I’ll admit, the Lexus ES always stuck out to me as a car that’s solely meant for buyers in an older generation. After all, my parents drive a 2005 Lexus ES, so you can see the connection. However, after spending a week with the 2022 Lexus ES300h F Sport, my previous thoughts – and judgments — about the luxury mid-size sedan have changed. In fact, I now consider this car my four-wheeled guilty pleasure.

The 2022 Lexus ES300h F Sport has more comfort than sportiness

In some ways, I really shouldn’t like the 2022 Lexus ES300h F Sport as much as I do. I’m more of a sports car kind of guy, so the comforts and spoils of a Lexus shouldn’t really sway me, but they do. In the case of the ES300h F Sport, Lexus refreshed the existing model and dosed it with some exterior sportiness – particularly in the form of F Sport wheels and front and rear fascias.

My test car also has an F Sport suspension, but it’s not athletic enough to awaken the boy racer in me. Instead, the Lexus ES300h appeals to my opulent side that would rather kick back and enjoy a smooth ride and softer touches as opposed to something with a stiffer quality. Sitting inside the ES 300h, I enjoyed the NuLuxe perforated trim and the multitude of soft-touch surfaces. I also like that the 12.3-inch touchscreen sits close enough for me to reach it, so that I don’t have to use the cumbersome touchpad on the center console.

There’s even a large 10.2-inch head-up display in my field of view that shows me all the important information like speed and turning directions (when the navigation is on). Best of all, the seats are super supportive and the cabin is quiet at highway speeds, which is all I can ask for on a long drive.

The ES300h’s powertrain is smooth and has plenty of power

When it comes to Lexus ES300h’s power, I’m pretty impressed with the 215 ponies that the hybrid mill puts out. Again, it’s not a sports car, but the mid-range torque from the electric motor that’s strapped to the 2.5-liter engine is enough for getting around town and onto the highway. The transition between the electric motor and its gas engine is seamless as well.

Although the engine is connected to a CVT, the whole setup didn’t drone when I smashed the accelerator to get onto the highway. The biggest plus was that I was able to achieve an average of 44 mpg in mixed driving after the week I spent with it. I wasn’t even trying to get a good average, so I’m sure nearly anyone else can do the same with ease.

The 2022 Lexus ES300h checks all of the boxes in my book

After spending time with the 2022 Lexus ES300h, I had a tough time finding anything wrong with it. I was able to see the car for what it is; a luxury sedan – that’s essentially a Toyota Camry Hybrid – with a funky interior, a smooth ride, and a fuel-efficient engine. If you’re looking for something more, then you may want to look elsewhere. Or, if you need more luxury, then go for the larger Lexus LS instead.

Otherwise, I feel like the Lexus ES300h checks all of the boxes for anyone in need of a stress-free drive that won’t bring you to tears when it comes time to pump gas. Mainly because you can squeeze more than 400 miles between fill-ups. Ultimately, the Lexus ES300h might be aimed toward an older generation, but for me, it’s now a guilty pleasure that I don’t mind gushing about to my friends and family.