if it will be better because CVT should be smoother when shifting plus looks like Lexus put extra soundproofing in 300, probably to compensate for higher pitch of 4 cylinder engine. One review mentioned that you can hear your rear passengers and car audio better due to this. We do drive cross country often so better fuel economy would help.
On the other hand my V6 drowns outside noise in more pleasant lower pitch hum and does not get obnoxiously loud when accelerating or going up the hill as I heard in cheaper rentals cars.
I understand that driving both back to back should help but I probably will need more than short drive at the dealership to really appreciate the difference.
01-01-24 | 11:53 AM
#251
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 8,203
Likes: 2,574
From: NJ
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Ekul61 (01-01-24)
01-01-24 | 12:12 PM
#252
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2023
Posts: 909
Likes: 409
From: TX
I got a 300h mostly because I like the smooth and quiet powertrain. The savings are merely a bonus and I do drive about 15k miles a year. But if expenses were the primary concern I would be driving a 3cyl econobox or a Prius.
01-01-24 | 05:59 PM
#253
Pit Crew
Joined: Sep 2021
Posts: 150
Likes: 11
From: Oh
Buying a large Lexus even a hybrid one is probably the wrong move if you couldn’t afford 19mpg per gallon at $5 a gallon.
I got a 300h mostly because I like the smooth and quiet powertrain. The savings are merely a bonus and I do drive about 15k miles a year. But if expenses were the primary concern I would be driving a 3cyl econobox or a Prius.
I got a 300h mostly because I like the smooth and quiet powertrain. The savings are merely a bonus and I do drive about 15k miles a year. But if expenses were the primary concern I would be driving a 3cyl econobox or a Prius.
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LexTess (01-01-24)
01-01-24 | 08:36 PM
#254
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 883
Likes: 486
From: CA
Buying a large Lexus even a hybrid one is probably the wrong move if you couldn’t afford 19mpg per gallon at $5 a gallon.
I got a 300h mostly because I like the smooth and quiet powertrain. The savings are merely a bonus and I do drive about 15k miles a year. But if expenses were the primary concern I would be driving a 3cyl econobox or a Prius.
I got a 300h mostly because I like the smooth and quiet powertrain. The savings are merely a bonus and I do drive about 15k miles a year. But if expenses were the primary concern I would be driving a 3cyl econobox or a Prius.
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ATL350 (01-02-24)
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