2010 Lexus HS 250h Hybrid an Eco Choice for Luxury Buyers

The time leading up to the launch of the all-new 2010 Toyota Prius was filled with speculation, including the rumor that a luxury Prius variant would make its way to the Lexus line. That approach would have meant a very distinctive Prius-like profile and an overall styling philosophy in keeping with the Prius theme, but of course moved upscale with the luxury accouterments expected of the Lexus brand. It didn’t happen…exactly.

What Lexus just unveiled is something different. In the automotive design world, there’s a lot of talk these days about a car’s ‘DNA,’ in the sense that there’s a strong family resemblance between certain models in a carmaker’s line and design influences are clearly recognizable. If that’s the case here, then a CSI lab would find the new Lexus HS 250h hybrid more a distant and well-heeled cousin to the Prius than a favored sibling. In other words, you’d recognize it at a family gathering but wouldn’t mistake it as anyone’s twin.

Really, that’s a good thing. Those buying upscale typically do so for specific reasons, and having one’s ride associated with a less expensive model is not one of those. Now, that’s been influenced a bit in recent times as celebrities and high-profile buyers have turned to the Prius as an environmental statement, but generally this has not changed the luxury buyer dynamic. In fact, Lexus never has promoted its hybrid models in the same way as others, even those from its sister brand Toyota. There’s a reason why this upscale marque has always taken the approach that its offerings are luxury models, and some of them just happen to be hybrids.

We approached our test of this new Lexus model with a high level of interest. After all, this had to be a challenge for its designers, no matter the level of commitment and enthusiasm. ‘Small’ does not always translate well when it comes to luxury cars, yet the need to bring an efficient Prius-size vehicle into the Lexus fold was obviously a high priority.

Our thoughts after time behind the wheel? We like it. The HS 250h is of similar stature as the Prius but brings expected Lexus features to the driving experience. While some may assume this hybrid sedan is just a fancified Prius with sheetmetal changes, the HS 250h shares little with its eco-hero Toyota counterpart other than the vaunted Hybrid Synergy Drive powerplant, which in this case provides 187 total horsepower and 0-to-60 mph acceleration of 8.4 seconds. It also brings combined fuel efficiency of 35 mpg.

The HS 250h rides on enhanced underpinnings that focus on stability and handling, offering a cabin that surrounds a driver with well-appointed creature comforts and the very latest in electronics. Our favorite: An optional navigation system that’s manipulated by voice command and a very cool joystick-style controller located on the center console. This Lexus hybrid also offers three selectable driving modes – Power, Normal and Eco – to help tailor the driving experience for the mission du jour.

One thing that’s especially challenging to overcome in a lightweight car is isolating the cabin from the noise and vibration of its engine and the road. Lexus has done a good job of this with clever design and prolific use of damping materials. Still, we noted that this Lexus model is not as quiet or as isolated inside as its larger and heavier brethren. That said, the HS 250h is intelligently designed and executed, and when it’s introduced later this summer at an expected mid-$30,000s price, it should be well-received by buyers who want a Prius persona, but one higher up the luxe ladder.