Toyota's premium brand, Lexus, scores its fourth win in the luxury hybrid vehicle segment with the 2010 Lexus HS 250h.
The newcomer is the first in the Lexus hybrid product line to be built as a dedicated luxury gasoline-electric hybrid that, like the Toyota Prius, is not shared with a same model fueled by gasoline only.
Though Lexus HS 250h and Toyota Prius share the same 106.3-inch wheelbase, the 250h is distinctly mainstream in its overall shape and appearance so as not to scream, "I'm a hybrid!"
The front-wheel drive 2010 Lexus HS 250h comes in Base and Premium models with styling that blends the family resemblance of the Lexus IS and ES models together with subtle hybrid badges to declare owners' "green loyalty."
Lexus HS 250h is over nine inches longer and nearly two inches wider than Prius providing loads more cabin space with head and rear seat legroom to accommodate four adult riders in real-world comfort.
The back seat is fitted with three sets of seat belts to safely harness a trio of youngsters. There's no room for three car seats, however.
Cabin appointments are lathered with the fit and finish typical of Lexus cars, surrounded by stylish soft-touch surfaces accented with graceful forms and well-proportioned seats that offer firm support.
Ride quality of the Lexus HS 250h is better than average for a car that straddles the line between a compact and mid-size with a forgiving suspension and specially tuned shock absorbers that help aid handling.
Advanced technology abounds with HS's navigation system touch controller mounted on the center stack that looks and acts like a computer mouse to allow the driver to execute routine vehicle functions without having to sift though layers of operations to reach an end-result.
Models equipped with navigation also come with Enform - a multi-task communication system that automatically summons emergency help in the event of a crash.
The new 2010 Lexus HS 250h showcases such features as advanced glass that tempers infrared rays by 30 percent while aiding the air conditioner to cool quicker and more efficiently.
Other niceties include LED headlamps, automatic-operated high beams, park assist and dynamic radar cruise control that keeps a safe and consistent space behind vehicles in traffic.
HS comes powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine teamed with a 40-hp electric motor/generator for 187-hp directed by a continuously variable transmission. Fuel economy gears up to combine city and highway mileage of 34-mpg.
The 2010 Lexus HS 250h arrives at area dealers this summer base priced at $34,200. Stepping up to the HS 250h Premium model with larger wheels and more standard content raises the price to $36,970. Add $875 to each for freight.
