Do you want a luxury sedan with a fuel tank and no plugging in, or one that runs only on electricity? That single choice drives the whole 2027 Lexus ES 350h vs ES 350e comparison. Both share the same eighth-generation look and feel. They differ in how they get their energy.
At Longo Lexus in El Monte, we help shoppers sort this out every day. If you want to see what is on our lot, you can browse new Lexus ES inventory while you read.
2027 Lexus ES 350h vs. ES 350e: Quick Comparison
The ES 350h is a gas-electric hybrid that never needs a plug. Charging is the whole point of the ES 350e, which is battery-electric and fills up from an outside source. Same sedan, two ways to power it.
This table lays out the main differences. Figures are EPA-estimated or manufacturer-stated, and real-world results vary.
| Spec | ES 350h | ES 350e |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas-electric hybrid with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, motor-generator, and CVT | Battery-electric with one motor and a 74.7-kWh lithium-ion battery |
| Drivetrain | FWD standard, AWD available | FWD |
| Power | 244 hp net combined system output | 221 hp and 198 lb-ft |
| Fuel economy or EV range | FWD 48 city / 44 highway / 46 combined MPG. AWD 47 / 42 / 44 | 307 miles on 19-inch wheels, 292 miles on 21-inch wheels |
| Charging or refueling | Conventional fuel door, no plug-in needed | NACS port with CCS (J1772)-to-NACS adapter included |
| Safety highlights | Lexus Safety System+ 4.0 | Lexus Safety System+ 4.0 |
How the ES 350h Hybrid and ES 350e Electric Powertrains Work
Both cars use electric motors, but in very different ways. You can read more about our Lexus electrified vehicles if you want the wider picture.
ES 350h: Self-Charging Hybrid Efficiency
The ES 350h pairs a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (186 hp, 173 lb-ft) with a motor-generator (160 hp, 201 lb-ft). A CVT ties them together, and the hybrid battery sits beneath the rear seat. The car manages the handoff between gas and electric power on its own.
"Self-charging" means it recovers energy while slowing down and uses the engine to help keep the battery topped up. It burns gasoline and isn't a plug-in hybrid. In stop-and-go traffic on the 10 or the 60, that setup is where the hybrid earns its efficiency.
ES 350e: Battery-Electric Motor Setup
The ES 350e uses a single motor driving the front wheels, with a 74.7-kWh lithium-ion battery beneath the passenger compartment. With no engine, there's no engine noise or startup vibration. Regenerative braking helps recover energy, but it doesn't replace charging.
Power, Performance, and Drivetrain Options
The ES 350h makes 244 hp combined and reaches 60 mph in 7.3 seconds (7.1 with AWD), while the ES 350e makes 221 hp and gets there in 7.4 seconds. On paper, the hybrid is slightly quicker, but the EV’s instant electric torque makes everyday acceleration from a stop feel especially smooth and effortless. Comfort is the priority in both, and neither is tuned as a sport sedan.
FWD vs. AWD Availability on Each Model
The ES 350h comes with FWD as standard and AWD available on both the Premium and Premium+. AWD adds a rear electric motor making 54 hp and 91 lb-ft, which shifts torque between 100:0 and 20:80 front to rear and trims the 0–60 time to 7.1 seconds. The trade-off is a slightly lower EPA-estimated combined rating of 44 mpg vs. 46 for FWD.
The ES 350e comes only with front-wheel drive. Shoppers who want electric AWD should look at the ES 500e, a separate dual-motor AWD model.
Range, Fuel Economy, and Charging vs. Refueling
MPG, range, and charging speed answer different questions, so we compare them separately. Have a question about how either fits your commute? Contact us or schedule a test drive.
ES 350e EV Range and Real-World Factors
The ES 350e has an EPA-estimated range of 307 miles on standard 19-inch wheels and 292 miles on available 21-inch wheels, with an efficiency rating of 127 MPGe combined (121 MPGe on 21-inch wheels). Actual range varies with speed, outside temperature, accessory use, how and where you drive, and charging habits, and battery capacity gradually decreases with time and use.
In practice, sustained freeway speeds and summer A/C use drain the battery faster, and so do hills and cabin preheating. A long Inland Empire commuter will feel those factors more than a short-trip city driver who rarely strays far from home.
Charging is flexible. The port sits on the passenger-side front fender in a power-opening door. An 11-kW onboard charger gives about 7 hours of Level 2 charging (10% to 100%) under ideal conditions. DC fast charging from 10% to 80% takes about 28 minutes under ideal conditions, at up to 150 kW.
A dual-voltage cable is standard for Level 1 charging at 120V and Level 2 at 240V, though Level 2 requires a 240V NEMA 14-50 outlet installed by a licensed electrician. Two adapters are included as well, one for AC Level 2 stations (J1772) and one for CCS DC fast chargers, so you can plug in at public stations with either connector, in addition to NACS stations.
ES 350h MPG and Total Driving Range
For the hybrid, think in mpg and fuel stops. At 46 combined mpg for FWD and a 14.5-gallon tank, the ES 350h can travel an estimated 650-plus miles between fill-ups, and refueling takes just minutes at any station. Trips beyond the San Gabriel Valley, whether to Las Vegas or up the coast, stay simple, with no need to plan around chargers. Lexus recommends premium fuel, so factor that into your running costs.
Interior, Comfort, and Technology Differences
Both cars share a multi-pathway platform and the same overall interior and exterior styling. Each includes a 12.3-inch Multi-Information Display, a 14.0-inch Lexus Interface touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a wireless device charger. Lexus Interface supports over-the-air updates and dual Bluetooth phone connection.
At the top of each lineup, the ES 350h Premium+ and ES 350e Luxury both add a 17-speaker, 1,800-watt Mark Levinson PurePlay Surround Sound System, Advanced Park with Remote Park and a Panoramic View Monitor. The ES 350e Luxury goes a step further with semi-aniline leather and bamboo trim, a head-up display and power rear sunshades, and every ES 350e includes 60-watt rear USB-C ports for faster passenger charging. With no engine at all, the EV’s cabin is also the quieter of the two, though road and wind noise remain.
Pricing, Ownership Costs, and Warranty Coverage
Pricing changes throughout the model year, so contact our team for current pricing on both models, and compare equipment trim for trim before deciding which is the better value for you.
Running costs depend on how you drive. The hybrid runs on premium gasoline, while the EV runs on electricity, so your home electricity rates and how often you use public fast chargers matter. EV owners should also budget for a Level 2 home charger installation. The ES 350e skips oil changes entirely, but both cars still need tire rotations, brake service and regular inspections, and our service department can walk you through the differences.
Both models carry Lexus’s 48-month/50,000-mile basic warranty and 72-month/70,000-mile powertrain warranty. The ES 350h adds coverage on hybrid-system components for 8 years or 100,000 miles, and on the hybrid battery for 10 years or 150,000 miles, while the ES 350e’s electric components and battery carry their own coverage, which our team can walk you through.
Which 2027 Lexus ES Fits Your Lifestyle?
Neither powertrain is better for everyone. Where you park and how you drive will settle it. Use this lifestyle match checklist:
Commuting distance: longer daily drives favor the hybrid's quick refueling.
Home charging access: a garage or dedicated outlet makes the EV easy.
Road-trip frequency: frequent unplanned trips favor the hybrid.
Apartment or condo living: without reliable parking-spot charging, the hybrid is simpler.
Choose the ES 350h If…
You don't have dependable home charging, you drive long distances with unpredictable stops, or you want AWD. You prefer quick fuel stops and a routine that never involves a plug.
Choose the ES 350e If…
You can charge at home or work, you like a quiet cabin with immediate electric response, and you want a single-motor FWD sedan with up to 307 miles of EPA-estimated range. Occasional long trips are fine too, because the NACS port and adapter open up many public stations.
FAQs About the 2027 Lexus ES Hybrid and Electric
Does the ES 350h need to be plugged in? No. It is a gas-electric hybrid with a fuel tank, and it recovers energy through braking and engine operation.
What is the ES 350e's range? The EPA-estimated range is 307 miles on 19-inch wheels and 292 miles on 21-inch wheels. Real-world results vary.
Do both offer AWD? No. AWD is available on the ES 350h. The ES 350e is FWD, and the separate ES 500e is the dual-motor AWD electric option.
How long does ES 350e charging take? Level 2 takes about 7 hours (10% to 100%), and DC fast charging takes about 28 minutes (10% to 80%), both under ideal conditions.
Can the ES 350e be charged at home? Yes. The standard dual-voltage cable works with a 120V outlet or a 240V NEMA 14-50 outlet for Level 2.
Still have questions? Call us at 626-539-2955 or reach out through our online contact form.
Explore New Lexus ES Inventory at Longo Lexus
Spec sheets can only tell you so much. The best way to choose between hybrid and electric is to feel the difference from behind the wheel. Explore our new Lexus ES inventory, then schedule a back-to-back test drive of the ES 350h and ES 350e at Longo Lexus in El Monte. Take each one onto the 10 or the 60, notice the hybrid’s seamless gas-electric handoff and the EV’s silent, instant response, and you’ll know which fits your daily drive.
When you visit, our team can help you:
Compare trims side by side, from the ES 350h Premium+ to the ES 350e Luxury.
Explore electric AWD with the dual-motor ES 500e if all-weather traction matters to you.
Get pre-approved with our online financing application to speed up your visit.
Have questions about availability? Call our sales team at 626-539-2955, and we’ll have your ES ready when you arrive.