2010 Lexus HS 250h: Road Test
2010 Lexus HS 250h
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- MSRP: $34,200 - $36,970
- Invoice: $31,122 - $33,642
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Our road test for the 2010 Lexus HS 250h includes a full evaluation of the 2010 Lexus HS 250h from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2010 Lexus HS 250h, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2010 Lexus HS 250h help you decide if a 2010 Lexus HS 250h is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Base | Premium w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 6.7 |
Floor the throttle from a stop, and it takes about 20 feet before real power arrives. Particularly in "Power" mode, throttle response at any speed above a crawl is nearly instant if not particularly strong, making the HS feel lively in around-town traffic. Lexus quotes a 0-60-mph time of 8.4 seconds, which seems a bit optimistic based on our test drive. Power is fine for normal driving, though highway merging and passing power is limited. Transitions when the gas engine and electric motor turn on and off are not obtrusive but are no smoother than Toyota's own Prius.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Base | Premium w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 9 | 9 | 5.8 |
In Consumer Guide testing, we averaged 34.4-34.6 mpg. HS 250h uses regular-grade gas.
RIDE QUALITY
| Base | Premium w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 6 | 5.4 |
More so with the Premium than the Base, HS isn't tuned for a plush ride. Instead, it is firm and controlled over most bumps, transmitting some abrupt reactions over the sharper ones, particularly on Premium models.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Base | Premium w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 7.3 |
Body lean is well controlled in fast turns. Steering feels somewhat dead and slow on-center and lacks road feel, but is light for good low-speed maneuverability.
QUIETNESS
| Base | Premium w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 |
Road and tire noise overcome wind noise at highway speeds, but HS cruises serenely enough. The gas engine doesn't sound especially refined for a luxury car; it roars intrusively under acceleration. There's some electric generator whine under deceleration.
CONTROLS
| Base | Premium w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 7 | 6.2 |
Unlike the Prius, HS 250h's gauges are placed directly in front of the driver, and there are only a few hybrid-related graphics. There's a large, mid-level protrusion from the dash that holds the audio and climate controls, and while it looks a bit odd, it places those functions within easy reach. The optional navigation system adds a screen that flips up from the top of the dash and a joystick controller at the back edge of the protrusion. With the navigation system, many related functions become virtual buttons on the screen. The computer-mouse-style interface works well, especially while driving. However some operations, such as programming radio presets, require more steps to complete than should be necessary.
DETAILS
| Base | Premium w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7.2 |
Numerous soft-touch interior surfaces and a two-tone color scheme mark the HS as a luxury car, but the overall look is more subtle than rich.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Base | Premium w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6.8 |
The seats offer a comfortably snug fit. Headroom and legroom are fine for most adults, but the very tall will find both in short supply. Some testers complain of their right knee hitting the dash protrusion. Visibility over the driver's left shoulder is blocked by a thick roof pillar, but rear-corner visibility is good. Large door openings make for easy entry and exit.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Base | Premium w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 3.7 |
Headroom is sufficient only for those up to about 5-foot-11, but there's good legroom and toe space. A flat floor provides foot space for a center seater, though the seat itself isn't wide enough for three adults. Large door openings make entry and exit a breeze.
CARGO ROOM
| Base | Premium w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 4 |
The trunk is tall and wide and has a reasonably large opening, but it's not very deep due to the battery pack being against the back wall, so it doesn't have great volume. The battery pack also prevents having a fold-down rear seatback. In the passenger compartment, a decent-size glovebox, small console box, two covered cupholders, two small bins (three if there's no navigation system), and small map pockets with cupholders make for slightly better-than-average small-item storage.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| Base | Premium w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 4 | 5.7 |
HS 250h works well and is a nice enough car to drive every day. It also benefits from Lexus' reputation for kid-gloves customer service. The hybrid system, which should be its trump card, delivers what we consider mediocre fuel economy. Toyota's own Prius offers far superior mileage and can be equipped nearly as lavishly, all for much less money. In the end, HS is little more than a highly gilded small Toyota that's overpriced for what it delivers.
Total Score
| Base | Premium w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 67 | 64 | 64.8 |
Total Score: 66
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