Lexus' HS 250h strikes out: Lexus HS 250h falls short on space, fuel efficiency

Lexus' ballyhooed HS 250h hybrid fails on almost all fronts, offering worse fuel economy and interior space than other hybrids costing thousands of dollars less.
Weighed against an excellent hybrid midsize sedan like the Ford Fusion, the HS 250h's smaller interior, higher price and lower fuel economy make Lexus' new hybrid one of the year's more disappointing new cars.

Looking for a home run to rally interest in its brand and excite younger buyers, Lexus summoned the heavy hitter from Toyota's corporate bench: hybrid technology in a unique body that's unlike anything else in Lexus' batting order.

The formula worked wonders for Toyota. The Prius has been a grand slam, making reliable but unexciting Toyota the darling of chic buyers and environmental activists

Now the Lexus HS 250h hybrid steps to the plate, swinging for the fences to score for Toyota's luxury brand.

But there is no joy in Toyota City tonight. Mighty Lexus has struck out.

Starting prices for the 2010 Lexus HS 250h hybrid begin at $34,200 for a base model and run to $36,970 for a Premium model, which adds standard features to the base. All HS 250h models come with a 147-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, 141-horsepower electric motor and continuously variable transmission.
I tested a well-equipped HS 250h Premium that stickered at $41,375. All prices exclude destination charges.
The HS competes with less-expensive hybrid models like the Ford Fusion, Honda Civic, Mercury Milan, Nissan Altima and Toyota Prius.


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Agent001 - 10/15/2009 10:49:06 PM

+3 Boost

Shocking...A DETROIT newspaper down on an Asian company!

Comparing it to the FUSION?

In the words of Chris Berman...Whhhaaattt???!!!

The only thing that matters is how customers vote with their wallets and dealers tell us it is bringing in new customers to the Lexus brand.

Or maybe they should wait for the Volt ;)

001

inspirion7 - 10/15/2009 11:41:57 PM

+1 Boost

Comparing it to the FUSION?

Be fair. In comparing the HS to the Fusion, it was comparing mileage. This is where the issue really stands. He compared it to the Honda Civic in space and mileage not to mention the Prius and Altima hybrids. The issue is, how can Lexus justify a car that barely gets better gas mileage that a basic 4 cyl. Chevy Malibu when it comes to being efficient? Outside of this car being a hybrid, no way in hell will Lexus float this car. Now, there are those out there that will pony up easily $41K on this highly non efficient vehicle but will crap bricks sideways when considering the purchase of the Chevy Volt? Brilliant.

Agent001 - 10/16/2009 12:33:18 AM

+3 Boost

When you drive the 250h, you will see the refinement is 100,000 levels above the Fusion.

Think about it...

They have yet to have a sedan in their dealerships that is hybrid and it is the first entry in the 3-series size premium hybrid.

They are first to market and people are asking that from them.

It truly is the Lexus of hybrids.

Not for me, i would choose the 335 cause I could give a crap about mileage but I can see it being perfect for a lot of former RX, A4, 3, C-Class owners, etc. who feel they need something that shows their concern for the environment without having to give up luxury.

001

enthusiastx11 - 10/17/2009 2:20:59 AM

+1 Boost

what makes this a "luxury" car? seriously, what qualities of a luxury car does this care have? a lexus badge? some leather?

inspirion7 - 10/16/2009 6:03:51 AM

-3 Boost

First,Badgewhore I'm a liberals worst nightmare, I'm a free thinking, educated black conservative, NOT a Republican. As always, a liberal that can't "bring it" on substance, so attacks are the tool of choice for them (as I've stated before watch a liberal, they will try to assassinate you by attacking your person rather than debating the point)

Second, you guys are making an argument for one lost all ready. Who cares about a car that is so heavy with things that it can't keep good gas mileage. That is where the LS hybrid doesn't make sense to Europeans because why pay so much for such a vehicle, to "feel" like you are doing something for the environment?

The issue is being fair when it comes to comparing mileage, not the things that makes it a luxury vehicle. Two totally different comparisons. If you where to say the HS is a better car in comfort and upscale options compared to its hybrid competitors, true enough, it has what it takes. Then just keep purchasing the RX hybrid if you are looking for space and luxury at roughly the same price point (the HS at $38-41K, compared to RX at $41-50K) . Then what is the point of the HS? Its like saying paying over $100K to purchase a Tesla is smart because it an EV, but the tech is so old school, its almost pointless. I know, I tossed that in there, but you see the point. Guys I don't think the argument is being made for the HS on this forum.

r15mohd - 10/16/2009 9:03:15 AM

+3 Boost

apples vs oranges...

show me another dedicated luxury hybrid sedan out their to compare this HS to. oh that's rite, there isn't any...

everyone knew the HS was not going to have spectacular MPG's, but it would be better than what most luxury sedan owners have today...that was the claim to fame.

M35MT - 10/16/2009 12:33:28 PM

0 Boost

Republicans out of touch with reality? Are you F'ing kidding me?

Liberal "Reality":

-Kill babies, save all animals no matter what the cost
-Take money from hard working people, give it away
-Destroy the dollar
-Put the country in debt and cut military spending
-Generally act like a douchebag
-Somehow try to make people believe you drive a hybrid to save the environment when you cheap a$$ just doesnt want to spend money on gas

enthusiastx11 - 10/17/2009 2:16:53 AM

0 Boost

agreed. what are they thinking with their silly expensive cars that get worse gas mileage than competitors! if you really care about fuel economy you buy a prius or a civic hybrid!

r15mohd - 10/16/2009 9:04:44 AM

+4 Boost

i saw one yesterday on my home from work...

blk/blk lthr...i honestly would say it's a descent looking vehicle, lower the stance a little bit and I wouldnt mind rolling in one as my daily!

sstainba - 10/16/2009 9:08:34 AM

-2 Boost

i don't get the point of a "luxury hybrid". is it just to make people feel better? if you have the money to spend on a luxury car but can't afford the gas for it, you seriously need to look over your finances again. and it's hard for me to consider that litle thing luxury when it's so tiny and rather bland in styling.

rigid - 10/16/2009 9:53:51 AM

-2 Boost

It is still a gas powered vehicle by the way.

rigid - 10/16/2009 9:53:04 AM

-5 Boost

Bravo to the author this Lexus is the biggest hyprid of them all. Fuel efficiency and a heavy vehicle do not go together. Every time I see the comercial on TV I want to punch someone. We have been able to controle the fuel efficiency of our cars forever, it is called not pressing the accelorator to the floor. I hate Toyota and Lexus they try to tell us they are saving the planet and all, but it is total BS. Can someone post the article that shows BMW has been recognized as the greenest auto company for the past 4 or 5 years? It is not all about fuel efficiency your car's carbon footprint starts when they mine the materials and ends when the car is junked.

david999 - 10/16/2009 10:59:15 AM

+2 Boost

The authors of this article would have you believe this is a failure for Lexus. Nothing could be further from the truth. They can't build enough of them to meet the demand.

inspirion7 - 10/16/2009 11:50:51 AM

-1 Boost

not at all, just pointing out where it fails to excel. He point out the strong points, and the weak. The car is far from great thats for sure. Its tiny like the Infiniti EX CUV is.

Willis - 10/16/2009 12:09:36 PM

-2 Boost

Demand? You mean the housewives that actually watch Desperate Housewives and the teenage girls that continually watch old reruns of Sex And The City and say "OMG/like" every 12 seconds and who think the word "Lexus" and "hybrid" is cool?

Brainless moron crowd.

I'm sorry, but the HS250h is again nothing but hype. It's another way for Lexus to cash in on gullible customers.

PlanB - 10/16/2009 11:44:27 AM

-2 Boost

I'm not trying to bash Lexus, BUT... at $41k there are better hybrids to choose from if thats your thing, and even better performing (and bigger)entry level luxury cars to choose from if thats what you're searching for. I would even choose a base RX hybrid over this, close in price and slightly less MPG but much more car. So in nutshell, Lexus created the first entry level luxury hybrid, that isn't the best hybrid... nor the best entry level luxury car IMO. But for those shopping for those two attributes, here's your car.

M35MT - 10/16/2009 12:35:18 PM

-1 Boost

If you want a small luxury car (LUXURY, not SPORT) and you live in the CITY and want great gas mileage and the ablity to tell people "I drive a Lexus" then buy this car. Otherwise, why bother even looking at it?

M35MT - 10/16/2009 12:36:42 PM

0 Boost

Also, why is this thing so bland? The IS looks great, and it's aerodymanic - why not take that design for their inspiration?

LexusKindaGuy12 - 10/16/2009 1:35:37 PM

+6 Boost

lol freep.com, where we get all our trustworthy automotive news.

DinamoR - 10/16/2009 1:48:40 PM

-3 Boost

i like Lexus in general, but the HS250h is a total joke. If it got 50+ mpg like the Prius, it would be a decent car, but it gets only 35!! a decent waay more powerful diesel from europe can easily destroy it.

Audi will make an electric R4 by 2012. Toyota needs to stop dicking around with these Nimh hybrids and take it to the next level already.

Oh yeah, and the HS is BUTT ugly

LuxuryFan - 10/16/2009 2:05:39 PM

+2 Boost

I wouldn't mind see a LF-Ch sedan, if such a concept is even possible.

freshseth83 - 10/16/2009 4:45:12 PM

+6 Boost

it is possible and it will more than likely be here before that audi R4 2012 nonsense. Lexus knows what it's doing. Who says you have to spend 41K on the car? you gonna check off every single option? Loaded the car is priced around 35K. Base is barely above 34K. Name one car that gets 35mpg city and highway that's a luxury vehicle for that much money? Hmm. None. There aren't any. This isn't their BMW # series diesel fighter. It's their own little car based off a toyota sold in europe. Not a corolla, or a camry, another totally different vehicle. You don't get the cozy heated leather seats with so many adjustable levels of comfort in a Ford Fusion Hybrid. Nor the civic. You don't get the level of Lexus quality and refinement either. So it's not a sports car, who has to take turns at 70+mph? No one. There's a little thing called sensibility and people with sense drive cars like this. The one's with sense who want luxury from Lexus at a reasonable price.

LexusKindaGuy12 - 10/16/2009 11:28:14 PM

+5 Boost

thats weird, it is elec limited to 112...

enthusiastx11 - 10/17/2009 2:23:21 AM

-3 Boost

what's that noise i hear?
oh...it's just huu, the racist nationalist.
ignore him.

enthusiastx11 - 10/17/2009 2:21:50 AM

-1 Boost

THIS IS NOT A LUXURY SEDAN. STOP IT WITH THOSE CLAIMS.

Denali - 10/17/2009 3:07:29 PM

+1 Boost

LMAO @ sstainba
"if you have the money to spend on a luxury car but can't afford the gas for it, you seriously need to look over your finances again" agreed

on that note, i never did like this car, but looking @ the luxury in it.......it has more luxury then 2009 E klasse...FACT

enthusiastx11 - 10/18/2009 11:54:02 AM

-2 Boost

truth: what luxury car gets 36mpg? you must be talking about the bluetec E-class.

lambo98 - 10/19/2009 6:13:15 AM

0 Boost

well u wouldnt expect a luxury car 2 do under 10.00 l per 100 kms
but petrol and diesel prise is rising.
that could be a unlikely buy

lambo98 - 10/19/2009 6:14:35 AM

0 Boost

but as long as its relibibul y should people car