Lexus UX 250h F Sport AWD is a Quirky Little Sporty Hybrid!
Not as poised as X2 or E-Pace, as sexy as Evoque, or as sorted as XC40, the UX 250h F Sport is a quirky hybrid alternative with Lexus refinement.
Launched in a replacement to the venerable CT200h hatchback in the wake of a run of sexy little SUVs back in 2019, the Lexus UX was one of those cars lost in the sands of lockdown. Blending Lexus luxury and safety with bold design and an ultra-efficient powertrain in a fresh take on dynamic luxury driving, it quietly joined Lexus’ now hybrid-only range, the UX is now available in this new F Sport model. Ladies and gentlemen, I give you the Lexus UX 250h F Sport.
UX F-Sport Adds Radiating Looks
UX is Built on Lexus’ latest super-rigid lightweight Compact GA-C global platform. Which is basically another take of the good old versatile TNGA chassis in Toyota speak. This one gets a unique signature UX spindle grille in an F-fettled ‘radiating’ mesh pattern between its edgy headlamps. They’re adaptive all-LED units with L-shaped Daytime running lamps. F-Sport also gets black moldings and rides on highly rigid unique dark gray F-Sport 18-inch five-twin-spoke F-Sport aluminum alloys.
The UX’s smart cabin is probably its strongest suit. Well cobbled together, it feels upmarket and is refreshingly different to many of its rivals. Our dark UX F Sport had Flare Red front sports seats and a leather-covered F Sport steering wheel behind its active digital instrumentation that shifts to the right on starting up to reveal a second screen behind. Apparently, it’s inspired by the Lexus LFA supercar.
Add a leather-trimmed gear knob, eight-inch TFT color display, aluminum pedals and footrest. The multi-layered dash may seem daunting at first, but truth be told it works well and is easy to find your way around. Viva buttons! UX’s tight boot has a tall floor, but it does increase handsomely if you drop the rear seats.
Fourth Generation Hybrid Powertrain
Packing a fourth-generation self-charging hybrid powertrain comprising a handy 107 kW 180 Nm 2L petrol engine, it shares drive responsibilities with a 105 HP e-motor to provide 181 HP worth of total system output. Lexus claims 0-60 mph in 8.6 seconds, but this perky hybrid proved quicker. UX’s real party trick is rather fuel economy. Lexus claims 39 miles per gallon combined. We also easily beat that claimed gas number too.
Boasting a low center of gravity by nature, this F Sport fettled version brings a sportier suspension set-up. It includes a sportier spring and stabilizer bar settings and what they call a performance rear damper. And Lexus’ Adaptive Variable Suspension with Sport S+ mode nicked form its flagship LC and LS siblings. AVS increases damping force to minimize roll when cornering or changing lanes and reduces it in straight-line driving to preserve ride quality.
Lexus once again promises that UX delivers good handling agility and ride comfort in a distinctive driving character. Our F-Sport certainly delivers a decent ride and soaks the bumps nicely as it works well within the relaxed nature of its hybrid set-up. But it isn’t quite as hot hatch nifty as the propaganda makes out. It likes to understeer a lot if you push a bit, and this car also generated a fair bit of tire roar on some surfaces.
UX is Typically Lexus Safe
Typically Lexus safe, the UX has eight driver and front passenger; driver and front passenger knee; driver and front passenger seat-mounted side-impact and front to rear side curtain airbags. Add Adaptive Cruise Control, Brake Synchronized Pre-Crash, a Blind Spot Monitor, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure and Steering Assist, which is best left off.
Make no mistake, this Lexus UX F-sport is quirky. It’s different enough to not quite know what it is. Too low to be a real SUV, a little small for a proper MPV and too tall to just be a hatchback, the UX cuts its own swathe. Neither as poised as BMW X2 or Jaguar E-Pace, as sexy as an Evoque or as sorted as Volvo XC40, the Lexus UX however offers a proven hybrid powertrain and a unique and quite different option to that nouveau set.
Is it worth a look? Certainly, yes. Go ahead, surprise yourself!
Photos: Michele Lupini
ROAD TESTED: Lexus UX 250h F-Sport AWD Engine: 181 HP 133 lb.-ft 2-litre gas hybrid I4 Drive: CVT AWD TESTED: 0-40 mph: 3.66 sec 0-60 mph: 8.16 sec 0-80 mph: 11.09 sec 0-100 mph: 19.91 sec ¼-mile: 15.8 sec @ 142 km/h 50-75 mph: 5.50 sec 75-100 mph: 9.01 sec CLAIMED: VMax: 110 mph Fuel: 39 mpg LIST PRICE: $38,765 MSRP RATED: 8
