The Lexus UX is a subcompact luxury crossover that was first introduced for the 2019 model year. It is currently the smallest crossover in the Lexus lineup slotting below the NX. In my opinion the UX is one of the “crossovers” that could also be identified as a hatchback since it doesn’t ride too high, is easy to get in, and has a rear hatch… but here in the US consumers prefer crossovers so we’ll go with that. The UX is offered with either front or all-wheel drive and comes exclusively with a hybrid powertrain. The 2025 model is the first Lexus powered by the fifth-generation hybrid system which pairs the inline four-cylinder 2.0-liter gas engine with two motor-generators to deliver a combined 196 horsepower.
The UX is offered in three basic trims known as the UX300h, UX 300h Premium, and UX 300h F Sport. Prices start at $37,715 for the base model and climb up to a starting price of $47,750 for a UX 300h F Sport Handling AWD model. Competition includes other subcompact luxury crossovers such as the Alfa Romeo Tonale, Audi Q3, BMW X1, Mini Countryman, Mercedes-Benz GLA, and Volvo XC40. I spent time in a 2025 Lexus UX 300h Premium AWD that checked in at $46,255 with several options and here’s what stood out.
Visually, the UX has all the same characteristics as the rest of the Lexus family, starting with that unmistakable spindle grille with a mesh pattern. L-shaped LED daytime running lights are the standard lighting signature giving it an aggressive, almost sinister look up front. The side profile features flared fenders, definitive character lines, and curved roofline with the wheels pushed to the edges. Filling the wheel arches are 18” alloy wheels wrapped in run-flat tires and available in a few styles depending on the grade. The wheels all look premium and compliment the UX’s design well. Around back Lexus incorporated its “blade” light bar that begins at the top of the fenders and spans across the hatch to the other fender. It gives it a very distinct nighttime lighting signature that is formed by 120 LEDs. The UX also has a small wing spoiler at the top of the rear hatch and the lower rear bumper is mixed material. It is available in nine different colors including the new Copper Crest color seen on my test vehicle which is new for 2025.
Under the hood the hybrid powertrain delivers a combined 196 horsepower which is enough to get it from 0-60 MPH in a leisurely 8 seconds. For comparison, the Toyota Prius hybrid with a nearly identical powertrain will do it in under 7 seconds. While it may not be a powerhouse, it is sufficient for most consumers’ average driving experiences. There are various drive modes to choose from and engaging Sport+ drive mode enhances acceleration slightly, but nothing over the top. The UX does transition seamlessly between gas and electric for a very smooth ride as you accelerate.
Steering is nicely weighted, and it does handle well. As a smaller crossover, it’s easy to maneuver around town and in traffic. It’s surprisingly agile and the suspension provides a smooth driving experience. The F Sport Handling model, equipped with adaptive dampers, allows drivers to adjust the suspension firmness to their preference. The UX is also available with Active Cornering Assist, a function integrated with Vehicle Stability Control, that helps the vehicle trace the driver’s desired line through a turn by applying some brake control on the inside wheels and minimizing understeer. As a result, the UX drives through corners with greater precision while maintaining stability. Overall, it’s a pleasant vehicle to drive and comes with the same Lexus comfort and refined road manners that the rest of the lineup offers.
The UX shines in its fuel efficiency and is one of the most efficient luxury crossovers available. When it arrived with a full 10.6-gallon tank, it offered a driving range of around 315 miles. The front-wheel-drive UX is EPA-rated at 45 mpg city, 41 mpg highway, and 43 mpg combined. All-wheel-drive models offer 44 mpg city, 40 mpg highway, and 42 mpg combined. These figures represent modest improvements over the previous hybrid powertrain.
Hopping inside, the UX 300h offers a luxurious atmosphere with high-quality materials and a user-friendly infotainment system. The updated interior is highlighted by a new layout of buttons on the door panels and chrome-finished ornamentation. For 2025, a larger 12.3-inch multi-information display becomes standard on all Premium and F SPORT models while a 7-inch multi-information display is standard on the Base model. Both multi-information displays can have their layouts customized by users.
The layout is functional with the 8” or 12.3” high-definition touchscreen at the center of the dash slightly angled to the driver. The system wirelessly integrates with both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay with ease. The screens are easy to navigate and there are physical buttons for volume and climate controls. UX does have Lexus’ electronic gear shifter in the center console which is not my favorite. I find it unnecessarily complicated to shift into a specific gear like neutral when you want to run the car through a car wash. It requires just the right amount of tap to stop it in neutral that has caused frustration on more than one occasion in both Lexus and Toyota vehicles with this shifter. Other technology features available in the UX include a color head-up display, a 10-speaker premium audio system, five USB ports, wireless device charging, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a universal garage door opener and moonroof.
The UX offers seating for up to five passengers. The front seats are supportive, comfortable and surprisingly spacious with ample head, leg, and shoulder room. I should mention that at 5’9” I was comfortable; however, I imagine anyone significantly taller would find the legroom to be tight. The steering wheel does sit a little lower which could prove awkward for some drivers and affect visibility of the gauge cluster. The UX’s small size is most noticeable when you hop in the back seats. Even my kids commented on how tight the space was beginning with narrow door openings that my 16 year old bumped her head on. Depending on who is up front, rear legroom is minimal to almost non-existent. The rear seats also sit slightly higher which also affects headroom for rear passengers. Synthetic leather upholstery, eight-way power-adjustable front seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel all come standard. Also available are optional sport seats that add support and bolstering, heated and ventilated front seats, a sport steering wheel and a heated steering wheel.
As a subcompact crossover, cargo expectations should be kept low. The UX offers only 17.1 cubic feet of space behind its rear seats, which is significantly less than Toyota’s Prius that offers up to 23 cubic feet of cargo space. There is enough room for a few carry-ons and a small grocery run, but it is limited. The rear seats do fold down to give more space and utility, but it makes for a high cargo floor and lower ceiling. A manual liftgate is standard, but a hands-free power liftgate is available.
Standard on all UX models for 2025 is Lexus Safety System+3.0 which includes a suite of features that work together to create a more secure driving experience, reduce the risk of accidents, and provide extra assistance when needed. Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 includes the following driver assist features:
• Pre-collision system with pedestrian detection
• Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist
• Left Turn Oncoming Vehicle Detection / Braking
• All-Speed dynamic radar cruise control
• Lane tracing assist
• Lane departure alert with steering assist
• Road sign assist
• Proactive Driving Assist
• Intelligent high beams
• Blind spot monitor w/rear cross traffic alert
• Safe Exit Assist
Final Statement:
The Lexus UX 300h is a stylish entry level luxury crossover that delivers high quality and refinement all around. It’s a great option for anyone in an urban environment thanks to its compact size and agile handling. However, because of its compact size, the interior and cargo space is minimal. It has all the modern technology you need including luxury amenities like heated / ventilated seats, head up display, and LED lighting. It is one of the most fuel-efficient luxury hybrid vehicles available which makes this an excellent choice for those that do a lot of driving. Despite its small size, the UX has a lot to offer and is worth a test drive if you’re in the market for a trendy, fuel-efficient, small crossover.
First Impression Summary:
Test Vehicle: 2025 Lexus UX 300h Premium AWD
Exterior Color: Copper Crest
Interior Color: Palomino NuLuxe and Black washi dash trim
Notable Options: Wireless Phone Charger ($75), Cold Area Package ($100), Digital Key
($375), Lexus Interface with 12.3” touchscreen ($1,405), Premium Paint ($595), Mudguards ($165), Carpet Cargo Mat ($140), Rear Bumper Applique ($90)
Price as tested: $46,255 (with destination charge)
Pros: Fuel Efficiency, Maneuverability, Refined Interior, Standard Safety
Cons: Limited Rear Space, Cargo Space, Premium Pricing
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