It’s interesting how perceptions change over time. Take the idea of luxury – it used to mean bigger was better, and a large vehicle meant you had really made it. But now, luxury comes in many sizes, and there’s no better proof than the Lexus UX – the company’s smallest SUV/Crossover brimming with loads of features and goodness. And for 2025, we have an upgrade in the hybrid model’s powertrain that should make it even sweeter. Time for a test drive!

Smart and Stylish

While the UX is the smallest in the lineup, it’s clearly a Lexus from first glance.
The large iconic Lexus “spindle” grille dominates the front, with a blacked-out mesh design and chromeless border giving a serious performance look. Added aggression comes from arrowhead-shaped LED daytime running lamps, and a furrowed frown coming from LED projector headlights, while projector fog lights sit low in the fascia.

You get a sense of the fun-sized dimensions from the profile, but it’s sporty as well with flared fenders, a high shoulder line, and body-color wheel arch moldings, framing our F SPORT model’s unique 18-inch alloy wheels. A subtle F SPORT badge on the front fender gives a clue that this is a step up in the UX line up.

The rear keeps up the sharp angular lines with LED taillights that wrap around the rear fenders and across that Lexus calls Aero Stabilizing Blade Lights, with a cool look, courtesy of 120 LEDs across the width of the tailgate.

More than just eye candy, the taillight design also enhances aerodynamics with added stability. More aero cred comes from a wing spoiler above the rear window, while a contrasting lower fascia adds some off-road rugged to the modern look. Finishing things off was our tester’s Ultrasonic Blue Mica 2.0 that’s exclusive to F SPORT models, and we love the bright, rich blue that really pops and says this UX is no wallflower!

Luxury meets Sport

Inside proves the old adage of good things coming in small packages.

Open the door and you’re greeted by quality materials that simply say Lexus goodness.
Heated and ventilated F SPORT front seats are trimmed in NuLuxe (faux leather) and give plenty of support without being overly confining, and a fat F SPORT leather-wrapped steering wheel that feels great in your hands.

Behind that wheel a larger 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster is now standard on all Premium and F SPORT models, and we like the configurability of the display, especially the sporty choice with a large central tachometer and digital readout for speed.

Our tester had the optional head-up display, and it’s a nice one, with information including speedometer, shift position, navigational directions and information displayed during the use of Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Tracing Assist and Road Sign Assist.

Info-tainment on the F SPORT Handling models includes a handsome 12.3-inch touchscreen, and we have to say it worked beautifully with our Apple CarPlay – lately we’ve been having lots of small issues with our test cars and streaming info, but the UX was quick to hook up and gave us no problems during our time with it. Hurray! Another smile comes thanks to Lexus providing a volume knob – just the way we like it.

While there’s a very sporty vibe and loads of tech, Lexus continues to make small improvements inside, with a new layout of buttons on the door panels and chrome-finished ornamentation. F SPORT Handling models like our tester also enjoy new hairline finishing on the door panels and center console. Nice.

You do notice the UX small dimensions in the rear seat which is snug for adults, and the cargo bay is also smallish with the rear seats up. Folding them flat serves up a roomy cargo hold – again a bit smaller than competitors, but if the UX is too small, we’d point you to the larger NX model which is also quite handsome.

A Higher Hybrid

The biggest change on the UX300h is the all-new powertrain, and it’s a win-win in many respects.

Toyota has been building hybrids for quite a while, so it’s not too surprising that they call this their 5th generation system, which for the UX means more powerful electric motors, boosting total horsepower to 196 – a handy 15 horse improvement over last year’s UX250h model.

This power bump strikes us as “just right” for the UX – it’s now peppy and responsive with strong low-end power that feels zippy, and toggling it into Sport mode, it really does feel sporty, even though it’s not all that fast. While the UX uses a CVT transmission, we found the ability to “shift” gears through the paddle shifters added to the fun.

More power, and you also get a couple more mpg out of the deal – 42 mpg EPA combined is a strong number, and like most of Toyota/Lexus hybrids, you can whoosh around in EV-only mode when the system determines you don’t need the extra oomph, and it feels exceptionally smooth and quiet when it does so.

Good power and a tidy package also pay off, especially with the F SPORT Handling package, that adds an Adaptive Variable Suspension, and it gives you a nice blend of comfy cruiser and tightens things up for more aggressive driving. Our tester was also equipped with All-Wheel Drive that gives extra grip in turns and added confidence in poor weather. Many drivers would be just as fine with the standard Front-Wheel Drive model, but it’s nice to have a choice.

Along with great steering feel, the F SPORT Handling makes the UX300 fun to toss around, and you enjoy your favorite twisty roads. It’s not an out and out performance machine, but more a great daily with a sprinkling of sporty spice that makes for a friendly driving experience. We think this perfectly aligns with what Lexus buyers would be looking for.

Those buyers will also be expecting advanced safety and with the Lexus Safety System + 3.0, they get it with Pre-Collision which can detect pedestrians, bicyclists and motorcyclists. Upgrades for the system for 2025 include Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist and Left Turn Oncoming Vehicle Detection/Braking.

The UX also gets All-speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Tracing and Lane Departure Alert, Blind Spot Monitor, Road Sign Assist and Proactive Driving Assist. It’s actually impressive they can get all this in a small vehicle!

Luxury Priced?

OK, this is a Lexus, so you should expect premium pricing. That said, you can get into a UX300h starting at $38,035. With the new powertrain, handsome looks and Lexus quality and prestige, we think that’s an outstanding value.

Our F SPORT Handling AWD tester was the top of the line and started at $46,375. A few tasty options included Wireless Phone Charger ($75), Head-up Display ($900), Premium Paint ($595) and Bi-Tone Paint ($350). Add in $1,150 for Destination, and we rang the bell at $49,445.

If you’re looking more towards performance over lux, we’d consider the BMW X1 X Drive, comparably equipped at $49,725. We’d also check out the Volvo XC40 Ultra, which is a little larger, but offers a fun luxury feel with a uniquely Swedish vibe. Comparably equipped, you’re looking at $50,595.

Cost conscious? We’d point out that the larger UX300h, BMW X1 and XC40 Ultra all offer less expensive trims, and they are worth considering. Or conversely, you can get into a lower trim version of the larger Lexus NX, BMW X3 or XC60 at prices similar to the loaded models we mention. Something to think about.

With a solid improvement in performance, excellent quality, loads of tech and luxury, the 2025 Lexus UX300h is an enticing premium small crossover/SUV!