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:

Showing 11 through 20 of 59.00

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  Nice but mpg? - 2010 Lexus HS 250H
  By coldcase - July 25 - 7:50 am

  Nice 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 am

  Car 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 am

  I 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 pm

  I 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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  Great luxury hybrid - 2010 Lexus HS 250H
  By Happy car owner - May 8 - 4:56 pm

  For 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 pm

  Bought 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.

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  Just Right - 2010 Lexus HS 250H
  By Ron - January 21 - 11:56 am

  Hats off to the design and engineering teams at Lexus. After a little over two weeks of driving this amazing hybrid,Im impressed with what appears to be a winning combination of luxury, technology, comfort, and handling. With 4 driving modes, all of which work flawlessly, this car is a "lot of fun" to drive. Im getting about 35 mpg which is the expected and welcome result. I think, with a little more practice, Ill be able to improve that to about 38-40mpg. The remote touch controller for the nav system is a wonder. It manages a very intuitive and simple interface with the audio, nav, climate, and phone systems thus enhancing the overall enjoyment of driving this well executed automobile.

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  Excellent car - 2010 Lexus HS 250H
  By umair - October 20 - 1:33 am

  This is an amazing car. I have not owned a Lexus before but I have friends that drive Lexus. This is one amazing car. Nice comfort, cool looking, very nice gas mileage, fully loaded technology pack. Sound proof and amazing a lot of power considering that it is a compact car.

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  How to combine a hybrid and luxury car - 2010 Lexus HS 250H
  By Steve - December 25 - 3:23 pm

  I drove other hybrid sedans before buying this Lexus. It is excellent because it has the fewest trade offs compared to most other hybrids with very comfortable seats front & back, an excellent radio, easy to reach and understand controls, a simple yet informative dash, high seating with good outside views, a luxury level climate system, and 32-38 mpg in most conditions. Acceleration and power are good but more pedal push is needed at times compared to gas cars. Steering is very responsive with good road feedback. I live in the hybrid eco mode with best mpg in normal driving. Power mode uses more gas with faster acceleration and is mostly not needed. Overall, you get what you pay for.

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  Proud New Lexus Owner - 2010 Lexus HS 250H
  By NorCal - November 13 - 2:56 pm

  I have been a long time BMW fan (2 decades) and have recently picked up my new Lexus Hybrid. First off, I was very impressed with the Lexus service - from basic research, answering my questions, responsiveness, comfortable not overly aggressive sales people. The new hybrid drives very smooth, quiet and I love the interior design. I have much more room, storage space than the BMW 325i. The gas mileage has been great so far. Im happy to have chosen the Lexus over the other hybrids (like the Altima).