Overview & Reviews
While the idea of an environmentally responsible luxury car may sound like a contradiction, Lexus hoped to prove otherwise with its HS 250h. Smaller than the automaker's midsize ES 350, the Lexus HS 250h was powered by a gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain that was more potent than that of a Prius. The result was fairly lively performance and good fuel economy.
As for luxury, the Lexus HS 250h had a relatively roomy interior, plus the expected number of high-end features. But this distinctive combination never really clicked with consumers, and Lexus ended production after a short three-year run. As a used model, the HS 250h is an agreeable choice, but keep in mind that it is a car of compromise; you can get better fuel economy from a dedicated hybrid or greater comfort and performance from a traditional small or midsize luxury sedan.
Most Recent Lexus HS 250h
The Lexus HS 250h was produced from 2010 through 2012 and was virtually unchanged throughout its brief run. It came in base and Premium trim levels. Both were powered by a hybrid powertrain that married a 2.4-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with two electric motors for a combined output of 187 horsepower. The combination drove the front wheels via a specialized continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).
The entry-level HS 250h was well-equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels, a sunroof, keyless ignition/entry, leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth and a 10-speaker audio system with six-CD changer, satellite radio and an iPod/USB audio interface. The Premium model added 18-inch alloy wheels, rain-sensing wipers, auto-dimming outside mirrors, heated and ventilated front seats, genuine wood trim and upgraded leather upholstery.
Options included a front and rear parking camera system, adaptive LED headlights, a head-up display, a premium audio system and a hard-drive-based navigation system that also delivered real-time weather forecasts, traffic conditions, sports scores and stock prices.
In reviews, we found that the Lexus HS 250h offered a distinctive middle ground in terms of the performance and fuel economy trade-off. Compared to the typical entry-level luxury sedan, both acceleration and handling were lackluster. Yet the HS did perform better than the Prius, and fuel economy was decent, with a 35 mpg rating in city driving.
Inside, the HS 250h was handsome and comfortable, with a decent amount of head- and legroom for four adults. While the good-sized trunk would easily swallow a pair of golf bags and a couple of modest-size suitcases, the lack of fold-down rear seatbacks limited its cargo-carrying flexibility.
User Reviews:
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Love the mouse and mpg - 2010 Lexus HS 250H
By Jim - September 24 - 10:40 amGetting 40.7 for first 7,000 miles. The large display with the very functional mouse is a hoot. Get my stock updates, team scores, etc. Love this car. It certainly is not a slow car and is very capable on the long road.
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What a dream car - 2010 Lexus HS 250H
By Theresa Long - September 24 - 6:43 amI now have 600 miles on my 2010 Lexus HS250h and am very happy with it. After test driving the Ford Fusion hybrid and the Camry hybrid, this one won out on so many fronts. Comfortable seats, stylish, power when needed in power mode. It has all the power and luxury of a fine car while also fuel efficient. Its a genuine pleasure to drive and continues to teach me to be a better driver. MPG ranges between 35- 37 in terrain that varies from flat to very hilly. This is the first Lexus Ive owned and I am completely satisfied with every aspect of this car.
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Love my hybrid! One year and counting! - 2010 Lexus HS 250H
By leslie_n - September 22 - 6:53 pmIve had my Lexus HS250h for a year now. 23k miles. Getting 38 MPG! Very comfortable! Im 52" so Im grateful to find a car that "fits". Interior and exterior are wearing well. Performance has been fine. If youre looking for a sports car acceleration experience, this isnt it - it is a nice, hybrid ride though. Has enough pep to get you out of trouble if you need it (and you can always use the power mode). Brakes well and handles well. Very quiet. No problem to date. Great pick! Very happy!
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Nice but mpg? - 2010 Lexus HS 250H
By coldcase - July 25 - 7:50 amNice car, like it. But mpg is not what I had hoped for. I owned a Camry hybrid for last 3 and average was 39mpg for the 75k miles. So, I know what to expect from this hybrid with the same horsepower, gas and electric and the torque. EPA rated slightly better than Camry but working to get 34 mpg...not good enough for a light footed conservationist??? All else is well but would like a few more storage cubbies tucked into the car.
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More Style and Comfort than a Prius - 2010 Lexus HS 250H
By Car Freak - March 4 - 10:46 amCar had wind noise that was corrected by the dealer. Smooth but firm ride quality on highway.
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Fun toys, great MPG, good size - 2010 Lexus HS 250H
By bdalton - February 26 - 8:30 amI purchased my Prem HS 250h with navigation, backup camera and rear spoiler in APR 2010 and got the 1.9% APR special. (Starfire ext/Black int). I found that I was not able to get the 35/34 MPG from the 1st tank of fuel. From the 2nd and 3rd, it just gets better and better. I am now on my 3rd and getting 36.7 in 50% city/50% hwy driving. The navi menus take some getting used to as well as the predictive text for voice command. Destination Assist and Lexus Enform is really handy (which I thought I would not use). One thing that is a little irritating is that some menu choices in the navi menus are not available once the car begins to move. As soon as you stop, they are workable. Safety issue? :)
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Upgraded from Camry Hybrid - 2010 Lexus HS 250H
By nosleephere - December 26 - 5:56 pmI upgraded from the Camry Hybrid. This car drives MUCH better. You can really feel the difference in the power (even without using the power button) I get better gas mileage in middle speed (40 - 60). That was always an issue in the Camry. One frustration is the fuel tank is 3 gallons smaller so I have to fill-up every 6 days instead of 8. I am getting the same mileage overall as the Camry Hybrid. The luxury features on this car put the Toyota to shame and you get what you pay for! But increasing the lease payment by not that much moved me from Spartan Hybrid to Luxury Hybrid and that is the best decision I ever made.
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Impressive Lexus - 2010 Lexus HS 250H
By Consul - November 12 - 2:00 amIm impressed by this Lexus Hybrid, get close to 40MPG, can use regular unleaded fuel, fully loaded with awesome technology found previously in a LS600. It is pricey almost $50K but for the mileage and contributions to the environment, Im pleased with it. Nice comfortable interior and yes, the brakes does get some getting used to. The navigation is easy to use, head up display on windshield is helpful and the front angled camera has saved me many times. Not to mention the lane keep assist for those late nights in the office when you are tired, it can save you from an accident and tickets. Awesome car and I recommend it.
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Great luxury hybrid - 2010 Lexus HS 250H
By Happy car owner - May 8 - 4:56 pmFor those looking for a luxury hybrid, this is a great car. It has all the features you could want and then some. The interior is beautiful and very comfortable and spacious. It does not have the impressive fuel efficiency of a Prius, but Im willing to "settle" for the 35mpg for quite a bit more power with this hybrid. It is easy to drive on the freeway, quiet and smooth. Overall a great car.
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Less gas is great! - 2010 Lexus HS 250H
By T.J. - March 21 - 4:26 pmBought it for my wife. She wanted great MPG and comfort. Replaced Mini Clubman JCW. Maybe not as quick, but more than makes up for it with comfort! GPS and Bluetooth are friendly. Great ride. Enough pep to get on expressway with no trouble. Funky shifter takes a moment to get used to and keyless is a feature my wife loves. No love for the oil companies. Nice that is is not covered with "green" logos too. Third Lexus, and never unhappy with them.
