Lexus hybrid-only now on market

By G. Chambers Williams III - Express-News columnist

Web Posted: 01/08/2010 12:00 CST

The new Lexus HS 250h, which starts at $34,200, is the automaker's first dedicated hybrid, which means it is not available as a gasoline-only model. COURTESY OF TOYOTA MOTOR SALES USA

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2010 Lexus HS 250h sedan

The package: Premium, midsize, four-door, five-passenger, four-cylinder gasoline-electric powered, front-wheel-drive sedan.
Highlights: New this year, this is an entry-level luxury hybrid sedan that is not a copy of any other vehicle in the Lexus lineup.
Negatives: Can get quite pricey with options.
Engines: 2.4-liter inline Atkinson cycle four-cylinder gasoline engine combined with an electric motor.
Transmission: Continuously variable automatic.
Power: 187 horsepower, combined gasoline/electric.
Length: 184.8 inches.
Curb weight: 3,682 pounds.
Brakes, front/rear: Disc/disc, antilock.
Cargo volume: 12.1 cubic feet.
Side air bags: Front seat-mounted, roof-mounted side-curtain for both rows, standard.
Electronic stability control: Standard, with traction control.
Fuel capacity/type: 14.5 gallons/unleaded regular.
EPA fuel economy: 35 city/34 highway.
Base price range: $34,200-$36,970, plus $875 freight.
Price as tested: $46,806, including freight and options (Premium model).
On the Road rating: 8.5 (of a possible 10).

Prices shown are manufacturer’s suggested retail; actual selling price may vary.

The Lexus HS 250h is now on the market, giving the brand its first entry-level gasoline-electric hybrid.

It's also the first dedicated Lexus hybrid — one that is not also available as a gasoline-only model.

While the HS 250h is based on the architecture of the redesigned 2010 Toyota Prius hybrid, it doesn't use the drive system from the Prius.

Instead, it uses essentially the same engine and electric-motor combination as the Toyota Camry hybrid.

Another key difference is that the HS 250h is a four-door sedan with a conventional trunk, while the Prius is a five-door hatchback.

With a base price of $34,200 (plus $875 freight), the HS 250h offers a host of luxury amenities not included in the Prius, which has a base price of $22,400 (plus $750 freight).

The HS 250h, which is not related to the Lexus IS 250/350 line, is 9 inches longer than the Prius, at 184.8 inches, but has the same 106.3-inch wheelbase.

Under the hood is a 2.4-liter, four-cylinder Atkinson cycle gasoline engine and accompanying electric drive motor. They are connected to the front wheels through a continuously variable automatic transmission, also from the Camry.

Lexus says combined horsepower of the HS 250h gasoline engine and electric motor is 187, compared with 134 for the Prius.

EPA fuel-economy estimates are 35 mpg city/34 highway, also similar to those of the slightly heavier Camry hybrid (33 city/34 highway), but much lower than those of the 2010 Prius (51 city/48 highway).

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