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 51 through 59 of 59.00

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  Great car - 2010 Lexus HS 250H
  By lrbiloski - October 5 - 6:15 am

  I wanted to get a hybrid but not a Toyota... I am so happy with my choice! I have over 32,000 miles on my HS and have not had a single issue! The car is reliable and has great features - especially the ping to car directions. It was the first car I have ever purchased and am so glad I did.

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  FUN, FUN, FUN - 2010 Lexus HS 250H
  By parpay - July 17 - 3:13 am

  Bought it two weeks ago. Have had so much fun driving this car. Got the smoky granite with black interior. Everything but tech package. Getting about 34 mpg - back change over my 2003 4Runner. Got it for $1250 UNDER invoice. Bought the warranty - probably shouldnt have but was told it was refundable if I dont use it.

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  great car - 2010 Lexus HS 250H
  By bob1 - March 15 - 3:10 pm

  I went from a Mercedes S500 to this car and I love the difference. The HS has a nicer ride and the difference is gas mileage is great. I paid about $90,000 for the Mercedes and about $42,500 for the Lexus and I actually am happier driving the Lexus. The HS has almost all of the luxury features my S500 did with the exception of a little more room and an electric trunk which isnt a big deal. I would recommend this car to anyone looking for a hybrid vehicle and even to anyone who is looking for a luxury vehicle. Ive had Mercedes and BMWs before and nothing compares to the quality of Lexus.

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  Exciting Car - 2010 Lexus HS 250H
  By Wilma Whitaker - February 22 - 12:10 am

  My first new car was a 1959 Chevy. What a ride in the last 50 years to a Lexus Hybrid. Can you imagine a 72 year old woman with a spoiler? I have never had a car I was this excited about. It is a dream to drive and handles easily. I am excited about saving fuel costs since I went from a 2005 Lexus 330 using premium fuel to this gem. I, too, miss the cubby storage and trunk area in had in my 330, but I have pared down on what I carry, and that is a good thing. I would highly recommend this car to anyone!!!

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  Fantastic car! - 2010 Lexus HS 250H
  By ray - September 26 - 10:00 am

  This car drives great. Really moves when you need it to. All Lexus inside. Its very comfortable. Its the best car we have ever had!

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  The 2.0 Version - 2010 Lexus HS 250H
  By Albert - September 15 - 7:46 am

  HS250H base model: The car is excellent but at first the fuel economy was not that great with about 32-34 mpg overall. Last February Lexus requested an appointment with a technician who would "work" on the car at my home. Two guys show up with a laptop and sit in the car for about an hour. They connect to the cars computer system and formatted (erased) most of the cars hard drives and loaded new programs. Diving the car afterward was like driving a different car. The engine was tuned better to the driving dynamics and the the fuel economy jumped by 5 mpg. I get 42 mpg on flat highways, 38 - 40 on mountain roads, and 36 - 40 in stop & go driving. Its a great experience.

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  Where is the 35MPG touted? - 2010 Lexus HS 250H
  By Bobby - June 30 - 10:00 pm

  Just been driving this car for 300 miles and have yet to see 35MPG. CVT is really noisy as you accelerate and not so smooth. The layout in ES350 is much better. There are missing buttons like AUDIO etc. No touch screen.

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  A versatile automobile - 2010 Lexus HS 250H
  By mefistofeles - March 1 - 10:43 pm

  At first when I bought this thing I hated it,coming from a Lexus GS 350. The power was comparatively anemic and the understeer,forget about it. However after a few weeks I adapted to the understeer and was able to make the car work for me. In fact Ive adapted to this car so well that a Ive actually hadd a few passengers tell me that the car felt rather sporty. The HS 250 certainly has some advantages over a long wheelbase V-6 like the GS 350 its a more compact car so it has a much tighter turning radius. Front wheel drive steering isnt as sharp as rear wheel drive but it allows the driver to be a little lazier in high speed turns,you simply wait for the car to be ready.

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  Good Car! - 2010 Lexus HS 250H
  By Jack C. - January 9 - 3:13 pm

  It is extremely comfortable, and I especially like to air conditioned seats and the entire AC system in general as I live in Florida.The car is quiet although having had a BMW previously I would not call it Fun to Drive. I am getting between 37 and 39 MPG have had no problems to date, and feel I made an excellent purchase. Car is roomy, well appointed and receives numerous favorable comments. Try it I think youll like it.