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September 21, 2009
EV mode is also available, permitting the HS250h to operate as an electric vehicle, which it will do (depending on battery charge) when driving in stop-and-go traffic and other in other situations where limited torque is required. No gasoline is used in EV mode.
  2010 Lexus HS 250h. Click image to enlarge |
On the road the HS250h is comfortable and quiet, but unless you’re driving in EV mode, the engine is not as super-smooth as the Lexus V6 and V8 cars. Power is sufficient in all modes, although some drivers may get impatient with the slow throttle response of the Eco mode. Those accustomed to using a fuel-efficient driving style, however, will find that “Eco” suits them perfectly.
The trunk is quite large for a hybrid vehicle, and will accommodate multiple suitcases, grocery bags, etc. The lack of a ski pass-through or folding rear seats will be an issue for some owners, however.
The front seats are multi-adjustable and a tilt/telescoping steering wheel is standard (power operated on the Ultra Premium). The driver’s seat has considerable adjustment for height (it goes way up) but doesn’t go low enough. With the standard moonroof, taller drivers may find headroom in short supply, even with the seat at its lowest setting.
  2010 Lexus HS 250h. Click image to enlarge |
The car will require owners to spend some time familiarizing themselves with its controls and operation, but the HS250h is certainly not difficult to drive. The gearshift, for instance, is a small lever that requires only fingertip effort to select Drive or Reverse. The separate “Park” button looks like an electronic parking brake, but is a transmission option. The parking brake is a conventional foot-operated lever.
There is no tachometer, but there is a graphic that continuously displays the operation of the hybrid drive system. The navigation display (if equipped) raises and lowers as required. And of course starting the car simply requires the push of a button, which silently activates the systems (not the engine), enabling you to begin driving.
The roads around Winnipeg don’t particularly lend themselves to testing a vehicle for handling, as they are mostly die-straight. But we did find a few occasions to engage in some spirited driving and found that the HS250h corners flat and that the vehicle stability system does not intrude unnecessarily. Under hard braking the car stops straight and predictably. It feels solid on bumpy roads or on sections of broken pavement/railway crossings.
  2010 Lexus HS 250h. Click image to enlarge |
Braking while driving in normal city traffic emits a characteristic, but not objectionable, whine as the regenerative system rescues energy. The brakes may stop or slow the car more suddenly than expected on occasion.
The voice activated navigation system proved a little frustrating to use. It is slow to respond and can respond incorrectly (a clear voice command for “Destination” returned the instructions for “Home,” for instance). However, the available Remote Touch navigation tool – which is a console mounted enhanced joystick with tactile feedback – was very effective and easy to use.
The HS250h has the hybrid smarts of the Toyota Prius in a more conventional midsize car. Buyers could opt for a fully loaded Toyota Camry Hybrid as an alternative and save a few thousand dollars, but this would miss the point. The HS250h is a hybrid Lexus priced $20,000 below the next entry point for a hybrid Lexus sedan (GS450h). As such, it will appeal to a new category of entry luxury buyers for Lexus who want a comparatively affordable luxury car, with a modern and proven hybrid drivetrain that speaks to their awareness of environmental issues.
The 2010 Lexus HS250h is arriving in dealer showrooms now.
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Pricing: 2010 Lexus HS250h
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