Auto review: Lexus UX 250h is more fun for the frugal, fuel

The 2023 Lexus UX 250h F Sport is more fun to drive and gets improved driver-assist features plus upgrades on the dashboard instruments and infotainment.

Sebastien Mauroy/Lexus/TNS

Lexus has given its subcompact crossover another run for 2023, despite less-than-stellar sales last year. But this time the Japanese carmaker has improved on the formula, and the ride.

The UX 250h already appealed to many with its clean look, Lexus comfort and entry-level pricing. Plus, its hybrid-driven powertrain delivers more than 40 mpg combined. But there were a couple of letdowns. The UX now is more fun to drive, gets improved driver-assist features plus upgrades on the dashboard instruments and infotainment.

More fun? OK, it’s not the fastest in the pack — rather, it’s among the slowest. But the UX is more agile and adept on the twisty roads, especially with F Sport handling enhancements like adaptive variable suspension. The system adjusts dampers for more firmness and better control on corners but can handle the bumps and dips equally well.

Outside it’s pretty much the same crossover, with broad spindle grille and mesh pattern, arrowhead-shaped LED lights and fog lights, blacked out roof with sunroof, and F Sport wheels. A light bar with 120 LEDs spans the entire rear of the lift back.

Each UX gets the fourth-generation hybrid system; the lower-selling nonhybrid version was dropped. The powertrain includes a 2.0-liter inline-four engine linked to a pair of motor-generators up front, and a third which drives the rear wheels. Front-wheel-drive is standard but AWD if you can swing the extra $1,400.

Feeding the UX is a 14-kW nickel-metal hydride battery pack that sits neatly under an already cramped rear seat.

Note to shoppers: No need to look further if your heart is set on a hybrid in this class. The UX is the only one; the rest are either gas-engine or fully electric.

Total powertrain output is 181 horsepower, so the run to 60 mph takes nearly 9 seconds. The electric motors assist early and then yield to the gas engine. You’ll find the best torque comes in the middle of acceleration.

But it’s not about speed here, remember, it’s about handling. The suspension setup provides a smooth and comfortable ride, with good grip on slippery roads and hills. Steering is nicely weighted and response is improved, too.

The F Sport adds drive modes including Normal, Sport and Sport+ (even firmer), Eco and EV for electric-only driving up to 28 mph. It also has paddle shifters to create six fake gears from the continuously variable transmission, an F Sport heated steering wheel, sporty gauge cluster and bolstered seats.

Want to hear the power? Lexus’ Active Sound Control sends engine and exhaust notes through the sound system. Some like, others not so much. Fortunately, it can be turned off.

The hybrid high point, of course, is in the fuel economy, and the UX gets an impressive 42 mpg combined with the lighter FWD model: 43 mpg city, 41 highway, according to the EPA. The AWD is nearly as good with 41 mpg city, 38 highway, and 39 mpg combined driving.

While J.D. Power figures indicate most buy the UX for its looks and fuel economy, no one should overlook the gorgeous cabin. Materials are classy looking and panel fit is great.

Seats come in eco-friendly synthetic leather and have distinct two-tone design with accent stitching. They are soft and well padded and offer power adjustments for both driver and passenger — not bad for an entry vehicle.

The rear seat is tighter, though, especially in leg room. To make matters worse, the rear-door opening requires adults to practically fold themselves into the cabin. The rear-seaters do get USB ports and their own AC vents.

The main event inside is Lexus’s new multimedia interface, appearing on an optional 12.3-inch touchscreen with colorful and crisp graphics. It’s fairly easy to learn and includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The system also offers voice control: Just say “Hey Lexus,” what’s the deal with Ovaltine? OK, not that. But you can ask for country or rock music, even a particular artist. It can also make the cabin warmer or cooler, check weather, traffic and local fuel prices. A 10-speaker premium audio system also is available, as is a larger wireless charging pad.

Cabin storage remains limited. The glovebox is small, door pockets too, and the center console bin is deep but narrow. It does have a handy dual hinge for access by either driver or passenger. Cupholders are small, too, but have an anti-tip feature.

Add limited cargo space to the equation. The floor is high and there’s just 17 cubic feet of space, not much even for a subcompact crossover. One consolation: It has LED lights on each side.

Safety features have been expanded within the Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, including better pre-collision cameras to spot pedestrians and bicyclists, too. Standard features also include adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert.

The UX 250h was geared to younger buyers, but the median age for buyers is in the mid-50s. At any age, buyers should appreciate the comfortable ride, good fuel economy and entry-level pricing for an upscale Lexus.

2023 Lexus UX 250h F Sport

MSRP: $43,605

As tested: $47,690 (Includes all-wheel-drive, F Sport premium and handling packages with 18-inch wheels, black roof with moonroof, LED fog lights, adaptive variable suspension, active sound control, head-up display, wireless charger, intuitive parking assist, power rear hatch)

Powertrain: 2.0-liter 4-cylinder hybrid engine, mated to continuously variable transmission with paddle shifters to simulate gear-shifting; total output is 181 hp

Fuel economy: AWD model estimated at 41 mpg city, 38 highway, for 41 mpg combined; FWD version does slightly better at 42 mpg combined driving.

Barry Spyker was the automotive columnist for The Miami Herald and editor of its Wheels & Waves section. Readers may send him email at [email protected]