2023 Lexus UX250h evaluate | CarExpert

The angular Lexus UX compact crossover has acquired a mid-life replace – not that you can actually inform.

For 2023 there’s been a spread of enhancements to the spec sheet and below the pores and skin, although solely the F Sport variations obtain any distinguishable exterior options within the type of body-coloured bumpers.

Highlights embrace a brand new, bigger infotainment unit with wi-fi smartphone mirroring and related features, a beefier customary sound system, a stiffer chassis, in addition to retuned steering and shocks for higher dealing with.

These upgrades have include worth rises. On check we’ve essentially the most reasonably priced hybrid variant, the 2023 Lexus UX250h Luxurious + Enhancement Pack 2 – priced from $53,820 earlier than on-road prices, or $1795 greater than earlier than.

Lexus nonetheless has a reasonably distinctive place within the premium section, in that it provides a hybrid choice domestically – although most provide mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid energy abroad.

With its edgy styling and miserly hybrid drivetrain, does the Lexus UX deserve your consideration?

Table of Contents

How a lot does the Lexus UX250h Luxurious price?

As famous earlier, the automobile you see right here retails from $53,820 earlier than on-road prices.

That’s slightly dearer than the pre-update mannequin (up $1795) nevertheless it’s nonetheless positioned on the decrease finish of the vary and certainly the decrease finish of the premium small SUV section.

With the Enhancement Pack 2 specification, the Lexus UX manages to cram in various equipment that may normally be non-obligatory in rivals, whereas electrification is a rarity at this finish of the market.

Volvo’s mild-hybrid XC40 Plus B4 prices comparable cash ($53,490), whereas equivalently-priced Audi Q3 (from $50,600) is at the moment turbo petrol-only throughout the vary.

The BMW X1 (from $60,400) and Mercedes-Benz GLA (from $63,200) are priced considerably greater than the Lexus on this specification, whereas essentially the most reasonably priced Mini Countryman SE plug-in hybrid ($64,000) provides usable electrical vary however once more is dearer.

Maybe the Lexus’s closest like-for-like rival from past the Toyota steady is the Kia Niro HEV, which in top-spec GT-Line guise is a stone’s throw from the Lexus on check at $50,030 plus on-road prices.

2023 Lexus UX pricing:

Lexus UX200 Luxurious: $46,085 (+$1640)
Lexus UX250h Luxurious + Enhancement Pack 2: $53,820 (+$1795)
Lexus UX200 Sports activities Luxurious: $56,850 (+$1600)
Lexus UX200 F Sport: $57,495 (+$1745)
Lexus UX250h Sports activities Luxurious: $60,850 (+$1750)
Lexus UX250h F Sport: $61,495 (+$1895)
Lexus UX250h Sports activities Luxurious AWD: $65,350 (+$1750)
Lexus UX250h F Sport AWD: $65,995 (+$1895)

Costs exclude on-road prices

MORE: 2023 Lexus UX worth and specs

What’s the Lexus UX250h Luxurious like on the within?

Whereas the updates inside and outside are comparatively minor, the inside tech improve may be very welcome.

Key to the replace is a brand new 12.3-inch central touchscreen that’s a improvement over the previous 10-inch show by way of display screen actual property, but additionally by way of software program and connectivity.

The most recent era software program is current right here with quicker response and cargo occasions, up to date mapping, enhanced decision and graphics, in addition to new related providers – together with an clever voice assistant and on-line navigation.

In contrast to Toyota – which normally provides only a yr’s value of related providers earlier than charging prospects for the complete characteristic set – Lexus Related is complementary for the primary three years of possession.

Lexus has additionally introduced the touchscreen nearer to the motive force to enhance usability, and the previous mousepad-style contact controller is gone to unlock more room on the centre console.

Inputs on such a big display screen is usually a little difficult on the transfer, so some could choose having a rotary controller like BMW iDrive, for instance. Nevertheless, I can verify this can be a welcome improve in comparison with Lexuses of previous.

Our Luxurious-spec tester isn’t obtainable with the 13-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system of upper grades, however even the usual 10-speaker audio examined right here is fairly good for the category with clear and deep sound.

Rounding out the spec sheet are DAB radio, wi-fi Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto. Wi-fi CarPlay labored faultlessly throughout our time with the UX, and the wi-fi cellphone charger ensured I didn’t run out of juice on longer journeys.

The entrance seats are a number of the most comfy in school, with good bolstering and assist all-round. Props to Lexus for giving its most reasonably priced mannequin the same expertise to its greater finish choices on this regard.

Likewise the steering will is a well-known unit plucked from greater up within the vary, providing a pleasant strong really feel and a gentle, easy end for the rim. It’s fairly good to carry, if not fairly as horny because the F Sport wheel.

Luxurious and Sports activities Luxurious variations of the UX get a extra fundamental digital instrument cluster in comparison with the F Sport, with a set ring define that serves as a border for the digital dial. It’s a clear however uninspiring format that doesn’t have the identical wow issue because the items changing into more and more frequent within the section – each mainstream and premium.

The Luxurious will get handbook attain and rake adjustment for the steering wheel, although there may be energy adjustment additional up within the vary which is exclusive at this finish of the market. The entrance seats are 10-way energy adjustable for the motive force and eight-way for the entrance passenger, in addition to heated – not dangerous for a base mannequin.

Much less spectacular is the again seat, which makes even a Toyota Corolla really feel spacious – humorous that, they’re principally the identical automotive beneath.

Knee and legroom are tight, particularly if you happen to’re over 6’0 like me, and the rising window line means it might probably get slightly darkish within the again. Keep in mind, the UX is Lexus’s tackle the Toyota C-HR, which explains the coupe-ish rear packaging.

You do get respectable facilities, although. There are air vents and USB charging ports, map pockets and a fold-down centre armrest with cupholders. In an odd transfer for Lexus, the rear door trims are laborious scratchy plastic up high, a transparent cost-saving measure.

Anybody with a small or younger household considering of utilizing the UX as a household automotive, I’d recommend getting a really feel for the second row and boot. There are ISOFIX and top-tether factors, however I think you would possibly outgrow this beautiful shortly. An X1, Q3 or XC40 could be higher outfitted for a rising household.

The baggage space is equally tight at 368L for the UX250h. It’s one of many smallest boots in school.

It’s virtually 60L lower than the UX200 petrol model, and nicely below the likes of the Audi Q3 and BMW X1, not to mention the Volvo XC40.

The Lexus UX solely will get a tyre restore equipment in entry-level Luxurious guise, not even a space-saver spare. Larger variants with bigger wheels get run-flat tyres as a substitute.

What’s below the bonnet?

The UX250h pairs a 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine working the environment friendly Atkinson cycle with an electrical motor and nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) battery pack.

By itself the petrol engine develops 107kW (6000rpm) and 188Nm (4400-5200rpm), whereas the e-motor contributes 80kW and 202Nm.

System energy output is quoted at 131kW, although in typical Toyota/Lexus vogue there’s no system torque determine as the ability sources peak at completely different occasions.

Drive is distributed to the entrance wheels on this model through an digital repeatedly variable transmission (e-CVT), although an all-wheel drive mannequin with a further electrical motor on the rear axle can also be obtainable greater up within the vary.

Lexus claims the UX250h 2WD can speed up from 0-100km/h in 8.5 seconds on its option to a high velocity of 177km/h.

As for gasoline consumption – arguably the extra essential metric for a hybrid – the UX250h 2WD quotes mixed effectivity of simply 4.5L per 100km, with CO2 emissions rated at 103g/km.

The gasoline tank in hybrid variations measures 43 litres in capability, and it’s in a position to take cheaper 91 RON common unleaded. Price noting is the UX’s Euro 6 emissions certification.

How does the Lexus UX250h Luxurious drive?

Very similar to most TNGA-based hybrids.

Nevertheless, one key distinction between the UX250h and Corolla and C-HR kin, no less than in Australia, is that it comes with the model’s beefier 2.0-litre petrol-electric hybrid system as a substitute of the lesser 1.8-litre unit.

How does that translate in the actual world? The UX feels smoother and extra muscular, with the next ceiling than the lower-spec system of its siblings – although the newest Corolla’s up to date battery permits it to lean extra on the electrified bits for higher gasoline consumption.

Whereas on paper the UX250h’s 131kW mixed energy output appears to be like good in comparison with the 100-110kW base items within the Audi Q3 and BMW X1, the Atkinson-cycle petrol engine must be labored to get into its candy spot, and the electrical motor whereas fairly instant in response palms off to the petrol engine fairly shortly.

Briefly, it doesn’t really feel fairly as punchy or resolved as equal turbocharged rivals, and even much less so in opposition to the 145kW/300Nm 2.0-litre turbo within the base Volvo XC40 B4 Plus.

The place the hybrid does shine, nonetheless, is in city environments, the place you’ll be able to glide alongside in EV mode repeatedly and the petrol engine doesn’t must be labored too laborious to achieve the velocity restrict.

Usually you’ll get to 10-20km/h with out firing the petrol engine, with the two.0-litre motor coming on-line to maintain up with site visitors and shortly shutting off once more while you launch the accelerator and coast.

Toyota and Lexus have been doing this hybrid factor for some 20 years already, and that reveals within the simplicity and refinement of the drivetrain’s operation.

Whereas I achieved an total determine of 4.9L/100km after per week of blended driving, I repeatedly noticed higher than that when the UX250h spent extra time in metropolis and concrete areas with velocity limits of 40-60km/h. It’s really easy.

The e-CVT does an ideal job at shuffling between energy sources, although it’ll flare revs below more durable throttle inputs and like Toyota’s different Atkinson cycle petrol engines the UX250h’s mill sounds extra like a failed X Issue audition than a Mariah Carey observe…

By way of journey and dealing with the UX’s TNGA underpinnings strike a beautiful steadiness between consolation and engagement, particularly on the Luxurious’s smaller 17-inch wheels and chubby 215/60 tyres.

The UX irons out pimpled metropolis streets and imperfections like tram tracks with aplomb, whereas the fluid steering and pure ranges of physique lean make it a chuckable little factor. Its compact dimensions additionally make it a cinch to put in site visitors or tight streets.

Insulation from street and wind noise is respectable if not fairly on the ranges anticipated of a Lexus; with an honest degree of tyre roar permeating the cabin at freeway speeds, if much less so than higher-spec fashions on run-flat tyres.

Like I discussed earlier, the drivetrain can get a bit gruff below laborious acceleration. It doesn’t have the allure of the brand new BMW X1 sDrive18i’s 1.5-litre three-cylinder unit, for instance.

Price commending although is Lexus’s inclusion of the complete suite of driver help techniques from the bottom degree (no less than for hybrids), below the Lexus Security System+ banner.

The adaptive cruise management and Lane Hint Help (centring) techniques mix to supply semi-autonomous freeway driving functionality, even when the latter could come off slightly overbearing for some, whereas blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert show useful in on a regular basis driving as a result of UX’s rising beltline and slim rear glasshouse.

Colors

Sonic Quartz
Titanium
Sonic Chrome
Sonic Iridium
Onyx
Graphite Black
Caliente
Khaki Steel
Celestial Blue

What do you get?

UX200 Luxurious highlights:

17-inch alloy wheel
LED headlights
LED daytime working lights
Shark fin roof-mounted antenna (NEW)
Energy-folding, heated door mirrors
Rain-sensing window wipers
12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment show (NEW)
Wi-fi Apple CarPlay (NEW)
Wired Android Auto
DAB+ digital radio (NEW)
Satellite tv for pc navigation
10-speaker sound system (NEW)
Twin-zone local weather management
Push-button begin
Washi instrument panel paper trim and stitching (NEW)
Synthetic leather-based upholstery
Heated entrance seats
10-way energy driver’s seat
8-way energy entrance passenger’s seat

Enhancement Package deal 1 provides:

LED fog lights
Parking assist alert
Parking assist brake
Blind-spot monitor
Rear cross-traffic alert
Keyless entry

UX200 Luxurious and UX250h Luxurious with EP2 add:

Enhancement Package deal 1
Energy tailgate (kick sensor for UX250h)
Wi-fi cellphone charging
Cornering lights
Headlight washers
Privateness glass
Alloy scuff plates

Enhancement Pack 3 provides:

Bigger 18-inch alloy wheels with run-flat tyres are additionally non-obligatory on Luxurious fashions.

Is the Lexus UX250h Luxurious protected?

All variations of the Lexus UX put on a five-star ANCAP security score primarily based on 2019 Euro NCAP checks.

Lexus’s child crossover scored 96 per cent for grownup occupant safety, 88 per cent for youngster occupant safety, 82 per cent for weak street person safety, and 83 per cent for security help.

Customary security options embrace:

8 airbags incl. driver, passenger knee
Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
- Pedestrian detection (day/night time)
- Bike owner detection (day)
Adaptive cruise management with cease/go
Auto high-beam
Lane departure warning
Lane hold help
Lane Tracing Help (centring)
Site visitors signal recognition
Parking help monitor

UX Luxurious + EP 1 add:

Blind-spot monitoring
Rear cross-traffic help

All 2023 Lexus UX fashions now obtain a three-year complimentary Lexus Related Providers subscription.

Lexus Related Providers:

Computerized collision notification
SOS emergency calling
Stolen automobile monitoring
Final recognized automobile location
Latest journey data
Diagnostics knowledge
Door lock standing
Doorways, home windows, bonnet and boot standing
Tyre pressures
Hazard mild standing
Lexus Distant Join
- Distant begin
- Distant lock/unlock
- Hazard lights
- Horn

How a lot does the Lexus UX250h Luxurious price to run?

The Lexus vary is roofed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee.

Hybrid fashions have their high-voltage batteries warranted in opposition to degradation for as much as 10 years (limitless kilometres) topic to annual Hybrid/EV system well being checks after the fifth yr.

You additionally get entry to the Lexus Encore possession program, which supplies homeowners entry to Caltex gasoline reductions, invites to luxurious dinners and occasions, in addition to luxurious lodge partnership advantages. Lexus Australia is rolling out a brand new smartphone app that lets homeowners observe and inspect or management points of their automobile from the sofa.

Scheduled upkeep is required each 12 months or 15,000 kilometres – whichever comes first.

Lexus provides three years of capped-price servicing for the UX petrol and hybrid vary, with the primary three visits costing $495 apiece – amounting to $1485 for stated interval.

Actual-world gasoline economic system was fairly darn spectacular, as is predicted of a Toyota or Lexus hybrid. Our check automotive was displaying an indicated 4.9L/100km on the finish of our week of testing, which included a mixture of peak-hour commuting thrown in with some off-peak city and freeway stints.

It’s additionally very constructive that the UX was in a position to come inside 0.5L/100km of its mixed declare with out a lot effort.

CarExpert’s Tackle the Lexus UX250h Luxurious

The bottom Lexus UX250h shapes up as a fairly strong city crossover.

Whereas it lacks the good packaging of its German and Swedish rivals, it’s certainly one of very few electrified choices within the premium compact SUV area, and is priced inside attain of one thing like a supply-constrained high-spec Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid or RAV4 Hybrid.

It drives nicely, is environment friendly with out a lot effort, and is fairly nicely specified from the bottom degree. The Luxurious + EP2 spec that serves because the entry-level hybrid variant might arguably be the choose of the vary.

That stated, whereas worth is a powerful promoting level for the UX relative to its rivals, the Volvo XC40 B4 Plus boasts far more room and extra efficiency for comparable cash whereas packing a aggressive degree of spec, although its mild-hybrid turbocharged 4 received’t come near the Lexus in real-world effectivity.

Sure the appears to be like could polarise, and sure it received’t be a good selection for individuals who repeatedly carry adults within the again, however if you need an environment friendly every day runabout that’s slightly posh, the UX250h is value a glance.