Lexus ES Hybrid

With its redesign of the ES Hybrid Lexus hurt the ride comfort and made the controls complex. It's still a good, comfortable car but just not as cushy as previously. In our tests the four-cylinder and electric drive system returned an impressive 36 mpg overall and 44 on the highway. The ride is decent but not plush, and is worse with the optional 18-inch wheels. Handling is sound but unexceptional. The quiet cabin looks good at first, but cheap touches are apparent. Skipping the navigation system gives you a less-distracting control interface. The hybrid's combination of size, luxury, and fuel economy makes it more appealing than the ES 350. Reliability is well above average.