Overview
The 2024 UX250h is the smallest car Lexus makes, and it might surprise you to learn that this little hybrid is considered an SUV. From the looks of it, the UX is really just a slightly taller hatchback, and that helps set it apart from more upright offerings like the BMW X1 or the Mercedes-Benz GLB-class. Under the hood is a 181-hp hybrid powertrain driving either the front or all four wheels. In either case, the UX250h is not particularly quick, but it’s peppy enough to keep up with both city and highway traffic without causing its driver anxiety. Inside, the UX’s cabin is nicely appointed but less roomy than its rivals. Lexus isn’t targeting families with the pint-sized UX, which is better suited for single city-dwellers. A pair of adults would find it plenty spacious for a long-distance jaunt and its fuel-efficient powertrain opens more opportunity for thriftier road trips.
What’s New for 2024?
The UX250h receives an available hands-free power liftgate for 2024 but otherwise it’s the same SUV that Lexus sold last year.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
We’d go with the F Sport Handling version that brings a sportier suspension, more supportive front seats, and a slick-looking gauge cluster—among other enhancements. Of the two available packages, we’d pick the Premium option that includes heated front seats, rain-sensing windshield wipers, better interior materials, and a sunroof. Finally, we’d recommend adding a head-up display, heated steering wheel, power liftgate, and wireless charging.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The Lexus UX is powered by a 181-hp four-cylinder hybrid powertrain paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and either front- or all-wheel drive. The UX250h we tested in 2019 proved to be half-asleep, needing 8.6 seconds to reach 60 mph. Thankfully, it had good steering feel and a quiet refinement that proved endearing enough to help make up for its lack of quickness. An F Sport package brings a sportier tune to the suspension, 18-inch wheels on run-flat tires, and exclusive interior and exterior appointments.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
As is common with hybrid vehicles, the UX is better at saving fuel around town than on the Interstate, with EPA estimated ratings of 43 mpg city, and 41 mpg highway with front-wheel drive and 41 mpg city and 38 mpg highway with all-wheel drive. That was proven when we tested an all-wheel-drive 2019 UX250h on our 75-mph highway fuel-economy test route—part of our extensive testing regimen—and it returned only 31 mpg, 7 mpg lower than its EPA estimate. For more information about the UX’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Inside, Lexus ensures that passengers know this is a luxury vehicle thanks to an attractive layout and posh materials. It also boasts standard features that including dual-zone climate control and power-adjustable front seats. The experience can be elevated with options such as heated and ventilated front seats, a head-up display, and snazzier materials. While the back seat is far from spacious, it’s also not as cramped as one might expect. Unfortunately, the cargo area behind those seats is skimpy. We managed to fit only four carry-on suitcases back there; by comparison, we could cram an extra three carry-ons in the rear of the BMW X1.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Every UX has a touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot, and four USB ports. The little Lexus also can be enhanced with numerous options that include a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen, built-in navigation, wireless charging, and an eight-speaker premium audio system.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Every model is also equipped with standard driver-assistance technology via Lexus’s Safety System+ 2.5 suite of features. That includes automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist, and an adaptive cruise control system with lane-centering. For more information about the UX’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
- Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
- Standard adaptive cruise control with a lane-centering feature
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Lexus provides a competitive limited warranty and an even better powertrain warranty. The automaker also includes a short period of complimentary scheduled maintenance.
- Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers six years or 70,000 miles
- Complimentary maintenance is covered for one year or 10,000 miles
Specifications
Specifications
2019 Lexus UX250h
VEHICLE TYPE: front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door hatchback
PRICE AS TESTED: $38,240 (base price: $35,025)
ENGINE TYPE: DOHC 16-valve Atkinson-cycle 2.0-liter inline-4, 143 hp, 133 lb-ft; 1 permanent-magnet synchronous AC motor; 1 induction AC motor; combined output, 181 hp
TRANSMISSION: continuously variable automatic with manual shifting mode
CHASSIS
Suspension (F/R): struts/multilink
Brakes (F/R): 12.0-in vented disc/11.1-in disc
Tires: Bridgestone Turanza EL450 RFT, 225/50RF-18 95V M+S
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 103.9 in
Length: 177.0 in
Width: 72.4 in
Height: 59.8 in
Passenger volume: 85 cu ft
Cargo volume: 17 cu ft
Curb weight: 3600 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
Zero to 60 mph: 8.6 sec
Zero to 100 mph: 23.8 sec
Zero to 110 mph: 32.5 sec
Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 9.4 sec
Top gear, 30–50 mph: 3.9 sec
Top gear, 50–70 mph: 5.6 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 16.6 sec @ 86 mph
Top speed (governor limited): 112 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 173 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad*: 0.86 g
*stability-control-inhibited
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 31 mpg
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/city/highway: 39/41/38 mpg
