While several cars exist in today’s market that take up less space than this Lexus UX, it also fits in a much smaller category of pint-size but large-feeling luxury SUVs. Models like the Audi Q3, BMW X2 and Mercedes-Benz GLA still attempt to engage the driver on the road, but Lexus takes more of the pampered approach. And, because this is the 250h hybrid, it doesn’t use a lot of fuel to do it.
You’ll feel relaxed driving the Lexus UX, just not engaged. And that’s in any of the three driving modes the UX offers: normal, sport and eco. There's no adjustable suspension here: The different modes change throttle behavior, steering assist and transmission behavior. Sport mode gives you the fastest throttle and heaviest steering, and also changes the instrument cluster screen, but little else.
Take a corner with any vigor and you’ll feel tons of body roll in the UX 250h. It’s totally competent, you never feel uneasy, but the 250h was clearly built with no intention of sporty driving in the least. Frankly, even having a sport driving mode feels out of place here.
Lexus claims a combined 181 hp from the 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine and two-electric-motor hybrid powertrain. One of the two motors hangs out in back, which makes the 250h a driveshaft-free all-wheel-drive utility. Again, none of it is terribly thrilling, but it's functional and rolls you down the road smoothly and quietly. And I managed 43.6 mpg on my drive, comfortably beating EPA ratings of 41 city, 38 highway, 39 combined.
Inside, styling is a bit quirky with knobs popping out on either side of the dashboard above the instrument cluster. On the left, traction control on/off; on the right, those three drive modes we discussed earlier. But, for whatever reason, it works for me. Perhaps I, too, am a bit quirky.
Regardless, I like the wide screen resting on top of the center console serving infotainment duties with an analog clock to the left that looks upscale. The stereo provides surprisingly crisp sound. And you have automatic hatch open and close, Qi wireless charging for your phone, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel among the creature comforts.
As a driving enthusiast, you wouldn’t be satisfied with the Lexus UX 250h, but you'd be quite happy to recommend one to your parents. It’s efficient, easy to park and comfortable to sit in. Put another way, you could spend more than $43,625 on something else and be a lot less comfortable on the road.
2020 Lexus UX 250h Luxury Specs
On Sale: Now
Base Price: $40,575 As-Tested Price: $43,625
Options: LED lighting system, $1,660; parking assist, $565; head-up display, $500; heated-steering wheel, $150; windshield deicer, $100; wireless charger, $75
Powertrain: 2.0-liter I-4 and electric motor hybrid, continuously variable transmission, AWD
Output: Engine: 169 hp at 6,600 rpm, 151 lb-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm, total system horsepower: 181
Wheelbase: 103.9 in
Length/Width/Height: 177.0/72.4/59.8 in
Curb Weight: 3,605 lb
Fuel Economy (City/Highway/Combined): 41/38/39 mpg
Pros: Comfortable, quiet and fuel efficient
Cons: Wet noodle handling
