2017 Lexus ES 300h

Lexus is a big proponent of hybrid technology, offering battery-electric power on most of its car lines. Perhaps the most natural candidate for a hybrid powertrain is its mid-sized ES sedan, which is known for its cushy ride, pampering cabin, and premium amenities. Add this to fuel economy that beats many compact cars, and the ES 300h is a package that's hard for customers to ignore.

The closest competitor to the ES 300h is the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid, which offers similar power and similar amenities, in a similarly sized package. Other brands also offer hybrid models, including the Infiniti Q50 and BMW 3 Series, but the former puts greater emphasis on power, and the latter is a pricier plug-in model that can be driven further on electric power.

For 2017, all versions of the ES 300h gain rain-sensing wipers, reverse camera, and the Lexus Safety System+ as standard. The latter includes radar-based cruise control with emergency autonomous braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, as well as automatic high beams. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert cost extra, though. The ES was just updated last year with freshened styling inside and out.

The ES 300h features a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine paired to an electric motor which develops 200 hp, combined. This combo is paired to a traditional CVT and is the same basic setup that powers the Toyota Camry Hybrid, Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, and the Lexus NX Hybrid. The ES's hybrid system allows the vehicle to be driven for short bursts using electricity; a button on the console allows drivers to operate the vehicle as an electric vehicle for nearly a kilometer, provided the battery has sufficient charge. While the ES Hybrid has stretch-out legroom, its battery pack diminishes trunk space; an average compact car can carry more.

ES 300h trim lines include the standard model, the Touring Package, and the Executive Package.

The standard ES Hybrid is well equipped with heated and ventilated NuLuxe synthetic leather seats with 10-way power adjustments for driver and passenger, an 8.0-inch infotainment screen with a trackpad-style controller, 17-inch alloy wheels, moonroof, rear spoiler, and hybrid-specific blue-tinted badges.

The Touring package adds navigation, in-dash DVD player, power rear sunscreen, LED headlights, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, plus a heated and wood-accented steering wheel, power tilt and telescoping steering column, driver memory, leather upholstery, and woodgrain trim.

The Executive package adds a 15-speaker Mark Levinson sound system, rear window roller blinds, power-operated trunk, LED ambient interior lighting, premium leather upholstery, power under-thigh support adjustment and a passenger-side memory seat.

Pricing for the ES 300h starts at $46,200.