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2023 Lexus UX 250h: Small, tall, sophisticated hatchback is a portal to Lexus luxury lineup

The entry-luxury utility bracket provides plenty of choices that are small in stature. The Lexus UX, which joined the segment for 2019, is now in a unique position as the only one thatÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s exclusively hybrid-powered.
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The entry-luxury utility bracket provides plenty of choices that are small in stature. The Lexus UX, which joined the segment for 2019, is now in a unique position as the only one thatÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s exclusively hybrid-powered.

The littlest Lexus Ï㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥” called the UX 250h for 2023 Ï㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥” continues the automakerÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s current design philosophy, starting with an oversize spindle grille that dominates the front end. The rest of the body is replete with knife-edge bumps and angles that extend all the way back to, and include, the rear hatch. The taillights are joined by a translucent red ribbon that appears to double as a spoiler.

To keep the weight down, the doors, hood and fenders are made of aluminum, while the hatch is made of a plastic-like composite.

Compared with the one-size-larger Lexus NX, the UX is shorter by about 18 centimetres. The distance between the front and rear wheels, however, is shy by only five centimetres. That, plus a lower roofline, results in a tight squeeze for rear-seat passengers, especially if those up front adjust their seats farther back.

PHOTO: LEXUSThe cargo area behind the UXÂ’s rear seat is comparatively modest, but the split-folding rear seat-back lowers completely flat for added stowage space. PHOTO: LEXUS
PHOTO: LEXUS The cargo area behind the UXÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s rear seat is comparatively modest, but the split-folding rear seat-back lowers completely flat for added stowage space. PHOTO: LEXUS

The cargo area behind the rear seat is modest compared with most of the competition, but at least the split-folding rear seat-back lowers completely flat for added stowage space.

The dashboard contains a central digital gauge directly in the driverÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s line of sight, redundant pushbuttons on the steering wheel and eight climate control switches on the instrument panel.

The standard 8.0-inch display is thankfully no longer operated by a touch-pad on the console: itÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s now a true touch-screen. ThereÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s a newly available 12.3-inch infotainment display with voice recognition.

The six-speaker audio system can be upgraded to an eight-speaker setup. USB ports Ï㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥” two at the front and two for the second row Ï㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥” are available for all passengers to charge their devices.

The UXÂ’s standard 8.0-inch display is thankfully no longer operated by a touch-pad on the console: itÂ’s now a true touch-screen. ThereÂ’s a newly available 12.3-inch infotainment display with voice recognition. PHOTO: LEXUS
The UXÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s standard 8.0-inch display is thankfully no longer operated by a touch-pad on the console: itÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s now a true touch-screen. ThereÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s a newly available 12.3-inch infotainment display with voice recognition. PHOTO: LEXUS

With the cancellation of the 169-horsepower gasoline engine, the previously optional hybrid powertrain becomes the sole motivation for 2023. The systemÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s three electric motors include two that directly assist the 143-horsepower 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, plus one to drive the rear wheels. The net output is 181 horsepower. A continually variable transmission is standard.

The UX 250hÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s fuel consumption is rated at 5.7 l/100 km in the city, 6.2 on the highway and 6.0 combined.

The attendant battery pack located beneath the rear seat doesnÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™t negatively affect the vehicleÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s already meager cargo capacity.

The all-wheel-drive system only functions up to about 80 km/h. Any faster and itÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s front-wheel-drive all the way.

The UX 250h has a non-turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder and three electric motors. PHOTO: LEXUS
The UX 250h has a non-turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder and three electric motors. PHOTO: LEXUS

The UX fires up quietly, launches smoothly and cabin noise is kept to a minimum. ThereÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s sufficient thrust, but under aggressive acceleration the powertrain is slow to respond. According to Lexus, the UX can hit 60 mph (96 km/h) from rest in 8.4 seconds. ThatÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s not swift, but itÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s adequate.

Ride quality and steering precision are strong points as is the interior fit and finish.

At a starting price of $45,400 including the destination charge, the UX 250h arrives with plenty of standard equipment. The base model includes active-safety technologies such as emergency braking plus lane-departure warning and pedestrian detection. Backup alert and blind-spot warning are optional, as is a power moonroof and a hands-free power-opening hatchback. These features come with the Premium trim level, along with heated and ventilated front seats.

The optional F Sport Design comes with unique 18-inch five-spoke wheels with run-flat tires, LED fog lamps and color-keyed exterior trim. The F Sport Handling option includes sharper suspension tuning and sport-style front seats with added bolsters.

The UX 250h does have its limitations Ï㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥“ and benefits Ï㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥“ because of its compact dimensions and modest power. But its excellent fuel economy and fun-to-drive demeanour make it worth considering.

The UX is 18 centimetres shorter than the NX, but the UX only gives up five centimetres between the front and rear wheels. PHOTO: LEXUS
The UX is 18 centimetres shorter than the NX, but the UX only gives up five centimetres between the front and rear wheels. PHOTO: LEXUS

What you should know: 2023 Lexus UX 250h

Type: All-wheel-drive compact utility vehicle

Engine (h.p.): 2.0-litre I-4 with three electric motors (181)

Transmission: Continuously variable (CVT)

Market position: The UX hybrid is the smallest and most affordable vehicle in LexusÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s lineup and competes against similarly sized and priced compact utilities from Audi, BMW, Cadillac and Mercedes-Benz.

Points: Edgy design is a Lexus hallmark. Ï㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥¢ Interior styling gives off a quality vibe. Ï㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥¢ Hybrid power system emphasizes fuel economy over performance. Ï㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥¢ Continuously variable transmission is smooth. Ï㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥¢ Limited cargo space compared with other premium compact utilities might dissuade some folks. Ï㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥¢ Should entice more youthful buyers into Lexus showrooms.

Active safety: Blind-spot warning with cross-traffic backup alert (opt.); active cruise control (std.); front and rear emergency braking (opt.); inattentive-driver alert (std.); lane-departure warning (std.); pedestrian/cyclist detection (std.)

5.7/6.2 Base price (incl. destination): $45,400

BY COMPARISON

BMW X1 xDrive28i

  • Base price: $49,750
  • Redesigned 2023 model has a 241-h.p 2.0-litre turbo I-4. AWD is standard.

Audi Q3

  • Base price: $43,800
  • All-wheel-drive compact offers two turbo I-4s making 184 and 228 h.p.

Cadillac XT4

  • Base price: $41,100
  • Smallest of the brandÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s utilities comes with a 235-h.p. turbo I-4. AWD is opt.

Ï㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥“ written by Malcom Gunn, Managing Partner at Wheelbase Media

If youÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™re interested in new or used vehicles, be sure to visit to find your dream car today! Like us on and follow us on



About the Author: Black Press Media Staff

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