The 2012 Lexus HS 250h is a well-equipped luxury sedan with high fuel economy, but its appeal is limited.
It's not that roomy inside, the handling isn't very rewarding, and the engine noise is surprisingly obtrusive.
While Lexus doesn't think the Toyota Prius is a competitor, some buyers are likely to cross-shop them anyway.
The Prius gets much better mileage, is larger inside, and its cargo capability is more versatile.
It doesn't have nearly the list of luxury and technology options that the HS does, though, and the same applies to the clean-diesel 2012 Volkswagen Jetta sedan--which gets fuel mileage that's very close to the HS.
The all-new 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid sedan is also simpler, but is larger, faster, and roomier, and more fuel-efficient.
In the luxury segment, the closest match may be the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid, which also gets better gas mileage and offers more space inside to boot.
Finally, if your heart is set on a Lexus, consider the CT 200h compact hybrid hatchback, which returns better mileage and is much more rewarding to drive.
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 2012 Lexus HSBrowse Used Listings |  2012 Lincoln MKZBrowse Used Listings |  2012 Toyota PriusBrowse Used Listings |
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| Quick Specs | ||
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The 2012 Lexus HS 250h offers lots of technology along with its high gas mileage, but it's not engaging to drive, nor is its level of luxury particularly spectacular. |
The 2012 Lincoln MKZ has supple leather and wood trim for luxury-car street cred, and hybrid flower power to appeal to greens. |
The 2012 Toyota Prius remains the highest-mileage car offered in the U.S., and it's a practical and capacious mid-size hatchback with room for five |
| MSRP From | ||
| $37,030 | $34,755 | $23,015 |
| Gas Mileage | ||
| 35 MPG City / 34 MPG Hwy | 17 MPG City / 36 MPG Hwy | 51 MPG City / 49 MPG Hwy |
| Engine | ||
| Gas/Electric I4 | Gas/Electric I4 | Gas/Electric I4 |
| EPA Class | ||
| Mid-Size | Midsize Cars | Midsize Cars |
| Style Name | ||
| 4-Door Sedan Hybrid | 4-Door Sedan Hybrid FWD | 5-Door HB One (Natl) |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Front Wheel Drive | Front-Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Passenger Capacity | ||
| 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Passenger Doors | ||
| N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Body Style | ||
| 4 Door Sedan | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Transmission | ||
| Continuously variable ratio | Continuously Variable Ratio | Continuously Variable Ratio |
| Detailed Spec Comparison | ||
| 2012 Lexus HS vs. 2012 Lincoln MKZ | 2012 Lexus HS vs. 2012 Toyota Prius | |
