Hello, 2025 Lexus UX 300h! Why do I sound so excited? Well, because this little compact SUV that could - did. As in, it's now more powerful, just as I knew it could be. (If you look back at my 2022 UX 250h review you'll see more horsepower was on my wish list.) This year, Lexus bids farewell to the 250h, and replaces it solely with the 300h. It's the first Lexus vehicle equipped with the brand's fifth generation hybrid system. The UXh also ushers in some other new features for 2025 as well.
Exterior
My test vehicle is certainly attention grabbing in new-for-2025 Copper Crest matched with a Black Obsidan Roof. My F Sport Handling test vehicle receives the sporty design treatment.
We're talking F SPORT 18-inch split-five-spoke alloy Gray Metallic wheels and sporty black elements from the grille to the roof rails along with F Sport badging. It's equipped with Bi-LED headlights, LED fog and cornering lights and LED tail lights. A blade light stretches across the tail end with 120 LED lights. Another defining feature is the roof's wing-type spoiler.
Powertrain
Back to the big news for 2025. The updated, more powerful hybrid powertrain. A new fifth-generation hybrid system pairs an inline four-cylinder 2.0-liter gas engine with two motor-generators and a continuously variable transmission. The new system delivers 196-horsepower verses the outgoing system's 181 hp. Okay, it's still not 200 horses but I enjoyed the added ponies. The UX can be equipped with all-wheel drive system, but my test vehicle is front-wheel drive.
Interior
Lexus interiors are always welcome sights. That is certainly true for Lexus' smallest SUV. There's a lot of quality craftsmanship packed into this small luxury SUV. There's also an added refinement in the cabin for 2025, thanks to a new button layout and new chrome-finished ornamentation on the door panels. Add to that, the F Sport Handling also benefits from exclusive new hairline finishing on the door panels and center console. It really looks sleek and sophisticated.
In terms of roominess, the UX is what I'd call cozy and comfortable. My test vehicle's driver-centric cabin sports a black interior with minimal red contrast stitching. Nuluxe-trimmed F Sport front seats with enhanced bolsters stand out as one of my favorite features. While the seats are on the smaller side, the 8-way power driver's seat is supportive and cushiony. Both front seats are power and heated.
The F Sport leather-trimmed, heated steering wheel with paddle shifters looks and feels great. Above it you find a 12.3-inch digital driver display that I really like. It's simple and easy to read. The center stack keeps things uncomplicated without haptic controls and sticks to traditional dual zone climate buttons.
A sleek center console looks fantastic with the aforementioned hairline finishing. Another change for 2025: a new shift-by-wire automatic transmission with a much shorter perforated-leather gear shift knob. The center console is also where you find two cup holders as well as climate functions, an electronic parking brake, and brake hold.
F Sport Handling features also include aluminum sport pedals, rain sensing wipers, a power moonroof and you gotta love the detail of the F Sport door sills.
The 60/40 second-row is just as comfy, though due to stadium seating you'll lose some precious headroom that was already in short supply, as is to be expected this being a compact SUV. The cushiony seats provide plenty of comfort, but the headrests seem on the particularly small side. Soft-touch surfaces abound from the drop-down center console to the seat back pockets.
There's not a ton of window real estate in back due to higher door panels, and slimmer windows. For this reason, I would appreciate a panoramic sunroof to give back row passengers more natural light.
Cargo space (17.2 cubic-feet) won't afford you many suitcases, but it's great if you travel on the lighter side or for groceries. There's a nice tonneau cover to hide your valuables. New for 2025, the F Sport Handling gains a kick sensor lift gate. An adjustable rear cargo deck board adds some flexibility.
Technology
A wonderful 12.3-inch multi-information touchscreen display with navigation is standard on the F SPORT Handling. It has wonderful graphics and screen quality. The responsive multimedia system is compatible with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Voice Command, which you can enable simply by saying "Hey Lexus", works great and a Lexus 10-speaker Premium Sound System sounds terrific.
There are five USB-C ports in the cabin. Two up front and two for the second row. There's a USB as well in the center console. My tester also has an available wireless charger.
Ride and Drive
The UX F Sport Handling is a fun, sporty luxury compact SUV to drive. Power felt great. Steering is engaging in Sport and exclusive to the F Sport Handling, Sport+ mode. It accelerates well on the highway when using the paddle shifters.
The UX is on the heavier side and it has a low center of gravity which gives it really nice handling. The F SPORT Handling model is also equipped with an Active Variable Suspension which sharpens up handling and also enhances ride comfort which I have to say is impressive. I did note the turning radius was on the wider side, and it's not as quiet as large Lexus models.
As a hybrid, fuel economy is impressive at 43 mpg combined rating on FWD equipped models. Fuel economy drops slightly to 41 mpg rating with AWD.
Of note, a window decal on my test vehicle gives a heads up that the vehicle is equipped with high-performance tires, which may not make it to 20,000 miles depending on driving conditions.
Safety
New for 2025, the UX benefits from Lexus' latest safety system, Lexus Safety System+ 3.0. It's really terrific technology. It includes Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection with some new features: Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist and Left Turn Oncoming Vehicle Detection/Braking.
LSS+ 3.0 also includes All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Tracing Assist, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Road Sign Assist and Proactive Driving Assist - which I consider to be an exceptional semi-autonomous driving feature.
Other standard UX safety features include Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Safe Exit Alert.
F Sport Handling is also equipped with Intuitive Parking Assist and my vehicle is equipped with a really nice optional color Head-Up Display.
Options and What You'll Pay
As is typical for Lexus, there's a lengthy list of available options. My test vehicle includes: wireless phone charger ($75), Cold Area Package ($100), Head-Up Display ($900), Premium Paint ($595), Bi-Tone Paint ($350), Alloy Wheel Locks ($85) and Carpet Cargo Mat ($140.)
Add it all up and options add roughly $5K to the base price of the F Sport Handling trim, bringing the MSRP to just north of $48,000.
Verdict
The Lexus UXh gets some great updates for 2025 - its upgraded hybrid powertrain first on the list. A more refined cabin is also alluring as are its great driving dynamics and cabin creature comforts. If you don't need a lot of room to haul things or people around, it's a great choice in the compact luxury segment.
- What I Liked Most: More power, sport bolstered driver seat, refined cabin elements, and Driving Dynamics.
- What I would change: Add a panoramic sunroof and why are we still paying for a wireless charger in a top trim?
- Total MSRP: Base price: $44,805; As equipped: $48,200.
- Fuel Economy: 45 city/41 highway/ 43 combined.
- Odometer reading when tested: 55 miles.
- Weight: 3,455 pounds.
- Spare Tire: Run-flat tires.
- Length-Width-Height: 176.97”/ 72.44"/60.63”.
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 10.6 gallons with the filler on the driver’s side.
- Towing Capacity: N/A.
- Official Color: Copper Crest with OB. ($595 + $350).
- 2025 Lexus UX 300h F Sport Handling in a few words: A fun to drive, stylish and comfortable luxury compact SUV with some great updates for 2025.
- Warranty: 4-year/50,000 mile bumper-to-bumper with roadside assistance, 6-year/70,000 mile powertrain warranty, 6-year/Unlimited Mile Perforated Corrosion/8-year/100,000 mile mild hybrid component coverage/10-year, 150,000 mile hybrid battery coverage.
- Final Assembly Location: Miyawka, Fukuoka, Japan.
- Manufacturer's website: Lexus
