NOTE: Pricing based on data collected April 2011. Costs of hybridization and forced features are UCS estimates based on information available on manufacturer websites.
See full Hybrid Scorecard methodology
Vehicle Summary
Toyota introduced the front-wheel-drive HS 250h in model year 2010 as its first dedicated hybrid (i.e., there is no conventional counterpart) under the Lexus brand. With a 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine (the first four-cylinder Lexus), the HS 250h is a five-seat luxury sedan and gets a combined EPA estimated fuel economy of 35 miles per gallon (mpg). The HS 250h combined hybrid technology with a downsized engine to achieve significant global warming emissions reductions without the significantly higher cost premiums. Indeed, the HS 250h is one of the most affordable of all Lexus models, hybrid or conventional. The rear-wheel-drive IS 250 with a 2.5-liter, six-cylinder engine was chosen as the closest model for comparison with the HS 250h based on acceleration performance, peak horsepower, overall size, and interior space. The HS 250h is a full hybrid, offering electric-only operation under certain conditions, idle stop/start, power assist, and regenerative braking.
Environmental Improvement Score
With a 31 percent reduction in global warming emissions compared with the IS 250, the HS 250h is in the top tier of hybrids for emissions performance The use of a more efficient gasoline engine with the hybrid system provides comparable acceleration performance to the IS 250 (rather than boost acceleration, as is the case with some hybrids) and allows Lexus to achieve a strong environmental performance with the HS 250h. The HS 250h was a pioneer in choosing to downsize the gasoline engine to provide an efficiency and emissions-focused hybrid option in the luxury class—a growing trend with the additions of the CT 200h and Lexus MKZ Hybrid. The smog-forming emissions performance of the HS 250h is good, earning it an EPA air pollution score of 8 out of 10. These combine for a strong overall Environmental Improvement Score of 7.0.
Scorecard Environmental Improvement Score methodology
Hybrid Value
The hybridization cost for the HS 250h comes in at just over $2,000. But with a 31 percent reduction in global warming emissions, this still merits a “Very Good” for Hybrid Value. Note, however, that the Lexus MKZ Hybrid is now offering their hybrid drivetrain with no price premium as compared to a conventional six-cylinder engine. This model serves as an excellent example of treating fuel economy as a valued commodity in itself, giving the luxury car consumer a truly fuel-efficient option. And with one of the lowest base prices of any Lexus model, it gives more consumers access to the luxury vehicle market.
Scorecard Hybrid Value methodology
Forced Features
By design, Lexus offers premium features even on its base models. The HS 250 is no different and overall comes with a base model that has similar standard features to the base model IS 250, thereby earning a Forced Features rating of “None.” The HS 250h does come with upgrades such as exterior glass with ultraviolet (UV) and infrared reduction and outside mirrors with auto tilt-down in reverse, but does not carry the IS250 standard features such as vehicle dynamics integrated management with cutoff switch or the 13-speaker sound system. The HS 250h does an outstanding overall job in putting the choice in the consumer’s hands as to what they are looking to get out of their automotive dollar.
Scorecard Forced Features methodology
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Additional Info
Visit the Who’s Got Hybrids section to read comments and stories from actual hybrid owners.
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