I’m hoping to hear opinions and recommendations from people who know more about the ES models than I do. I drive around 1,200 miles per week. 95% of the miles are interstate, which includes some mountains. I currently drive a 2021 Prius which was recently rear-ended. I’ve been very impressed with Toyota’s hybrid system and the quality of the Prius. I have always liked the ES and I’m considering buying one. I drove a new 2024 Prius and like it, but I kind of like the feel of a bigger, smoother, quieter car. I am 52 so maybe my tastes are changing. I’v recently been driving my mother’s 2015 Avalon Limited that just rolled to 28,000 miles. I believe it has the 3.5L V6. I really enjoy the quiet smooth ride of her car. I test drove an ES 300H and found it to be very smooth and quiet. Given the amount of miles I drive, and the fact there is snow in the mountains of NC, VA and WV during winter months, should I consider the ES 350, ES 250 AWD or focus on the ES 300h?

 

Any of those cars with the right snow tires will be comfortable in the snow and that many miles per week. If I were in your shoes and knowing I drive that many miles a week, comfort and mpg would be my top priority. Heck, I drive probably about 300-350 miles per week and those two things were my top priority, which is why I went with the ES300h. 26.5k miles later, 0 regret.

My commute consists of a bit of change of elevation and the 300h has more than enough power. I suppose my only concern would be the significant hit in mpg during the winters months, which I'm sure you noticed in your Prius. Coming from a V6, I certainly do not miss filling up twice a week on premium fuel.

I wouldn't consider the V6 because if I would, well I wouldn't have picked up a 300h almost 2 years ago. The 250 doesn't make much sense to me at all other than the added benefit of AWD.

 

Thanks, Dezymond. The 300h I drove felt like it had plenty of power. Honestly, I’ve never really pushed the Prius and I’ve never felt like it didn’t have enough power. I’m a fairly conservative driver but usually go 8-10 mph over the speed limit on the interstate.

 

I agree with dezymond. With the right tires, any of these models will serve you well. The biggest challenge can be snow depth as these vehicles are pretty low to the ground, but they definitely have more ground clearance than the Prius.

We also purchased an ES after ten years with two different Prius generations. The Prius is a great car for what it is, a city commuter. Perhaps the new Gen has made improvements - it is certainly a better looking car, but we grew weary of the rough ride and the noise levels at highway speeds. Toyota doesn’t invest a great deal of sound deadening in the Prius as it adds weight, but the ES does a great job in this respect. The Prius always got better fuel economy in town, but the ES hybrid will actually get slightly better mileage on the highway. Many of us on this discussion forum have observed mileage in the upper 40s on the highway - that is very near Prius territory but in a much smoother and quieter vehicle. My wife still occasionally comments about how much easier the Prius was to drive in congested city traffic and navigating into tight parking spaces, but I don’t think she’s ready to trade the ES in for the new Prius.

 

My bet is that you'd be pretty dang happy in a 300h. Significant upgrade over the Prius.

I have the F sport and find the seats to be far comfier compared to the other trim levels. Fits my body type and longer limbs better. I feel I am sitting IN the seat and not ON the seat like I did in the other trims. Almost like sitting in a chair compared to sitting on a bench, if that comparison makes sense.

 

This is my first winter with ES300h. About a month ago we had a decent amount of smow fall in a 24hr period. There was at least 8-10 inches on the ground and maybe more. I have reasonably good snow tires and the Es300h just blasted thorughwith hardly a hiccup. My brothers Toyota 86 on the other hand got stuck every few hundred feet. I have hte UL option so super comfy and quiet, just the way I like it. Had a GS400 before, which was very comfortable for long drives. I find the ES equally comfortable. F sport seats would hug you better, but I prefer the feel of leather over Nuluxe. I also like the seat extender in the UL car.

 

If you were ok with the Prius, you'll definitely be ok with the 300h. Think of it as the big brother. The same reliable technology but with a larger engine, hybrid motor and battery.

Tires are the trick in the snow. Everyone thinks they need AWD but tires are more important than drivetrain. My 300h does great as long as I have winter tires on. Even in deep snow. There are times AWD would be nice but I'm not giving up the gas mileage advantages for 0.1% of the time where AWD would be "nice".

Here's some pics from a recent storm where my bumper was literally plowing a path in the snow.

 

Wow. Thanks for sharing. Looks like it does great in the snow.

 

All cars with proper winter tires do great in the snow.