Little Lexus improves in large methods.
Textual content and photos by Amos Kwon
2025 Lexus UX 350h Premium AWD
Trim Base MSRP: $41,110
As Examined Worth: $46,255 (incl. $1,150 supply, processing, and dealing with payment)
Overview
In 2023, the Lexus UX was the model’s 4th best-selling crossover SUV, reaching shy of 12,000 items for the 12 months. That’s significantly behind the number-one RX by greater than 100 thousand items, and fewer than even the IS sedan, a member of a waning phase. You would say that not many people search for a near-luxury hybrid crossover that passes extra for a hatchback on account of its form, and also you’d be proper.
Design
The outside styling of the UX 300h isn’t good-looking or ugly. It sports activities the identical design language the model has caught to for the previous a number of years, and that large spindle grille is entrance and middle. Not a lot concerning the UX’s exterior has modified over time, and it stays fairly low on the type radar. The UX competes with the BMW X1, Audi Q3, and the Mercedes-Benz GLA, none of which has a hybrid setup for the states, however all of which have extra energy than the Lexus. The UX could be very a lot been the also-ran within the class with no assist from its previously tepid 181-horsepower hybrid setup within the 2024 UX 250h. That adjustments for 2025 because of its extra reasonably priced Prius sibling, which supplies the 2025 UX 300h its 2.0-liter 4-cylinder + 2 or 3 electrical motors (relying on the variety of pushed wheels) for a complete of 196 horses. To name the distinction dramatic can be an overstatement.
Energy and Efficiency
Nonetheless, the adjustments from the final UX are noticeable. My final stint within the UX was a few years in the past, and I discovered it competent however underwhelming for the worth. The facility and refinement upgrades within the 2025 UX 300h Premium AWD gained me over. 14 horses extra (and nonetheless lower than 200 whole ponies) gained’t set your hair on hearth, however the UX 300h is smoother, faster, and ever-so-slightly extra entertaining to drive. Frankly, it’s a little bit of a sleeper, which is ironic in gentle of the truth that folks virtually count on the brand new Prius to be the faster of the 2 given its racier appears to be like.
Journey and Dealing with
However it’s a must to recognize the UX 300h for its nimble and straightforward driving traits. I discovered it fast and tossable sufficient to string the needle in visitors, and its steering has good effort however with out a lot suggestions. You possibly can push it onerous right into a flip, and the UX 300h is remarkably predictable. 3455 kilos of curb weight means it’s not corpulent. The chassis and braking complement the steering properly, and it’s a genuinely good automotive to drive all day lengthy. I stored it in Sport mode all the time and launched it with gusto as usually as I might. The effectivity outcomes have been nuts. The UX 300h AWD is EPA rated for 42 mpg in mixed driving. Our tester nailed 40.0 mpg over the course of 200-plus miles. That’s price writing house about.
Connectivity
The inside stays the identical, and that’s an excellent factor. Supplies high quality and styling are very satisfying, apart from the considerably boring door card that satirically sports activities the identical type door deal with because the luxurious LC 500. Our Premium tester upgraded the infotainment touchscreen from 8 inches to 12.3 inches and make the previous Lexus Enform infotainment system with the touchpad seem to be a Commodore 64 in comparison with a contemporary iMac. There’s nonetheless loads of non-distracting switchgear, too. The neat row of local weather controls, the ergonomic steering wheel-mounted buttons, the small however very efficient shift knob, and a number of the finest wiper and lightweight stalks within the enterprise make the UX 300h fairly seamless to make use of whereas driving.
Room and Consolation
NuLuxe fake leather-based seats are delicate and cozy, and so they’re simply satisfactory because the pure stuff so long as you don’t spend loads of time rubbing them together with your fingers. The artificial materials is delicate and engaging, and it ought to maintain up properly over time. The entrance seats are properly supportive and have simply the correct amount of cushion. The again seats, nonetheless, are nonetheless positioned a tad too excessive and scrimp on legroom. Nobody will accuse the UX 300h of being roomy in again. Solely children want apply when seated behind tall adults. 33.1 inches of rear legroom is 1.7 inches lower than the Prius, and the headroom is just about equal.
Worth
Though it’s onerous to imagine you can purchase a really well-appointed 2024 Hyundai Palisade Restricted for barely greater than the UX 300h Premium AWD, our tester had loads of nice options like very good regen braking, heated and ventilated seats, power-adjustable steering column, wi-fi telephone charger, wi-fi Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and a crisp head-up show. We would definitely commerce the unusual Copper Crest paint (near farm-raised salmon) for the gorgeous Nori Inexperienced Pearl. In any other case, there’s lots to like concerning the UX 300h. It’s a gas-electric hybrid that doesn’t promote its effectivity, and its entrance row’s consolation and smoothness of operation are fairly strong for this 6’1” driver. Had been it not for the peak and measurement of my three children, it may need secured a spot within the Kwon driveway.
2025 Lexus UX 300h PremiumHearken to the Automotive Stuff Podcast
2025 Lexus UX 300h Premium Footage
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