Lexus calls the UX 250h a crossover SUV with best-in-class turning radius and gas effectivity. We name it a luxurious hatchback with crossover pretenses. Yes, you will get an AWD model of the UX, however the capacity to distribute traction doesn’t a crossover SUV make. Nonetheless, the model of the 2023 Lexus UX 250h we evaluated — F Sport Handling AWD — is a classy luxurious crossover SUV that boasts a spread of options that may be discovered in lots of SUVs in its worth class however, when appraised as a hatchback, there are few in its worth class within the American market.
Nonetheless, with a mix of favor, luxurious and efficiency in a package deal that’s uncommon within the crossover class, the Lexus UX 250h could have extra attraction for many who want to expertise gas effectivity and luxurious with out the trimmings of climbing right into a 5,000-pound car. Be certain to take a look at the video under because it provides you with an in-depth take a look at the options and efficiency of this quasi-SUV.
Exterior
The Lexus UX 250h options loads of creases and tucks that complement the triangular theme that Lexus leaned into a number of years in the past. These days, the spindle grille has discovered its mojo after unceremoniously slathered onto each Lexus’ nostril, no completely different than when Audi determined it wanted to exponentially improve the scale of its grille 20 years in the past. As such, the UX 250h typically comes off as a mini-Lexus RX with sufficient utility for a fast jaunt to Whole Foods due to 17.1 cu-ft behind the second row, however maintain your Home Depot procuring listing restricted to instruments and glue.
To its goal market, the US 250h comes off as considerably sporty, although we aren’t the goal market and our opinion could distinction. Nonetheless, the UX 250h could seem sportier whenever you go up the trim ranges from the bottom, which incorporates color-keyed “overfenders” wheel nicely bulges, extra aggressive entrance fascia and black distinction roof, the latter two being options of each F Sport fashions, Design and Handling. Both F Sports additionally function 18-inch F Sport alloy wheels that subtly distinguish themselves from the 18-inchers on the bottom and UX 250h Premium fashions.
Color selections are of no assist to the indecisive as there are 9 colours through which to pick. If you go along with the UX 250h F Sport Handling, shade selections are restricted to 6, with Ultrasonic Blue Mica 2.0 being the one on our check automobile.
Interior
The inside of the 2023 Lexus UX 250h F Sport Handling is a mixture of (shock!) luxurious and sport. The F Sport Handling mannequin provides very enticing sport seats with distinctive upholstery plus race-inspired instrumentation, aluminum pedals and entrance door scuff plates, perforated leather-based steering wheel and shift knob, and extra. The cabin has sufficient legroom and headroom for entrance and rear passengers, although we wouldn’t advocate three within the rear except they’re very aware of one another.
All UX 250h fashions save the F Sport Handling function a typical eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, however the F Sport Handling contains a 12.3-inch improve; it’s obtainable as an choice for the UX 250h Premium. Likewise, all fashions save the F Sport Handling function a seven-inch shade multi-informational show (aka “instrument panel”) whereas important data for the F Sport Handling is displayed in a single that’s an inch bigger.
Performance
All variations of the Lexus UX 250h are powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electrical motor to provide a mixed 181 horsepower — for such sporting pretensions, it appears extra like bench-warmer. Like most hybrid powertrains, it’s mated to a constantly variable transmission that gives clean acceleration, although nobody would accuse it of being brisk. In truth, Lexus’ personal exams counsel the FWD model is quicker than the AWD model, which is counter to most automobiles. The EPA has rated the UX 250h at an estimated 41 metropolis, 38 mpg freeway and 39 mixed, which is sort of beneficiant for a automobile masquerading as an SUV.
A shiny aspect to the UX 250h F Sport Handling is its sport-tuned suspension that gives a agency but comfy experience, with the Handling mannequin providing extra drive modes to lend credence to its appropriated title. Steering feels exact and responsive, making it simple to maneuver in tight areas in comparison with your common crossover. Our UX 250h F Sport Handling additionally featured the choice of all-wheel drive, one thing that’s elective for all UX fashions.
Features
The Lexus UX 250h F Sport Handing comes with a spread of options that embrace the next:
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
- 10-speaker premium audio system
- Available WiFi and different related applied sciences
- Heated outer mirrors
- Automatic dual-zone local weather management with rear vents
- Adjustable rear cargo deckboard
- Power moonroof
- Auto-dimming rear mirror with HomeHyperlink
- Lexus Memory System for driver’s seat and out of doors mirrors
- Active Sound Control
- Paddle shifters
Safety
A variety of security options additionally embrace:
- 10 airbags
- Pre-collision system with pedestrian detection
- Dynamic radar cruise management
- Lane tracing help
- Lane departure alert with steering help
- Road signal help
- Blind spot monitoring
- Lexus Enform Safety Connect and Service Connect
Conclusion
Overall, the 2023 Lexus UX 250h F Sport is a high quality luxurious subcompact, however a lackluster crossover SUV. Some could also be drawn to its distinctive mix of efficiency, type and effectivity, however don’t anticipate utility something past your typical hatchback. The UX 250h F Sport Handling mannequin provides a sporty contact to the inside and, typically, its driving chops, whereas the hybrid powertrain offers a clean however unexciting driving expertise. With its superior security options and glorious gas economic system, the UX 250h F Sport is a stable selection for people searching for a luxurious subcompact however, in case you want practicality and driving enjoyable, there are extra conventional crossover selections available that may supply that candy spot.
