What years are the HS250h?
The HS250h was sold as a 2010–2012 model year Lexus hybrid sedan.
In North America, Lexus introduced the HS250h for the 2010 model year, and production ended after the 2012 model year. The car was also marketed in Japan under the Toyota Sai badge during roughly the same period, with limited to no official European sales.
Model years and market availability
Below is a concise timeline of the HS250h’s model years and where it was offered.
- 2010 model year — launched in North America (United States and Canada); designated as Lexus’s first dedicated hybrid sedan in that market.
- 2011 model year — continued sales in North America; same hybrid powertrain and front-wheel-drive configuration.
- 2012 model year — final model year for the HS250h in North America; production ended in 2012 and no 2013 model was released.
In summary, the HS250h’s primary market run lasted three model years, 2010 through 2012, with production commencing in 2009 and concluding in 2012.
Context and background
The HS250h represented Lexus’s early attempt at a dedicated hybrid sedan, built in conjunction with Toyota’s hybrid technology. It shared its hybrid system lineage with Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive and was offered as a front-wheel-drive vehicle. The nameplate did not persist beyond 2012 in its main markets, and Lexus shifted focus to other hybrid models in subsequent years. In Japan, the same hybrid platform appeared as the Toyota Sai, reflecting regional branding decisions rather than a long-running HS lineup in that market.
Lifecycle notes
The HS250h debuted publicly in 2009 before reaching showrooms as a 2010 model year. Its relatively modest sales contributed to its short lifecycle, culminating in production end in 2012. No direct successor carried the HS250h name, though Lexus would continue to expand its hybrid offerings in later years.
Summary
The HS250h was available for model years 2010 through 2012 in North America, with production starting in 2009 and ending in 2012. It marked Lexus’s early push into dedicated hybrid sedans and helped pave the way for later hybrid models in the brand’s lineup.
Why was the HS 250h discontinued?
Launched for the 2010 model year, the HS250h aimed to combine Lexus luxury with Prius fuel efficiency, but ended up earning mixed reviews at best. HS 250h sales never reached expectations, and the car was unceremoniously killed off after 2012, having been around for just three model years.
Is the Lexus HS 250h reliable?
The Lexus HS 250h has a generally good reliability rating, with a score of around 3.5 to 4.5 out of 5 depending on the source, and low annual repair costs. However, common issues can include potential oil consumption in the 2.4L engine and expensive hybrid battery replacement, particularly at high mileage. It's important to have a hybrid battery checked and consider a pre-purchase inspection.
You can watch this video for a review of the Lexus HS 250h with high mileage: 1mAvalon Auto Group YouTube · Aug 28, 2025
Positive aspects
- Overall reliability: The HS 250h is often described as reliable and trouble-free, with some owners reporting excellent experiences.
- Low repair costs: The average annual repair cost is estimated to be low, around $361.
Potential issues
- Hybrid battery: Hybrid batteries can be expensive to replace, with costs potentially ranging from $5,000 to $5,200. At high mileage, you should be prepared for potential battery issues.
- Oil consumption: The 2.4L engine, which is shared with the Toyota Camry Hybrid, can have issues with oil consumption, though frequent oil changes can help manage this.
- Rear tie rods: One common recall for the HS 250h involves the rear tie rods potentially failing due to rust on the threaded area.
What to do
- Get an inspection: A thorough pre-purchase inspection is crucial, especially to check the health of the hybrid battery and the condition of the engine.
- Request a vehicle history report: This will provide information on past maintenance and accidents.
- Be prepared: Given the vehicle's age, budget for potential maintenance items and have a plan for hybrid battery replacement if needed.
What was the last year of the Lexus hs250?
Discontinuation. In late 2011, Ward's AutoWorld reported that Lexus was discontinuing sales of the HS 250h in the U.S. A Lexus representative confirmed this in May 2012, "Production of the HS 250h ceased in January, 2012.
What year did the Lexus UX 250h come out?
2019
For the North American market, production of the UX started in the fourth quarter of 2018 and sales commenced in December 2018 for the 2019 model year. In 2022, for the 2023 model year, an update added wireless support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto along with an 8 or 12.3 screen with higher quality.
