2023 Lexus UX 250h Hybrid Fuel Economy Drive

FRONT

SUVs are still popular, but with gas prices climbing, many buyers are choosing a smaller vehicle, and others are going to an economical hybrid system. In the case of this Lexus 250h, we get both advantages. Being compact and having a hybrid drive train, the advertised fuel economy numbers are impressive. To see if they are accurate, we grabbed this nice-looking blue example and racked up a lot of miles in city stop-and-go traffic, freeway trips, and mixed commuting. Stay tuned for the results.

Photos: Chad Haire

ENGINE

Under the hood is a 2.0-liter gas engine hooked to two electric motors. The combined horsepower output is 181. Fuel economy is claimed to be 41 city, 38 highway, and 39 overall. Good numbers if you can get it. We racked up 350 miles to find out.

WHEELS

One electric motor drives the front wheel, and the second operates the rear. This is advertised as "all-wheel drive" but off-road use is limited. This UX is more of a car than a dirt runner.

TIRE

In an attempt to save weight, there is no spare tire. Considering the vehicle's small size, there doesn't seem to be room for one anyway.

F-SPORT

This UX comes with the F-Sport option. This includes 18-inch sport wheels, moon roof, fog lamps, headlamp leveling, adaptive suspension, and other items.

DRIVE MODE

With the F-Sport this control knob is issued. It provides ECO, NORMAL, CUSTOM, SPORT, or SPORT PLUS modes of operation. This system works great on Lexus performance cars, but seems like overkill on an economic hybrid, but is there if you want it.

CONSOLE CONTROLS

Good news! That horrible console-mounted finger slide pad that was used to control in infotainment system is finally gone. In its space are seat climate buttons. Now the screen is operated directly.

INFO SCREEN

The info screen is large, and all the climate controls below are easy to reach and operate.

POV

With only 181 horses pulling just under two tons, acceleration is not very quick. Then again, the two electric motors provide a good amount of low-end torque, so gliding in and out of city traffic is easy to do. The suspension gives a smooth ride.

FUEL ECONOMY

We took the UX on a 120-mile highway trip. The outside temperature was over 100 degrees. This resulted in 36.9 mpg. A second 120-mile trip was cooler at 80 degrees and showed 38.7. The overall average is 37.8 which is dead on for the 38 claimed by the EPA. Next was city and mixed commuting. This ranged from 33 mpg to a best of 34.7. That is not close to the 41 claimed, but again it was over 100 degrees out, and hybrids don't function efficiently in heat. Those who operate in cooler weather should see better numbers. Overall, 33-38 is still a positive spread.

PRICE

The base fee for a Lexus 250h is $35,340. This is a great deal. Going for the F-Sport raises the tab, and options even more so as seen by our $47,440. But the entire vehicle is made in Japan, which explains the excellent build quality. There is also proven reliability, so this rig will still be running long after the warranty expires.

>>Join the conversation about the UX 250h right here at ClubLexus.com.

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