2010 Lexus HS 250h Review Page 2

By Justin Kaehler

Justin Kaehler

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2010 Lexus HS 250h Review
Not even a year old, Lexus HS 250h has already endured its fair share of criticisms: It's not as... Read More

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1,929 views Mar 1, 2010

2010 Lexus HS 250h

The rough ride mentioned earlier is a trait likely exacerbated by the 18-inch wheels wrapped in low-profile, W-rated Toyo Proxes. The steering wheel does a pretty good job of communicating what is going on between the tires and road, though the electric system does filter out a lot of feedback. And while I'm still not used to the feeling of regenerative braking systems, the HS' stoppers do work well and slow the 3,700-pound sedan in a hurry.

Admittedly, I've picked on the Lexus HS 250h a fair bit here. And while there is nothing that is really bad about the car, there isn't anything that is really great about it, either. It's a good idea that needs a bit more refinement. This car doesn't deliver the sense of comfort and luxury of its larger ES sibling (which, coincidentally, costs just $500 more), nor does it deliver the dynamics of the much cheaper IS 250. The only advantage the HS 250h has over its similarly priced siblings is an EPA fuel economy rating of 35 mpg city/34 mpg highway.

Of course, if fuel economy is what you're after, the Prius starts at just $22,000, delivers 51/48 mpg city/hwy and has more celebrity-baiting green cred than the HS 250h ever will. So unless you're desperate for a hybrid with an "L" badge and the Lexus dealer experience, the Prius remains a much smarter buy. Maybe next time Lexus should slap an "L" on the Prius and call it a day.