2010 Lexus HS 250h
The 2010 Lexus HS 250h is the first "hybrid-only" model from the luxury carmaker.


Most buyers of hybrid cars probably think of themselves as efficient minimalists trying to squeeze the most out of a gallon of gas while doing minimal harm to Mother Earth. But Lexus believes many of them would like to do that in style.

Enter the HS 250h. Although its hybrid technology is based on that of parent-company Toyota’s Prius, the HS 250h boasts a bigger engine, more luxurious appointments, and distinctive sedan (rather than hatchback) styling not shared with any other model.

In size, the front-wheel-drive HS 250h slots between the company’s IS compact and ES midsize sedans. It rides the same 106.3-inch wheelbase as a Toyota Prius, but is 9 inches longer overall. As a sedan, it doesn’t have the “hightail” fastback styling of the Prius, but rather a sloping rear roofline that culminates in a short trunklid.

Click here for a full review of the 2010 Lexus HS 250h
Although Lexus tries to minimize any connection to the “pedestrian” Prius--and indeed, there is little aside from the hybrid technology involved--comparisons are inevitable. Due to its increased size and luxury content, the HS 250h outweighs the Prius by more than 600 pounds (3,682 vs. 3,042). Combating the extra heft is a 2.4-liter engine that, when combined with the electric motors that assist it, produces a “Total System Output” (as Lexus calls it) of 187 horsepower, compared to 134 for the 1.8-liter combo in the Prius. According to Lexus, that results in a 0-60 time of 8.4 seconds for the HS 250h, whereas Toyota quotes 9.8 for the Prius. The added weight and power result in 35 mpg in the city and 34 on the highway according to the EPA; great for a luxury car, so-so for a hybrid. (Prius earned a 50 city/49 highway rating.)

As might be expected of a luxury car--and especially of a Lexus--the HS 250h is available with a host of safety, convenience, and high-tech features, including:
  • Rear side airbags and front knee airbags (somewhat rare) to go along with the expected front side and curtain airbags
  • ABS, traction control, and antiskid system
  • Head-up display for speed, audio settings, and navigation directions
  • Adaptive cruise control to maintain a set following distance
  • Adaptive headlights that illuminate to the side when cornering
  • Auto-dimming headlights
  • Ventilated front seats
  • Keyless access and starting
  • Wide-view front camera that shows the view to the sides when pulling out from between two cars
  • Lane-departure warning system that alerts the driver when the car drifts out of its lane
  • Enform with Safety Connect, an assistance system with convenience, security, and emergency-response features that can also display stock prices, sports scores, and up-to-the-minute traffic conditions
What’s Cool…

Luxury + 35 MPG Economy = Zero Guilt
Hybrid economy isn’t just for the huddled masses anymore.

Distinctive Body Style
Let’s face it; you want others to know your “green” intentions.

High-Tech Features Offered at a Mid-Level Price
You can amuse yourself for hours…after you figure out how they work. Also useful for impressing and entertaining passengers.

Great Around-Town Throttle Response
One of the surprising benefits of a hybrid powertrain that make this a rewarding car to drive in the daily grind.

Lexus Dealers’ Kid-Glove Treatment
Lexus consistently places at or near the top in Customer Satisfaction Index surveys, and the dealership experience is one reason why.

…What’s Not

Slow Off the Line
No tire-smoker here, but speed picks up nicely about halfway across the intersection.

Engine and Generator Noise Under Acceleration and Braking
Perhaps because the rest of the car is so quiet, these stand out more than they should.

Relatively Small Trunk
You have to share the space with a battery pack, and it’s greedy.

Less Than Luxo Ride
Suspension tuning aimed more at smooth southern streets than potholed northern ones.

CG says:

Lexus calls it “The first dedicated luxury hybrid” and believes 25,000 buyers a year will think its combination of features and fuel economy make it worth upwards of $35,000. I dunno. The updated 2010 Prius is a really nice car that’s far less expensive and far more practical, and well-heeled buyers swayed to the HS seem more likely to come from the Prius camp than from other entry-level luxury cars in an automotive version of robbing Peter to pay Paul. But that’s with gas at $2.50 a gallon. When it hits $4 again--and it will--those who can afford a car of this price might well find satisfaction in its frugality. And last I heard, there’s no rule that says you can’t spend your gas savings on pampering.

06.04.2009