2019 Lexus UX Hybrid

The UX is Lexus's smallest crossover, and the hybrid UX250h borrows many of the same design elements, with only minor changes. The UX 250h receives hybrid and model name badging, sits on 18-inch five-spoke alloy wheels painted in dark gray with a machined finish, and is fitted with bi-LED headlamps, LED taillamps and integrated daytime running lights. The UX 250h F-Sport receives unique exterior styling in the front and rear bumpers, grille and badging and holds LED foglights and cornering lamps. The UX 250h Luxury model features a power moonroof, and electrochromic power-folding outside mirrors with auto tilt-down in reverse.

The UX 250h is suitably compact by class standards measuring 177 inches from bumper to bumper with a wheelbase of 103.9 inches. It is 72.2 inches wide with a total height of 60.6 inches. By design, the UX 250h has been purposefully manufactured to be as lightweight as possible with a curb weight of 3,605 pounds. However, with the weight of a battery pack and electric motors, the hybrid variant is more than 300 pounds heavier than the non-hybrid model.

The base and Luxury UX 250h have nine exterior color options including Silver Lining Metallic, Autumn Shimmer, Caviar, Obsidian, and for an additional cost of $595 Cadmium Orange. The UX 250h F-Sport receives exclusive access to Ultra White and the Ultrasonic Blue Mica 2.0, which holds an additional charge of $595. The Redline exterior looks most striking, complementing the black exterior accents and acclaimed Lexus grille, and enhances the sleek, sport-like character of the UX. As for the UX 250h F-Sport, we recommend the sharp shade of blue, simply because there is just nothing else like it.

As a hybrid vehicle, the UX200h is not focused for performance but that does not mean it lacks in the sector, drawing outputs of 181 hp from a combination of its 2.0-liter inline-four engine with integrated dual electric motor-generators and a nickel-metal hydride battery pack regulated by a continuously variable automatic transmission. The UX 250h model offers all-wheel-drive by virtue of a dedicated third electric motor-generator with 7 hp output integrated into the rear differential. This engages during accelerating, cornering or when the stability control detects that the vehicle requires more traction. Acceleration from a standstill is met with a surge of instant power thanks to the electric motors, from there onward, power is always sufficient and delivered adequately to the drivers' input.

The UX 250h retains Lexus' characteristic ride quality and comfort, the standard suspension handles most road surfaces with grace and maintains composure suited to that of inner-city driving. Its compact dimensions and moderate wheelbase can emphasize undulations and larger uneven road surfaces, but, along with reassuringly weighted steering, the UX 250h holds a favorably tight turning circle and thus easily maneuvers between traffic and through tight bends. The UX 250h feels more like a standard car than a crossover SUV. The UX 250h F-Sport, however, has a stiffer ride quality due to the F-Sport-tuned suspension. On the flip side, it provides the UX 250h with poised handling dynamics and improved stability. Engaging the Sport Mode in the UX 250h sharpens throttle response times for added fun behind the wheel.

As one of the most fuel-efficient hybrid vehicles available on the American market, the UX 250h offers class-leading EPA estimates of 41/38/39 mpg city/highway/combined. With its 10.6-gallon gas tank capacity combined with its electric motor-generators and battery, the UX 250h can motor on for a superlative range of around 413.4-miles in mixed driving conditions. For comparison and to illustrate Lexus' proficiency with hybrid technology, the 2019 Mini Countryman Hybrid is much less efficient with 27 mpg on the combined cycle while the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid comes close with EPA estimates of 41/37/39 mpg.

The UX 250h seats five occupants in a fittingly compact two-row cabin. The front seats are comfortable and supportive and are eight-way power-adjustable with two-way lumbar support for the driver, permitting most drivers to easily find a suitable driving position ergonomically behind the controls and with adequate visibility overall. Ergonomics and room in the front cabin are adequate. Moving to the rear cabin, however, discloses the UX 250's major drawback, considerably limited legroom, and albeit headroom remains decent even for adults, the form of the rear pillars elicits a claustrophobic sense and makes reaching out to close the rear doors a chore.

The compact nature of the UX 250h comes with some unfavorable compromises, the hybrid catering for only 17.1 cubic feet of trunk space. That's about enough room for a few gym bags and laptop cases. Further inconvenience is brought by a shallow trunk space along with the trunk lid that opens with high lift-over height.

In-cabin storage comprises a cavernous front center console below the armrest, a suitably sized glovebox, and dual cupholders integrated with the center console. The rear cabin gets a single seatback map pocket on the passengers' side and the center seat backrest folds down to reveal dual cupholders.

Standard features in the base UX 250h include SmartAccess with push-button Start/Stop, Drive Mode Select with Sport, Normal and ECO drive modes, a seven-inch color LCD multi-information display, dual-zone automatic climate control with interior air filter, leather-trimmed steering wheel and shift knob, folding tonneau cover, and an electronic parking brake. The Luxury UX 250h is slightly more comprehensive of comfort and convenience-oriented features, receiving a Lexus Memory System for the driver's seat, outside mirrors and the steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, wirelessly powered LED-illuminated air-vent knobs, and a power tilt-and-slide moonroof. The F-Sport UX 250h is adorned with performance-oriented features such as bolstered front sport seats, perforated leather-trimmed shift knob and steering wheel with paddle shifters, performance digital gauges with a moving dial, and an eight-inch information display.

The standard multimedia system is installed with Lexus Enform App Suite 2.0, the set up in the base UX 250h comprises a seven-inch touchscreen display with Lexus' six-speaker premium sound system. Scout GPS Link with MapStream is compatible and is complimentary for the first three years of ownership. Subscription-free Traffic and Weather updates are provided via the HD radio, the Lexus Enform Remote app and Amazon Alexa compatibility are complimentary for the first year of ownership. The UX 250h also features Lexus Enform Wi-Fi hotspot which comes with a 4GB/one-year trial. Apple CarPlay functionality is feasible but Android Auto has not been admitted. There is also Bluetooth, Voice command and Siri Eyes Free capability. The Luxury UX 250h receives a navigation system, a 10.3-inch central display, and an eight-speaker sound system. There are two USB ports and an auxiliary input in the front center console and two USB quick chargers in the rear.

The 2019 Lexus UX 250h has not been subject to any major recalls as yet and has to date received no driver complaints. That said, it must be recognized that the UX 250h is extremely new to the market. Lexus covers the UX 250h with a four-year/50,000-mile basic warranty and a six-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty. The hybrid system is covered for eight-years/100,000-miles.

By reason of its very recent entry to the market, the UX 250h has not yet been crash-tested by either the NHTSA or the IIHS. Nevertheless, the UX 250h in true Lexus fashion has been outfitted with a good assortment of standard safety features and advanced driver assists.

Within its segment, the 2019 Lexus UX 250h is an exceptional hybrid vehicle. It's super fuel-economical offering the best MPG of any non-plug in-hybrid CUV and SUV in the US market by virtue of its state-of-the-art hybrid system and Lexus' engineering ingenuity. Albeit efficiency-oriented, the UX 250h powertrain remains highly responsive and delivers smooth acceleration in keeping with Lexus' acclaimed ride quality. The interior is appealing and rich in comfort, convenience, and tech features, and in true Lexus fashion, is equipped with an appreciable selection of safety and advanced driver assists. Though not as powerful or lively as many rivals, the UX 250h is still fun to drive and the F-Sport model accentuates that with added driver engagement and improved handling. The UX 250h is no family hauler, however, alternate crossovers offer more rear cabin room and more trunk and cargo capacity. If you're looking to travel with more than two occupants on a regular basis, then we'd suggest looking at alternative crossovers, the UX 250h is otherwise perfect for a young couple.

The base UX 250h is Lexus' most affordable hybrid vehicle with an MSRP starting at $34,150 increasing to $36,150 for the sportier and more performance-oriented UX 250h F-Sport. Opting for the feature comprehensive Luxury UX 250h increases the starting MSRP to $39,350. All the above-mentioned prices are excluding Lexus' delivery, processing, and handling fee of $1,025, and exclude tax, registration, and licensing fees. Dealerships may also offer dealer-specific incentives.

The UX 250h base model is the most sensible option of the lineup, it's the most affordable model and features all the niceties and elements that a subcompact crossover SUV should. The F-Sport model seems unsuited for the UX 250h as it is a non-performance-oriented hybrid vehicle with minimal power output and an efficiency-minded powertrain. The price increase to the Luxury model is easily avoidable, as all the available optional packages and standalone extras can get the base model equipped to a similar level. We recommend including the Navigation System standalone option which includes a 10.3-inch color multimedia display, Dynamic Voice Command, Lexus Enform Dynamic Navigation (complimentary for up to the first three years of ownership), Lexus Enform Destination Assist (complimentary for the first year of ownership), Lexus eight-speaker premium sound system, auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink garage door opener, and a power tilt-and-telescopic steering column, which will up the base price by only $2,200. Adding the $1,175 Premium Package will keep the price below that of the Luxury model and adds heated and ventilated front seats, power tilt-and-slide moonroof, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and Washi interior trim.

The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid generates 40 more ponies than the UX 250h, which along with better acceleration, makes it powerful enough to hold a 1,750-pound towing capacity while the UX 250h has no towing capability at all. Regardless of the additional power, the RAV4 still manages to present almost identical gas mileage results. The Toyota also offers more than double the trunk capacity of the UX 250h, with a low load height and wide opening for easy access making it the better utility vehicle. Cabin room in the RAV4 is greater to that of the UX 250h's as well, but the front seats are set oddly high, while the front seats of the UX 250h are more comfortable and ergonomic overall. There is nothing that the UX 250h offers that the RAV4 doesn't, but the RAV4 has a lot more to offer and at the same cost, making it the better value for money buy and the superior vehicle overall.

The NX 300h is mounted with a slightly more powerful 2.5-liter engine that is not nearly as fuel-efficient as the UX 250h yet gets to the 60 mph mark in the same amount of time. The NX 300h also has less trunk capacity than the UX 250h but can tow a maximum of 1,500 pounds with the addition of the available tow hitch receiver. Both being Lexus vehicles the UX and NX deliver a comfortable ride quality and luxurious interiors, and come stocked with an appreciable range of vehicle features and safety and advanced driver assists. What that also means, however, is that both vehicles share Lexus' unintuitive infotainment Remote Touch Interface. The NX 300h holds an advantage in the additional rear cabin space it offers above the UX 250h, but it's because of the UX 250's nimble handling and impressive mileage that make it the better value for money vehicle and the better hybrid overall.