The new 2025 Lexus UX 300h luxury compact hybrid crossover replaces the previous UX 250h model featuring more power and amenities from a base model through a full complement of F Sport trims.
The UX 300h is the first Lexus vehicle to be powered by the new fifth-gen hybrid system that delivers up to 196 horsepower with fuel economy of 43 mpg. Available in both FWD and AWD, its new hybrid transaxle and lightweight lithium-ion battery deliver a more responsive performance.
Enhancing that performance are a MacPherson strut front suspension and trailing arm double wishbone type rear suspension attached to sub-frames specially tuned to deliver a combination of agility and comfort. Active Cornering Assist (ACA), integrated with Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), helps the vehicle trace the driver’s desired line through a turn by applying some brake control on the inside wheels, suppressing the tendency to understeer.
The 2025 UX 300h adds updated technology and safety features plus a new Copper Crest exterior color option.
Equipped with 18-inch wheels and running on Bridgestone Turanza run flat tires, this compact crossover is designed to be a driver’s delight.
AS TESTED
Last week, Lexus delivered us a just-arrived 2025 Lexus UX 300h F Sport Handling FWD luxury compact crossover to see what we thought of their latest.
Clad in a new Copper Crest color combined with an Obsidian roof plus F SPORT split 5-spoke alloy wheels, dark roof rails, power tilt-and-slide moonroof, rain-sensing windshield wipers, fog and cornering lamps, automatic headlamp leveling, painted wheel arch molding, power rear hatch with kick sensor, Intuitive Parking Assist and more – it was a sharp looker and turned out to be a very sharp ride as well.
Priced at MSRP $44,805 and delivered, with extras, at $48,200, we loved it. It should be on young folks, empty nesters and retired seniors shopping lists for that ‘right’ compact crossover.
POWERTRAIN
The new fifth-generation Lexus Hybrid System, pairs an inline four-cylinder 2.0-liter gas engine with electric motor-generators through a planetary-type continuously variable transmission. A lightweight lithium-ion battery has replaced the previous system’s nickel-metal hydride battery. The 60-cell battery is located under the rear seat, helping with passenger comfort and storage capacity.
A new hybrid transaxle has been adopted, enabling higher output of the front (83 kW) and (AWD) rear (30 kW) motors.
Shift-by-wire technology has also been introduced on the 2025 UX 300h converting shift operations into electrical signals. With no mechanical connections, the setup helps enable a quicker and more seamless shifting experience. Enhancing the driver experience is a Drive Mode system featuring NORMAL, SPORT, SPORT+ and ECO settings.
Those who follow me, know I typically prefer SPORT mode. In the case of our tested F Sport, the NORMAL setting was fine. BUT, along Hill Country roads and on the highway – I went to SPORT+ for the fun of it.
EXTERIOR
The 2025 Lexus UX 300h features the iconic Lexus spindle grille with its block-shape mesh pattern radiating out from the central Lexus emblem. The headlamp design features LED daytime running lights arranged in an arrowhead motif above the headlights complementing the Lexus L-shaped lighting signature.
From the side it reflects crisp, prominent sculpted surfaces with flared front and rear fenders and large wheels pushed to the corners, creating an agile, sporty stance.
At the rear combination rear lamps with unique Aero Stabilizing Blade Lights with a sequence of 120 LED’s spanning the rear of the vehicle, deliver a distinctive nighttime signature. A wing-type spoiler at the rear edge of the roof, along with a flat underbody, contribute to vehicle quietness, fuel efficiency, and aerodynamics.
INTERIOR
The UX 300h F Sport is equipped with an extremely handsome and well-crafted interior. It is exceptionally featured and very driver front passenger friendly.
The F Sport exclusive seats were 8-way power, heated and ventilated and trimmed in Black and Circuit Red NuLuxe.
Our F Sport included unique trim accent elements, aluminum footrest and scuff plate in addition to F SPORT-exclusive sports seats, a power steering column, heated steering wheel, shift knob, meters, and aluminum sports pedals.
Being compact vehicle, sometimes bigger folks like myself find the seating a bit cramped. The UX 300h F Sport is a real exception with its high seating position supported by plenty of adjustment front to back and up and down. PLUS its generously sized seat and back were just a right amount of firm and comfort. Well-done Lexus.
TECHNOLOGY et al
Our UX 300h F Sport Handling was equipped with a full range of Lexus convenience technology and connectivity features that included:
CONVENIENCE
- 12.3-inch Touchscreen with easy-to-use interface controls and menu operations similar to those found on smartphones and tablets. Its vivid display provides easy to read information for both driver and passenger. (Really well done)
- Wireless Apple CarPlay / Android Auto Compatibility allowing up to five Bluetooth enabled devices to be registered to the system with two connected at any time.
- Wireless Charging at the lower instrument panel.
- USB Ports for powering handheld devices are available front (3) and rear (2).
CONNECTIVITY
LEXUS CONNECT, available by free trail and/or subscription, included:
- Drive Connect featuring Cloud Navigation and Intelligent Assistant with ”Hey Lexus” voice command.
- Remote Connect uses the Lexus app to remotely lock or unlock the doors, start the vehicle and adjust the climate control, check vehicle health, and more. It includes a Digital Key feature that can be shared with up to seven additional people.
- Service Connect, through the Lexus app, can connect your Lexus and dealer to provide detailed maintenance reminders and Vehicle Health Reports.
- Safety Connect enables access to exceptional service in case of emergency/vehicle theft.
For added convenience, a color HEAD-UP Display displays essential information such as speedometer and shift position, navigational directions and key information during the use of Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Tracing Assist, and Road Sign Assist.
Learn more by going to https://www.lexus.com/My-Lexus/resources/connected-technology
SAFETY
The 2025 Lexus UX 300h features the latest generation Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 suite of technologies. Elements include:
- Pre-Collision System (PCS) with Pedestrian Detection with (new)
- Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist
- Left Turn Oncoming Vehicle Detection/Braking
- All-speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) with (new) Curve Speed Management
- Lane Tracing Assist (LTA)
- Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/SA)
- Road Sign Assist (RSA)
- Proactive Driving Assist (PDA)
- Safe Exit Alert
Learn more about the Lexus Safety and related systems at https://www.lexus.com/safety
In addition, the Lexus UX was rated a Top-Safety Pick+ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in 2023 and 2024. The 2025 model has not been rated as yet.
WARRANTY
The Lexus UX 300h warranty coverage includes:
- Base Vehicle Coverage – 48 months/50,000 miles
- Powertrain – 72 months/70,000 miles
- Hybrid Controls – 8 years/100,000 miles
More complete warranty information can be found at: https://www.lexus.com/warranty
LEXUS UX300h HYBRID LINEUP:
The 2025 Lexus UX 300h compact crossover lineup includes a Base model starting at $37,490 and a Premium model at $40,690. For the performance F Sport aficionado, there is the F Sport Design ($41,440) and the F Sport Handling ($43,010). All UX300h models are available in both FWD and AWD configurations.
Learn more about the 2025 Lexus UX 300h lineup at https://www.lexus.com/models/UX-hybrid.
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KEY DATA: 2025 Lexus UX 300h F Sport Handling – as tested
- Model: UX300
- Trim: F Sport
- Class: Compact Luxury SUV
- Seating: 5
- MSRP: $44,805
- As Tested: $48,200
- Powertrain: Hybrid
- Gas Engine: 2.0L In-line 4-cylinder 150 hp
- Electric Motor Front (83kW)
- Horsepower: Combined 196 hp
- Transmission: Continuously Variable (CVT)
- Drive System: FWD
- Drive Modes: Normal, Sport, Sport+, ECO
- Acceleration: 0-60 mph – 8.0 seconds
- Top Speed: 177 mph
- Ground Clearance: 6.3-inches
- Suspension: MacPherson Strut / Trailing Wishbone
- Brakes: Vented Disc / Solid Disc (F/R)
- Wheels: 18-inch
- Tires: Bridgestone Turanza
- Tire Size: 225/50 R18 AS
- Fuel Economy 44/41/43 City/Highway/Combined
- Fuel Tank: 10.6 gallons
- Range: 450 Highway Miles Combined
Source: Media Test Drive and Lexus Press Release Materials