If you’re after a comfortable, fuel-efficient midsize sedan that’s quiet and stylish, the Lexus ES has probably been on your radar. This hybrid sedan is popular among San Jose and Bay Area drivers who want smooth commuter rides that really deliver in the luxury department. For 2025, Lexus has improved the experience with the latest ES 300h. You may be wondering if you should choose the Luxury or Ultra Luxury trim for the ultimate premium experience. Let’s explore the similarities and differences between the two trims and consider which features are most important for your everyday life.
Quick Comparison Overview: Key Differences at a Glance
These two ES 300h versions differ mainly in terms of their interior quality, tech, and luxury touches, rather than how they drive:
- Pricing and value proposition: The Luxury trim starts at $50,005, while going Ultra Luxury bumps the price up to $53,725. That’s about $3,700 extra for elite materials, technology, and convenience upgrades.
- Standard vs premium equipment highlights: The Luxury trim has upscale essentials like quilted leather seats, premium wood accents, and a 14-way power driver’s seat. The Ultra Luxury trim builds on that with a kick-sensor power trunk, a rear sunshade, a head-up display, and exclusive 18-inch wheels, among other perks.
- Technology and convenience levels: With the Luxury trim, you’ll get an 8.0-inch touchscreen and wireless smartphone compatibility. However, if you add the Navigation package, the Ultra Luxury swaps in a 12.3-inch touchscreen with navigation and voice recognition.
2025 Lexus ES 300h Luxury Trim Deep Dive
The Luxury trim sets a good baseline and covers everything most luxury shoppers want. It’s a solid choice for Bay Area drivers who want everyday comfort and superb performance.
Performance and Hybrid Powertrain Specs
The ES 300h Luxury blends power and efficiency thanks to a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor. It produces 215 combined horsepower, which is ample for city driving, highway merging, and trips beyond the Bay Area. A CVT transmits power to the front wheels, resulting in EPA estimates of 43 mpg city and 44 mpg highway. This impressive fuel economy means fewer stops at the pump and more money in your pocket.
Interior Features and Technology
Inside, quilted leather seats look sharp and feel plush. The main screen is an 8.0-inch touchscreen with Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. You also get Amazon Alexa compatibility, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi hotspot, Scout GPS Link navigation, and a ten-speaker sound system. The driver’s seat has 14-way power adjustment so you can set it up just right. Wood accents and ambient lighting give it a warm, glamorous vibe at night, while three-zone climate control ensures everyone stays comfortable in the front and back.
Safety and Driver Assistance Features
The Luxury boasts Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, including forward collision warnings, auto emergency braking, lane tracing assist, radar cruise control, lane departure alerts, automatic high beams, and blind spot monitoring. This setup helps keep drivers calm in Bay Area traffic or on longer drives down I-5.
Exterior Design and Wheel Options
On the outside, clean lines and a well-proportioned body give the ES a sleek and modern look. LED headlights and taillights add style and improve visibility. Standard 18-inch alloy wheels are refined touches, and the car’s design leans classic—it’s not too flashy.
2025 Lexus ES 300h Ultra Luxury Trim Analysis
This trim builds on everything the Luxury trim already provides and adds more comfort, advanced tech, select features, and enhancements to the car’s exterior and interior:
Premium Performance Enhancements
The powertrain is the same as the Luxury trim, so speed and fuel savings don’t change. Extra soundproofing materials reduce road and wind noise. In fact, the cabin is nearly silent, even on rougher stretches of highway or in San Jose traffic.
Luxury Interior Upgrades and Materials
Inside, things get a little fancier. Perforated leather-trimmed seats feel softer and have better breathability, making longer trips easier. The steering wheel is wrapped in a mix of wood and leather, heats up on cold mornings, and has a memory setting so it always returns to your favorite position. There’s a power rear sunshade, too, which blocks out direct sunlight for backseat passengers. This is the one you want if you’re often driving clients or want a cozier ride during summer months.
Ultra Luxury also brings more flexibility with adjustable seats, including a power cushion extender for the driver, so long drives feel much less tiring.
Exclusive Technology and Infotainment
The technology upgrades are hard to miss. With the Navigation package (required for Ultra Luxury), the larger 12.3-inch touchscreen makes music, maps, and calls even easier to see at a glance. Voice commands are sharper and more natural, making hands-free tasks much smoother.
You also get a next-level Mark Levinson audio system with 17 speakers, which is better than most home setups. Drivers will appreciate the crisp head-up display that projects key info onto the windshield so you keep your focus on the road. There’s also a handy smart rearview mirror that automatically reduces headlight glare.
Ultra Luxury Exterior Distinctions
You’ll immediately spot special 18-inch alloy wheels with Vapor Chrome finish. This unique noise-reduction wheel design helps reduce road noise, creating a supremely quiet cabin. A hands-free power open/close trunk with a kick sensor is another standard convenience, making it easy to access the cargo area when your hands are full.
Which Trim Makes More Sense?
If you want Lexus panache and hybrid power at the lowest price, the Luxury trim has the features most buyers want. You’ll get a plush ride, real wood trim, Apple CarPlay, advanced safety tech, and those comfy seats. For most drivers in the Bay Area, this is enough.
The Ultra Luxury trim is perfect for anyone who spends a lot of time in their car and appreciates high-end extras. This is a stellar option if you care about the best sound, more comfort features, a quieter ride, and small conveniences that add up.
Test Drive the 2025 Lexus ES 300h Trims at Lexus of Stevens Creek
Experience the comfort and efficiency of both ES 300h trims at Lexus of Stevens Creek, your San Jose Lexus dealer. Our team knows what Bay Area drivers want and can help you explore competitive financing options for your budget. Whether you prefer core luxury value or maximum features and technology, we’ll help you make a smart choice. Call us to schedule a visit and see why the ES 300h is a smart buy for California drivers.
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