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2010 Lexus HS

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2012 Lexus HS

Overview

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2010 Lexus HS Review

By KBB.com Editors

Lexus was one of the first brands to recognize the image-enhancing value of hybrid technology. Sure, its customers want big comfortable luxury cars, but they also want to drive with a clean conscience and perhaps display their concern for the environment. For 2010 Lexus introduces the HS 250h, a hybrid that offers the luxury, technology and comfort expected of the brand but in an efficient and distinctly-styled package. The HS 250h is an entry-level luxury vehicle that slots between the Lexus IS and ES in size and price, although its status as a purely hybrid vehicle means its appeal should extend to a wide variety of buyers.

You'll Like This Car If...

You might like the Lexus HS 250h if you want the comfort and technology of a luxury sedan but also want a vehicle that expresses your earth-friendly credentials. The HS 250h may be a good choice for those that enjoy the status associated with affluence and environmental awareness.

You May Not Like This Car If...

Despite the use of Lexus' L-Finesse design language, the HS 250h has a shape more reminiscent of an economy car like the Toyota Corolla than the upscale Lexus GS or LS. Those who prefer a stately and sophisticated luxury vehicle may find the styling of the HS 250h lacking.

What's Significant About This Car?

The 2010 Lexus HS 250h is the brand's first dedicated hybrid, meaning it is available exclusively as a hybrid. Well-to-do car buyers who previously relied on the Toyota Prius to express their environmental concerns now have a more luxurious alternative.

Driving the HS

Driving Impressions Synchronizing the output of a gasoline engine and electric motor is a sizeable technical challenge, but the 2010 Lexus HS 250h does so quite well, providing a smooth and refined...

if not-quite exciting drive. The HS 250h features Normal, Eco and Power modes that alter the responsiveness of the accelerator pedal, allowing the driver to customize the vehicle's reactions to suit individual driving style. Also helping to maximize fuel economy are the Hybrid System Indicator that shows when the batteries are being charged and when they are being depleted, as well as an Eco light that illuminates when the vehicle is being driven most efficiently. Forget about the hybrid powertrain, and the HS 250h still manages to please with a suspension that strikes a nice balance between responsive handling and comfort. While not exactly sporty, the HS delivers good steering control while isolating passengers from the harsher portions of the pavement.

Favorite Features

Remote Touch
Combining a high-mounted display and a clever mouse-like controller, Lexus' intuitive Remote Touch interface makes controlling audio, climate and navigation functions extremely easy and safe. The system features Haptic Feedback that provides a physical cue when the cursor is placed over an icon. In practice, it's one of the best human-vehicle interfaces we've ever experienced.

Intelligent High Beams
When the optional Intelligent High-Beam system detects the headlights and taillights of other cars it automatically switches from high to low beams. When appropriate, the system switches the high beams on again, all without any input from the driver.

2010 Lexus HS Details

Interior

Have a seat in the HS 250h and it's clear that Lexus hasn't forgotten the luxury part of the luxury-hybrid equation. The surfaces have a premium feel, the design looks modern and the instrument panel is easy to understand and use. Those interested in the environment will also appreciate that about 30 percent of the upholstery is made from earth-friendly plant-based plastics. A tall roofline and legroom-enhancing sculpted front seatbacks make for roomy seating in all positions. The decently-sized trunk benefits from a wide opening, although the battery's position behind the rear seats means there is no pass-through to the main cabin.

Exterior

The 2010 Lexus HS 250h's exterior embodies the L-Finesse theme that defines current Lexus design. The nose features a three-bar chrome grille and sharply-drawn headlights that lead rearward into a distinct shoulder line. Aft of the doors the shoulder line blends into chrome tail lights which, along with an abbreviated trunk lid and black diffuser-like bumper insert, define the tail of the vehicle. Ignore the modern design cues, chrome trim and blue-tinted Lexus badges and the HS 250h looks a bit like the budget-priced Toyota Corolla. Family resemblance aside, the HS 250h's extremely aerodynamic 0.27 drag coefficient does a lot to justify its shape.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

The standard equipment list for the base 2010 Lexus HS 250h includes 17-inch wheels, keyless entry and start, leather-trimmed interior, power seats, automatic dual-zone climate control and automatic headlights. The standard audio system is a 137-watt 10-speaker unit that features a USB port, auxiliary audio input, six-disc CD changer and the ability to stream Bluetooth 2.0 audio from compatible devices. Standard safety equipment includes anti-lock disc brakes, stability and traction controls and ten airbags, including front and rear seat-mounted side-impact airbags and front-passenger knee airbags.

Optional Equipment

There are several option packages for the 2010 Lexus HS 250h. The Navigation Package features a voice-activated navigation system, Lexus' Remote Touch controller, a backup camera and live traffic, weather, sports and stock information via XM Satellite Radio. The Touring Package adds heated front seats, 18-inch wheels, two-tone interior and sport suspension, while the Technology Package includes a host of advanced features including a Heads-up Display, front and rear parking sensors, dynamic cruise control, lane departure warning and a system that monitors the driver and warns if he or she is not paying attention to the road. Other options include wood-trim interior, adaptive LED headlights and a premium Mark Levinson audio system.

Under the Hood

The 2010 Lexus HS 250h is a full hybrid, meaning it can be propelled by its efficient 2.4-liter gasoline engine, an electric motor, or a combination of both. Depending upon conditions, the gasoline engine will stop when the vehicle is motionless or moving at slow speeds. A second electric motor can quickly restart the gasoline engine and acts as an electric generator, capturing kinetic energy when the HS 250h slows down. Under hard acceleration, the gasoline engine and electric motor work together, delivering a combined output of 187 horsepower, accelerating the HS 250h from zero to 60 miles per hour in around 8.4 seconds. Power is sent to the front wheels via an electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission that combines electric and gasoline propulsion into smooth forward motion.

2.4-liter in-line 4 (plus hybrid drive motor)
147 horsepower @ 6000 rpm; 187 hp total hybrid system
138 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 35/34

To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used Lexus HS vehicles for sale near you.

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2010 Lexus HS Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

9.2

Out of 10

Based on 32 Ratings for the 2010 - 2012 models.

Review this car

Value

9.2/10

Quality

9.6/10
Reliability

9.7/10

Performance

8.9/10
Comfort

9.4/10

Styling

9.3/10

Luxury and economy

By hman (MA) on Wednesday, October 10, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 30,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: Not Rated
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "economy with luxury touches"

Cons: "not a rocket off the line"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I just purchased this vehicle certified from a local Lexus dealer. I love the 40mpg I'm getting, although I expect it to go down a bit in cold weather. I have some bells and whistles eg navigation and Lexus does them all well. Driving a hybrid takes a little getting used to, especially acceleration, which is a little sluggish. Once you are moving, there is no diff. Overall, I am very happy, with no regrets."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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Near new, ideal for local use

By Bob on Friday, September 14, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 6,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: Not Rated
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 8/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"New condition. Easy to drive hybrid, no evidence of wear. Only drawback for me is its small cabin size which makes longer trips (2 hours or more)more tiring than I would like."

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Better than expected

By Vince (FL) on Tuesday, August 21, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 30,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: Not Rated
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "this car rides higher, more like my SUV"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I'm retired. last three cars were Lexus 350. Liked them all except wanted better milage as I planned on taking road trips. Happy to say the gas milegae is good, not quite as stated, but this car offers the comfort and features i wanted in a car. I did drive a Prius, yes it was good, better mileage, but at my age and driving four Lexus' I'm spoiled, liking comfort features that the Prius didn't offer. Yup! the price was different too, but I'm very happy with my HS 250."

3 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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Fast and frugal, what's not to like!

By Michael (IL) on Wednesday, August 15, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 17,500

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"Small on the outside, large on the inside. Better than rated MPG 35/34/35, we get 38+ on 10% Ethanol. Great features, memory everything, voice commands, Navigation is excellent. Cooled seats really work! Fun to zip off the line and leave "faster" cars. USB port works with iPhone but not iPod for music. Wish it had a couple feature my 5 year old Chevy has like retained power after key off for sunroof and radio. Expected one touch-three flash turn signals too. Will be getting the new ES300h when this lease is up but will miss the extra garage space the HS provided"

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Economy with a badge.

By 1jan1 (CA) on Thursday, May 03, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 10,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 6/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Looks great drives nice and its a LEXUS at 35mpg"

Cons: "Not cheap but what is today."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"My car I traded in was a H2 gas was insane. My wife drives a G35 she fell in love with this car. It's fun to drive. I have the premium with tech package. It truly drives itself its not fast but it stays with the traffic. Rides smother then G35 and quitter. Try it you will like."

3 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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Nice car, but could be better

By Joe (TX) on Saturday, April 14, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 6,200

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 8/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 7/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Pretty Car"

Cons: "Average car, pricey tag. Go for another brand."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 3

"I traded my 2008 Hyundai Veracruz CUV to purchase this car in October 2011 because of the advertised 35MPG. The car runs good, however, the MPG I get is not what the manufacturer advertises. I get around 29-31 MPG regardless of what driving mode I have it in. The electric seats are very slow. Once you start the car, you have to wait until it goes through its starting processes before you can click on your seat memory button for the seat to obtain your setting; unlike other vehicles, after you start the car, you can select your seat setting, and it sets it without having to wait. The seat memory buttons are not lit, and very hard to see at night. The mouse is very unsafe and a safety hazard to use when driving. A touch screen sound system would have worked best. The stereo is OK, not the best and functions OK, however, when you select XM mode, you have to double the sound volume in order to hear the music at a comfortable level. Only 1 power outlet, which I would prefer 2. Interior level noise is much higher with the provided factory tires, especially when driving over road expansion joints. Headrest do not lock in the lowest position, so they have a tendency to raise to the first level, which is very annoying. Seatbelts need to be relocated to the seats where they are more easily accessible for those drivers who may have back problems, or sustained a temporary injury that prohibits them from reaching to the rear of the vehicle. I am seriously already thinking about selling or trading in my vehicle, as I am not to pleased with it. The purchase process, after the sale, with the dealer, was not a very good experience. Overall, for the price I paid, I would recommend shopping around for another manufacturer, where you can get a similar or better vehicle, but for a lower price. If you're looking for better MPG, I would recommend the VW Turbo Diesel vehicles, or some other Hybrid vehicle."

8 people out of 9 found this review helpful

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