Lexus' ballyhooed HS 250h hybrid fails on almost all fronts, offering worse fuel economy and interior space than other hybrids costing thousands of dollars less.
Weighed against an excellent hybrid midsize sedan like the Ford Fusion, the HS 250h's smaller interior, higher price and lower fuel economy make Lexus' new hybrid one of the year's more disappointing new cars.
Looking for a home run to rally interest in its brand and excite younger buyers, Lexus summoned the heavy hitter from Toyota's corporate bench: hybrid technology in a unique body that's unlike anything else in Lexus' batting order.
The formula worked wonders for Toyota. The Prius has been a grand slam, making reliable but unexciting Toyota the darling of chic buyers and environmental activists.
Now the Lexus HS 250h hybrid steps to the plate, swinging for the fences to score for Toyota's luxury brand.
But there is no joy in Toyota City tonight. Mighty Lexus has struck out.
Starting prices for the 2010 Lexus HS 250h hybrid begin at $34,200 for a base model and run to $36,970 for a Premium model, which adds standard features to the base. All HS 250h models come with a 147-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, 141-horsepower electric motor and continuously variable transmission.
I tested a well-equipped HS 250h Premium that stickered at $41,375. All prices exclude destination charges.
The HS competes with less-expensive hybrid models like the Ford Fusion, Honda Civic, Mercury Milan, Nissan Altima and Toyota Prius.
It does not compete with them well. The HS 250h's EPA fuel economy rating of 35 m.p.g. in the city and 34 m.p.g. on the highway is considerably worse than the bigger Fusion and Milan midsize sedans' EPA rating of 41 m.p.g. city and 36 m.p.g. highway. It trails the compact Civic hybrid's 40 city/45 highway EPA rating by an even wider margin. The Prius, with a smaller engine and an aerodynamic hatchback body designed for maximum efficiency, leaves the HS 250h in the dust with EPA ratings of 51 m.p.g. city and 48 m.p.g. on the highway.
Strike one.
The Lexus' small size also weighs against it. With a mere 90.2 cubic feet of passenger space, it's dwarfed by the midsize Fusion and Milan's 100.7-cubic-foot passenger compartments and even slightly smaller than the compact Civic hybrid. The HS 250h's 12.0-cubic-foot trunk is more accommodating than the Altima and Civic hybrids by a wide margin and slightly larger than those in the Fusion and Milan hybrids. It's far smaller than the practical Prius hatchback's 21.6 cubic feet of cargo room. The Prius also offers more passenger room than the HS 250h.
Strike two.
The HS 250h also costs more than its competitors. A comparably equipped Fusion hybrid would cost $8,895 less than the HS Premium I tested. The HS 250h's optional active cruise control isn't available on the Fusion, but it's not worth nine grand, particularly when Lexus can't match the user-friendliness of Ford's voice-controlled navigation system and Sync, which provides voice control of iPods and mobile phones.
Strike three. Take a seat.
While Lexus is on the bench thinking about its next at-bat, it's worth considering some of the HS 250h's other characteristics.
The interior, though small, is trimmed with Lexus' usual fine taste. The perforated leather seats provide good comfort and include features like power adjustment, heating, cooling and memory. Many hybrids -- including Toyota's own Prius -- eschew those comforts to save weight and reduce demand on their batteries.
The gauges are beautiful: clear and sharp in an indigo, white and green color scheme. The graphic that shows power flow among the car's engine, battery and brakes is informative and easy to read. Soft and attractive materials befitting a luxury car cover nearly every surface.
Lexus uses the same handy joystick controller for audio and other functions in the HS as in its RX crossover SUV. It's a nice design and easy to use, but a wide gap from the HS' armrest to the joystick makes it harder to reach than the RX's convenient layout.
The steering, ride and brakes all feel like those in any competent compact car. Acceleration is good, though the transition from gasoline to electric mode is not as smooth as in the Fusion and Milan hybrids. The car is quiet except for a drone from the engine under acceleration and at higher speeds.
The electric air-conditioning works well, keeping the car cool even in high temperatures when the engine is off.
The styling is undistinguished, with a bland, vaguely Corolla-like shape. Lexus wanted the one hybrid-only vehicle in its lineup to grab attention, but the looks won't. The exterior badges feature a striking indigo outline exclusive to Lexus' hybrids.
Cool badges and nice interior materials aren't enough to score the winning run, though. The Lexus HS 250h isn't ready for the major leagues.
Wait 'till next year.
Contact MARK PHELAN: 313-222-6731 or at phelan@freepress.com.
