Automotive Review

The continuously variable transmission is the Lexus GS 450h ( CVT ) offers a Sport mode upgrade for 2014 . Lexus says it has been optimized for feature eight steps instead of six to make it feel more like a GS 350 eight - speed automatic . Apple iPhone integration is also improved by the addition of Siri voice control function Eyes free . Other additions this year include a full color readout for the optional head - up display , rear cross traffic for the blind-spot monitoring system is optional and optional power trunk opener . Night vision system has been discontinued .

While the typical hybrid car is all about maximizing mpg , luxury hybrid has a more complicated mission . They serve affluent buyers who also want a quick acceleration , responsive handling and elegant interior loaded with amenities . As a result , high-end green machine is often quite fun to drive , but the fuel efficiency gains , their counterparts conventional gasoline - which is often quite simple . 2014 Lexus GS 450h is unique because it offers features and performance expected of a luxury sedan medium while delivering great fuel economy figures that many hybrid buyers expect .

Powering the 2014 Lexus GS 450h is a hybrid powertrain that combines a gasoline engine 3.5-liter V6 , two motors / generators and battery electric rod - mounted to provide a total system output of 338 horsepower . Of course , the real attraction here is the impressive fuel economy of the GS 450h . With a combined EPA rating of 31 mpg , the Lexus shines as one of the most fuel-efficient models in the luxury sedan segment .

In the best tradition of the Lexus GS 350H which had characterized the interior is made of fine soft leather and rich wood and aluminum trim . Matches of this caliber luxury sport sedan and cosseting seats firmly in the same size , and only limited by the power adjustment level you choose . At the rear , two average-sized adults should be quite comfortable , although the BMW 5 Series is roomier silent .

Touch multimedia remote controller GS 350 is more problematic . Its small , mouselike device adjacent to the gear selector makes sense conceptually , but the shaky cursor control and precise , and make audio or navigation options even more difficult when you re traveling . Further complicating the process is the lack of a physical system "back" button , and the fact that all the icons are the same color . That said , we do like the impressive large-screen 12 - inch is equipped with the optional navigation system and the optional Mark Levinson audio system , which sounds fantastic .

The 2011 Lexus IS 250 looks the part of a sport sedan, and this years minor face-lift adds to the athletic appearance. New oblique front fascia strakes and optional LED daytime running lights definitely increase the sense of visual aggression. But are appearances enough, or IS 250 is weak in this letterman jacket? With only a 2.5-liter V6, the IS 250 is a bit like a bench warmer junior football team. But hey, it still gets to wear a jacket, right? 

Under the edgy exterior, the IS 250 is as smooth as your typical Lexus. Comfort and luxury to take priority over performance, and the car gets your attention with the leading cabin and solid workmanship. On the highway, the IS 250 is almost silent in operation and isolate occupants from the harsh outside world. 

Focus on comfort comes at the expense of athletic, however. When you try to have fun, there are a lot of body roll, and the lifeless steering does little to encourage excitement. This is further compounded by a 204-horsepower 2.5-liter V6 that achieve good fuel economy but does not have the oomph to stir the soul. 

In defense, the Lexus IS 250 does offer some performance upgrades through the new F Sport package and accessories dealer-installed. Then again, if the buyer is really interested in a sporty Lexus IS, they can always upgrade to a more powerful IS 350 or IS raucous F. Unfortunately, this IS all variants suffer from lack of interior space. A narrow rear seat headroom is limited and may deter those who frequently shuttle passengers a few. 

On either side of the scale comfort / performance 2011 Lexus IS 250 remains the second-stringers between star athletes. Buyers who lean towards convenience will find the same luxury and more space in the alternative that includes the 2011 Acura TL 2011 Audi A4 2011 Cadillac CTS 2011 Mercedes C-Class and the 2011 Volkswagen CC. And if you want real performance to go along with a sporty appearance, you should check out the BMW 3 Series or Infiniti G Sedan.

Among the small number of luxury hybrid sedan in the market, the 2012 Lexus HS 250h is one of the few that puts emphasis on fuel efficiency . While most others in this niche segment is more expensive and tends to put the performance of fuel economy , more affordable and compact HS 250h switch priority .

The uninitiated might consider the HS 250h is based on the Prius , but is not . Featuring a unique chassis that measures between the Corolla and Camry , employs the HS 250h powertrain from the Camry Hybrid - the previous generation , which gives the Lexus performance is significantly better than the Prius . Although an estimated 35 mpg combined is quite impressive , it is still far below the 50 mpg delivered by the Prius .

The most direct rival to the 2012 Lexus HS 250h is the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid . MKZ offers fuel economy better , roomier cabin and more standard equipment . The lack of brand cachet and the interior is less luxurious Lincoln s downsides . There is also the brother of HS , Lexus CT 200h , which provides increased versatility of the hatchback body style with sporty handling . Such shares with the Prius powertrain , the CT is slower but more economical than the HS 250h .

Like almost all wear badges Lexus vehicles , the HS 250h 2012 has a luxurious interior with top-notch materials and flawless fit and finish . HS 250h also comes loaded with many high-tech features , and thankfully intuitive controls . Opting for the navigation system will make you a "Remote Touch " controller that mimics a computer mouse with haptic feedback for a " feel " screen audio , climate and navigation buttons . There are also hybrid status indicator on the instrument panel allows the driver to know when they re driving green .

Although the size of the smaller HS 250h , the rear seats offer a decent amount of head and legroom for the higher ones . Likewise , short trunk opening wide and deep , internal boxy shape that allows you to drop straight golf bag without jostling required . Rod provides up to 12.1 cubic feet of cargo space , but the rear seats folded , and there was not much less utility than in the CT 200h hatchback or a Prius .

2014 Lexus RX 350 Luxury ranked 2 out of 18 midsize SUVs. The ranking is based on our analysis of published reviews and test drives of the Lexus RX 350, and the data reliability and security.

Although it does not offer the most interesting performance in the classroom, the authors say auto 2014 Lexus RX 350 has a luxurious cabin, spacious rear seat and cargo space is sufficient. Because it has the best combination of positive reviews, price and long-term cost of ownership in its class, we named the 2014 Lexus RX 350 Luxury 2-Row Best Midsize SUV for the Money. It is also our Best Luxury 2-Row Midsize SUV family friendly.

RX 350 is powered by a V6 engine, and a few test drivers say that the RX 350 accelerates easily, while others think it is not too fast. A six-speed automatic transmission standard, while the sporty RX 350 F Sport is equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Lexus RX 350 gets about 18/25 mpg city / highway, which is pretty good for the class. Reviewers did not consider the RX 350 is very athletic, although they agreed that the basic model has a comfortable ride. Some test drivers noted that the RX 350 F Sport offers better handling than the base model, though others write that he has a trip that is too strong.

Reviewers are generally pleased with the Lexus RX 350 upscale interior. They said the seats are comfortable and the rear passengers have plenty of legroom. Cargo space in the RX 350 is great for classes, and reviewers say it can hold a lot of baggage. Reviewers are very happy with both standard and optional sound system, saying the latter is one of the best-sounding audio systems available. Some critics say the Lexus remote optional Touch system, which controls the audio and navigation settings, can be annoying and difficult to use. Standard features on the 2014 Lexus RX 350, including nine-speaker stereo, Bluetooth, satellite radio, USB port and push-button start. Optional features include navigation, rearview camera, front and rear parking sensors, HD radio, 15-speaker Mark Levinson stereo system, pre-collision warning system, pre-braking system, rear-seat entertainment system and a blind spot monitoring.