2026 Lexus ES 300h
The Lexus ES has always embodied smooth elegance and a comfortable ride. The 2026 ES 300h stays true to that legacy while ushering in subtle design refinements and a sharpened focus on hybrid performance.
Exterior
Lexus hasn’t radically redesigned the ES 300h for 2026, but you’ll notice a more sculpted aesthetic. The iconic spindle grille is still the focal point, but it’s slightly reshaped and flanked by slimmer, more angular headlights.
In profile, the roofline slopes more dramatically, creating a sportier presence. The rear boasts redesigned taillights with a continuous light bar for a modern feel.
Interior
Slip into the 2026 ES 300h’s cabin, and you’re greeted by the same meticulous craftsmanship and premium materials Lexus is known for.
Supple leather (or convincing leather alternatives) drapes the seats, while tasteful accents in wood or metallic finishes add visual warmth. The focus here is on understated comfort.
You’ll find generous legroom in both rows. The optional panoramic roof creates an incredible openness, especially for rear passengers.
Technology
The infotainment system in the 2026 ES 300h strikes a balance between cutting-edge and user-friendly.
The available extra-wide display is a visual treat, showcasing crisp graphics for navigation, media, and vehicle settings.
Thankfully, Lexus retains some physical controls for climate and essential audio functions, ensuring you don’t have to dive into menus for every adjustment.
The Heart of Efficiency
The star of the show remains the ES 300h’s hybrid powertrain. Updated for 2026, it delivers smoother transitions between gasoline and electric power and exceptional fuel economy.
Lexus has yet to release official figures, but we expect noticeable improvement over the previous model year.
You won’t be sacrificing performance for that efficiency. The ES 300h has enough zip to merge confidently onto highways and feels genuinely responsive around town.
Safety
As with all Lexus models, the 2026 ES 300h has an extensive suite of safety features. Collision mitigation systems, lane departure warnings, blind-spot monitoring, and more all work tirelessly in the background to keep you safe and alert on the road.
The 2026 Lexus ES 300h isn’t a car that screams for attention; instead, it confidently delivers on its promise of refined luxury.
The focus on efficient hybrid technology makes it a sensible choice for the eco-conscious driver without compromising the relaxing and comfortable ride Lexus has become renowned for.
Features:
- Hybrid Powertrain: Expect a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine coupled with an electric motor. Combined output is likely around 220 horsepower, with a focus on smooth power delivery and fuel efficiency exceeding 40 mpg (city).
- CVT Transmission: Continuously Variable Transmissions are typical of hybrids, promoting efficiency.
- Luxurious Interior: NuLuxe (synthetic leather) or genuine leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, wood or metallic accents.
- Lexus Safety System+: Collision warning, lane departure alert, intelligent high beams, adaptive cruise control, and other advanced features.
- Infotainment: Large central touchscreen (12.3 inches likely), Apple CarPlay/ Android Auto integration, premium audio.
- LED Lighting: Headlights, taillights, and interior accent lighting.
- 17- or 18-inch Alloy Wheels: Expect several design options.
Optional Features:
- Mark Levinson Premium Sound System: Audiophile quality with multiple speakers and surround sound.
- Navigation Package: Integrated navigation on the display, possibly with voice command enhancements.
- Panoramic Sunroof: Vast glass roof opening for airiness and sense of space
- Driver Assistance: Head-up display, parking assist (automated or enhanced 360-degree view), traffic sign recognition.
- Interior Upgrades: Full leather seating, unique trim materials.
Possible “Surprise” Features:
- Augmented Reality Displays: Windshield projections for directions, speed, etc.
- Enhanced Self-Driving: Features that nudge closer to Level 3+ autonomy in specific situations (like controlled highway driving)
- Biometric Recognition: Facial or fingerprint recognition for car personalization and security.
Release Date
Lexus typically does a significant redesign of the ES every 6-7 years. Assuming the previous generation had a significant overhaul in 2024/2025, the 2026 model is likely an update with minor tweaks rather than a completely new design. This means a release sometime in late 2025 or early to mid-2026 is a safe bet.
Price
Expect the starting MSRP slightly higher than the 2025 model year to reflect inflation and updates. Here’s a guesstimate based on past models:
- 2026 Lexus ES 300h Base Price: Around $44,000 – $46,000 (USD)
- Well-Equipped/Hybrid Luxury Package: Easily push the price upwards of $50,000
