I Traded In My Lexus GS350 V-6 For An ES300h With $20,000 Worth Of Optional Equipment. I Never Expected To Like The Hybrid So Much

Lexus is restructuring its lineup and this has led to a few models being axed. I recently spoke about the Lexus UX being discontinued, and how its replacement, the Lexus LBX has been trademarked in the US. The Lexus RC-F will go out with a bang, in November 2025, with a special edition, and it has been a whole five years since the Lexus GX was discontinued, in 2020).  

This begs the question, what are GS owners going for after their rear-wheel-drive sedan? One Reddit member, who was lucky enough to own a GS, recently made a switch to another Lexus model. The Reddit story is, actually, from a member who currently lives in Japan, but it is relevant to anyone wondering whether or not they should make the switch to a Lexus ES hybrid. 

“JDM. Traded my GS350 V-6 for an ES300h F Sport. With extra $20,000 worth of Options. TRD Body Kit (Front, Sides & Rears) with four Exhausts, TRD suspension, TRD side mirrors & 19 Inch wheels. Didn't go for the brake calipers, will add those at later date.” 

The Lexus owner made some additional comments regarding his choice of vehicle. 

“Follow up from my previous post. I was actually very sad to let my GS 350 go. It was in pristine condition. I doubt a hybrid would win me over but I was so wrong. 

Got it yesterday and it drives better than I expected. It feels like an E - Class but so much better because of the Adaptive Variable Suspension (wifey drives a 2023 Mercedes E- class). I thought it would be hard like the GS because of the F Sports trim, but I have five options. Eco, Normal, Customs, Sports & Sports+. It glides effortlessly and smooth even on bumps. 

Being in Japan, automatically, is a JDM Lexus. 

There's no fake exhaust noise in this model, the exhausts are amazing, deep bass sound. 

It looks fast, but it's a hybrid. So yeah, bought it to save money on gas. Previously I was spending around ¥46,000/ month around $ 325.” 

The ES300h proves why Toyota's focus on hybrids is a winning formula 

The switch from a more performance-oriented luxury sedan to a comfortable commuter focused on fuel economy paints a scary picture.

As an enthusiast, I love a well-sorted, rear-wheel-drive luxury sedan with a sporty disposition. When still in production, many reviewers, myself included, revered the Lexus GS (in F form), as a modern-day BMW M5 E39. That's high praise. However, even I can understand the reasoning behind this switch in “genre”.  

Toyota is one of the car companies that best adapted to the increased demand for hybrids. Hybrid vehicle sales have increased 44 percent year-over-year, and Toyota currently has a hybrid variant of almost all its models. While Toyota also partnered up with ExxonMobil to make internal combustion engines carbon-neutral, hybrids are still combining the best of ICE and EV.  

In the case of this owner, the priorities are on fuel economy and comfort, and the Lexus ES300h delivers on both fronts effortlessly. With 44 combined MPG (EPA), the hybrid Lexus ES is twice as fuel-efficient as the GS350 – 22 MPG combined (EPA). In theory, this should translate into $162.50 for gas, per month, versus the $325 the owner used to spend on fuel with the GS350.  

FuelEconomy.gov shows even better figures. The website's numbers are based on a 15,000-mile yearly driving and projected gasoline prices. With those parameters in mind, you are looking at a $2,600 annual cost for fuel, with the 2020 Lexus GS350, versus $1,060 for the 2025 Lexus ES300h. The GS350 can also drive 400 miles (combined) on a single tank while the ES300h can drive 581 miles before you empty the tank. 

The Lexus ES is no GS, but it is a better daily driver because of it, despite minor irritations 

The Lexus ES shares a platform with the Toyota Camry, but it is much more comfortable and luxurious. The ES is also more spacious than the GS thanks to being front-wheel drive. The Lexus ES300h's ride quality is even smoother than that of the GS350. even in F Sport trim, which features sportier suspension. 

In terms of cargo space, the ES300h falls short with its 13.9 cubic feet versus the GS350's 18.4 cubic feet. Neither of these Japanese sedans comes with folding rear seats. The owner's remark regarding the artificial sound, actually, refers to the GS350's intake sound generator, which pumps actual engine sounds inside the cabin, not an artificially-played one like some BMWs.  

There is one inherent weakness to the ES that hinders maneuverability, especially compared to the rear-wheel-drive Lexus GS350. 

Allgoochinthecooch asks: “Did you have a RWD GS? Do you miss that drivetrain? I just switched to a Mazda 3 hatch from a GS and I miss the RWD” 

ALPHAETHEREUM (the thread starter) replied: “I thought I would miss RWD but the ES FWD somehow very comfortable. 

The big negative though is the turning radius. Awful. When I exit my driveway, I need to do a sharp U turn, with the GS no issue but with the ES I now need to reverse again before making that full U turn." 

Aside for the front-wheel-drive model's inherent, wider turning radius compared to rear-wheel-drive platforms, the ES300h also lacks the pickup of the GS350, as it needs 8.1 seconds for the 0 to 60 mph sprint versus the GS350's 5.8 seconds. The owner clearly values fuel economy and comfort over performance since there is also an ES350 available, with the same V-6 as the GS350. As of 2026, however, the Lexus ES will no longer be available with a V-6, as Toyota's new 2.0-liter turbo-four engine will replace it. 

The ES300h cannot drive on electricity alone, but regenerative braking means you will rarely need to change the brake pads and rotors.

The Lexus GS350 and ES300h are two completely different philosophies for a luxury sedan. With gas prices being higher than before and hybrid models being a lot more popular, it seems plenty of car buyers are willing to sacrifice performance for fuel economy. Would you have made this switch? Let us know in the comment section below. 

Dimitar Angelov's automotive interests made him an expert in a wide variety of vehicles. Japanese brands like Toyota are closest to his heart, although performance cars in general are his favorite segment, which is why he is constantly on the lookout for the best deals on the market. Dimitar Angelov's car passion and knack for the written word led him to complete a Master of Arts in Media and Communications, and classic car restoration. Dim is happy to get behind the wheel of any car and share his impressions. You can follow Dimitar on X, Linked-in, Instagram, and Facebook.

Image source: 2020 Lexus GS, 2025 Lexus ES