Review - Lexus UX250h

Exploding in recent years, the compact SUV segment has become overcrowded and even confusing for some buyers that are absolutely spoiled for choice, which means the Lexus UX250h can often be drowned out by its more affordable competitors. 

The Lexus UX250h is a petrol-electric hybrid from a company well-respected for its premium creations, so just how well does the UX250h compact SUV stand against its long list of rivals? Let’s find out. 

Starting Price: $59,100

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Lexus UX250h (SPORTS LUXURY HYBRID) Specifications

For more details and other variants, check Lexus UX250h car page.

How Much Does It Cost?

The Lexus UX250h lineup kicks off from $59,100 for the entry-level UX250h Sports Luxury, with prices rising to $59,600 for the UX250h F Sport. From here, the range moves to the UX250h Sports Luxury AWD which is priced at $63,600, while the UX250h F Sport AWD is priced at $64,100.

Keep in mind that these prices are subject to change, do not include on-road costs, and there are a number of enhancement packages that can be added to the UX250h that change the final price. 

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What Features Does the Lexus UX250h Have?

The Lexus UX250h comes riding on 17-inch alloys, and receives adaptive cruise control, automatic LED headlights and LED daytime running lamps, dual-zone climate control, a reversing camera with parking sensors, heated front seats, power-folding mirrors, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alerts. 

Stepping up to the UX250h Luxury adds wireless smartphone charging, privacy glass, active cornering lights, a powered boot lift and headlight washers, while the UX250h Sports Luxury receives 18-inch alloys, ventilated seats, adaptive suspension, a surround-view camera and upgraded 13-speaker Mark Levinson sound system. 

Finally, the UX250h F Sport receives a panoramic sunroof, head-up display, smart key fob, and the same surround-view camera and sound system upgrade as the Sports Luxury.

Range Features:

• 17-inch alloys 

• Adaptive cruise control 

• LED headlights & daytime running lamps 

• Dual-zone climate control 

• Reversing camera with parking sensors 

• Heated front seats 

• Blind-spot monitoring 

• Rear cross-traffic alerts 

• Active cornering lights UX250h Luxury 

• Powered boot UX250h Luxury

• 18-inch alloys UX250h Sports Luxury

• Ventilated seats UX250h Sports Luxury

• Adaptive suspension UX250h Sports Luxury

• Surround-view camera UX250h Sports Luxury

• Panoramic sunroof (UX250h F Sport) 

• Head-up display (UX250h F Sport) 

• F Sport interior upgrades  (UX250h F Sport) 

Lexus UX250h Colours

The Lexus UX250h range is available in a choice of ten colour finishes, including Titanium, Carnelian, Caliente, Premium Silver, Cobalt Mica, Graphite Black, Mercury Grey, Khaki Metal, Onyx and White Nova. 

Is it Comfortable to Drive?

Lexus vehicles are renowned for their premium driving feel, and even in its shorter wheelbase proportions, the UX250h upholds the company’s reputation. 

Under the bonnet, you’ll find a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol connected to a battery pack that makes the UX250h a hybrid that charges the battery as you drive, adding to the fuel economy. 

You can hit the EV-mode button and cruise around silently on electric power alone, but if you mash the throttle enough, the petrol engine will kick back to life to replenish charge to the battery. 

As a package for the urban environment, the UX250h offers a healthy blend of instant acceleration from its hybrid powertrain and agile handling for the segment, making it one of the more entertaining compact SUVs you’ll find on the market. 

Around town, the steering remains lightweight and makes the UX250h easy to navigate through carparks and in tight quarter environments, while offering the driver a substantial amount of feedback as you pick up speed. 

The suspension in the base model is perhaps more suited to the urban environment, but higher-spec variants receive an adaptive suspension system that can iron out small and medium-sized bumps while mitigating body roll through the corners. 

Overall, though, the UX250h is a fabulous package for those looking for a comfortable, refined and user-friendly compact SUV that is a heap more fun to drive than the majority of its rivals.

Is it Practical and Spacious?

Stepping inside the UX250h is a treat for the driver and front passenger, with Lexus having established itself atop its competitors when it comes to the quality and execution of its interior designs. 

While it might be limited by its compact SUV platform, the front of the UX250h’s cabin is comfortable and accommodating to the majority of adults, meaning there’s no issues when it comes to head, leg or shoulder room in the front of the cabin, while the driving position and steering wheel are fully adjustable via electric controls. 

The dashboard is relatively uncrowded with a host of buttons for the climate settings available, while the central tunnel between the driver and front passenger houses a few dials for the navigation and infotainment system. 

All up, the design and quality of even the base model UX250h is impressive and will leave very few buyers disappointed. 

Practical elements in the front of the cabin include a pair of large door bins and cup holders, storage inside the folding arm rest and a small storage tray behind the gear lever for smartphones and loose items. 

Moving to the rear of the cabin, you’ll find a comfortable bench seat, however those compact SUV proportions begin to present some problems when it comes to rear leg and headroom in the back of the UX250h. 

It’s entirely possible to ride comfortably as an adult in the back of the UX250h, however, those taller than 185cm will find their knees up against the seat in front, while headroom is quite limited. 

Having said that, though, the cabin is perfect for kids and growing teenagers, which is complimented by a pair of ISOFIX anchors either side of the cabin and a trio of top tether points for child seats. 

In terms of boot space, the UX250h has a boot rated at 368L, which is slightly smaller than the 424L on offer in the UX200 due to the need to accommodate the large battery pack near the second row. 

Is it Safe?

The Lexus UX range has been awarded ANCAP’s maximum five-star safety rating, scoring 96% for adult protection, 88% for child protection, 82% for vulnerable road user protection and 83% for its safety assist technologies. 

As standard, the UX250h comes fitted with autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, forward-collision warnings, lane-departure and lane-keep assistance, eight airbags, a blind-spot monitor and rear-cross traffic alerts, making it well-equipped when it comes to safety equipment. 

Is it Fuel Efficient?

The UX250h has an official fuel economy figure rated at 4.5L/100km for the front-wheel drive variant, while the all-wheel drive UX250h is rated at 4.7L/100km on a combined cycle. 

This makes it a strong performer when it comes to fuel economy for the compact SUV segment thanks to its clever petrol-hybrid powertrain. 

Our Verdict: Is the Lexus UX250h Worth it?

If you’re looking for a stylish, premium and well-appointed compact SUV that remains a pleasure to drive around town, the Lexus UX250h is one of the leading options within the segment. 

Offering buyers a fabulous interior cabin combined with a clever petrol-electric hybrid engine, opting for the UX250h means you don’t have to make any sacrifices when choosing a fuel-efficient hybrid over other offerings on the market. 

It remains comfortable around town and a pleasure to drive as you pick up speed, making for one of the most dynamic yet sophisticated packages within the SUV segment. For that reason, we encourage you to add it to your shortlist.

On that note, if you’re in the market for a new car, you can get a free quote and see how much OnlineAuto can save you on your next car, or call us on 1300 719 925 

Five Specs You Need to Know

1. 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol-electric hybrid engine 

2. Five-star ANCAP safety rating 

3. Five-year/unlimited KM warranty 

4. Front-wheel-drive and AWD variants available 

5. 12-month/15,000km service intervals 

Pros 

• Outstanding interior design and finish 

• Smooth acceleration 

• Impressive fuel economy 

Cons

• Pricey upgrade packages 

• Limited second-row room for tall passengers

OnlineAuto Rating: 8.5/10

Lexus UX250h Competition