2010 Lexus GS 450h

The five-passenger Lexus GS 450h is Lexus's mid-range luxury hybrid car, sandwiched between the new 2010 Lexus HS 250h (Base MSRP: $34,650 to $37,420) and flagship 2010 Lexus LS 600h L (Base MSRP: $108,800). Critics find the GS 450h powerful and plush, but its high price and mediocre fuel economy keep it from being recommended very often. The 2010 GS hybrid has changed little since 2009; see our page on the 2009 Lexus GS 450h (*Est. $56,550) for a detailed review of this car.

The rear-wheel-drive Lexus GS 450h's full-hybrid powertrain combines a 3.5-liter, V6 engine with an electric motor. Fuel economy is an estimated 22 mpg city/25 mpg highway/23 mpg combined.

In crash tests at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the GS 450h earns the highest rating of "Good" for front- and side-crash protection, with an "Acceptable" rear-crash rating. Its rollover roof strength has not been tested. New standard safety equipment for 2010 includes active front headrests and the Safety Connect emergency communications system (similar to GM's OnStar). Also standard are front airbags, side airbags in both front and rear, curtain airbags and front knee airbags, along with traction control, electronic stability control and antilock brakes with brake assist. Optional is a pre-collision system that can sense an impending crash, then tense seatbelts and activate brake assist.