2011 brings five Lexus Hybrid Sedans to the market. Lexus hybrid model numbers have a "h" at the end. The five are posted below.
CT 200h
The CT 200h is a hybrid only model, there is no gas powered equivalent. The 200h power plant is based on the Toyota 1.8 Liter Prius engine. No wonder it gets good fuel economy. Peak output power is the same as the Prius too at 134 hp.
Electric power is provided by two electric motors in an interesting arrangement. One motor can be used to charge up the 1.3 kWh battery pack. The other powers the front wheel drive setup. This setup is branded "Hybrid Synergy Drive".
The 200h features a hatchback and four driving modes. It comes standard with no less than 8 airbags and other safety features consumers have come to expect.
The CT 200h gets 3 of 5 stars from Motor Trend, and can be bought for around $30,000.
CT 250h
The 250h is a step up from the Prius powered 200h in terms of power. The 1.8 Liter engine gets bumped to 2.4 Liters for a combined system output of 187 hp. That should move the 3,600 pound ride at a good clip.
The transmission features a CVT setup - continuously variable transmission. It is close to that of the Toyota Camry Hybrid. The 250h is a step up from the 200h in terms of luxury features with heads up display and other amenities.
The step up will add about $7,000 to the price tag. Motor Trend rates the 250h with 3 of 5 stars.
RX 450h
Lexus has been producing the RX 450 for some years as a crossover SUV. The high clearance vehicle has offered up a luxury vehicle at a luxury price.
Like the gas powered rig, the 450h can be purchases in a front or all wheel version. The interior is all luxury with amenities like a blind-spot detection system, a power liftgate, leather upholstery, heated/cooled front seats, a navigation system, back-up camera and real wood paneling.
Despite the luxury, the 450h is quick, closing the 0-60 mph gap in 7.6 seconds. Not bad for a vehicle weighing 4,500 pounds empty. This is courtesy of nearly 300 hp combined gas and electric motor power.
The reasonable price mentioned is around $45,000 USD.
GS 450h and LS 600h
The other Lexus 450 is the passenger car GS 450h. This Lexux hybrid is more performance than economy. The combined power output of the GS450h hits 340 hp, and the LS 600h hits nearly 450 horsepower.
These Lexus vehicles turn in mileage figures that are less than impressive. In fact, the 2011 Cadillac STS returns some 18/27 mpg, beating both the 450h and the 600h.
As a site focused on problems and and solutions to conventional transportation, we cannot recommend either the GS 450h, or the LS 600h. Considering the $112,000 price of the GS 450h and the LS 600h, we recommend the Tesla S at around $55,000 or the Roadster EV which begins at $110,000.
