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2012 Lexus HS

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Overview

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2012 Lexus HS Review

By KBB.com Editors

KBB Expert Rating: 6.6

When the Lexus HS 250h debuted in 2009, it was heralded for being an eco-conscious luxury-hybrid sedan that was a more upscale alternative to the Toyota Prius. And while the HS 250h hit its mark as being just that, it wasn't a hit with consumers and was constantly outsold by its younger brother, the CT 200h. 2012 marks the last year for this entry-level luxury hybrid, but for those looking for a socially-conscious vehicle with elegant features and top quality, the 2012 Lexus HS 250h continues to provide.

You'll Like This Car If...

The 2012 Lexus HS 250h offers a solution for those seeking the comforts of a luxury sedan while remaining environmentally conscious.

You May Not Like This Car If...

Standing next to others in the Lexus lineup, the HS 250h is a bit of an odd duckling. Compared to its brethren like the upscale GS or LS, the HS looks more like an economy car than a high-end luxury cruiser, which could prove a turn-off to some shoppers.

KBB Expert Ratings

Overall Rating

6.6
Driving Dynamics

6.0
Comfort & Convenience

7.4
Design: Interior & Exterior

5.4
Value

6.6
Safety

7.9

How It Ranks

#4

out of 34

MPG

#32

out of 34

Horsepower

View all rankings

Consumer Rating

9.2 out of 10

View all
consumer ratings

What's New for 2012

For 2012, the Lexus 250h is offered in a new color, Nebula Gray Pearl, which replaces Smoky Granite Mica.

Driving the HS

Driving Impressions Setting itself apart somewhat from other hybrid models, the 2012 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 is quite responsive and smooth, if slightly lacking in gusto and a little less than silent in the cabin. The HS sedan also includes several toys that allow the driver to monitor its 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. And 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 2012 Lexus HS 250h.

Favorite Features

REMOTE TOUCH
The 2012 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 touch-based feedback when the cursor is placed over an icon, giving the user control and navigation over the system's functions.

INTELLIGENT HIGH BEAMS
The available Intelligent High-Beam headlights on the 2012 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.

2012 Lexus HS Details

2012 Lexus HS Dashboard, center console, gear shifter view photo

Interior

Surprisingly roomy and well-appointed, the 2012 HS 250h's interior captures elegance and comfort almost on par with other Lexus vehicles. Creature comforts abound, including a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat. Complementing its earth-friendly hybrid powertrain, parts of the passenger and cargo areas are made out of ecological plastics and other sustainable materials.

Exterior

The 2012 HS 250h neutralizes many the Lexus sedan design themes. In the presence of the HS 250h, you'll remember the chrome-accented grille and modern-looking headlights. The aero-styled shape does its best to improve the car's fuel economy. To emphasize the Lexus hybrid technology, blue highlights are added to the front and rear Lexus logos and a badge designating the HS 250h's hybrid origins is incorporated into the side moldings of the rear doors.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

The standard equipment list for the 2012 Lexus HS 250h is extensive and stylish. It includes 17-inch aluminum wheels, LED brake lights and taillights, a leather-trimmed steering wheel and upholstery, SmartAccess keyless entry and push-button starting, dual-zone automatic climate control, and rear air-conditioning vents. The 10-speaker audio system features a 6-disc CD changer, a USB port, MP3, iPod, auxiliary audio input and Bluetooth audio streaming.

Optional Equipment

Opting up to the Premium version of the 2012 HS 250h adds 18-inch alloy wheels, driver's-seat memory, heated and ventilated front seats, upgraded leather-trimmed seating and a wood-trimmed interior, plus auto-dimming side-view mirrors with memory and tilt-down, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. There are several standalone options, including a Mark Levinson Premium Surround Sound System, a rear spoiler, a wide-view front monitor and backup camera, front and rear parking sensors, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, a voice-activated navigation system, and a pre-collision warning system.

Under the Hood

The 2012 HS 250h features a combination of a gasoline engine, a high-voltage battery, and an electric motor. Working together, this trio delivers 187 horsepower with a 0-to-60-mph acceleration time of 8.4 seconds, according to Lexus. When the HS 250h is stopped or moving slowly, the engine will shut down and run on battery power to conserve fuel. The hybrid system uses an Electronically-Controlled Continuously Variable Transmission to find the most efficiency.

2.4-liter inline-4 (plus hybrid drive motor)
147 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm (187 hp total hybrid system)
138 lb-ft of torque @ 4,400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 35/34 mpg

Pricing Notes

A standard model 2012 Lexus HS 250h starts at a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of around $38,000, while its upgraded Premium trim will be over $40,000. Add some more to the bill for any more of the optional deluxe features, though, and you'll quickly find yourself approaching $50,000. Considering those prices, the less luxurious (but also less-expensive) Lincoln MKZ hybrid might be worth a second look. And while the Lexus brand has traditionally strong resale values, the HS 250h is one of the weaker-performing Lexus models out there. To get the best deal locally, be sure to take a look at the New Car Blue Book Value to see what consumers are currently paying for the HS 250h.

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2012 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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