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Hybrid Of Another Caliber: 2010 Lexus HS250

Jonathan McGrew

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Jonathan McGrew has had a steering wheel in his hands since before he could walk. It was inevitable that he would start racing, earning recognition... More

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7,179 views July 6, 2009

2010 Lexus HS250h - front side

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Okay, so I am stretching a bit for this to be a small car, but there is something intriguing about a luxury hybrid sedan that will achieve better mileage than the Hyundai Elantra that is parked out on the driveway. This is something I have looked into before with my articles on the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid, which is probably the closest thing to the 2010 Lexus HS250 on the market. Our partner site, AllAboutPrius.com has done a nice job comparing the HS250 to the 2010 Toyota Prius (the HS250 does use parts off the Prius, so it fits) and addressing whether is really is an upscale alternative.

The question most people ask is, “how does it drive?” Even more important, “what kind of gas mileage does it get?” We have you covered there too; GreenCarReports.com has spent some time behind the wheel and reported back via their Drive Report. The verdict, well the 2010 Lexus HS250 isn’t a Prius, but it does seem to hold it’s own against the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid. The EPA combined fuel rating for the HS250 comes in at a pretty impressive 35 mpg. I say “impressive” because this is far above the mileage obtained by any other model in the Lexus stable.

2010 Lexus HS250h - instruments

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The thing that I like about the 2010 Lexus HS250 is that it isn’t trying to be a rebadged Toyota iQ like the Aston Martin Cygnet. No, the HS250 is truly a Lexus sedan and comes with all of the features you would expect. The added bonus is really the above average mileage. If you think about the Luxury car market, they have never really even given a nod to green initiatives. Gas mileage? I am sure Gentleman don’t speak of such things. To me, Lexus making an alternative for those still wanting the Luxurious feel of a Lexus, Mercedes or BMW, is one small step for the environmentalist and a large step towards reshaping the Luxury industry.

So, check out the links above on the 2010 Lexus HS250. Then consider whether this car is right for our times or not. GreenCarReports.com gives you their opinion here. As for my opinion? I think we are heading in the right direction where luxury isn’t synonymous with excess and waste.