Acceleration

Base	Base w/nav. sys. and AVS	Class Average
6	6	6.5

Good standing-start acceleration at 8.2 sec 0-60 mph in our test. Midrange pickup also brisk, though smooth automatic transmission hesitates to kick down for passing, and its zigzag selector gate frustrates manual shifting.

Fuel Economy

Base	Base w/nav. sys. and AVS	Class Average
5	5	4.5

Test cars averaged from 17.4 mpg with gas-eating performance tests, to a high of 21.1. ES 300 requires premium fuel.

Ride Quality

Base	Base w/nav. sys. and AVS	Class Average
8	7	7.1

The benchmark for near-luxury comfort and absorbency, compromised only by mild pattering on broken pavement and mild float on big humpbacks. Optional Adaptive Variable Suspension too soft in Comfort mode, a bit hard in Sport.

Steering/Handling/Braking

Base	Base w/nav. sys. and AVS	Class Average
6	6	6.7

Competent, no-drama front-drive behavior, but ride-biased suspension settings precludes the controlled cornering poise of Acura TL or BMW 3-Series. Steering needs better feel. Braking powerful and swift, but heavy nosedive prevails in "panic" stops.

Quietness

Base	Base w/nav. sys. and AVS	Class Average
9	9	6.8

Very refined, perhaps the class leader. V6 near-silent at idle, subdued in hard charging. Wind and tire noise exceptionally low.

Controls

Base	Base w/nav. sys. and AVS	Class Average
8	6	6.6

Typical Lexus exemplary. Navigation system takes less time to learn than most, but also governs most audio settings--though no climate functions. Screen has 3-position tilt for daytime legibility, but must be powered open to access tape/CD slots. Interior materials, assembly hard to fault, though one test car suffered slight dashboard rattle.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

Base	Base w/nav. sys. and AVS	Class Average
8	8	7.2

Seats comfortably supportive, but may hug larger persons too tightly. Leg room ample, but head room just adequate for 6-footers beneath optional sunroof. Styling hampers visibility aft and over-the-shoulder.

Room/Comfort (rear)

Base	Base w/nav. sys. and AVS	Class Average
6	6	5.5

Wide enough for two adults, who'll ride slightly knees-up with front seats fully aft. Good under-seat toe room, but just adequate 6-footer head clearance beneath sunroof. Easy entry/exit.

Cargo Room

Base	Base w/nav. sys. and AVS	Class Average
4	4	3.9

Usefully roomy trunk, though opening won't swallow big boxes. Bulky trunklid hinges intrude, but are covered to prevent damaging cargo. No fold-down rear seatbacks. In-cabin stowage good, not great.

Value within Class

Base	Base w/nav. sys. and AVS	Class Average
10	10	5.7

Though no excitement machine, the ES 300 is a very civilized near-luxury sedan--a sort of baby LS 430 with its own high levels of comfort, refinement, and amenities. Impressively delivering all it promises, it's a solid Best Buy.

Total Score

Base	Base w/nav. sys. and AVS	Class Average
70	67	60.5

Scores for all Premium Midsize Cars

Low Score		48
Average Score		60
High Score		70