Lexus HS 250h Road Test Review by Edmunds

cwerdna · 08-16-2009, 10:00 PM

2010 Lexus HS 250h Test Drive on Edmunds.com

**Tideland Prius** · 08-17-2009, 01:56 AM

12.1 cu. ft. with no fold-down capability. Hmm... that's kinda like our old 2000 Corolla (which also had 12.1 cu. ft.). It's ok but the 2002 Camry's swallow-anything 16 cu. ft. spoiled us.

djasonw · 08-17-2009, 03:15 AM

I really like the review but I don't like the price.

Rybold · 08-17-2009, 06:22 AM

I was talking to one of my neighbors earlier today and he told me that he put a deposit down for a 250h and is waiting for the dealer to call him when it comes in. I will post my initial impressions when I get a chance to look at it.

I do however have a concern about the 250h. Since it is likely more profitable than the Prius, what happens if this car turns out to be a huge hit and there is huge demand for it - will Toyota slow down Prius production and redesignate the NiMH battery backs for the more profitable 250h? Hmmmm. I'll bet you didn't think of this before (or maybe you did). I wouldn't mind such a result though - the more we can get hybrids into the luxury/popular/coveted market, the more the general public will want hybrids. If Lexus made an IS hybrid, it would be an instant success. Too bad Lexus isn't making a hybrid IS.

**Tideland Prius** · 08-17-2009, 03:54 PM

This one is close enough. It's nearly the same size as the IS (interior)... maybe a bit more rear legroom lol.

sorka · 08-17-2009, 07:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rybold

I was talking to one of my neighbors earlier today and he told me that he put a deposit down for a 250h and is waiting for the dealer to call him when it comes in. I will post my initial impressions when I get a chance to look at it.

I do however have a concern about the 250h. Since it is likely more profitable than the Prius, what happens if this car turns out to be a huge hit and there is huge demand for it - will Toyota slow down Prius production and redesignate the NiMH battery backs for the more profitable 250h? Hmmmm. I'll bet you didn't think of this before (or maybe you did). I wouldn't mind such a result though - the more we can get hybrids into the luxury/popular/coveted market, the more the general public will want hybrids. If Lexus made an IS hybrid, it would be an instant success. Too bad Lexus isn't making a hybrid IS.

That will never happen. 30 MPG average is a far cry from 50 MPG. Not very many will pick the hybrid option when the ICE only option is only a few MPG off.

Rybold · 08-17-2009, 07:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sorka

That will never happen. 30 MPG average is a far cry from 50 MPG. Not very many will pick the hybrid option when the ICE only option is only a few MPG off.

The reason I said the IS would be good is because it's styling has already won over consumers. In other words, the styling is "tried and true," and there is demand for it. The general public tends to buy more on looks than on MPG or engineering.

ceric · 08-17-2009, 08:28 PM

The rear end of IS seems ugly to me (after so many years of looking at it on the road). I simply can not get over it. Not to mention that ridiculously small rear seat room. I wonder why people pay more than $30K for it (especially the IS250). I would rather have a loaded Civic Si. That car is fun to drive for much less $$$.

drees · 08-18-2009, 07:43 AM

They sure liked the handling overall of the HS250h. I gotta wonder what's keeping Toyota from putting the HSD into well handling platform that doesn't weigh nearly 2 tons (the car tips the scales at 3700 lbs!).

Seriously - Stick the 2010 Prius drivetrain into a 3000 lb (or lighter!) good looking sedan that seats 4 relatively comfortably and handles like a sport-luxury vehicle and it will sell and be highly desirable. Or keep the 2.4l engine, drop the weight and product a hybrid that has great acceleration and great fuel economy!

I must say that the HS250h has grown on me after seeing the Edmunds pics, though.

Rybold · 08-18-2009, 07:03 PM

When do these come out? I want to see it!

more specs and info:
Newport Lexus is a Newport Beach Lexus dealer and a new car and used car Newport Beach CA Lexus dealership.

"The 35 MPG rated [1] HS Hybrid is over 50% [2] more fuel efficient than Near Luxury competitors, and the most fuel-efficient Lexus ever."

They have a point. I don't know of any other 3700 pound vehicles that get 35mpg.

08-16-2009, 10:00 PM	#1
cwerdna Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Seattle area, WA Posts: 2,852 My Car: 2006 Prius Model: N/A Package: #7 Thanks: 121 Thanked 133 Times in 103 Posts Friends: 3	Lexus HS 250h Road Test Review by Edmunds 2010 Lexus HS 250h Test Drive on Edmunds.com

08-17-2009, 01:56 AM	#2
Tideland Prius Moderator of the North Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Canada Posts: 21,204 My Car: 2010 Prius Model: N/A Package: Technology Package (Canada) Thanks: 370 Thanked 529 Times in 356 Posts Friends: 26	Re: Lexus HS 250h Road Test Review by Edmunds 12.1 cu. ft. with no fold-down capability. Hmm... that's kinda like our old 2000 Corolla (which also had 12.1 cu. ft.). It's ok but the 2002 Camry's swallow-anything 16 cu. ft. spoiled us.

08-17-2009, 03:15 AM	#3
djasonw Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Belle Harbor, NY Posts: 708 My Car: 2004 Prius Model: Package: #9 Thanks: 34 Thanked 29 Times in 27 Posts Friends: 2	Re: Lexus HS 250h Road Test Review by Edmunds I really like the review but I don't like the price.

08-17-2009, 06:22 AM	#4
Rybold globally warmed member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Southern California Posts: 1,447 My Car: Other Non-Hybrid Model: Package: N/A Thanks: 145 Thanked 56 Times in 47 Posts Friends: 3	Re: Lexus HS 250h Road Test Review by Edmunds I was talking to one of my neighbors earlier today and he told me that he put a deposit down for a 250h and is waiting for the dealer to call him when it comes in. I will post my initial impressions when I get a chance to look at it. I do however have a concern about the 250h. Since it is likely more profitable than the Prius, what happens if this car turns out to be a huge hit and there is huge demand for it - will Toyota slow down Prius production and redesignate the NiMH battery backs for the more profitable 250h? Hmmmm. I'll bet you didn't think of this before (or maybe you did). I wouldn't mind such a result though - the more we can get hybrids into the luxury/popular/coveted market, the more the general public will want hybrids. If Lexus made an IS hybrid, it would be an instant success. Too bad Lexus isn't making a hybrid IS. Last edited by Rybold; 08-17-2009 at 06:28 AM.

08-17-2009, 03:54 PM	#5
Tideland Prius Moderator of the North Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Canada Posts: 21,204 My Car: 2010 Prius Model: N/A Package: Technology Package (Canada) Thanks: 370 Thanked 529 Times in 356 Posts Friends: 26	Re: Lexus HS 250h Road Test Review by Edmunds This one is close enough. It's nearly the same size as the IS (interior)... maybe a bit more rear legroom lol.

08-17-2009, 08:28 PM	#8
ceric Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Fremont, CA Posts: 1,094 My Car: 2005 Prius Model: Package: #6 Thanks: 0 Thanked 49 Times in 21 Posts Friends: 0	Re: Lexus HS 250h Road Test Review by Edmunds The rear end of IS seems ugly to me (after so many years of looking at it on the road). I simply can not get over it. Not to mention that ridiculously small rear seat room. I wonder why people pay more than $30K for it (especially the IS250). I would rather have a loaded Civic Si. That car is fun to drive for much less $$$.

08-18-2009, 07:43 AM	#9
drees Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 1,040 My Car: 2008 Prius Model: Package: #2 Thanks: 357 Thanked 90 Times in 73 Posts Friends: 1	Re: Lexus HS 250h Road Test Review by Edmunds They sure liked the handling overall of the HS250h. I gotta wonder what's keeping Toyota from putting the HSD into well handling platform that doesn't weigh nearly 2 tons (the car tips the scales at 3700 lbs!). Seriously - Stick the 2010 Prius drivetrain into a 3000 lb (or lighter!) good looking sedan that seats 4 relatively comfortably and handles like a sport-luxury vehicle and it will sell and be highly desirable. Or keep the 2.4l engine, drop the weight and product a hybrid that has great acceleration and great fuel economy! I must say that the HS250h has grown on me after seeing the Edmunds pics, though.

08-18-2009, 07:03 PM	#10
Rybold globally warmed member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Southern California Posts: 1,447 My Car: Other Non-Hybrid Model: Package: N/A Thanks: 145 Thanked 56 Times in 47 Posts Friends: 3	Re: Lexus HS 250h Road Test Review by Edmunds When do these come out? I want to see it! more specs and info: Newport Lexus is a Newport Beach Lexus dealer and a new car and used car Newport Beach CA Lexus dealership. "The 35 MPG rated [1] HS Hybrid is over 50% [2] more fuel efficient than Near Luxury competitors, and the most fuel-efficient Lexus ever." They have a point. I don't know of any other 3700 pound vehicles that get 35mpg. Last edited by Rybold; 08-18-2009 at 07:06 PM.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Road Test: 2010 Toyota Prius II car review, living green in the real world	Tideland Prius	Prius and Hybrid News	1	08-09-2009 07:59 PM
2009 Toyota Prius Road Test Review	Tideland Prius	Prius and Hybrid News	4	10-19-2008 09:29 PM
2008 Lexus LS 600h L Road Test	Tideland Prius	Prius and Hybrid News	2	02-08-2008 12:29 AM
2008 Lexus LS 600h L Road Test	Tideland Prius	Prius and Hybrid News	3	11-13-2007 04:17 AM
2006 Lexus GS Road Test	Tideland Prius	Other Cars	2	03-05-2005 07:36 PM