I fear we "haven't seen nothing yet" in regard to gas prices. If gas prices double, my decision to go with the 300h will be genius!

I came to buying a 300h after driving a 350 for over a decade, and yet, have become accustom to the 300h in short order. I actually find driving more relaxing now. I have nothing to show-off horsepower-wise and nothing to prove. I used to have two cars to drive, a Tundra and an MR2. I would drive like a normal person in the truck, but drove like a maniac in the MR2. The capabilities of our cars shapes the way we drive, and I much prefer the easy-going nature of the 300h.

 

Agreed! With the gas market so volatile, I feel somewhat relaxed knowing that I visit the gas station so infrequently. Also, hybrids are a good way to eventually transition into EV.

Also, didn't know Hybrid insurance cost is almost 20% more compared to same model in gas; and greater or not existent for EV's. I few minutes ago, during my 300h full cover policy renewal, my insurer told me they stopped insuring Model-Y, Mercedes/BMW's EV's because the higher costs of batteries & repairs during collision. That's one less alternative on a higher price EV insurance market. As of now, I pay ~$220/yr more for the 300h - Lux compared to the same 350 trim.

Once I get my solar array up-running, and battery technology drop in price, EV will be my next move on the next 10-12yr; unless Lexus brings a PHEV AWD ES on 2026. That will make me think hard about upgrading...

 

It's interesting: I'm paying less for insurance on my 2023 EQS, an EV, than I did for my 2022 ES Ultra Lux, an ICE. That's a head-scratcher, considering the EQS is significantly more expensive! I realize that every area and insurer rates differently, but I'm still saving $120 per year on insurance alone. I even have higher coverage limits on the EQS. Fuel savings weren't my primary motivation for going electric, but this huge cost savings on both insurance and fuel is one helluva benefit. This definitely makes me wonder what's going on. Maybe I've hit a sweet spot with my EQS, or maybe insurance companies are offering better rates for EVs?

 

Same insurer, approximate age and physical vehicle location? If so, you definitely got a good deal considering all limits/coverage are equal. Here, insurance on Euro model are usually above USA/ASIA brands; specially for Mercedes, BMW & Audi; and definitely the EQS is more expensive than an ES. I was told once BMW, Mercedes and Audi have a steep depreciation curve on the first 1-3 years. Maybe there's that, but still doesn't make much sense. Nevertheless, insurance algorithm is also a head-scratcher. I have worked in the development of some insurance quoting tools for other business areas (not auto) and there are so many variables used to calculate the actual cost that it's overwhelming.

In my case, quoting under the same personal parameters, coverage & limits; the gas version was cheaper than hybrid by around 20-25% on all 3 companies I quoted.

 

Honestly, only wanted a hybrid car. And it is precisely because I do keep them a long time. I don't do a ton of miles but I love only filling up maybe twice a month? Having a tank that goes almost 500 miles is glorious and it takes 87 gas..... I felt good with the lexus hybrid. I know it is a cousin to Toyota. Both are hybrid leaders. I have friends with 10 yr old hybrids still going strong...and maintenance has been no more that with ICE. Maybe even a bit less.

 

Toyota/Honda hybrids are very reliable and proven engines. Unfortunately gas engines are been relegated due to pressure of Turbos/PHEV/EV's and CAFE. But the ES350 is almost a bulletproof engine that serves the ES very well. It was actually my first and only considered engine when shopping. I was not interested in Hybrids or the fuel economy. Fortunately as soon as I started the car, the seller change the mode to Sport. That honestly tipped the scales.

This is a good video on current gen Toyota hybrids