See “What the Numbers Mean” in The Ultimate Green Car Buyer’s Guide, 2012 for a full description of the metrics we collected for each model.

Lexus CT 200h

Hybrid, Compact Hatchback

Price Range: $30,000 – $32,600
City/Hwy/Combined MPG: 43/40/42
Annual Fuel Cost: $1,350
Air Pollution Score: 7
Greenhouse Gas Score: 9
ACEEE Green Score and Class Ranking: 51/Superior
Safety Ratings: IIHS Top Safety Pick; N/A
Space: 86.1 cu. ft. p.v./seats 5
Drive Score: 4
Similar Used: 2011

Good to Know:

• The CT 200h hatch is the first and only luxury hybrid to break 40 mpg in combined fuel economy. It’s the top-seller among five Lexus hybrids.
• Maximum combined output for the CT 200h’s gas-electric drivetrain is 134 horsepower, which falls behind most competing luxury compacts in performance.
• As with Toyota hybrids, drivers can switch between four distinct driving modes: normal; eco, which constrains the engine for maximized fuel economy; sport, which provides maximum power and handling; and electric vehicle, which allows the car to operate on battery power alone for short distances.
• The CT 200h features an expansive, joystick-controlled navigation and infotainment system.
• It can travel silently on electric power alone at speeds up to 25 mph. Lexus has equipped the CT 200h with a pedestrian warning system, which makes a pitched whirring noise to replace the engine noise that isn’t there.

What the Press Says:

• “The Lexus CT 200h is a premium hybrid hatchback targeted at younger demographics, with a more sporty character than the Prius.” — Green Car Journal
• “Positioned as the gateway to the Lexus brand, the CT 200h may just find a sweet spot in the market. Though designed primarily for Europe, its price and performance make it a perfect step up for affluent Prius owners who want a luxury brand more than they want the extra 8 mpg.” — Motor Trend

Lexus HS 250h

Hybrid, Sedan

Price Range: $37,900 – $40,700
City/Hwy/Combined MPG: 35/34/35
Annual Fuel Cost: $1,600
Air Pollution Score: 7
Greenhouse Gas Score: 8
ACEEE Green Score and Class Ranking: 46/Average
Safety Ratings: N/A
Space: 90.2 cu. ft. p.v./seats 5
Drive Score: 4
Similar Used: 2010, 2011

Good to Know:

• The HS 250h was first released in 2009 in an attempt by Lexus to balance power and luxury with fuel economy and relative affordability.
• The sedan’s 2.4-liter engine provides more power than most gas engines used in hybrid systems. As a result, the HS 250h’s fuel economy is nearly 20 percent lower than that of the CT 200h and 30 percent below that of the Prius.
• The HS 250h may strike a balance between power and fuel economy, but shoppers have been disappointed with both — and underwhelmed by its humdrum appearance. Sales of the HS 250h dropped by 73 percent from 2010 to 2011.
• Even with a combined gas-electric output of 187 horsepower, the HS’s performance doesn’t feel on par with that of many other luxury sedans.

What the Press Says:

• “While the idea of an environmentally responsible luxury car may sound like a contradiction, the Lexus HS 250h sets out to show that the two ideas aren’t necessarily mutually exclusive. … The result is performance that’s fairly lively, though EPA fuel economy estimates (35 mpg city/34 mpg highway) aren’t quite as impressive.” — Edmunds.com
• “The driving experience is pretty close to awesome, this being a hybrid that’ll seat four grown men with luggage and get you at least 34 mpg combined, probably more with a conservative right foot.” — Autoblog
• “The smart and comfortable HS 250h satisfies buyers who want a socially conscious vehicle with elegant features and top quality.” — Kelley Blue Book

More 2012 green cars: Find details about many more green cars from other automakers in The Ultimate Green Car Buyer’s Guide, 2012.

Photos from Lexus