2012 Lexus HS 250h Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Write a review
After an introduction in its home country that led to a 6-month waiting period, hopes were high for the HS 250h. Sadly, the same success wasn’t achieved in the U.S., with its ES, IS and LS brethren all outselling the dedicated hybrid. Some would blame this on its nebulous position as the middle child in the Lexus lineup, and a hybrid stepchild at that. Early recalls for the brake and fuel systems didn’t help, however, and now in its third year the HS 250h is hoping to finally prove itself.
That said, there doesn’t seem to have been much effort made to change minds. Perhaps this speaks to the confidence Lexus has in its eco-lux sedan, which it brags is the first to be designed from the ground up as a dedicated hybrid. For 2012, the only change we’ll see is Nebula Gray Pearl replacing Smoky Granite Mica as an exterior color. I can already hear the pre-orders clogging the pipes.
Slotting between the IS and ES in terms of size, this FWD, 4-door, 5-passenger sedan offers a 2.4-liter gasoline engine paired with a pair of electric-drive motors. While one does duty as a motivator, the second’s purpose is as a starter motor and generator. Dual overhead cams and variable valve timing on the intake and exhaust maximize efficiency and power, allowing for 147 hp out of the 2.4-liter engine. The electric motor provides an additional 40, allowing for a 60-mph run in a strained 8.4 seconds. Thankfully speed isn’t the primary purpose here. Efficiency is king, and the HS 250h has made every attempt to emphasize that. Front and rear spoilers, underbody ducting and side skirts are nods to aerodynamics that are partially responsible for the 0.27 coefficient of drag Lexus keeps bragging about, and mechanical efforts like an electric oil pump, electric steering and an exhaust heat recovery system all add to the cause.
In the same vein, a continuously variable transmission (CVT) offers additional efficiency, albeit with the added penalty of a reluctance to downshift. This is frustrating, especially in a supposedly “luxury” sedan. The overall character of the hybrid setup has the same downfall, with a rough delivery from gasoline and electric motors alike. Even with four selectable modes – Normal, Eco, Power and EV – things don’t improve, with Power providing a more aggressive throttle map but only highlighting the strained nature of the setup. Besides, even at its best the HS 250h manages a combined mpg rating of only 35. Is that supposed to impress?
Plus, for a luxury sedan the HS 250h doesn’t really handle with much luxury in mind. The steering is light and numb, the suspension is far too stiff and unforgiving, and engine, wind and road noise all seem to be constantly competing in some sadistic king-of-the-hill game.
The HS 250h is available in Base and Premium trims, and Lexus hopes their extensive standard features lists will overshadow their poor mechanical performance. Base trims come standard with leather upholstery and a leather-wrapped tilt and telescoping steering wheel, a full power package including sunroof and heated power mirrors, 17-inch alloy wheels and front bucket seats with 10-way power for the driver and 8-way power for the passenger. You’ll also get a 6-CD stereo with satellite radio, Bluetooth and USB, keyless access and start, and dual-zone automatic climate controls.
The Premium trim takes itself seriously with wood trim, a power steering wheel, upgraded leather, heated and ventilated front seats, a memory system for the driver’s seat, mirrors and steering wheel, automatic rear-views and 18-inch wheels.
While the Premium trim will cost about 2 grand more than the Base, the options list can ratchet things up quickly. If you want the tech goodies that Lexus has been touting lately – pre-collision, lane departure and keep, adaptive cruise and a head-up display – you’ll be looking at another $4,000, with the $2,000 navigation system as a prerequisite.
Lexus can keep bragging about its “world’s first” dedicated luxury hybrid sedan and shout about its low drag coefficient, its recyclable batteries and its 30% plant-based plastics. It’s just not enough. If the consumer feels as though milestones like these were achieved at the expense of actual performance – and without managing a better combined mpg rating than 35 – sales will continue to disappoint. We want it all, Lexus, and right now you’re not giving it to us.
User reviews for 2012 Lexus HS 250h
Write a reviewWhat users have asked
Top Comparisons
2012 Lexus HS 250h Pricing
Trims & specs
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 9 · 137 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 10.8 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.1 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Center console trim: wood · Door sill trim: illuminated scuff plate · Door trim: leather · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: aluminum · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Assist handle: front · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: door pockets · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10
Engine
Electric Motor Battery Type: nickel-metal hydride · Electric Motor HP: 141 · Electric Motor Power Output (Kilowatts): 105 · Electric Motor Torque: 199 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP: 147 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP@RPM: 6000 · Hybrid Gas Engine Torque: 138 · Hybrid gas Engine Torque@RPM: 4400
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: chrome accents · Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust tip color: stainless-steel · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: lip · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Window trim: chrome
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Hybrid
Starter Type: motor/generator
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Exterior entry lights: puddle lamps · Headlights: Halogen · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Power adjustments: 8
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Moonroof: power glass
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: battery disconnect
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front and rear · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: leather-trimmed
Security
Power door locks: anti-lockout
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Turns lock-to-lock: 2.8
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 24 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Telematics
Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Navigation system: hard drive navigation system w/voice activation · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app function: vehicle location
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: aluminum
Wheels
Wheel spokes: 7 · Width: 7.5
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Laminated glass: acoustic · Power windows: with safety reverse · Solar-tinted glass: rear
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Rear side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · 6 disc CD/DVD in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Mark Levinson · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 9 · 137 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 10.8 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.1 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Dash trim: wood · Door sill trim: scuff plate · Door trim: wood · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Assist handle: front · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: side mirrors · Multi-function remote: vehicle and key memory · One-touch windows: 4 · Parking sensors: front and rear · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: grocery bag holder · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10
Engine
Electric Motor Battery Type: nickel-metal hydride · Electric Motor HP: 141 · Electric Motor Power Output (Kilowatts): 105 · Electric Motor Torque: 199 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP: 147 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP@RPM: 6000 · Hybrid Gas Engine Torque: 138 · Hybrid gas Engine Torque@RPM: 4400
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: chrome accents · Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust tip color: stainless-steel · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: lip · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Window trim: chrome
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Hybrid
Starter Type: motor/generator
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Halogen · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: manual folding
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Moonroof: sliding sunshade
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear · Impact sensor: battery disconnect · Parking sensors: front and rear
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: semi-aniline leather · Upholstery accents: leather-trimmed
Security
Power door locks: anti-lockout
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Turns lock-to-lock: 2.8
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 24 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Telematics
Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Navigation system: hard drive navigation system w/voice activation · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app function: vehicle location
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing · Laminated glass: acoustic · Power windows: with safety reverse · Solar-tinted glass: front