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 1 through 10 of 59.00

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  Not a Camry or Prius - 2010 Lexus HS 250H
  By valente - September 22 - 3:50 pm

  Ive owned mine now for about 3 weeks. I came from a 2010 Prius which was too low to the ground for my back problems. Ironically, the dimensions are almost identical but for some reason, the HS seats are higher and the car is easier to get in and out of. I also owned a Camry Hybrid for about 4 months. Hated it. The gas mileage was terrible, the quality was awful and the door sill was low and I frequently bumped my head getting in and out. (Im 510") I dont have any of those problems with the HS. As for luxury and quality and ride - TOP NOTCH! Made in Japan. Camry, Made in Kentucky....(I think) My biggest complaint is lack of storage space up front and the engine whine when braking.

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  Excellent car - 2010 Lexus HS 250H
  By Rajeev - July 13 - 12:06 am

  I have only 1000 miles on it and Im getting 37 - a lot better than my 9 yr old Camry V6 (25 mpg) which I traded in. Im very technical and I observe all the activities happening very minutely. In short, this is the car of future, this car will not have been possible 10 years ago without the advancement in computers. I now realize, its a paradigm shift in automotive transmission technology. Even when its just rolling, which I can see from the engine display monitor, it can go more distance than any other cars Ive driven. When braking, generate power and reuse that later. When going through busy areas, use most of the battery power (thats when gas engines burn most fuel).

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  I Love This Car! - 2010 Lexus HS 250H
  By Bluesky74 - February 22 - 6:03 pm

  I have had my new wheels for almost a week and really like this car. I am a first time Lexus owner and so far i have been blown away by the service. I am getting an avg of 35mpg on my first tank of gas with equal city/highway driving. I have not been disappointed with power to get on the highway etc... The destination assist has already proven useful when traveling on the road. If you are looking for something upscale, green and cool then look no more!

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  Excellent balance of tech and elegance - 2010 Lexus HS 250H
  By Chilango - February 20 - 1:00 am

  I had a Camry Hybrid Special 50th Anniversary Edition, which had a lot of luxury and high tech features. This Lexus has all that but in a better designed package and its more fun to drive. It feels more "European", tighter and more solid than the Camry, better handling, brakes and a zippier response and torque. The console is a triumph of ergonomic design and aesthetics. It has more trunk space than the Camry,and a better, stiffer suspension. So far, Im very satisfied with it and also saving money because of the special December deals at Lexus!

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  Excels in everything it is intended to. - 2010 Lexus HS 250H
  By jd_hook - February 12 - 12:16 pm

  Purchased this car CPO after one too many bad experiences with my beloved 2007 BMW X5 4.8i. Repairs too expensive for my college student budget. I know Im comparing apples to oranges here, however, in everything that this car intends to do, it exceeds my expectations for it. While smaller than the TCH, its shared powertrain move this car pretty decently. Electric/gas transition is very seamless. Well put together all around, and after driving around Naperville, IL for two weeks, I have averaged 40.2 and 41.6 MPG on the last two tanks respectively. After reviews on here, was hoping to get 30. Overall, a very good value for a used car as they are discontinued (unfortunately!).

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  Good interior but bad quality - 2010 Lexus HS 250H
  By DMj - January 26 - 10:00 am

  Just bought this car less than 3 weeks ago and now I already experienced some problems in the car. Some personnel on the dealership are harsh and told me to comeback if the car reaches 5k miles services before they check or diagnose the problem. Engine vibrates when it is in power mode and doesnt reach 35 mpg average. This is a big mistake for buying this car brand and choosing this dealership.

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  Luxury Hybrid that actually saves fuel - 2010 Lexus HS 250H
  By TampaBayDriver - January 8 - 3:13 pm

  Unlike some of its Lexus Hybrid siblings, the HS is actually saving fuel. Regular gas and 31MPG in luxury automobile is fantastic. The car drives well and has surprising get-up when mashing the pedal - perhaps a reason for my "low" MPGs. The look is quite and classy but with enough there to make you go hum? Think a Talbot suit with Victoria Secret undergarments.

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  Whats not to like - 2010 Lexus HS 250H
  By dweinstein - December 9 - 5:06 am

  I traded an 06 Acura RL which I adored but got in the low 20s mpgs and was looking for a good size tech laden high mileage car. I never fancied myself a "Lexus" guy but after test driving it, felt it had excellent "non Lexus" driving characteristics and incredible mileage for a 3700 pound luxo/sport (albeit for a hybrid) car. And with the December to Remember cash incentives from mother Lexus, the price became "reasonable." Have had the car since Jan 3 and have 4500 miles on it and am consistently getting high 36 mpgs. And with gas up $0.60 cents since January its been a big help! Also have two Priuss and this HS is no Prius! Prius is great but no comparison for a long drive.

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  Excellent Car! - 2010 Lexus HS 250H
  By Rich - November 23 - 2:00 pm

  Ive had my HS250h for almost a month and just love this car. Reviews likening it to a "Prius with a trunk", suggesting youd be better of with a Camry or other negative comparisons just demonstrate ignorance. They clearly havent driven the HS, the Prius, the Camry, or any of the above. The ride, comfort, fit and finish, technology and overall driving experience are outstanding. I went with the full tech package and have found many of these features to be incredibly helpful and contribute to an overall sense of safety when driving. They are not just bells and whistles! Cabin noise is very low, and I am getting the advertised 35-36 MPG around town and closer to 38 on the road.

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  Nice car good gas Mileage - 2010 Lexus HS 250H
  By king - September 26 - 9:36 pm

  Had this car for 2.5 months for now. got 3500 miles on it. 36 miles per gallon. Like the built in navigation system with all the additional features it has its like a mini computer .