Lexus ES 300h practicality & boot space

The ES is part of a large executive saloon-car class that’s under increasing pressure from luxurious SUV rivals, and it clearly can’t compete directly with them for practicality. However, there’s a decent-sized boot and a roomy cabin, both of which are competitive within the executive-saloon class itself. The lack of folding rear seats could frustrate some, though.

Lexus ES 300h interior space, storage & comfort

The front seats offer a wide range of adjustment, and we’d defy anyone to be uncomfortable in them. Legroom is excellent in the rear, but the roofline’s slope means headroom is under pressure. Lexus has lowered the seat cushion and optimised the backrest angle to maximise the available space, and it’s just about viable for six-footers in the back. The Takumi trim offers passengers the most luxury with its reclining rear seats.

Boot space

The Lexus ES has a pretty generous boot, with a capacity of 454 litres. Unfortunately you can’t fold down the rear seats to load long items, and there’s also a pretty significant loading lip to lug suitcases over.