Hybrid value rank: 10
Time to recoup premium in fuel savings alone: 10.8 years
Typical price: $54,900Compared to: GS460
Hybrid cost premium: $2,280 (Based on Edmunds.com "True Market Value." No tax credits are available on Lexus vehicles.)
Overall mpg vs. non-hybrid: 24 vs. 21.6
Annual fuel savings: $212 (68 gallons)
Realizing that most consumers, especially among luxury car buyers, are more concerned with prestige and "sending a message" than fuel economy, Toyota has always emphasized performance in its Lexus hybrids rather than just fuel economy. Consequently, Lexus cars do rather poorly if you're looking at cost-effectiveness. The GS450h does deliver impressive acceleration on top of its 2.4 mile per gallon boost in fuel economy.
AOL Autos: Vehicle details
