2023 Lexus UX 250h Hybrid

The 2023 Lexus UX 250h comes with two basic trims: Base and Premium. The brand also provides the F Sport variant which is reviewed separately. The brand has discontinued the non-hybrid UX200 models for the 2023 edition. The SUV comes with a 2.0L Inline 4 hybrid engine with two drivetrain options. The price for the Base trim with FWD starts at an MSRP of $35,925 and goes up to the MSRP of $39,785 for the Premium trim with AWD. The car's standard features include dual zone automatic climate control, LED headlights, 18 inch alloy wheels, etc. The Premium trim further adds features such as heated and ventilated front seats, auto dimming rearview mirrors, etc.

The 2023 Lexus UX 250h comes with a number of stand alone options such as adaptive headlights, hands-free liftgate, auto-dimming rearview mirror, heated steering wheel, wireless charging pad, head-up display, and front and rear parking sensors with rear automatic braking. The brand does not provide a lot of additional packages. However, one can opt for an optional Navigation Package that is priced at $1,405. 

Navigation Package includes:-

• Lexus interface 12.3" touchscreen display w/EMV
• Drive Connect trial w/cloud navigation
• Intelligent assistant (Hey Lexus)
• Destination assist trial (paid subscription required after trial, 4G network dependent)
• Lexus premium sound system w/10 speakers

We Recommend

The best trim for 2023 Lexus UX 250h remains to be the Premium trim as it adds plenty of useful features such as heated seats, auto dimming rear view mirrors, etc. Opting for the AWD variant costs $1,400 more, but it enhances the overall traction and ride quality which might be suitable for some enthusiasts. 

Release Date

The 2023 Lexus UX 250h is available for the customers to configure. The deliveries are expected by the end of 2022.

The 2023 Lexus UX 250h comes with a 2.0L Inline 4 hybrid powertrain coupled with two electric motors. The engine makes 181 horsepower which routes to either front wheels, or all four wheels depending on the model. Due to its clever hybrid transaxle design, the 250h's front wheels are powered by the engine and motor, while the rear wheels are powered by a standalone motor. CVT is combined with the hybrid setup, making it smooth, if not as decisive as an automatic transmission, especially at higher speeds. The car reaches the 60 MPH mark in 8.6 seconds from a standstill. The acceleration of the SUV is disappointing even though it gets an additional torque boost from the rear-mounted motor.

The 2023 Lexus UX 250h produces the least power as compared to the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid, the Honda CR-V Hybrid and the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. The data for torque delivery of the UX 250h is yet to be determined. However, amongst the three rivals, the Tucson Hybrid offers the best torque output. Furthermore, The UX 250h comes with the worst acceleration figures and lags behind its rivals in terms of 0-60 MPH and quarter mile timing. The top speed of the SUV is 112 MPH which is at par with the segment.

2023 Lexus UX 250h Ride and Handling

The 2023 Lexus UX 250h offers a composed and relaxing ride, especially on city roads where the powertrain stays in a torquey midrange. The suspension setup includes Strut Front Suspension with Coil Springs and Multi-Link Rear Suspension with Coil Springs. There is a pleasing weight to the steering (which is electric, power-assist, and speed-sensing), and the UX 250h has a similar responsiveness to the Toyota Corolla. However, the SUV comes with added height and curb weight that can cause noticeable body roll while cruising through twists and turns. Additional stability features include Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and Driveline Traction Control.

2023 Lexus UX 250h Braking Performance

The 2023 Lexus UX 250h comes with vented disc brakes on all four of its wheels. Depending on the nature of driving, the brake pads of the SUV last about 30,000-70,000 miles. It comes with 12 inches and 11.1 inches of brake rotors in front and back respectively. When driving at low speeds, the brakes can feel jerky and are hard to control until you get the desired stopping power. The braking features include Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Brake Assist, Hill Hold Control Electric Parking Brake, and regenerative braking.

The Lexus UX 250h comes with bigger front and rear brake rotors than the Honda CR-V Hybrid. The size of the brake rotors are the same as that of the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. The UX 250h comes with the least curb weight as compared to the Tucson Hybrid, the CR-V Hybrid, and the RAV4 Hybrid, which contributes in reduced momentum and aids effective braking. The data for the stopping distance for the UX 250h and the Tucson Hybrid is yet to be determined. Amongst the other two rivals, the CR-V Hybrid shows better deceleration than the RAV4 Hybrid.

The 2023 Lexus UX 250h offers a fuel economy of 43 MPG in a city, 41 MPG on a highway and 42 MPG combined with the FWD models. With the AWD variants, the SUV comes with a gas mileage of 41 MPG in a city, 38 MPG on a highway and 39 MPG combined. The car has an 10.6-gallons tank. It is estimated that the SUV with its FWD models can travel up to 455.8 miles in a city and 434.6 miles on a highway over a full tank. With the AWD models, it can travel upto 434.6 miles in a city and 402.8 miles on a highway.

The 2023 Lexus UX 250h is the most fuel efficient hybrid SUV as compared to the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid, Honda CR-V Hybrid, and the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. The closest competitor in terms of gas mileage is the RAV4 Hybrid. The RAV4 Hybrid comes with the largest fuel tank capacity, followed by the CR-V Hybrid, Tucson Hybrid, and the UX 250h. For the same reason, the RAV4 Hybrid offers the best range of travel among its rivals. 

By combining an elegant layout and luxurious materials, Lexus conveys the impression that this is a luxury SUV. The stylish NuLuxe upholstery covers the base UX 250h's seat interior, while heating and ventilation are available in the Premium variant. The interior is spacious but the rear seats feel cramped. The cargo space is also disappointing behind these seats. Moreover, The car comes with features like dual-zone climate control and power-adjustable front seats. The SUV also features additional upgrades such as a head-up display etc.

The 2023 Lexus UX 250h offers better front legroom as compared to the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid, the Honda CR-V Hybrid, and the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. At the rear, the UX 250h comes with the least space to offer among the rivals. The RAV4 Hybrid comes with a more functional interior, while the UX 250h offers a bit more luxury. The comfort level in the UX 250h is also better than the CR-V. Furthermore, the design and comfort level of the Tucson matches the UX 250h. However, in our opinion, the center console of the UX Hybrid looks more appealing.

Some of the key interior features available with the 2023 Lexus UX 250h include:

• Heated front seats
• Ventilated front seats
• Power adjustable front seats
• NuLuxe upholstery
• Heated steering wheel
• Dual zone automatic climate control

How intuitive is the 2023 Lexus UX 250h infotainment system?

Since Lexus has lagged behind rivals in this area for quite some time, it has been gradually improving its infotainment interfaces. The most problematic was the touchpad controller, but it has been replaced by a touchscreen system measuring 8 inches or 12.3 inches. Among the other improvements inside the 2023 Lexus UX 250h, is a vertically extended wireless charging area, two USB ports in the front console, and a new voice assistant. With a better resolution and closer positioning, the infotainment system is a highlight of the interior's 2023 Lexus UX Hybrid. The system also supports Android Auto and Apple Carplay. The optional upgrades include an onboard navigation system, 8 speaker premium sound system, etc.

Some of the most notable infotainment features available with the 2023 Lexus UX 250h include:

• Wireless charging
• Bluetooth Connectivity
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Built in navigation
• 12.3 inch touchscreen display
• Voice assistant

There are heavily defined contours on the doors, rear fenders with the Spindle grille incorporating the brand’s logo, making it distinctive and attractive, but rather busy in appearance. With the new 18-inch Bridgestone tires, the brand claims to reduce noise and vibration even further. The car also features narrow LED headlights with upside inverted Daytime Running LEDs which are inspired by the brand's own sporty sedans. There are a number of paint options available with the car including Eminent White Pearl, Iridium, Redline, and Grecian Water. The SUV stands at 60.6 inches and has a wheelbase of 103.9 inches.

The Lexus UX 250h lags in terms of the overall dimensions as compared to the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid, Honda CR-V Hybrid, and the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. The CR-V Hybrid carries a conventional SUV look. The RAV4 Hybrid looks more robust and aggressive with its attractive headlights. The Hyundai Tucson comes with an impressive grille design integrated with its LED headlights, while the UX 250h has a much more balanced exterior as compared to its rivals. 

Some standout exterior features include:

• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Spindle grille styling 
• LED headlights
• Daytime running LEDs
• Color keyed overfenders
• LED brakelights

With a tough steel unibody frame, the Lexus UX 250h provides utmost strength to the overall structure and enhances the durability. The 2023 Lexus UX 250h provides safety features such as lane keep assist, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, automatic high beams, and blind-spot monitoring. Moreover, the brand provides rear cross-traffic alerts, road sign recognition, forward collision warning, front & rear parking sensors, adaptive tri-beam LED headlights(optional), and pedestrian detection. For the 2021 editions, the Lexus UX 250h was crash tested by the IIHS. The IIHS awarded the SUV with the prestigious “Top Safety Pick” overall safety rating. In 2019, the NHTSA gave the same chassis 5 stars. However, the UX 250h's standard headlamps get a low ranking, while its tri-beam LEDs receive a high rating.

Some of the major safety features available with the 2023 Lexus UX 250h include

• Pedestrian detection
• Blind spot monitor
• Adaptive tri beam LED headlights
• Lane departure warning
• Cyclist detection
• Road sign recognition system

2023 Lexus UX 250h vs 2023 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid 

The 2023 Lexus UX 250h comes with a more expensive price tag as compared to the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid. It comes with a CVT, while the Tucson features 6-speed automatic transmission. The UX 250h is also more fuel efficient than the rival. On the other hand, the Tucson Hybrid delivers more power. It also reaches the 60 MPH mark quicker than the UX 250h. The Tucson Hybrid leads in quarter mile timing as well and provides a better range of travel.

2023 Lexus UX 250h vs 2022 Honda CR-V Hybrid

The Honda CR-V Hybrid comes with a more powerful engine. It also provides quicker acceleration in terms of the 0-60 MPH mark and quarter mile timing. The SUV offers more space to the customers as compared to the rival. Whereas, the more expensive Lexus UX 250h is more fuel efficient. It provides better build quality and craftsmanship to the buyers. It also looks more appealing than the conventional design of the Honda. 

2023 Lexus UX 250h vs 2022 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

The Lexus UX 250h is more expensive than the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. The 250h offers better fuel economy to its customers. The SUV also provides premium interior quality and comfort. On the other hand, the RAV4 Hybrid comes with more power output. The RAV4 Hybrid also provides quicker acceleration as per the 0-60 MPH mark and the quarter mile timing. It offers more practicality and a better value for money option.

The 2023 Lexus UX 250h comes as an impressive Hybrid SUV in the market even with its demerits. The fuel economy of the UX 250h is one of the best in the segment and offers a cost-effective ride to its customers. The Inline 4 hybrid engine offers decent performance but is certainly not the best. Despite being incorporated with lots of external tweaks on the exterior, the SUV still looks attractive. The SUV does lack in its dimensions contributing to its smaller appearance. The cargo space is also a disappointment among the other SUVs in the segment. Furthermore, the infotainment system is feature loaded and easy to use. The 2023 Lexus UX 250h provides lots of protective features and the previous editions scored well in the crash tests conducted by IIHS and NHTSA. In our view, the Premium trim is a great choice because it comes with added features.