2012 Lexus HS 250h

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There are not many premium hybrid sedans to select from, however the 2012 Lexus HS 250h provides having a luxurious cabin and thrifty fuel consumption. For 2012, the Lexus HS 250h is unchanged. One of the few luxury hybrid sedans available on the market, the 2012 Lexus HS 250h is among the couple of that puts its focus on fuel efficiency.

Probably the most direct rival towards the 2012 Lexus HS 250h may be the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. The MKZ offers better gas mileage, a roomier cabin and much more standard equipment. Deficiencies in brand cachet along with a less luxurious interior would be the Lincoln’s disadvantages. Additionally, there are the HS’s brother or sister, the Lexus CT 200h, which supplies the elevated flexibility of the hatchback body style together with sportier handling. Because it shares its powertrain using the Prius, the CT is reduced but cheaper compared to HS 250h.

If outright luxury isn’t a must, you could think about the MKZ’s less costly platform mate, the Ford Fusion Hybrid. Additionally, there are the mild hybrid version from the Buick LaCrosse or possibly even Toyota’s all-new Camry Hybrid. With that said, however, you ought to be happy with the 2012 Lexus HS 250h, because of its tempting mixture of luxury and fuel frugality.

The 2012 Lexus HS 250h is 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, dual-zone automatic climate control and a 10-speaker sound system with a 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.

The 2012 Lexus HS 250h is powered by a 2.4-liter inline-4 that works in tandem with a pair of electric motor/generators. Combined output results in 187 horsepower sent to the front wheels via a specialized continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).

The 2012 Lexus HS 250h comes standard with antilock disc brakes, stability and traction control, side curtain airbags, front and rear seat-mounted side airbags and dual front knee airbags.

Included with the optional adaptive cruise control is the Lexus Pre-Collision system, which can pre-tension the front seatbelts and activate brake assist as soon as the driver presses the brake pedal if an impending collision is detected. The optional Technology package includes the PCS as well as lane-departure warning and driver-attention monitors.

As with just about any vehicle wearing the Lexus badge, the 2012 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. Opting for the navigation system will get you the “Remote Touch” controller that mimics a computer mouse with haptic feedback to “feel” the onscreen audio, climate and navigation buttons. There’s also a hybrid status indicator in the instrument panel that lets drivers know when they’re driving green.

Given its focus on fuel economy, the 2012 Lexus HS 250h won’t impress driving enthusiasts as much as it will frugal owners. Transitions between gasoline and electric propulsion are seamless and smooth, though throttle response is a bit leisurely.

On the highway, the 2012 Lexus HS 250h provides a quiet cabin that is free of wind and road noise. Potholes and bumps in the road are soaked up by the compliant suspension, which is also pleasantly composed when taking curves. The electric power steering is precise, but lacks feedback. Initially, some drivers may find the brakes overly touchy, but that impression fades as they quickly acclimate.