2012 Lexus HS 250h Review
Price Estimate: $5,237 - $7,677
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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
- Gets pricey with options
- initially touchy brakes
- numb steering
- less practical than Lexus CT 200h.
What’s new
For 2012, the Lexus HS 250h is unchanged.
Edmunds says
There aren't many premium hybrid sedans to choose from, but the 2012 Lexus HS 250h delivers with a luxurious cabin and thrifty fuel consumption.
For sale near Ashburn, VA
3 listings
- $15,234
- 89,627 miles
- 1 accident, 1 owner, personal use only
- 35 City / 34 Hwy MPG
- INFINITI of Clarendon Hills (583 mi away)
- Bluetooth
- Leather Seats
- Sunroof/Moonroof
- Power Driver Seat
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
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Located in Clarendon Hills, IL
2012 Lexus HS 250h Touring Edition - Hybrid Luxury Sedan -Moonroof - Ultra Low Miles! Rare Fuel Efficient Lexus!! LEGENDARY RELIABILITY!!! Super Clean...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: No
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
35 Combined MPG (35 City/34 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: JTHBB1BA6C2048902
Stock: PA0776
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 02-20-2026 - $12,777
- 119,264 miles
- No accidents, 4 owners, corporate fleet vehicle
- Car Pros Auto Center (2,055 mi away)
Close
Located in Las Vegas, NV
FINANCING AVAILABLE CAR PROS AUTO CENTER 3190 EAST FREMONT (BETWEEN CHARLESTON AND SAHARA) Las Vegas, Nevada 89104 (702)405-9905 Office (702)445-6668 ...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: No
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
Listing Information:
VIN: JTHBB1BA9C2049090
Stock: 11524G
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 08-28-2024
Vehicle overview
Among the small number of luxury hybrid sedans on the market, the 2012 Lexus HS 250h is one of the few that puts its emphasis on fuel efficiency. While most others in this niche segment are more costly and tend to place performance over fuel economy, the more affordable and compact HS 250h switches those priorities.
The uninitiated may assume the HS 250h is based on the Prius, but it's not. Featuring a unique chassis that's sized between a Corolla and a Camry, the HS 250h employs the powertrain from the previous-generation Camry Hybrid, which gives the Lexus significantly better performance than a Prius. Though its estimated 35 combined mpg is fairly impressive, it's still well short of the 50 mpg delivered by a Prius.
But make no mistake; the HS 250h is a Lexus and as such boasts a finely trimmed cabin with high-quality leather upholstery and tasteful wood accents. Plenty of luxury features are standard and even more are available, though adding options can quickly jack up the price.
The most direct rival to the 2012 Lexus HS 250h is the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. The MKZ offers better fuel economy, a roomier cabin and more standard equipment. A lack of brand cachet and a less luxurious interior are the Lincoln's downsides. There's also the HS's sibling, the Lexus CT 200h, which provides the increased versatility of a hatchback body style along with sportier handling. As it shares its powertrain with the Prius, the CT is slower but more economical than the HS 250h.
If outright luxury is not a must, one could consider the MKZ's less expensive platform mate, the Ford Fusion Hybrid. There's also the mild hybrid version of the Buick LaCrosse or perhaps even Toyota's all-new Camry Hybrid. All things considered, however, you should be pleased with the 2012 Lexus HS 250h, thanks to its tempting combination of luxury and fuel frugality.
Performance & mpg
The 2012 Lexus HS 250h is powered by a 2.4-liter inline-4 that works in tandem with a pair of electric motor/generators. Combined output results in 187 horsepower 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, 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 as soon as the driver presses the brake pedal if an impending collision is detected. The optional Technology package includes the PCS as well as lane-departure warning and driver-attention monitors.
In Edmunds brake testing, the HS 250h stopped from 60 mph in 125 feet, an average distance. 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
Given its focus on fuel economy, the 2012 Lexus HS 250h won't impress driving enthusiasts as much as it will frugal owners. Transitions between gasoline and electric propulsion are seamless and smooth, though throttle response is a bit leisurely.
On the highway, the HS 250h provides a quiet cabin that is free of wind and road noise. Potholes and bumps in the road are soaked up by the compliant suspension, which is also pleasantly composed when taking 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 find the brakes overly touchy, but that impression fades as they quickly acclimate.
Interior
As with just about any vehicle wearing the Lexus badge, the 2012 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 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 provides up to 12.1 cubic feet of cargo space, but the rear seats do not fold down and there is far less utility than in the hatchback CT 200h or the Prius.
2012 Lexus HS 250h models
The 2012 Lexus HS 250h is 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, dual-zone automatic climate control and a 10-speaker sound system with a 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 (PCS). Some of the Premium's features can be had as individual options on the base trim.

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Owners' Opinions
What Owners Like
Owners definitively appreciate the 2012 Lexus HS 250h for its remarkable reliability. Across the board, drivers highlight the vehicle's consistent dependability even after accumulating high mileage. The hybrid sedan’s luxurious interior garners praise, with many valuing its spacious, quiet cabin that accommodates drivers of various heights comfortably. Fuel economy is another point of admiration, with owners noting impressive mileage figures despite the car's luxurious stature. The seamless integration of technology, including features like Bluetooth connectivity and the intuitive navigation system, adds to the vehicle’s appeal, often mentioned alongside its easy-to-use, high-tech interface. Drivers also frequently commend the HS 250h's comfortable ride quality combined with its smooth handling, which makes long journeys and daily commutes equally pleasant. Lastly, the vehicle’s ability to maintain its ride comfort and safety features across a range of driving conditions, from urban roads to highways, reinforces its status as a dependable luxury hybrid choice.
Common Issues
Drivers definitively note some concerns with the 2012 Lexus HS 250h, primarily related to its fuel efficiency not always meeting expectations. Some owners report that achieving the advertised gas mileage can be challenging, particularly in city driving conditions where it may drop below anticipated levels. A recurring issue highlighted involves the car's brakes, which can feel overly sensitive initially, although owners mention they tend to adjust over time. Storage limitations are apparent inside the cabin, with many drivers pointing out the lack of sufficient cubby spaces and a smaller-than-expected trunk capacity. The engine's oil consumption in some vehicles, particularly those with higher mileage, is another concern that owners have managed by opting for more frequent oil changes. Visibility challenges are also noted, especially with the front-end design that can complicate parking in tight spaces. Lastly, the hybrid's CVT engine noise during acceleration is not as refined as some drivers would desire, affecting the overall quiet ride that the model typically provides.
Final Takeaways from Everyday Drivers
Everyday drivers definitively find the 2012 Lexus HS 250h to be a reliable and satisfying vehicle in their daily lives. Its reputation for dependability, even over prolonged ownership, stands out as a major contributing factor to driver satisfaction. The hybrid's ability to maintain a comfortable and serene cabin environment enhances its appeal, making both short commutes and longer trips enjoyable. Many drivers appreciate the car's luxurious appointments, reporting that the high-quality interior materials create an inviting atmosphere. Despite some challenges with achieving peak fuel efficiency, owners still find the mileage to be commendably superior to conventional vehicles of similar luxury and size. Technological features like the intuitive navigation and sound systems receive favorable nods for their convenience and user-friendliness. While the occasional issue arises, such as with storage space or brake sensitivity, the overall experience tends to remain positive, keeping the HS 250h as a valued member in the driveways of its many content owners.
Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$119/mo for HS 250h Base
HS 250h Base
vs
$181/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Reliability
The 2012 Lexus HS 250h has a 4 years / 50,000 miles basic warranty and no recalls. RepairPal gives it a reliability rating of 4.5 out of 5, ranks it #3 out of 26 among Luxury Compact Cars. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.
Reliability Rating 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
$269/yr
vs. $554/yr
for Average Luxury Compact Car
for Average Luxury Compact Car
Frequency
1.08x/yr
vs. 1.57x/yr
for Average Luxury Compact Car
for Average Luxury Compact Car
Severity
5.9%
vs. 11.1%
for Average Luxury Compact Car
for Average Luxury Compact Car
powered by RepairPal
Recalls
There are no recalls for the 2012 Lexus HS 250hWarranty
4 years / 50,000 miles Basic Warranty- Basic Warranty
- 4 years / 50,000 miles
- Drivetrain Warranty
- 6 years / 70,000 miles
- Hybrid component Warranty
- 8 years / 100,000 miles
- Rust Warranty
- 6 years / unlimited miles
- Roadside assistance Warranty
- 4 years / unlimited miles
Lexus HS 250h Reviews
Owner Reviews
5(82%)
4(14%)
3(4%)
2(0%)
1(0%)
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
First hybrid, fascinated with the technology
5 out of 5 starsScott, 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.
Love!
5 out of 5 starsNia 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.
A versatile automobile
4.25 out of 5 starsmefistofeles, 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.
More luxurious than a Prius or Camry
5 out of 5 starsBrian, 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 2012 Lexus HS 250h, so we've included reviews for other years of the HS 250h since its last redesign.
2012 HS 250h Features & Specs
Base
| MSRP (New) Excludes Destination Fee | $37,030 |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | Hybrid |
| Combined MPG | 35 MPG |
| Cost to Drive | $119/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
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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