The 2010 Lexus HS 250h compact hybrid luxury sedan is catching some sun at The Garage.
Lexus knows the hybrid game well. They were the first to bring a mid-size luxury hybrid SUV/Crossover to the market in the form of the RX and they introduced the first full-size luxury hybrid sedan with the LS. They also introduced the first luxury hybrid sports sedan in the form of the GS. Now, they are offering a luxury hybrid compact sedan with the all-new
2010 Lexus HS 250h. Is it simply a Prius that went shopping for designer duds or a luxury car with a greener heart?
Ok, the heart isn’t literally “green” but a blend of silver, black, pink, and a touch of orange…
The 2010 Lexus HS 250h is the first hybrid-only vehicle from the luxury car maker. It serves as an upscale cousin to the Toyota Prius, yet the two are actually quite different. They do not share any body panels or suspension components. The hatchback Prius is a focused MPG king, with an EPA combined rating of 50 mpg. The HS 250h goes in a different direction, with an actual trunk and luxury options galore. However, the added weight of these features and a more powerful engine taken from the Camry Hybrid mean this little luxury sedan doesn’t hit the higher MPG numbers like the Prius does. The EPA estimated fuel-economy rating for the 2010 Lexus HS 250h is 35 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway.
As mentioned above, the engine is not the same as the one found in the Prius. The HS 250h is fitted with the 2.4L inline-four-cylinder engine, which pairs with an electric motor, and produces 187 hp. Not a big number, but enough to give this little-luxo box surprising pep. The engine stays whisper quiet as I would cruise around town, but when I put more pressure on the toe of my Vans the display would show I was no longer driving green and the engine would rise to a tinny wail. This Lexus has more than enough power to make that highway pass or freeway on-ramp merge maneuver nothing to worry about. The only problem with this power relates back to that not-too-exciting fuel economy number. I averaged about 33 mpg but I was able to dip down into the low-to-mid 20s if I kept my foot in it. Obviously, the person who buys a hybrid should plan on driving it more eco-consciously than I and 33 mpg is a better number than most vehicles will see. However, when you see a car with a “Hybrid” badge you expect a little more in the fuel efficiency department.
The interior of the Lexus HS 250h is where the vehicle really comes to life. Incorporated into the Cyrano de Bergerac-esque center stack is a well-placed trackball. This mouse-like device is used to control the features which appear on the color LCD display. These include the navigation, HVAC, audio controls, and it provides access to optional XM features which show the driver weather information, stock updates, and even sports scores. Some of these features are limited when the car is in motion, which is a good thing because I don’t need to rear-end someone while waiting to see if the Sox won the night before. The trackball is extremely easy to use, and once I learned the layouts of the menus, I rarely needed to look away from the road.
Beyond the tech, the most important aspect of any interior is comfort and this HS 250h provided just that. The front seats are heated
and cooled, and the rear seats have adequate legroom - something missing in most compact sedans these days. Additionally, the HS 250h utilizes sustainable products wherever possible including castor oil in the seat cushions and kenaf fibers behind the seats. The optional Mark Levinson sound system rounds out the enjoyable nature of this space, producing a crisp, clean soundtrack for my time spent with the car.
On the outside, the Lexus bears an unmistakable similarity to the Toyota Corolla. It does boast a few features that make it stand out, including the 18” seven-spoke alloy wheels, the aggressive but good-looking front fascia, and the available rear spoiler. The HS 250h also wears this Matador Red Mica paint job quite well.
The 2010 Lexus HS 250h offers hybrid shoppers an upscale alternative to the compact four-doors on the market. It loses a bit of fuel efficiency but gains an edge with the available technological features, upscale interior, and exterior styling touches. The HS 250h is available in two trims; a base model and the premium version seen here. This 2010 Lexus HS 250h Premium starts at $36,970, while the vehicle pictured here will run you $41,375 thanks to a few options. I think this is a smart choice for the luxury buyer looking to be a little more fuel-efficient, but not yet ready to hop on the diesel train. The Lexus may trade some of the fuel-efficiency that a potentially up market Prius shopper is looking for, but it takes the tech, style, and comfort to a better place - not to mention it has a real trunk.