The 2011 Lexus HS 250h Hybrid Returns for its Sophomore Year
The Lexus HS 250h returns for its sophomore year as an entry-level luxury vehicle for the hybrid market. For those looking to get an upscale hybrid that isn't exorbitantly pricey, the HS Hybrid offers a good value. Learn what's new on the 2011 Lexus HS 250h and review specs, photos and mpgs.
What's New - 2011 Lexus HS 250h
There are no major changes for the new HS 250h. However, Lexus does introduce a couple new exterior colors for the year - Satin Cashmere and Deep Sea Mica. Cut the marketing lingo, and those colors are essentially light silver and dark blue. These two color swatches replace Golden Almond Metallic and Black Sapphire Pearl.
2011 Lexus HS 250h Styling
The Lexus HS offers a fairly reserved and buttoned-up exterior. As with most Lexus vehicles, engineers attempted to create a silhouette that exudes a refined and understated presence. For some, this may prove the right level of attractiveness. Others may insist the vehicle is too non-descript for their tastes.
In terms of size, this Lexus hybrid is a bit smaller than the 2011 Toyota Camry Hybrid, but still large enough to properly accommodate front and rear passengers. The level of luxury features available is on par with the rest of the Lexus line. However, an attempt to keep the vehicle's price in the mid-$30,000 range results in a few more plastics than typically found on the brand. Road noise is also notably louder than on most Lexus vehicles.
Regardless, most passengers will find the hybrid remarkably comfortable and accommodating. Total trunk space comes in at 12 cubic feet (decent real estate for a hybrid).
View more 2011 Lexus HS 250h photos.
2011 Lexus HS 250h Performance
The HS 250h comes equipped with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that is mated to a twin set of electric motors. This same powertrain is found on the Toyota Camry Hybrid, and serves to give the HS 250h a total of 187 horsepower. While the vehicle boasts an all-around good driving feel, some reviewers have complained about slow acceleration.
Fuel figures for the Lexus HS Hybrid come in at 35 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway. These solid numbers serve to make the hybrid the most efficient vehicle in the luxury vehicle class. Lexus also allows drivers to choose between three driving modes - Eco, Power and EV. Eco mode is meant to maximize fuel efficiency, while Power mode enhances acceleration somewhat. EV mode allows drivers to function wholly off electric power - a function that should is only really worth initiating in parking lots.
Review full 2011 Lexus HS 250h specifications.
2011 Lexus HS 250h Safety
Standard safety features for the HS 250h include anti-lock brakes, brake assist, traction control and stability control. The vehicle also boasts ten standard airbags (including side curtain airbags and dual front-knee airbags). Available options include adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning system. Lexus' Pre-Collision System is also available, which serves to tighten seatbelts and initiate brake assist when an imminent collision is detected.
In crash tests performed by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the Lexus HS 250h earned a best-possible rating of "Good" in frontal and side-impact crash tests.
2011 Lexus HS 250h Prices and Features
The 2011 Lexus HS Hybrid starts just below $35,000. For that price, shoppers get foglights, keyless ignition, dual-zone climate control, leather seats, full power accessories, power front seats, 10-speaker stereo, six-disc CD changer, satellite radio, Bluetooth and a sunroof. Available options include driver memory settings, heated/ventilated front seats, park assist, navigation system and rain-sensing wipers.
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