Fancy Fuel Sipper: The 2025 Lexus UX 300h

The gateway to the Lexus brand, price-wise, is the UX. The cute ute gives Lexus an entry in the growing subcompact luxury segment.

It is smaller than most of the others and the only one offering a hybrid drivetrain.

What it lacks in rear seat space, it makes up for class-leading fuel efficiency.

Being a Lexus, it brings unparalleled quality and a premium feel.

The UX came in for a minor makeover for model year 2025. The metal hydride battery pack has been replaced by a more compact lithium-ion unit.

Combined with more powerful electric motors, output has gone from 181 horsepower from the old pair to 196. This has also brought a slight improvement in fuel efficiency, and a name change. It is now the UX 300h instead of 250h.

The only change visible from the outside is the new badge and perhaps the new Copper Crest paint.

On the inside, the digital driver information screen is larger, and the seats get additional bolstering. You can’t see but will appreciate the additional driver-assistance features.

Impressive fuel efficiency outshines performance in the Lexus UX 300h

Despite the slight boost in power, the UX does not impress for its performance.

It trails the pack in this respect, but shines when it comes time to visit the gas pumps. With a light foot and on level ground, I used less than six litres of regular fuel for a 100-km stretch.

Like any hybrid it shines in around-town or city driving. On the open road and at highway speed, the gas engine does most of the work. Even in these situations, the UX boasts impressive numbers.

The UX is only available in one trim level and drivetrain combo in Canada – fully equipped and with all-wheel drive.

AWD is possible thanks to a second electric motor powering the rear wheels when all four are called upon. Otherwise, and at speeds above 70 km/hr, the rear pair are just along for the ride.

F Sport – sort of

The one option on the test vehicle – the F Sport package – is misleading.

The ‘sport’ designation would indicate enhanced performance through additional power, improved handling or both. It does neither. For $2,100 you get heated front seats, a power moonroof, blind spot monitor, LED fog & cornering lights, heated steering wheel, upgraded upholstery, an auto-dimming rear view mirror with compass and adaptive shock absorbers.

Only the last comes into play when stepping on the gas pedal or tackling a tight turn or off ramp.

The driver can select from among five driving mode – Eco, Normal, Sport, Sport+, and Custom. The changes to suspension and throttle response are minimal. I predict few if any owners will ever choose to do so.

The ride quality of the Lexus UX 300h is surprisingly supple for such a compact vehicle on a short wheelbase.

The stiff sidewalls on the run-flat tires make sharp surface changes more noticeable. But they allow the deletion of a spare tire, enhancing the small amount of storage space behind the second row.

Occupants of those seats will find it somewhat cramped, especially in terms of legroom. Want more second row space? Your local Lexus store would be happy to put you in a larger vehicle.

Front row occupants get the first-class experience. Exceptional fit & finish, high-end materials, lots of spaces and spots to put stuff, both types of USB ports, wireless phone charging, heated and ventilated seats, and a heated steering wheel.

The touchscreen infotainment system includes wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot.

Small and agile, this fuel-sipping ute has a great deal going for it. It should appeal to city dwellers who rarely need space in the rear seat for full-size passengers.

FACTS & FIGURES – 2025 Lexus UX 300h

PRICE

Base: $44,605

As tested: $49,051 including freight

SAFETY

LED headlights, power heated mirrors, eight-way adjustable front seats, dual zone automatic climate control, dynamic radar cruise control with curve speed management, automatic high beams, lane departure alert with steering assist, pre-collision system with pedestrian, bicycle and motorcycle detection; right/left turn oncoming pedestrian detection/braking, oncoming vehicle detection, proactive driving assist, lane tracing assist

INFOTAINMENT

20-cm infotainment screen, six speaker audio system with satellite radio, Bluetooth, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay capability

STANDARD EQUIPMENT

18-in alloy wheels, dual zone automatic climate control, tilt & telescope steering wheel, electric parking brake, smart key with push-button start, headlight washers, power heated mirrors, eight-way power front seats

SIGNIFICANT OPTIONS

F Sport Design, heated front seats, power moonroof, blind spot monitor, LED fog & cornering lights, heated steering wheel, NuLux seats, auto dimming rear view mirror with compass, F Sport Appearance package, $2,100

MECHANICAL

2.0-litre four-cylinder, 150 hp, 139 lb-ft; torque, one permanent-magnet synchronous AC motor; one induction AC motor; lithium-ion battery pack, combined output 196 horsepower, regular fuel, Continuously Variable automatic Transmission, all-wheel-drive. NRCan rating (litres/100km city/highway): 5.3/5.9

DIMENSIONS

Length, 4,496; mm; width, 1,839 mm; wheelbase, 2,639 mm; weight, 1,595 kg

COMPETITION

Audi Q3, BMW X1, Mercedes GLA, Volvo XC40