I know I'm a newbie here, but I wanted to share the experience. I have done a lot of research on the HS250h and had intended to try and get some information from owners on this forum before getting serious about it. That WAS my original motivation; however, things have changed.

Last night, I had a chance to drive a new Premium model HS250h in Maryland. It was a non-NAV system with few of the real high tech toys on it. I would have preferred to see one with the Tech Package.

BOTTOM LINE: Very unimpressive ride, limited trunk space and a real disappointing rear seat.

Yes, despite how great this car looked on paper, the real thing was underwhelming. For starters, I had also driven a 2010 Prius and had something to compare it to. Of course, having driven an RX300 for many years, it was a bit of a "Come Down" in luxury and ride.

The rear seat is only adequate for 4 people. Sitting in the center of the rear seat (e.g. as a 5th person) meant that your back was flush against the raised armrest -- and it is extremely HARD and uncomfortable. You would not want to take this car for a long trip and try to be the 5th person, child or adult.

The road noise was very much higher than an RX and the noise was noticeable. Such a shame in a car that had so much promise. It's more than just tire noise, the car needs insulation.

The trunk, while advertised to be pretty large and able to hold two sets of golf clubs or more, isn't all that large. Unless you have suitcases that are long and slender like golf bags, you're going to notice htis trunk isn't as big as you may need.

It's a beautiful piece of technology, but just falls short of the Lexus standard IMHO. Now it's time to rethink. Decided not to purchase one.

Just want to share this with you all so you make sure to test drive before placing a deposit. Caveat Emptor from a disappointed Lexus Owner.

at this point I think the HS250h is in a really tight niche. Base price is 34k which is the top out for the prius. Many of the same options are available for both cars (LKA, Radar cruise control, etc) and some things are found exclusively on each model(solar sunroof, Ventilated seats). Once you price the same options on the HS it comes out 10k more. Is the 10k really worth it?

I honestly feel like the HS is just for people who want a prius but cant dare been seen in a toyota. The interior dimensions are actually bigger in the prius (headroom and rear leg room). I have to ask what is the point? The HS isn't particularly fast, roomie or luxurious. I dont understand how the HS is so slow. It's using the same engine as the TCH, but it's slower. You can't blame weight because the FFH is 100lbs heavier gets better fuel economy and is faster.

Many other hybrids offer larger,faster and more fuel economic packages. I will always give Lexus the assumption of having the better & quieter ride, but I have driven the GS 450h and ES 300. The ride on those are great, but the NAH was close.

Your assumption about better and quieter ride is very much on target, except for the HS. They did do more for the handling than the Prius, but missed the boat completely when it came to insulating the cabin from road noise. Oh yes, did I mention the sub-Lexus interior comfort?

Are you comparing the HS to the Prius V (which comes with the bigger wheels and better handling... It is supposed to have really good handling)? I think they did miss the boat on the interior... they could have still offered a wood trim (especially on the "premium" trim) and still been "green". Bamboo is considered a green building material and looks great (I have bamboo flooring). I also think that maybe... just maybe they could have thrown in AWD and not hurt fuel economy (have the electric motors drive the rear wheels when needed like in the RX450H). That would have made the HS the FIRST hybrid car (under 100k) with awd "safety". Taking a look at the whole package, it seems to me that the HS is rushed (for whatever reason) to market. Maybe to beat the other Luxury brands that are going to intro cheaper diesels to market.

What did you think of the car in general vs the Prius?

Yes, I also drove a Prius V.

Just my observations since I had owned a Prius and test drove the HS also.

Felt too much like the Prius (Not that that is bad) just not what I expect to see in the Lexus. It set high like the Prius and felt like it missed the Lexus feel. Nice car and I think there may be a small market for it. I had every intention of being a possible buyer for one until I saw it and drove it. Photos make it look larger than it really is. I decided to go with the RX350, couldn't let loose of enought cash to get the RX450.

Bob

I'm a new owner of a Premium HS250h with a Nav system, as of a few days ago. I've only driven the vehicle on a few short trips. I haven't owned nor driven a Prius but I did a 1000 mile trip in a Hybrid Camry so I have a little experience with a hybrid. I've owned a 97 ES300 since new.

I agree with almost all of MDLexus' comments. The vehicle is noisier than my ES300, both on the street and highway. I think the higher speed road noise comes from the 18" tires but the lower speed noise comes from the powertrain. There's a major whine from the motor when the vehicle comes to a stop. Lexus should have put more sound insulation between the drive machinery and the cabin. If noise is an issue I would probably pass on the HS.

Other comments: The HS cabin is not as nice as the ES350. If there was a hybrid version of the ES350 I would have bought it instead of the HS. This purchase was primarily for my wife. She originally wanted the RX400h but decided to stay with a sedan. So, the choice was to get a new ES or the HS. We went with the HS primarily for the hybrid technology. But, after owning this car for nearly a week, the ES would have been a better choice. I hope Lexus puts more emphasis in making the future version of the HS ride like an ES. Can't comment on the mileage yet because we've barely used a quarter tank so far. I'll post some numbers after we go through a couple of tanks.