Lexus UX250h SUV Hybrid: A Closer Look

Car - Front

The all new Lexus UX is intended to compete in the entry level SUV class. The idea is to make a vehicle smaller, while getting fuel economy numbers higher. The base UX200 car starts at $32,000 and is an amazing vehicle delivering a lot of bang for your buck. This, the subject of our article, is the hybrid version sold as the 250h. With the F-Sport package, starting fee is $36,000 plus many options. The metallic "cadmium" orange paint looks sharp, but costs $595 extra. 

Text and photos by Chad Haire

F-Sport

The F-Sport package provides 18-inch wheels with all-season 225/50RF18 run-flat tires. Other features are mostly cosmetic, such as special bumpers, grille, seats, LED fog lamps, shift knob, and multi-information display. There is also something called "Active Sound Control". This pipes simulated engine noises through the speaker system to give that "performance" feeling while accelerating 0-60 mph in just under 9 seconds.

Text and photos by Chad Haire

>>Join the conversation about the UX250h right here in the Club Lexus Forum!

Engine

The UX200 has a 2.0-liter gas engine cranking out 169 horsepower. Fuel economy is claimed to be 33 mpg overall. This hybrid version, the UX250h, has a 143 hp motor, but with an additional generator battery/motor system pushing the total output raises to 181. Claimed economy is 41 mpg in the city, 38 highway, and 30 overall. The transmission is a CVT. With an electric motor driving the front wheels, and another on the rear wheels, this setup offers four-wheel traction thusly being marketed as an AWD.

Text and photos by Chad Haire

>>Join the conversation about the UX250h right here in the Club Lexus Forum!

Rear Storage

The rear motor and other electronics take up room, so on the hybrid version of the UX, cargo space drops from 22 cubic feet to 17. However, by removing the floor panel, there are storage bins underneath to hide smaller items. The second-row seats also fold down for even cargo space. The gas tank capacity also drops to only 10.6 gallons, but with improved fuel economy, the driving range should not be affected over the non-hybrid UX. With a heavy emphasis on stowing capacity and the run-flat tires coming installed, there is no spare tire in the UX. 

Text and photos by Chad Haire

>>Join the conversation about the UX250h right here in the Club Lexus Forum!

Gauges

The gauge cluster is well enough designed and has an information screen providing lots of useful stats. For those who want to choose transmission gears manually, there are paddle shifters on the steering wheel, offering six gears.

Text and photos by Chad Haire

>>Join the conversation about the UX250h right here in the Club Lexus Forum!

Touchpad

Many Lexus models use a control stick to operate the infotainment system. Instead, the UX has a finger touch-pad for gesture controls. Right below that is a simple knob that operates the radio, including volume and channel tuning. An EV button allows limited electric-only driving for silent motoring.  

Text and photos by Chad Haire

>>Join the conversation about the UX250h right here in the Club Lexus Forum!

Info Screen

The infotainment screen is large enough and provides a dual map presentation. To the left is a large knob that gives three drive modes: ECO, NORMAL, and SPORT.

Text and photos by Chad Haire

>>Join the conversation about the UX250h right here in the Club Lexus Forum!

UC Off-road

Since this is an SUV, the UX has enough ground clearance to be taken off the pavement. In the case of the 250h, the AWD system also assists in better traction in loose dirt or sand. However, this is a car platform, so off-road activities are best limited for light-duty chores.

Text and photos by Chad Haire

>>Join the conversation about the UX250h right here in the Club Lexus Forum!

Price Sheet

The base price of an F-Sport is reasonable, but being a luxury brand, the options can quickly add up. Thus the total came to $43,450. For this fee, we get a Lexus product that is assembled in Japan, which explains the high standard of materials and workmanship. Those seeking a compact hybrid with high quality and eye-catching styling may find the UX250h to their liking.

Text and photos by Chad Haire

>>Join the conversation about the UX250h right here in the Club Lexus Forum!

For help with service of your car, check out the how to section of ClubLexus.com