PHOENIX — For some drivers spending 50 grand on a small sub-compact SUV is just too compromising to justify. They want or even require a small vehicle and favor comfort and luxury, but with a smaller price tag. The Lexus UX tested here delivers on those amenities with the added bonus of excellent fuel economy.

But my range-topping F Sport H (H for handling) came with an eye-watering MSRP of $49,545 and doesn't solve the "wow, that's expensive" objection. Thankfully, the UX 300h comes in a choice of four trim levels starting at $37,515 up to $47,525 for the base edition of my F Sport H. The Ux 300h Premium and F Sport Design slot in the middle price range. With a base price of $40,715 we think the front-wheel drive Premium trim level offers the best value and can also be upgraded with all-wheel drive and a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system options.

The Lexus UX is a relatively attractive offering from the luxury brand of Toyota. Being the smallest  it's also the least expensive entry point into owning a Lexus among their six SUV offerings. The UX has originally gas-only vehicle called the UX 200 that delivered dismal performance with its 169-horsepower 4-cylinder engine. Last year Lexus introduced a more powerful 181-horsepower hybrid called the UX 250h and now for 2025 the UX 300h with 196 horsepower delivers a 42-mpg combined fuel economy, one of the best in its competitive class.

Regardless of trim level, the UX 300h is available only as a hybrid powered by a 2.0-liter inline-four gasoline engine with two electric motors that combine for 196 horsepower.The hybrid system uses an 1.4-kWh lithium-ion battery pack. Our F Sport H comes standard with all-wheel drive that includes an additional electric motor that powers the rear wheels. A continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) is standard on all UX models.

On the inside, our US 300h F Sport H mostly satisfies the additional comfort and luxury checklist that's, well, mostly luxury, especially when compared to the latest Toyota Prius that uses the exact same hybrid powertrain and costs thousands and thousands of dollars less. It's also worth mentioning that the Toyota Corolla Cross hybrid utility vehicle uses the exact same hybrid engine, is similar in size to the UX, and in it's most expensive XLE trim level, starts under $30,000.

The UX seats five and we found the front seats extremely comfortable and roomy given the vehicle's diminutive size. There's surprisingly ample leg, shoulder and headroom in the front for most adults. I'm 6-6 and was extremely comfortable. Still, the overall interior isn't especially roomy and the second row is very tight and most adults won't be happy sitting back there other than on short runs. It should be adequate for kids.

Room behind the second-row of seats will accommodate a few pieces of carry-on luggage and the rear seats do fold down for additional cargo room. A manual rear lift gate is standard with a hands-free power lift gate either standard or optional depending on trim level. Overall, the interior is what you would expect from an entry-level luxury crossover, nice, but not a wow factor.

Our UX included the large 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen that included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot, wireless phone charging, an eight-speaker premium audio system and four USB ports. This latest infotainment interface is far superior to the one previously used in Lexus product with its maddening console mounted operational touchpad. Standard equipment is generous, even in the base model and the UX uses the Lexus Safety System +3.0 safety suite of driver-assistance technology including automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control with  a lane-centering feature and intuitive park assist.  



Upholstery is faux leather that will fool most people but the steering is the real thing. Door trim is spartan and plain, and the instrument panel is clean, functional and just premium, not luxury.

On the road, drivers seeking sport driving engagement best look elsewhere. Even with the F Sport designation on two models and specific H on our test UX, literally nothing Sport is associated with how the vehicle drives. Acceleration when merging onto busy highway traffic is a pedal-to-the-metal requirement and perhaps a bit of courtesy from other drivers. Also noted is this engine lacks refinement when under maximum peak of its power band, resulting in a course engine noise that's far from pleasing or luxurious.

Overall, it takes us back to the $50,000 price for our F Sport H that's nearly impossible to justify. That's a $7,000 price jump from the 300h Premium trim that drives and handles the same as the F Sport and some F Sport marginal body kit trim. To us, it seems a more desirable choice to move up to the next larger Lexus NX hybrid with a price that starts at $46,300. Still, the UX is a nice little car that some will find a perfect fit for their needs, and we expect Toyota-Lexus loyalists will find it quite acceptable and pleasing.

Vital Stats

Base Price: $37,515 to $47,525
Price as Tested: $49,545
Engine/Transmission: 196-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline-electric hybrid engine paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission
EPA Fuel Economy: 44/40/42 - MPG City/Highway/Combined

Where Built: Miyawaka, Fukuoka, Japan

Crash Test Safety Ratings: Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and highest possible overall five star safety rating from the National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration

Competes With:
Audi A3
BMW X1 and X2
Cadillac XT4
Mercedes-Benz GLB
Mini Countryman
Volvo XC40

Likes:
Up to 44 MPG hybrid fuel economy
Upscale interior
Easy to drive, park, very tight turning radius

Dislikes:
Top trims aren't worth the price
Super tight rear seat
Not much fun to drive
F Sport isn't sporty

— Jim Prueter