2010 Lexus HS 250h - Review

By Nelson Ireson

Nelson Ireson

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Nelson is an Editor at High Gear Media focusing on reviewing cars and covering the hottest topics in luxury and performance cars, car culture, and... More

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2010 Lexus HS 250h

Inside, the HS 250h is nice, but still clearly entry-level luxury. Ten-way power leather seats are standard, but seating comfort in compromised both front and rear for taller drivers as legroom is in short supply. Headroom isn’t great either, and the rear bench seat simply isn’t wide enough to seat three across. That leaves the HS 250h wanting in the comfort and utility category, especially compared to roomier mid-size hybrids like the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid or Mercury Milan Hybrid.

On the flip side, cargo space is pretty good in the new HS. The trunk is roomy thanks to a tidily packaged hybrid system. Interior storage pockets and bins are numerous and decent-sized as well.  As with most hybrids, however, the rear seats don’t fold down--the battery pack blocks access, meaning longer cargo will have to find another ride home.

Material quality throughout the cabin is up to typical Lexus standards, with a new twist for the greenest Lexus: about 30% of the materials used in the cabin are from plant-derived sources. The design of the interior layout, while modern and understated, doesn’t rise to the level of opulence.

A wide range of high-tech features can be fitted to the 2010 HS 250h, fitting with its high-tech role in the Lexus lineup. All models get standard USB, Bluetooth and XM Satellite Radio capability. Upgrades can take things to the next level, with available radar-assisted cruise control, lane-keep assist, heads-up display, the new Safety Connect and Enform telematics system, navigation and infotainment, a Mark Levinson surround-sound audio system and Lexus’ driver alertness monitor.

In terms of styling, as always, it’s a subjective matter, but the blunt nose, flared lower elements and creased accent lines add up to a package that’s not entirely to our liking. Looking more like a hopped-up econobox than anything Lexus has built in recent times, the HS 250h does hit a few solid marks with attractive tail lights, an elegant curve to the rear C-pillar area, and a general attention to detail that gives the car a coherent, if not always pleasing, look.

For those that would like a sportier look, 18-inch alloy wheels and sport suspension are available with the Touring Package. The combo of wheels and suspension also firms up the car’s handling a bit, but it’s still not going to be confused for a sport sedan.

Safety is another highlight in the HS 250h’s bag of tricks, with a full 10 airbags standard: front, side and side-curtain, plus rear side seat-mounted airbags, and driver and passenger knee airbags. Electronic stability control, ABS, brake assist and hill start assist are also all standard equipment, while Lexus’ Pre-Collision system can alert the driver and prime the brakes for emergency stops when the car is fitted with the optional Dynamic Radar cruise control.

Overall, the 2010 Lexus HS 250h strikes a mostly successful balance between affordability, luxury and efficiency, including a set of technological features any geek would love.