2010 Lexus HS 250h 4dr Sdn

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• 2010 Lexus HS 250h Review Summary
• 2010 Lexus HS 250h Review Handling
• 2010 Lexus HS 250h Review Safety
• 2010 Lexus HS 250h Noteworthy

2010 Lexus HS 250h Details

Select a different trim4dr Sdn4dr Sdn Premium

Base MSRP: $34,650
Fuel: 2.4l/144
MPG (city): 35
MPG (highway): 34
Base Invoice: $31,531
Body style: 4dr car
Destination: $875
Transmission: Continuously variable trans
Engine: Gas/electric i4
Drive Type: Front Wheel Drive


2010 Lexus HS 250h Overview The 2010 HS 250h ($34,650) comes in standard and Premium ($36,970) models.   Standard features on the HS 250h include leather-trimmed seats; 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat with eight-way power-adjustable front passenger seat; a 10-speaker, 137-watt audio system with a six-disc CD changer, a subwoofer and center speaker; Bluetooth for phone and music streaming capabilities; integrated subscription satellite radio (includes 90-day trial); USB/iPod connectivity operated via steering wheel controls or the display screen; and 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels.

 

          

2010 Lexus HS 250h Review Summary
With the 2010 Lexus HS, ranked 7.3 by ACG in the Upscale Midsize Cars class, Lexus has entered uncharted territory in the automobile world. Indeed, they have created a hybrid that is designed to be an affordable luxury vehicle that can provide gas mileage that is as good as the best available (i.e. the Toyota Prius). While the thought process makes perfect sense, the question is whether or not Lexus succeeded with the 2010 HS. Although the HS offers class leading gas mileage, it doesn’t quite match up with the Prius. Similarly, although the HS certainly offers some upscale appointments, longtime Lexus owners will find the hybrid to be different, in negative ways, from the traditional feel of a Lexus. The 2010 HS comes available in two trim levels. The base trim offers a full load of luxury electronics, but uses 17-inch wheels and leather upholstery that isn’t the best. The more upscale Premium trim comes with 18-inch wheels, an equal amount of interior technology, and higher quality leather. As for power, the HS mates a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine to a pair of electronic motors for a grand total output of 187 horsepower. The HS has three drive modes: Eco, Power and EV. When in EV mode, the HS is running purely on electric and the car has limited utility. In Eco mode, the powertrain favors fuel economy, and the car has slow acceleration. Lastly, in Power mode, the HS performs much like a regular gasoline-powered sedan would, but with less of a carbon footprint. When it comes to performance, consumers have to keep in mind that the HS was not built to compete with the rest of the cars in this category, and it doesn’t. It’s meant to provide excellent fuel economy, while doing enough to meet the typical needs of most drivers. Most critics feel that it does so fairly well and with a decent amount of power. The exterior of the 2010 HS has received few remarks from the automotive press, which means that this car definitely isn’t going to stand out on the road. In fact, from the outside, the HS looks very similar to the Toyota Prius, and is even based on a version of the Prius’ platform. Unlike the exterior, reviewers have plenty to say about the interior of the HS, both good and bad. On the positive side, the HS does offer the same fit and finish, user-friendly electronics, and luxurious design that have become trademarks of Lexus. In particular, critics like the fact that the HS offers fairly comfortable seating and a generous amount of rear-seat space. They also love the HS’ remote-touch controller, which is extremely intuitive and easy to use for anyone that has ever used a computer. All of this aside, reviewers do not like the fact that that HS has plenty of visible plastic, thin seats, and a much less quiet ride in the passenger cabin. Lastly, the HS only offers about 12 cubic feet of trunk space because the car’s batteries are stored in the space between the trunk and the rear seats. This puts the HS well behind most of the competition in this category. Overall, the 2010 Lexus HS is the right choice for the consumer looking for a slightly fancier Toyota Prius. It’s not the right car for just about anyone else.

2010 Lexus HS 250h Review Handling
One should not look into the HS if he or she is interested in a sporty or even remotely exciting experience on the road. That said, the HS provides fairly sharp and balanced handling that probably exceeds what other hybrids currently offer. The car’s electric steering (standard on all hybrids), however, feels lighter and somewhat number than what most drivers are used to.

2010 Lexus HS 250h Review Safety
Although the 2010 Lexus HS has not yet been crash tested, it is well equipped to protect passengers. The HS includes driver and passenger side knee airbags, designed to prevent front passengers’ knees from impacting the dashboard during an accident. This airbag is rare among luxury cars. Additionally, the HS features a couple of great safety systems for emergency situations. The Pre-Collision System (available as an option) uses radar to detect objects close to the front of the HS and warns the driver of a possible collision. In the event of an unavoidable accident, the system will retract safety belts and prime the car’s brakes with additional power to help lessen the blow. Additionally, the “Lexus Enform with Safety Connect” will contact emergency services with the car’s GPS location in the event of a crash, much like GM’s OnStar system.

2010 Lexus HS 250h Noteworthy
The HS earned a reliability score of 9.0 (Excellent) from J.D. Power and Associates. Consumers should keep in mind, however, that because the HS is an entirely new model for 2010, it has no reliability history and is therefore a bit of a risk. The HS carries Lexus’ 48-month, 50,000-mile warranty.