2011 Lexus HS 250h

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The 2011 Lexus HS 250h delivers with a luxurious cabin and thrifty fuel consumption. The 2011 Lexus HS 250h falls into the latter group even as it delivers all of the luxury trappings you’d expect from a Lexus — a unique combination when you think about it.

Despite first impressions, the 2011 Lexus HS 250h is not a rebadged Toyota Prius. The Lexus does, however, borrow its powertrain from the Camry Hybrid, which gives the HS significantly better performance than a Prius. As far as fuel-conscious hybrids go, the Lexus HS 250h is quick, accelerating from zero to 60 mph in only 8.7 seconds. Eco-friendly entry-level luxury sedans haven’t hit showrooms in large numbers quite yet, leaving the 2011 Lexus HS 250h little in the way of competition.

The forthcoming Lexus CT 200h will be a hybrid of a luxury car and a hatchback. Lowering the luxury standard further provides more alternatives like the Ford Fusion Hybrid (it’s related to the MKZ), the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid and the Nissan Altima Hybrid. For the time being, though, the 2011 Lexus HS 250h represents a solid choice for combining both luxury and fuel frugality.

2011 Lexus HS 250h Premium Sedan

The 2011 Lexus HS 250h is a five-passenger, front-wheel-drive compact sedan offered in two trim levels: base and Premium.

The base model features 17-inch alloy wheels, foglights, a sunroof, heated outside mirrors, keyless ignition/entry, leather upholstery, full power accessories, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, power front seats (eight-way driver and eight-way passenger), a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel (with audio controls), dual-zone automatic climate control and a 10-speaker audio system with six-disc CD changer, satellite radio, an auxiliary audio jack, an iPod/USB audio interface and Bluetooth connectivity for both phone and audio.

The Premium trim adds 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic wipers, auto-dimming exterior mirrors, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, driver memory settings, heated and ventilated front seats, real-wood cabin accents and upgraded leather upholstery.

Options include a rear spoiler, rear parking sensors, a separate front-and-rear parking-camera system, adaptive LED headlights, a Mark Levinson audio system and a hard-drive-based navigation system with traffic/weather/sports/stock reporting.

Fuel economy checks in at 35 mpg city/34 mpg highway and 35 mpg combined, which is about average for a midsize hybrid sedan.

The HS 250h comes standard with antilock disc brakes with brake assist, stability and traction control, side curtain airbags, front-and-rear seat-mounted side airbags and dual front knee airbags.

The optional Technology package includes the Pre-Collision system as well as lane-departure warning and driver-attention monitors.

The 2011 Lexus HS 250h has not been rated using the government’s new, more strenuous 2011 crash testing procedures.

As with any vehicle wearing the Lexus badge, the 2011 HS 250h features a luxurious interior with top-notch materials and impeccable fit and finish. The HS 250h also comes loaded with plenty of high-tech features, and controls are mercifully intuitive. Despite the HS 250h’s smaller size, its backseat offers a decent amount of head- and legroom for taller folks.

With a focus on fuel economy, the 2011 Lexus HS 250h won’t impress spirited drivers as much as frugal owners. The electric power steering is precise, but lacks feedback.