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2011 Lexus HS

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

Overview

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2011 Lexus HS Review

By KBB.com Editors

Maintaining its signature style and trend-setting hybrid technology, Lexus continues to provide customers with luxury and value with the 2011 HS 250h. The smart and comfortable HS 250h satisfies buyers who want a socially-conscious vehicle with elegant features and top quality. This efficient, purely hybrid vehicle is in a category all its own among Lexus models and is designed to provide a level of sophistication not otherwise available in a full-hybrid vehicle.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you care about your carbon footprint, but want to drive a vehicle with a luxury nameplate on the decklid (you don't want to drive a Prius), the HS 250h may be your car. That is: You're environmentally conscious, but don't want to give up the comfort of a luxury sedan.

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 2011 Lexus HS 250h is now available in two new colors, Satin Cashmere Metallic and Deep Sea Mica, which accompany several other options.

Driving the HS

Driving Impressions Setting itself apart somewhat from other hybrid models, the 2011 Lexus HS 250h offers Normal, Eco and Power driving modes, which allow the driver to adjust the responsiveness of the...

accelerator and the efficiency of the hybrid system. Don't let the hybrid label fool you; considering its fuel economy, the HS 250h drives quite responsively and smoothly, if slightly lacking in gusto and a little buzzy in the cabin. It also includes several features that allow the driver to monitor efficiency, including the Hybrid System Indicator, which shows when the batteries are being charged or depleted, and the Eco light, which illuminates when the car is being driven most efficiently. While you can't expect a hybrid vehicle to outperform its non-hybrid counterparts, you can expect a reasonable ride and driving experience from the 2011 Lexus HS 250h.

Favorite Features

Remote Touch
The 2011 Lexus HS 250h features the option of Lexus' Intuitive Remote Touch interface, which allows the driver to control a cursor on the display screen with a conveniently placed mouse-like interface in the center console. The mouse gives Haptic feedback, a physical cue, when the cursor is placed over an icon, giving the user optimal control and navigation of the system's functions.

Intelligent High Beams
The available Intelligent High-Beam headlights on the 2011 Lexus HS 250h can detect oncoming vehicles or those traveling closely ahead, and will switch from high-beam to low-beam mode until the other vehicle is no longer in range.

2011 Lexus HS Details

Interior

The surprisingly roomy interior of the HS 250h embodies elegance and comfort almost on par with other Lexus vehicles, while offering practical accessories and a user-friendly control panel. Select vehicle preferences can be set and tailored to the owner, including a 10-way power driver's seat. Complementing its earth-friendly hybrid powertrain, certain parts of the interior and luggage area are made out of ecological plastics and other sustainable materials.

Exterior

The HS 250h embodies the Lexus L-Finesse design theme, defined by the balance of form and function. Standing face-to-face with the 2011 Lexus HS 250h, you'll be seeing chrome, from the hybrid front grille design to the contemporary headlights. The aerodynamic shape is accented by integrated color-keyed lower front and rear spoilers for improved fuel economy. To emphasize its hybrid technology, blue highlights are added to the front and rear "L" logos and the "HYBRID" badge is incorporated into the side moldings of the rear doors.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

Standard equipment for the 2011 Lexus HS 250h includes 17-inch aluminum wheels with all-season tires, LED brake- and taillights, a leather-trimmed steering wheel and seats, a SmartAccess key system with push-button start, automatic dual-zone climate control and rear air-conditioning vents. Steering- wheel audio controls accompany a 10-speaker system that features a six-disc CD changer, a USB port, MP3, iPod, auxiliary audio input and Bluetooth audio streaming. Standard safety equipment includes a tire pressure monitoring system, an advanced front and rear airbag system with enhanced side-impact protection, anti-lock disc brakes and stability and traction controls.

Optional Equipment

The 2011 HS 250h Premium model adds 18-inch alloy wheels, driver's-seat memory, auto-dimming side-view mirrors with memory and tilt-down, heated and ventilated front seats, rain-sensing windshield wipers, upgraded leather-trimmed seating and a wood-trimmed interior. There are several other options, including a Mark Levinson Premium Surround Sound System, a rear spoiler, a wide-view front monitor with backup monitor, front and rear parking sensors, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, a voice-activated navigation system and a pre-collision warning system.

Under the Hood

The 2011 HS 250h features a combination of a gasoline engine, a high-voltage battery and an electric motor, which work together to deliver a solid output of 187 horsepower and an acceleration of zero to 60 miles per hour in 8.4 seconds. When the vehicle is stopped or moving slowly, the gas engine will shut down to conserve fuel, and can restart quickly via the electric motor. The system also uses an Electronically-Controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (ECVT) to find the most efficient gear. Because it can be powered by its gasoline engine, the electric motor, or a combination of both, the HS 250h is a true full-hybrid vehicle.

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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2011 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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