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 21 through 30 of 59.00

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  Comfortable ride - 2010 Lexus HS 250H
  By Rosebud - April 27 - 6:16 pm

  This is my third Lexus. Went from 2007 ES 350 to this one. Power feels virtually the same, even though this is a four cylinder. Nav screen is larger and use of mouse if much easier - touch screen not necessary. Blue tooth for phone very clear. Nav. traffic is nice feature. Mileage over 32 for first tank with mostly city driving. Exterior looks nicer in reality than in the ads.

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  Extremely Nice Car - 2010 Lexus HS 250H
  By Todd - January 9 - 4:20 am

  This is our 2nd Lexus and cannot say enough about the quality in their vehicles. Car is extremely quiet, comfortable, and solid!! There is so much technology built into this car it is unbelievable! Im happy to have chosen the Lexus over other available hybrids.

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  Great Value for a Hybrid - 2010 Lexus HS 250H
  By jjanphil - August 3 - 8:03 pm

  Going into third month driving what I believe is the best value hybrid on the market. I have the base model, with driving split between city and highway. It excels in city driving, and, once up to speed on the highway, is terrific, with a very comfortable ride. The "PWR MODE" works well in getting up to speed on the highway. This car should be compared to other hybrids or cars which deliver good gas mileage; not against performance cars (although the HS is no slouch in that area). Comparing the quality and the features which come with the HS, it is easily the best of the new breed of energy efficient vehicles.

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  First 300 miles - 2010 Lexus HS 250H
  By gigapocket - May 12 - 6:30 pm

  Just bought it last week and drove the all new hybrid for about 300 miles - city and hwy combined. Very comfy, lot of interior space. Pros: Awesome style inside and out. Cons: Not very powerful, but since its a hybrid.. cant really ask for more.

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  Serenity in the Suburbs - 2010 Lexus HS 250H
  By friendintocars - March 29 - 4:00 am

  When we felt we deserved a lot more bells and whistles and were watching the fuel prices start the most recent climb we researched the available Luxury Hybrids. Kathy wanted a higher seating position than the 99 Solara, BlueTooth/Nav/Heated Seats and she found it all. My working for a Lexus store didnt stop her from looking at the Prius, Altima and Lincoln Hybrids but she determined that the Premium HS suited her best. Now that she regularly exceeds the posted 35 MPG by 2 or 3 it confirmed her decision. A high point of her day is getting asked for a ride by various co-workers and showing off the cooled seats and verbal commands. That the dealer washes it every week is an added bonus!

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  35 mpg in Style - 2010 Lexus HS 250H
  By dochs - March 14 - 11:26 am

  This is our third Lexus, and with 900 miles on this one, could not be more satisfied. Car is quite, comfortable, and solid. I am averaging 35 mpg, and I like the fact we can use regular gas. The Lexus navigation and Lexus Connect is well worth the money. Call Lexus Connect in the car, ask for any destination and they will send the address directly to your GPS.

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  Nothing Like It - 2010 Lexus HS 250H
  By fortunate1 - December 14 - 1:10 pm

  There is no other car like this on the market. I drove both Toyota hybrids and the Ford Fusion and they simply are not in the same league in terms of either performance or comfort. It is obviously more expensive, but in this case you get what you pay for; you dont even have to drive them, you can just sit in them--though driving will further substantiate the differences. If you want a diesel, get a diesel; the A3 and 335d are different cars that meet different needs and expectations; I live in an area where many of their advantages are mitigated by traffic. This is the paradigm of the car of the next 5 years.

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  Terrific all around - 2010 Lexus HS 250H
  By danoh - September 11 - 11:40 pm

  I bought my HS250h after months of deciding what vehicle I want to be in for the next few yoers-this is THE ONE. I came out of a BMW330Xi which was by far THE WORST vehicle I have ever owned. Lousy ride on RF scooter tires, AC NEVER WORKED for 4 years and 14 visits to the dealer under "Free Maintenance." Anyway, this vehicle is superbly engineered and the interior is superbly executed, performances is perfectly balances between lux and econo. It got mostly bad reviews which proves the bias to anything German made.even if they are overpriced and underperforming. the Lexus badge more prestige and cachet as the star and the propeller in my book. Great car. this is also my 2nd Lexus (RX/2004)

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  Moved up from a Prius - 2010 Lexus HS 250H
  By Lawrence - November 26 - 6:40 am

  This is my first Lexus. Generally, Im very happy with the HS250. The car is comfortable, handles well and is a delight to drive. I love all the gadgets! Fortunately, the Lane Keep Assist alerts me if I spend more time on the accessories than concentrating on driving. Gas mileage has been exceptional! Highway driving is consistently in the area of 42-45 MPH. City driving falls to the mid 30s. Unfortunately, the car is a bit noisy on some roads and during rapid acceleration. Also, the cabin lacks storage "cubbies" and convenient cup holders. All considered, Im glad I bought the HS250 and feel comfortable in recommending it to others.

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  FUN, FUN, FUN - 2010 Lexus HS 250H
  By parpay - November 23 - 9:16 pm

  Had it for 4 days and already have 300 miles on it. Very comfortable, fun to drive and darn it that mouse is fun too! Got a great deal $1250 under invoice. I drive 500 miles per week so comfort is important. Very happy with my decision.