2011 Lexus HS 250h
by Jim Prueter -01/2011
Lexus HS is Luxurious and Economical, But…
The Lexus HS 250h is the very first dedicated luxury hybrid. This means there is no gasoline-only equivalent, as there is with the brand’s LS, GS and RX hybrid models. Nor did Lexus simply slap a luxury badge and accoutrements on a Prius and call it a day. It also means the body style is unlike that on any other Lexus out there. Unfortunately the external design is as generic as sedans come; it didn’t turn any heads during our week of testing and certainly doesn’t resemble a luxury sedan.
While the HS isn’t a rebadged Prius, it is a direct descendant of the European-market Toyota Avensis. But step inside the cabin, and it becomes clear that this is a Lexus; it’s replete with the features expected from the upscale luxury brand. Our Premium HS came equipped with Lexus’s new remote-touch navigation, which employs a computer-mouse-like knob to control the system. It is easy to use and intuitive, but I found myself removing my eyes from the road more than I should in order to operate the audio and climate controls. This was largely due to the fact that I had to watch where the mouse was pointing to move between the systems. The cursor does catch slightly as it rolls over menu items, but the previous touch-screen interface seemed to require less of my attention.
Standard features are plentiful, and include full-power accessories, including adjustable front seats, tilt-telescoping steering, dual-zone climate control and a 10-speaker audio system with six-disc CD changer, satellite radio, auxiliary/USB/iPod connections and Bluetooth connectivity for both phone and audio.
Premium trim adds 18-inch alloy wheels, rain-sensing wipers, auto-dimming side view mirrors, a power tilt-telescoping steering wheel, driver memory settings, heated and ventilated front seats, real wood cabin accents and upgraded leather upholstery.
The glass is acoustically laminated and engine mounts heavily cushioned to eliminate vibration, which along with generous use of sound-deadening materials, eliminates even the slightest din.
Options include a technology package, which includes adaptive cruise control, a pre-collision system and lane-departure warning.
While most of the interior comes from Lexus, the dash-mounted gear shifter is a carryover from the Prius. The driver moves it to the desired position, but rather than staying put, it pops back to the center. Meanwhile, a display on the instrument panel indicates the selected gear.
In reverse, the car emits an annoying repetitive beep. However, once in park, the gas engine quiets and since the HS is equipped with keyless, push-button start/stop, it’s easy to overlook the stop button and walk away with the car still running.
The HS borrows its powertrain, a 2.4-liter, 187-horsepower four cylinder, from the larger, more practical Camry Hybrid, rather than the Prius. This results in a more powerful, though less fuel-efficient, automobile. Estimated fuel economy is 35 miles per gallon, as opposed to Prius’ 50. And though the fuel economy is tops in the luxury class, it is still outmatched by the Ford Fusion Hybrid, our 2010 Top Pick in the hybrid category.
The ride is appropriately luxurious, with a quiet cabin and a respectable (for a hybrid) zero-to-60 time of 8.7 seconds. The transition from all-electric to combined mode is smooth, except under heavy acceleration, where you’ll feel a slight hesitation before launch. Steering is numb and the brakes are a bit touchy. The cabin is quiet and the vehicle absorbs road imperfections nicely.
The HS comes standard with 10 airbags including knee airbags for the driver and front passenger, side curtain airbags, and seat-mounted side-impact airbags for the front seats and outboard rear seats. Additional standard safety features include antilock brakes, an electronic stability system and active front head restraints
There’s also an optional Pre-Collision System with Driver Attention Monitor. It emits alerts, tightens the front seat belts and primes the brake assist system upon sensing an imminent crash. The system also features a face-tracking camera on the steering column that detects when a driver isn’t looking ahead and responds with warning tones and tapping brakes.
Overall, we find the HS to be a lot of hype and little substance. Adding options sends the price into the stratosphere, causing us to wonder why and for whom this car was built. For our money, the Ford Fusion hybrid and Camry hybrid are more sensible choices and a heck of a lot less dough.
