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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  A disaster for Lexus and for your $$ - 2010 Lexus HS 250H
  By Gubbins - January 23 - 3:13 am

  For this kind of $$ this car lacks a lot: -Practical cabin storage (the Prius is better) -Seat back pockets -Decent brakes -Engine noise refinement -REAL fuel economy that can actually be amortized over the life of the car (unlike the delusional types who are so happy with mid 30s in a $40K car) -Driver engagement (can you say Novocain?) -Steering feel -More effective cooled seats -Drive line refinement (the surging can drive you nuts) Lets see, anything else? Oh yes, styling befitting a Lexus instead of a Corolla w/Premium package. And yes, Ive put over 1000 miles on one in a variety of traffic conditions. Lexus sold a grand total of 165 HS250Hs last month; that tell you something?

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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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  Nice car overall - 2010 Lexus HS 250H
  By gblakeley - July 26 - 9:53 am

  Went to buy a Prius, wife said no way would not drive an egg. Weve had the car for about 9 months, bought used (demo) with 18k miles. Have about 28k miles. Very nice car, but the into gas miles are not close to want Lexus states. On flat surface drive it might get 30 to 31 miles. With slight hills in area around 25 mpg. On the freeway at 60-62 mph will get over 40 mpg!! But bought the car mainly for in town driving. Wife does not like to drive because she cant see front end because of the way the hood is shaped :]. I have no problem. Seats a a little narrow for those of us over 230 lbs.

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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).

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  After 4 days, I am on my 3rd Jump Start! - 2010 Lexus HS 250H
  By Winning2000 - August 18 - 7:20 am

  This is unreal!! Purchase date Wednesday 8/25/10 car had 94 miles on it. On Sunday 8/29/10 at 9:00 am. I needed my first jump. Had to call road side assistance. At 4:00 pm while at the mall same day, I needed a second jump start. Then only to find that the dealership was not open on Sunday so the car could not be towed. On Monday 8/30/10, Again My brand new car would not start. I then needed a third jump. After complaining to the dealership, they stated they were going to bring me a new battery. They then called back as said no battery was in stock. I am now driving a loaner vehicle. This has been by far the worst car buying experience ever!

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  winter mileage drop - 2010 Lexus HS 250H
  By Anonymous - May 12 - 2:00 am

  When I purchased this car in February, I was getting 37mpg. I live the Chicago area and with the winter cold, it has dropped to less then 30. I took it to the dealer who said it was normal due to the engine running more for the emissions. Seems like too big of a drop to me. the car itself is fun to drive, handles well, although the grunt of the engine turning on does seem to be a little underpowered. Trunk space is diminished due to the batteries and the stereo is not what I consider top of the line for a Lexus, particulalry in the back seat. I also wish there was a wee bit more headroom in the front and the center console does intrude.

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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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  Great Value Package - 2010 Lexus HS 250H
  By EEnglander - February 10 - 9:06 am

  Ive had the car for three weeks and its awesome!!! The car handles very well for a hybrid but it would be nice to have the option for more zip in acceleration in exchange for a few less MPGs. The suspension is a little soft and the driving experience could improve if the suspension were sportier-maybe similar to the IS. I have the HS Premium with navigation and the gadget loaded interior quickly makes you forget the drive-train and truly enjoy each drive.