lwei

Hello everybody, I'm a new Lexus owner and bought a new 2013 ES300h a month ago. I've noticing that when I start the car everyday, it shakes a little bit (along the body direction) when the engine suddenly starts. You could hear the engine sound clearly as well. I wonder if it is something that I need to worry about. A quick google search did not return me much useful information and I hope somebody with the knowledge could provide some insight. Any help would be much appreciated! Thank you.

SW17LS

Nope, sounds normal...

Lexusxoxo

That's what mine does too. The 300h is so different than the ES350.

Arty101

On the 300h, the transition between the gas engine and the electric motor isn't the smoothest. You can feel the engine kick in at idle, but less so when moving. Otherwise, what you're describing sounds normal.

lwei

Thank you everybody for the comments! These are really helpful. I've long heard people saying Toyota (Leuxs) offers the smoothest hybrid implementation among all manufacturers, but the engine kick-in action still surprises me somehow. Maybe it's just me driving the first hybrid and still need to get used to it. :-) But your comments addressed my concern.

SW17LS

They do offer the smoothest implementation, but you're still going to feel when the ICE kicks in. Its more noticeable when stopped then when at speed.

You get used to it.

Arty101

Agreed. You'll soon forget about it.

Lexuslou

It feels weird when you warm up the car in a garage as it really amplifies the sound but once you start driving it ceases to be a concern.

Fly4u

IMHO The Ford Fusion (Gen 1) has a smoother integration of the ICE and electric drive, but stop by the dealership if you believe the harshness is excessive.

kennyyhhsu

Thank you everyone.
I just got my 2014 ES300h last week. I experienced the same things in the garage and on the road.
This is my first Lexus and hybrid car. I was wondering there are something wrong in my brand new car.

Now I feel much better.

-Kenny