The Lexus UX300h – a great starting point.

LX, LX, TX, GX, RX, NX and UX. All are SUVs or crossovers, and all wear that widely admired Lexus emblem proudly. The Lexus LX, known as the LX600, is the flagship SUV, with prices starting at just over $90,000. At the other end of the spectrum is the UX300h, the smallest crossover from the Japanese luxury brand. And with a price tag starting at $36,340, it’s also the least expensive way to get a new Lexus in your driveway.

Slotted below the NX, the UX, named for “Urban Explorer”, is small, low – and maybe more hatchback than crossover. But the UX does feature some nice styling and when parked next to the larger NX and RX, the UX easily fits in the Lexus family.

Today’s UX has been around since its introduction in 2019 and since 2023, has only been offered as a hybrid – the UX250h. For the 2025 model year, the 250h becomes the 300h, and along with the name change is a new hybrid powertrain and more power without reducing fuel economy.

The cabin of the UX is nice and very modern, with excellent material quality and craftsmanship – ensuring that passengers know this is a luxury vehicle. A large screen (12.3 inches) sits on top of the dashboard and a real shifter lets you select your gear choice. As one would expect in a Lexus, the UX has many standard features including dual-zone climate control and power-adjustable front seats. Options include heated and ventilated front seats and a head-ups display. The back seat, while far from being spacious, is roomier than it looks.
The powertrain of the UX300h consists of a 2.0-liter inline-four cylinder gasoline engine and two electric motors that combine for 196 horsepower – up from 181 hp. That extra power, combined with a more responsive transmission, provides quicker and smoother acceleration than the previous UX250h. If you opt for all-wheel drive, there’s an additional electric motor that powers the rear wheels. A CVT (continuously variable automatic transmission) is standard on all UX300hs.

Along with more power comes better fuel economy. The EPA rated the 2025 UX300h at 45 mpg city and 41 mpg highway (take off 1 mpg on both numbers for all-wheel drive models). Those numbers are about 2 mpg better than the old 250h.

The tester arrived as an UX300h F Sport with the Handling trim package. The F Sport gives the UX a more aggressive look with unique 18-inch F Sport wheels. The Handling trim package adds adaptive dampers that offer a range of adjustments to either soften or firm up the suspension depending on what kind of driving you’re doing.

On the road, the UX profits from a solid platform, and driving it, the well-sorted suspension gives it a somewhat athletic feel. That along with quick and precise steering helps the front-wheel-drive UX turn into corners with minimal lean and reasonably good grip. It feels surprisingly confident. And the extra power is welcome – as todays UX is able to hit 60 mph in just under 8 seconds – which is about a second quicker than the old UX250h.

With the UX300h, Lexus has a bold subcompact with urban drivers in mind. It’s luxurious, stylish and trendy and has plenty of technology to attract young buyers. In fact, the UX is a nice premium alternative to a hybrid hatchback like the Toyota Prius – and a perfect way to get introduced into the Lexus family.
– Christopher A. Randazzo

By The Numbers:

2025 Lexus UX300h F Sport H

Base Price: $ 44,805.00
Price as Tested: $ 48,200.00
Layout: front-engine / front-wheel drive
Engine: 2.0 liter inline 4- cylinder with electric motor
Transmission: CVT automatic
Horsepower: 196 hp
EPA Fuel Economy: 45 city / 41 highway mpg

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