Quick Hit – 1 of 649 Lexus HS 250h (Low Production for a Reason?)

First, I have to admit that the only reason I clicked on this car and that I’m blogging about it is because I had never heard of a Lexus HS 250h. A couple of clicks on Google and I learn this 2012 model sold only 649 units – a bit of a unicorn. Five more 2012 units were sold in 2013. This “compact executive car” was imported from 2010-2012 and while it sold wildly in Japan, with a six month wait list when introduced, it never really caught on in the US. Google tells me the HS stands for Harmonious Sedan and the car fit between the IS and the ES. I’m thinking here in the USA it really never fit in at all.

Have to admit the interior is quite handsome, a bit stark but efficient. Took me a while to find the shift lever (below). Way out of date now but it is a 10 year old car. In keeping with the green theme, 30 percent of the car’s interior plastics are made from environmentally friendly materials. The car has nav, sunroof, and seat heaters to tackle climate change.

The HS 250h looks a bit like a Corolla to me. A high-end hybrid Corolla perhaps. The first Lexus four cylinder hybrid in the US. Good for 187 hp, 35 mpg, and a 0-60 mph time of way over eight seconds from this 2.4 liter motor. But you wouldn’t want this to go fast anyway. (If you want a fast, low volume Lexus, go for the RC F Track Edition previously covered here!)

Car and Driver says “The HS is strictly for folks who just have to have the Lexus of Priuses.” Seems about right. A fat Prius. This one-owner California car sold for about $38,000 new and 10 years later, with some decent mileage on it, is now selling for half that in Sacramento, California here.

Stock # 21677689  VIN # JTHBB1BA0C2049060