This Lexus Hybrid Is the Worst Lexus Vehicle You Should Never Buy
Everyone wants to do their part to save the environment, and some people want to drive the most environmentally friendly vehicle possible. In recent years, hybrid cars and SUVs have become a popular choice. Many carmakers, including Lexus, jumped onto the hybrid bandwagon, and in 2010, they produced the Lexus HS 250h.
According to some drivers, this endeavor turned out to be one of the worst Lexus vehicles ever made. Lexus must have agreed because this model only lasted from 2010 to 2012. Why did this hybrid never quite live up to the Lexus name?
The Lexus HS 250h feels unrefined
The biggest complaint that Consumer Reports had with the Lexus HS 250h is that it lacked the refinement that Lexus is known for. Reviews said the cabin was narrow, and the center console was too big for comfort. They reported a jiggly and bouncy ride with a lot of wind and engine noise. Consumer Reports did say it was overall a pleasant vehicle, just not up to the standards of quality that buyers expect from a Lexus.
Inside, there was an almost complete lack of storage, which they seem to have tried to make up for with the enlarged center console. It had a small trunk, and the rear seats didn’t fold down. Besides the cramped cockpit, a number of drivers felt the steering wheel was too far away. They said access to the front was fine but access to the rear was a little trickier, and three in the back was a very tight squeeze.
A capable hybrid vehicle
The Lexus HS 250h used the Toyota Camry’s hybrid powertrain. It could go a short distance at about 26 miles per hour on electric power alone. Standard features on the 2011 Lexus HS Hybrid included a 187-hp 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine that reviewers called adequate. The fuel economy was excellent for its time, giving drivers 31 mpg overall with regular fuel during mixed driving.
These hybrids had quite a few standard features including a premium sound system, fog lights, 17-inch alloy wheels, heated mirrors, satellite radio, and a navigation system. Basically, it worked for drivers who really wanted to get on the green driving train and have a hybrid vehicle.
The Lexus HS 250h was like the luxury version of a Toyota Prius. In 2012, extra features were added like an available remote touch navigation system, an available wide-angle front camera, and an available pre-collision monitoring system.
Drivers were not impressed with the HS 250h
There’s a Reddit thread discussing the worst Lexus ever made, and the Lexus HS 250h is the top pick. One driver referred to it as looking like a rebadged Corolla, and another said it wasn’t a bad car on its own, just not up to Lexus standards. Some voted for the Lexus SC430, which was actually voted “worst car in the history of the world” by Top Gear.
On top of all this, there were seven safety recalls on the 2010 Lexus HS 250h for various problems including the fuel system, suspension, brakes, and electrical system. The worst complaint was the suspension, and drivers reported that even with the recall, the car was completely out of alignment after seven months, causing the driver to have to replace both rear tires.
If you come across a Lexus HS 250h for sale, there are two ways to look at it. You could say it’s a fairly capable hybrid, offering drivers a sedan with excellent fuel economy. Or, you could run away because it is known by some to be the worst Lexus ever made.
