Call the 2010 Lexus HS 250h a rebadged Prius and Lexus will be glad to remind you that you're misinformed. Other than having an identical wheelbase, it's completely different, they'll say. More sophisticated underneath and more luxurious inside, the HS 250h is a true luxury hybrid.
Does that make any sense to you? We were a little skeptical too, so we put contributor Barry Winfield behind the wheel to see what this dedicated hybrid is all about. He came away impressed with much of it, but was hardly overwhelmed by its goodness. Get all the details in our full test of the 2010 Lexus HS 250h.
brn says:
07:58 AM, 07/ 8/09
Just to play domestic fanboy:
The performance of a Fusion hybrid.
Worse mpg than a Fusion hybrid.
Smaller than a Fusion hybrid.
Priced like a Lexus.
Damn.
powell_jr says:
08:00 AM, 07/ 8/09
There are a lot of Lexus fans who want the status this car will provide. It will sell well.
firstwagon says:
08:04 AM, 07/ 8/09
I notice your mileage ranged from 14 to 46 with an average of 32. I wouldn't mind a long test to get a more accurate number.
Although I have no interest in this car, I can see it selling well to Prius owners who want to move up but still stay with a "Prius".
lostandfound08 says:
08:20 AM, 07/ 8/09
Maybe I'm missing something here, but I thought Lexus wanted to capitalize on this being a distinct hybrid model. As much as I can tell, it looks like a pretty straightforward sedan, and displays nothing of the distinctive Kammback design that sets the Prius, Insight, and Volt apart. Everyone knows the Prius is different on first glance, but with this, no one will notice.
iskch says:
08:24 AM, 07/ 8/09
looks like a Corolla to me.
alman08 says:
08:54 AM, 07/ 8/09
Ford: we shall no longer use the old 3-bar-grill since we need a striking design... a new image for our new flagship. Now let's sell the remaining from our part bin...
Lexus: We will take them!
dwhamman says:
09:30 AM, 07/ 8/09
At first glance I thought Corolla, too.
joeeatsbabies says:
10:22 AM, 07/ 8/09
Why Lexus why?! Why create this abomination!?
mirth says:
10:40 AM, 07/ 8/09
Infiniti G20 anyone?
I also agree it looks like a Corolla.
1487 says:
11:09 AM, 07/ 8/09
Lexus isnt anticipating big sales so they know interest is low. 25k copies is not a lot for LExus. The RX can do that in 3 months. The main thing is that this doesnt LOOK like a luxury car. It looks like a Toyota. I also have a hard time believing this car is as sporty as they say with a .77g and 61mph slalom performance.
teekay13 says:
01:07 PM, 07/ 8/09
Lexus has always built cars for people who hate driving. This hybrid-Corrolla-rebadged-as-a-Lexus fits the bill just fine. It will sell.
billt9 says:
04:58 PM, 07/ 8/09
Why so ugly? Why?
It could have been awesome. Why so ugly? Many question marks flood the mind!~~~
Why does it have the Camry Hybrid's drivetrain and mpg, while merely the size of a Corolla? Why?
Many question marks flood the mind!
Redo please.
blueguydotcom says:
11:39 PM, 07/ 8/09
Look a 40k Corolla!
noflash1 says:
06:48 AM, 07/ 9/09
Why all the hate?
Damn, Lexus gets crap for making 20mpg mild hybrids and when they make a true one they get crap for that.
All you boys are too caught up in looks. If those seats are anything like from the IS and a hypermiler can crack 40mpg than this is a great car that we need yesterday.
Cheers, nf
1487 says:
08:57 AM, 07/ 9/09
Lexus's other car hybrids emphasize performance over mileage but they were still real hybrids.
If you are buying a luxury car you likely dont care about getting the highest mileage possible. You so expect some style and performance. Otherwise you would save money and get the Prius which has much of this car's tech and a lower price. 32mpg is impressive, but not compared to 50mpg in the PRius.
blueguydotcom says:
10:33 AM, 07/ 9/09
@noflash - If it's got anything like the IS and you pick the seats?
Anyway, it's a needless car and servers no purpose other than to put an L badge on something that is inferior to the far cheaper and more efficient Prius.
Yes people will buy it (heck people buy the Prius) but the need for this car simply isn't there. It's a joke. It reminds me of the Caddy Catera.
brn says:
11:12 AM, 07/ 9/09
"Lexus gets crap for making 20mpg mild hybrids and when they make a true one they get crap for that."
They're getting crap from me because they lose in the mpg, performance, size, and cost categories to the competition. In fact I'm a little dumbfounded and am not sure I believe the numbers.