Little Lexus improves in massive 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 charge)
Evaluate
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 of us search for a near-luxury hybrid crossover that passes extra for a hatchback as a consequence 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 huge spindle grille is entrance and heart. Not a lot in regards to the UX’s exterior has modified over time, and it stays fairly low on the model 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 modifications 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
However, the modifications 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 value. The facility and refinement upgrades within the 2025 UX 300h Premium AWD gained me over. 14 horses extra (and nonetheless lower than 200 complete 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 individuals virtually count on the brand new Prius to be the faster of the 2 given its racier seems to be.
Journey and Dealing with
However it’s important to admire the UX 300h for its nimble and straightforward driving traits. I discovered it fast and tossable sufficient to string the needle in site visitors, and its steering has good effort however with out a lot suggestions. You’ll be able to 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 automobile to drive all day lengthy. I stored it in Sport mode the whole 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 value writing house about.
Connectivity
The inside stays the identical, and that’s an excellent factor. Supplies high quality and styling are very satisfying, aside from the considerably boring door card that sarcastically sports activities the identical model 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 outdated Lexus Enform infotainment system with the touchpad look like 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 few of the greatest 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 comfortable and comfortable, they usually’re simply satisfactory because the pure stuff so long as you don’t spend a whole lot of time rubbing them together with your palms. The artificial materials is comfortable and enticing, 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, nevertheless, 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 consider which you could 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 excellent regen braking, heated and ventilated seats, power-adjustable steering column, wi-fi cellphone 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 beautiful Nori Inexperienced Pearl. In any other case, there’s loads to like in regards to 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 stable for this 6’1” driver. Had been it not for the peak and measurement of my three children, it might need secured a spot within the Kwon driveway.
2025 Lexus UX 300h PremiumListen to the Automobile Stuff Podcast
2025 Lexus UX 300h Premium Footage
Click on under for enlarged photographs
2023 Lexus NX 450h+: Visitor Drive
Shopper Information Automobile Stuff Podcast Episode 239: Patriotic Automobile Manufacturers, Electrical Fiat 500, Sam Fiorani on Scorching Auto Subjects
