Review: 2010 Lexus HS 250h isn’t just a Prius with an ‘L’ badge

Review: 2010 Lexus HS 250h

We could make our job here extremely easy by saying that the 2010 Lexus HS 250h is a merely a dressed up Toyota Prius; but that would not do the car or our readers any justice. In all actuality, there is a considerable amount of similarity between the Prius and HS 250h, but there is a ton of difference as well. The compact hybrid sedan represents not only the first attempt by Lexus at a dedicated hybrid, but also its first foray into the world of 4-cylinder engines.

Those who jump to the conclusion that Toyota simply took a Prius and rebadged it a Lexus are kidding themselves. While the gasoline-engine, electric-motor, hybrid-drive system, and interior controls are all similar to the Prius, almost everything in the HS 250h is slightly larger, more powerful, and more luxurious than in the Toyota offering.

HIt the jump to read more and to view our high-res image gallery (at the bottom of the post).

Review: 2010 Lexus HS 250h:

2010 Lexus HS 250h Specifications:

  • Base Price: $34,650.
  • Price as Tested: $45,220.
  • Engine: 2.4L Hybrid inline 4-cylinder – 187-hp / 138 lb-ft of torque.
  • Transmission: Electronically Controlled continuously Variable Transmission.
  • Curb Weight: 3,682 lbs.
  • 0 to 60 mph: 8.4 seconds.
  • Top Speed: 112 mph.
  • Fuel-Economy (city/highway): 35/34 mpg – 35 mpg combined.

All Photos Copyright © 2010 Omar Rana – egmCarTech.

2010 Lexus HS 250h Exterior

Exterior:

Despite the Lexus detailing and badging, the exterior styling of the HS 250h is very Toyota; it very closely resembles the Corolla. The upside to that is that it still retains the style of a standard car, so there is no compromise on styling and attractiveness for the sake of fuel-economy. That could also detract from the car”s overall appeal however, as many hybrid owners proudly own their “˜tree-hugger” image and display it with pride so that the rest of us know that they are saving the world while we deplete oil at an alarming rate. While the Prius screams “˜environmentalist”, the HS 250h won”t give the same impression until someone notices the hybrid badging.

The HS 250h does share a wheelbase with the Prius, but that shouldn”t be of much concern; Toyota vehemently points out that there are no body panels or suspension pieces shared between the two cars. The wheelbase measures in at 106.3 inches. The car is 184.8 inches long by 70.3 inches wide.

Overall, the car is not the least attractive one we”ve seen, but is certainly not as attractive as Lexus”s other offerings. The choice of color on this car also goes a long way as to whether it will look more like your standard hybrid or more like a Lexus. Ten premium Lexus exterior colors are offered on the HS 250h; Matador Red Mica, Tungsten Pearl, Smoky Granite Mica, Obsidian, Golden Almond Metallic, Black Sapphire Pearl, Starfire Pearl, and three hybrid exclusive colors ““ Black Opal Mica, Aurora White Pearl and Silver Opal Mica.

2010 Lexus HS 250h Interior

Interior:

Interior design is one more area where the Prius and HS 250h have traits that are similar yet distinct. While many interior design cues from the HS 250h are reminiscent of the Prius, the quality and feel of the Prius interior is one of sturdy affordability, while the HS 250h carries the distinct Lexus tones of refined luxury.

The car seats five people and comes standardly equipped with; 10-way power driver”s seat, Automatic dual-zone climate control, Bluetooth connectivity, SmartAccess key system with pushbutton start, Steering Wheel audio controls, tilt & telescopic steering, 10-speakers, 137-watt in-dash 6-CD changer with WMA/MP3 capability, AUX/USB connectivity, XM Radio with 90-day trial, iPod connectivity that allows for onboard audio controls and display, and much more.

While the standard equipment is what one would generally expect from a $34,650 car. For those who are hardly satisfied by standard equipment though, the list of options available is endless; one can choose from: the Mark Levinson Premium Sound Package, the Navigation Package, Park Assist Package, Technology Package with driver attention monitor, Heads-up Display, Intuitive Parking Assist, Lane Keep Assist, and Pre-Collision System. Just a quick aside about the Technology Package; it is only available on the Premium model, and requires the Navigation Package and Wide-view Front Monitor with Backup Monitor.

The interior of the HS 250h certainly exceeds what ones expectations would be of a Lexus. To those Lexus owners who are afraid that this entry-level offering will detract from what the brand usually offers; stop it.

2010 Lexus HS 250h Powertrain

Performance:

The HS 250h offers a solid drive with heavy steering; overall a much more luxurious ride than the one offered by the Prius. Being a hybrid, not much is expected out of this car in terms of horsepower. Peak engine output is 147 hp, which is increased to 187 total system hp.

The cars power is derived from a two-motor hybrid system that combines a 141 hp drive motor with the 147 hp gas motor. The system also employs an electronically-controlled, continuously variable transmission (CVT), which serves as a model simple and compact efficiency with its remarkably smooth and quiet operation. Power is further boosted by a motor speed-reduction planetary gear unit. The shift-by-wire system also cleans up much of the bulk associated with a standard transmission system, doing away with massive shift cables and saving space and weight.

One nice feature on the 250h is the drive-mode switch which allows the driver to select between four different drive modes; Normal, Power, Eco, E.V. Each mode has a different standard for throttle. Normal drive is just as it sounds, Power provides a more responsive feel to the drive, Eco drive adjusts all on onboard systems to provide for a maximally efficient ride, while EV mode can allow the vehicle to be driven a short distance under certain circumstances using only the electric motor.

The 2010 HS 250h goes from 0 to 60 in 8.4 seconds and maintains an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 35 mpg city and 34 mpg highway, for a combined rating of 35 mpg when operated on regular 87-octane gasoline; 80% more efficient than the average luxury car. So how much did we average during our week-long test-drive? 29 mpg.

2010 Lexus HS 250h Rear

Overall:

Despite a strong performance in the Japanese market, the model has seen an upsetting sales performance in the United States. Lexus had originally planned to move between 20,000 and 22,000 units annually, but is currently on pace to move only about 14,000 in 2010.

A strong determining factor for such a performance may be the fact that prices start at $34,650 for the base model, and $37,420 for the premium. Such an MSRP might lead new hybrid or luxury shoppers to think that such a price-tag is too high for a car that averages a combined 35 mpg. They might also be deterred and think that the same amount of money is perhaps more wisely spent on something besides a hybrid, or that they are essentially just overpaying for a dolled up Prius, except for the fact that the Prius gets 50 mpg combined.

Review: 2010 Lexus HS 250h:

All Photos Copyright © 2010 Omar Rana ““ egmCarTech.

– By: Stephen Calogera