2025 Lexus UX Review

The 2025 Lexus UX has received a power bump – and a new moniker change to match.
A couple years after switching to a hybrid-only powertrain, the brand’s smallest crossover is now known as the UX 300h to reflect the adoption of the automaker’s fifth-generation gas-electric system.

The 2025 UX 300h starts at $45,810, including a non-negotiable delivery fee of $2,205. From there, you can add one of three packages: F Sport Design, Luxury, or the F Sport 2 kit added to this tester. Along with an optional coat of paint, it rang in at $53,549 before tax. Because the UX doesn’t get plugged in, it isn’t eligible for any federal or provincial rebates.

Styling: 8/10

The UX is well-proportioned for its size, and even the signature Lexus spindle grille, which can be overwhelming on larger vehicles, is muted and seems more fitting here. Inside, the cabin looks and feels high-quality, anchored by a 12.3-inch touchscreen hee; an eight-inch unit is standard. The F Sport 2 package also adds sport-style seats wrapped in faux leather.

Safety: 8/10

The United States National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gives the 2025 Lexus UX its highest five-star rating overall, although that includes four stars for frontal crash. At the non-profit Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the 2024 model received the top “Good” rating for the original front crash and the updated side smash, which now better simulates being struck by a large SUV. However, in the updated front crash that now also assesses potential injury to a rear-seat passenger, it received a score of “Marginal.” It gets a Good+ rating for ease of use of its child seat tether anchors.

All models include such driver-assist technologies as adaptive cruise control, emergency front braking, pedestrian detection and braking, including when turning, lane-keep assist, road sign recognition, highway driving assist, blind-spot monitoring, and the government-mandated back-up camera. The optional packages can add a head-up display and self-parking assist.

Features: 8/10

All trims come with 18-inch wheels, LED headlights with washers, rain-sensing wipers, and a power sunroof. There’s also an auto-dimming mirror, heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated seats, eight-inch screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connections, cargo privacy cover, and dual-zone climate control.

But some items require adding a package, including that 12.3-inch screen, a similarly-sized digital instrument display, head-up display, hands-free tailgate, driver’s seat memory settings, an integrated garage door opener, power-folding mirrors, and a wireless charger. That last one is an odd option in a premium vehicle when it’s standard in so many mainstream models these days.

User-Friendliness: 8/10

The UX’s touchscreen is intuitive, with simple menus and a dial to control the stereo volume. Climate functions are handled with toggle switches, while the heated and ventilated seats, and heated steering wheel, are controlled by buttons on the centre console. Buttons on the steering wheel also take care of several functions, although the cruise control can be a bit tough to figure out if you haven’t consulted the owner’s manual first.

Practicality: 6/10

The UX is limited by its subcompact footprint. That’s the case with most small vehicles, of course, but the UX’s mere 487 L of cargo space falls well short of many similarly-sized models from other automakers, where 650 L and up is the norm. However, its bi-level floor is helpful when transporting tall items, or hiding cargo below. You can also fold the 60/40 rear seats to carry long items, although Lexus doesn’t publish a volume figure in this configuration.

There also isn’t a lot of small-item space up front. Previously, the UX had an infotainment touchpad on the centre console. It now uses a touchscreen, but rather than redesign the console, Lexus put the seat heater controls in its place, rather than add storage space.

Comfort: 9/10

Those in the front seats enjoy generous legroom and sculpted seats that are heated and ventilated. The ride is impressively smooth and quiet for a vehicle this small. Things are much different in the rear seats, however,where passengers get a mere 842 mm (33.1 in) of legroom and will no doubt hope that those in the front slide their seats forward.

Power: 8/10

The Lexus UX 300h is powered by a 2.0L four-cylinder engine that, on its own, makes 150 hp and 139 lb-ft of torque. The new hybrid system brings that to a net of 196 hp when gas and electricity are working together – up from 181 hp previously. The system uses an automatic continuously-variable transmission (CVT), while standard all-wheel drive (AWD) is courtesy of a rear electric motor that contributes fuel-free power to those back wheels when extra traction is needed.

The UX isn’t terribly swift but it gets the job done, handling city traffic and passing at highway speed better than the last-generation hybrid did. It automatically switches between gasoline, electricity, or a combination of both, depending on driving conditions.
Driving Feel: 8/10

The UX isn’t a sporty driver as its looks might suggest, but it’s fine as an everyday commuter. There isn’t much feedback through the steering wheel, but it responds quickly, takes curves smoothly, and brakes well. It’s confident on the highway, easy to park, and generally a decent driver overall.

Fuel Economy: 9/10

Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) rates the 2025 UX 300h at 5.3 L/100 km in the city, 5.9 on the highway, and 5.6 in combined driving. In my week with it, I averaged 6.1, and it runs on regular-grade gasoline. The UX 300h doesn’t really have any hybrid subcompact rivals in this premium segment, and its gasoline-only equivalents are all around 8.0 L/100 combined or higher.

Value: 8/10

The 2025 UX 300h ranges from $45,810 to $53,549, and all trims are hybrid. For that reason, it’s difficult to compare it to other premium brands, since their subcompacts come with gas-only drivetrains. These include the 2024 versions of the Audi Q3 at $44,115 to $53,565; the BMW X1, starting at $49,380; the Cadillac XT4 at $47,399 to $51,199 in AWD, among others.

The Verdict

The 2025 Lexus UX is a niche vehicle, and not just because of its hybrid powertrain. It’s well-sized for city streets, but its subpar cargo capacity and cramped rear seat reduces its practicality. Its interior is among the best, though; and while it’s not all that sporty, it’s a very comfortable driver and with excellent fuel economy. Think of it as a small car for two that can take a couple more people in a pinch; and for those who can relate to that, the UX might just be the right choice.