Lexus Hybrid Cars

By: Bill Waters
Published: Sep 30, 2009
Updated: Mar 18, 2010

MPG Ratings For Lexus Hybrid Vehicles

Everyone is talking about the new Lexus Hybrid Cars coming to market, and it's not just the fuel economy. Two new cars, the Lexus Hybrid RX 450h and the HS 250h, were recently delivered to dealerships across the country. These Lexus cars are the first to utilize carbon-neutral Ecological Plastic materials for its interior design.

The Lexus HS 250h is also equipped with power-saving LED headlamps also contribute to improved fuel efficiency and emissions. The automobile includes proactive adoption of planet-based, carbon-neutral "Ecological Plastics" or bio-plastics in specific interior areas. Ecological Plastic emits less carbon dioxide during a product's life cycle than plastic made solely from petroleum.

The Lexus Hybrid can achieve 35 miles per gallon. The automobile can deliver 30-percent better mileage than other Lexus fuel-efficient models. The 2010 Lexus is powered by a four-cylinder, 2.4-liter Atkinson-cycle, gas engine that is part of the latest Hybrid Drive System by the automaker.

The Hybrid vehicle can generate up to 187 total horsepower. The engine has several technologies that include cooling piston oil jets, an optimized balance shaft rate for improved Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) characteristics, and a hot-air venting system mounted behind the radiator. It also includes a new system designed to improve efficiency by introducing an exhaust heat recovery system.

The 2010 Lexus Hybrid RX 450H is a luxury SUV that comes with some great features. With the revolutionary SmartAccess feature, you can lock and unlock your doors, open the trunk and start the ignition-all without having to take your keys out of your pocket or purse.

As soon as the sensors detect the presence of your SmartAccess key, the door unlocks when you touch the handle. Ladies, how many times have you found yourself rummaging through your purse looking for your keys in the rain? This 2010 SUV gets an estimated 32 mpg highway and 28 mpg city. The combined mileage is 30 mpg. The RX 450H has a starting price of $43,250.

With the Lexus SUV, you no longer have to hold down a button to operate the power windows or moon-roof, the driver's side window can be opened and closed automatically with one touch. Even better yet, the power windows and moon-roof are designed to stop closing during auto-close operation if they sense an object blocking their path.

Lexus Personalized Settings (LPS) allows certain electronic functions, such as the automatic door locks, power window system, illuminated entry system, moon-roof operation, and so on to be customized to an owner's preference by the Lexus dealer or the driver. This is available on most Lexus models including this one. The Lexus Personalized Settings (LPS) Program is a one-time, complimentary offer for the first 12 months from the date the vehicle is sold.

After taking a test-drive, I can only tell you that these two vehicles drive like a dream. I was also impressed with the amount of quality built into these cars. The new Lexus Hybrid Cars have everything that their conventional counterparts have, plus some new revolutionary technologies.