2011 Lexus HS 250h Review
2011 Lexus HS 250h Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Comfortable, quiet cabin
- user-friendly high-tech equipment
- safety features
- excellent build quality.
Cons
- Touchy brakes
- numb steering
- gets pricey with options
- less practical than Lexus CT 200h.
What’s new
The Lexus HS 250h is unchanged for 2011.
Edmunds says
Currently available luxury hybrid sedans are few, but the 2011 Lexus HS 250h delivers with a luxurious cabin and thrifty fuel consumption.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2011 Lexus HS 250h 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.17 per gallon for regular unleaded in Arkansas.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Arkansas
$115/mo for HS 250h Base
HS 250h Base
vs
$164/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Vehicle overview
When it comes to hybrid vehicles, there are luxury cars and SUVs that are eco-friendly in name only. And then there are some that truly deliver admirable fuel economy numbers. The 2011 Lexus HS 250h falls into the latter group even as it delivers all of the luxury trappings you'd expect from a Lexus -- a unique combination when you think about it.
Despite first impressions, the HS 250h is not a rebadged Toyota Prius. Instead, it features a unique chassis that is bigger than a Corolla's but smaller than a Camry's. The Lexus does, however, borrow its powertrain from the Camry Hybrid, which gives the HS significantly better performance than a Prius. As far as fuel-conscious hybrids go, the Lexus HS 250h is quick, accelerating from zero to 60 mph in only 8.7 seconds. Fuel economy suffers as a result, with an EPA-estimated 35 mpg that falls well short of the 50 mpg delivered by the Prius.
Inside the cabin, the 2011 HS 250h is loaded with plenty of luxury features, surrounding passengers with the fine leather surfaces and wood trim that you'd expect in any Lexus. Buyers should know, though, that tacking on options will make the final price climb fairly quickly.
Eco-friendly entry-level luxury sedans haven't hit showrooms in large numbers quite yet, leaving the 2011 Lexus HS 250h little in the way of competition. The forthcoming Lexus CT 200h will be a hybrid of a luxury car and a hatchback. as it will be a hybrid in powertrain performance. Since it shares its drivetrain with the Prius, it is slower but more economical than the HS 250h. The less expensive Lincoln MKZ Hybrid is a compelling alternative with better fuel economy, a roomier interior and higher levels of standard equipment. A lack of brand cachet and a less luxurious cabin are the Lincoln's downfall, however.
Lowering the luxury standard further provides more alternatives like the 2011 Ford Fusion Hybrid (it's related to the MKZ), the 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid and the 201 Nissan Altima Hybrid. For the time being, though, the 2011 Lexus HS 250h represents a solid choice for combining both luxury and fuel frugality.
Performance & mpg
The 2011 Lexus HS 250h is powered by a combination of a 2.4-liter inline-4 that works in tandem with a pair of electric motor/generators. Combined output results in 187 horsepower that is sent to the front wheels via a specialized continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). In Edmunds performance testing, an HS 250h accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 8.7 seconds, which is quick for a hybrid. Fuel economy checks in at 35 mpg city/34 mpg highway and 35 mpg combined, which is about average for a midsize hybrid sedan.
Safety
The HS 250h comes standard with antilock disc brakes with brake assist, stability and traction control, side curtain airbags, front-and-rear seat-mounted side airbags and dual front knee airbags.
Included with the optional adaptive cruise control is the Lexus Pre-Collision system, which can pre-tension the front seatbelts and activate brake assist immediately when the driver presses the brake pedal if an impending collision is detected. The optional Technology package includes the Pre-Collision system as well as lane-departure warning and driver-attention monitors.
The 2011 Lexus HS 250h has not been rated using the government's new, more strenuous 2011 crash testing procedures. Its 2010 ratings (which aren't comparable to 2011 tests) resulted in a perfect five out of five stars in frontal and side impact protection for all passengers. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded the HS 250h its highest rating of "Good" for frontal offset and side impact protection and a second-best "Acceptable" for roof-strength integrity.
Driving
With a focus on fuel economy, the 2011 Lexus HS 250h won't impress spirited drivers as much as frugal owners. Transitions between gasoline and electric propulsion are seamless and smooth, though throttle response is a bit leisurely. Flooring the accelerator results in a slight pause, but afterward, the HS 250h responds with a rush of linear power.
On the highway, the HS 250h provides a smooth and quiet cabin that is free of wind and road noise. Potholes and bumps in the road are readily soaked up by the compliant suspension, which is also pleasantly composed when taking to curves. Behind the wheel, this Lexus feels lighter than it really is, cornering flat with crisp turn-in. The electric power steering is precise, but lacks feedback. Initially, some drivers may note that the brakes feel overly touchy, but after some time it becomes easy to adapt.
Interior
As with any vehicle wearing the Lexus badge, the 2011 HS 250h features a luxurious interior with top-notch materials and impeccable fit and finish. The HS 250h also comes loaded with plenty of high-tech features, and controls are mercifully intuitive. Opting for the navigation system will also get you the "Remote Touch" controller that mimics a computer mouse with haptic feedback to "feel" the onscreen audio, climate and navigation buttons. There's also a hybrid-status indicator in the instrument panel that lets drivers know when they're driving green.
Despite the HS 250h's smaller size, its backseat offers a decent amount of head- and legroom for taller folks. Likewise, the short trunk's wide opening and deep, boxy internal shape allows you to drop a golf bag straight in with no jostling required. The trunk can accommodate up to 12.1 cubic feet, but the rear seats do not fold down and there is far less utility than in the hatchback Prius.
2011 Lexus HS 250h models
The 2011 Lexus HS 250h is a five-passenger, front-wheel-drive compact sedan offered in two trim levels: base and Premium.
The base model features 17-inch alloy wheels, foglights, a sunroof, heated outside mirrors, keyless ignition/entry, leather upholstery, full power accessories, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, power front seats (eight-way driver and eight-way passenger), a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel (with audio controls), dual-zone automatic climate control and a 10-speaker audio system with six-disc CD changer, satellite radio, an auxiliary audio jack, an iPod/USB audio interface and Bluetooth connectivity for both phone and audio.
The Premium trim adds 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic wipers, auto-dimming exterior mirrors, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, driver memory settings, heated and ventilated front seats, real-wood cabin accents and upgraded leather upholstery.
Options include a rear spoiler, rear parking sensors, a separate front-and-rear parking-camera system, adaptive LED headlights, a Mark Levinson audio system and a hard-drive-based navigation system with traffic/weather/sports/stock reporting. A Technology package (which requires the Navigation and Parking Camera packages) includes a head-up display, lane-departure warning and assist, a driver-attention monitor, adaptive cruise control and Lexus' Pre-Collision system. Some of the Premium's features can be had as individual options on the base trim.
Reliability Ratings by RepairPal
4.5 out of 5 stars4.5/5Excellent
#3 out of 26 among Luxury Compact Cars
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Lexus HS 250h from 2008-2022.$269/yr
vs. $554/yr
for Average Luxury Compact Car
for Average Luxury Compact Car
Frequency
The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).1.08x/yr
vs. 1.57x/yr
for Average Luxury Compact Car
for Average Luxury Compact Car
Severity
The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).5.9%
vs. 11.1%
for Average Luxury Compact Car
for Average Luxury Compact Car
powered by RepairPal Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2011 Lexus HS 250h.
5 star(82%)
4 star(14%)
3 star(4%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
77 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
First hybrid, fascinated with the technology
Scott, 11/18/2018
2010 Lexus HS 250h Premium 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
I was not in the market for a car and certainly not a hybrid but a good friend of mine took a job out of state and his wife needed to get rid of her car; enter the 2010 Lexus HS250h. She was willing to sell the car below trade-in, the car has just over 93,000 miles, is in nearly mint condition, is current on all recalls and the new transaxle system was installed 2 months ago, all service … has been performed at our local Lexus dealership. I’ve only owned the car about 2 weeks and so far so good. I’ve done a lot of research to learn as much as I can about hybrid vehicles and in particular this Lexus HS. I’ve read just about every review written since it’s release, some I agree with and some I don’t. The car I have has the premium package with more bells and whistles than I can figure out, it handles fine around town and is plenty quite and smooth for me. If your looking for a performance sports car this is not going to fit the bill, if your looking for s gas sipping luxury auto to cruise around town in it’s the ticket. Would I pay $40,000 for this car for any reason? Hell no! Would I buy one in great condition with less than 100k miles with a new transaxle system for less than $10,000, yes.
4.25 out of 5 stars
A versatile automobile
mefistofeles, 06/25/2011
2010 Lexus HS 250h 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
At first when I bought this thing I hated it,coming from a Lexus GS 350.
The power was comparatively anemic and the understeer,forget about it.
However after a few weeks I adapted to the understeer and was able to make the car work for me.
In fact I've adapted to this car so well that a I've actually hadd a few passengers tell me that the car felt rather sporty.
The HS 250 certainly has … some advantages over a long wheelbase V-6 like the GS 350 its a more compact car so it has a much tighter turning radius.
Front wheel drive steering isn't as sharp as rear wheel drive but it allows the driver to be a little lazier in high speed turns,you simply wait for the car to be ready.
5 out of 5 stars
Love!
Nia Knowles, 07/19/2018
2010 Lexus HS 250h Premium 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
If this car was still in production, I would have found my forever car. I love this car- its my second! I am so disappointed the model ended in 2012. This car is sleek, sporty & loaded with luxuary.
5 out of 5 stars
More luxurious than a Prius or Camry
Brian, 03/28/2021
2010 Lexus HS 250h Premium 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
I owned this car for 3 years and it's been the most reliable car I ever owned. Gas mileage has been excellent I average 28 to 33 mpg in the winter and 33-38 mpg in the summer. The only thing I had to replace was the 12v battery in the trunk in 3 years! Brakes are still really well and last a long time. Maintenance costs have been really low just changed the fluids, oil changes, inverter … coolant, coolant and transmission fluid. These cars are rare and worth every penny. I also have the Mark Levinson sound system and still sounds awesome. The only thing is these engines have a oil consumption issue as it shares the same powertrain as the 2007-11 Toyota Camry Hybrid and some of them burn oil due to faulty piston rings but mainly in the higher mileage ones, mine has 160,000 miles and nothing different. My suggestion is too change the oil more frequently at 3000 miles instead of 5000 and shouldn't be a issue. Excellent car overall, highly recommend
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2011 Lexus HS 250h, so we've included reviews for other years of the HS 250h since its last redesign.
2011 HS 250h Highlights
Base
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $36,330 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Hybrid |
Combined MPG | 35 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $115/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 12.1 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the HS 250h include:
- Alarm
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
- Post-collision safety system
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of Rollover13%
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalGood
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestAcceptable
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintMarginal
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