2022 Lexus ES 300h F Sport delivers enthusiast highlights

The Lexus luxury midsize ES 300h hybrid sedan introduces a new F Sport trim for 2022. It brings the ES 300h trim-level selection up to four, and is slotted between the base and Luxury models in a lineup topped by the Ultra Luxury trim.

F Sport adds interior and exterior design elements pleasing to driving enthusiasts, such as bolstered front seats, aluminum pedals, unique shifter and knob, a sport steering wheel, and sport suspension. Its front bumper and grille are different from those of the other models.

The F Sport trim also comes standard with a collection of great features that are optional on the base model, including driver’s seat memory settings, wireless device charging, heated and ventilated front seats, power-folding outside mirrors, front and rear parking sensors, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel with heat.

Rounding out the ES 300h F Sport attributes are black-finish 19-inch alloy wheels, a power moonroof, NuLuxe high-quality perforated synthetic leather upholstery, navigation, and a tech-happy infotainment system with a 12.3-inch touchscreen and the considerate inclusion of a CD player.

About that touchscreen: Lexus for years has used a touchpad controller for its infotainment system. Very few kind words have been spoken about that touchpad by anyone except its inventors. Although the ES 300h still includes the touchpad, for 2022 Lexus has finally conceded and reinstated touch control to the screen. They’ve even gone one better by moving the screen closer to the driver, a boon to drivers who might otherwise have difficulty reaching the screen.

The Lexus ES distinguishes itself by delivering a transcendent level of serenity inside the cabin, like the automotive equivalent of a rocking cradle. Seats are extremely comfortable, outside noise is entirely cut off, and road roughness vaporizes. During my test week a pair of visiting relatives renown for their ability to sustain animated conversation indefinitely were lulled to sleep as passengers.

Seating capacity is for five passengers and stowage is handled by 13.9 cubic feet of trunk space. The back seats don’t have fold-down capability.

The ES 300h outshines other cars in the ES lineup with its fuel efficiency. The 215-horsepower hybrid system has an EPA rating of 43 mpg city, 44 mpg highway, and 44 mpg combined.

Pricing for the 2022 Lexus ES 300h F Sport starts at $46,525 including a $1,075 destination charge.

2022 LEXUS ES 300h F SPORT

Base price, including destination charge: $46,525

Price as driven: $46,525

Mary Lowry is a member of the Motor Press Guild and a member and past president of the Northwest Automotive Press Association. She lives in Snohomish County. Vehicles are provided by automotive manufacturers as a one-week loan for evaluation purposes only. Manufacturers do not control content of the reviews.