The SUV market is kind of funny. When the modern SUV, as we know it, was first created, it was relatively large. Think 1984 Jeep Cherokee XJ. Then, by the early-to-mid 1990s, we started to see the RAV4, the Honda CR-V, and the birth of the compact crossover (I know, AMC Eagle was the first in 1980, but I’m going on popularity.) Since then, the SUV has gotten both larger and smaller. Lexus is a great example. After the success of the RX, Lexus began expanding its lineup in both directions. The UX represents the bottom of the SUV lineup in terms of both size and price. I spent a week with a 300h AWD and have things to say. Let’s go.
2025 Lexus UX 300h Overview
The subcompact UX is based on the Toyota GA-C platform, which houses the C-HR, Corolla, and Corolla Cross. You can have your UX any way you want, as long as it’s a hybrid. Luckily, it has more power than in 2024. The new hybrid powertrain gets a combined 196 horsepower, a nice bump from 181 hp last year. From there, your choices revolve around FWD vs. AWD and your desired version. There is the base trim, Premium, F Sport Design, and F Sport Design Handling. You can generally tell what’s what with regard to those trim levels as the level of luxury and sport rise in accordance with the name.
We got a base model with AWD, a solid place to start your search for a UX. Pricing for this trim starts at just over $39,000, which is pretty solid for a hybrid luxury crossover, even if it’s a little small. The Copper Crest paint was another $595 and is likely a “love it or hate it” exterior option. The cold area package is the only one available. It’s $100 and only has a windshield wiper de-icer, and from there, there are a handful of standalone options like a $1,100 power tilt-and-slide moonroof, wireless phone charger for $75, etc. Let’s see how it did over a week of daily driving duties around D.C.!
2025 Lexus UX 300h AWD Inside & Out
The UX starts with a stubby hatchback shape and a short rear overhang. It’s got pretty great proportions if perhaps a bit too much styling for the real estate. I dig the fender flares, but it has flares over flares and has too many slats and swoops. Lexus has generally dialed in the gaping grille, at least compared to older attempts, but it looks particularly massive on a subcompact SUV. The copper paint is certainly unique and means you are less likely to lose your UX in a crowded sea of grey crossovers. Still, Lexus offers some great colors for the UX including a bright blue (Grecian Water), a gorgeous green (Nori Green Pearl, maybe the best color you can get a on new car), and a bright red (Redline). So if you aren’t into the copper top, there are options.
The inside makes a great first impression. I was concerned that being based on a subcompact Toyota might make the UX feel a bit cheap inside. There are some excellent details, like the twisty knobs on the vents to open and close them. Plus, the materials feel relatively premium, though the plastic around the gearshift is a little hollow-sounding. Overall, it looks like a Lexus inside, which makes the $40K price tag feel reasonable.
There is a substantial amount of interior space for the diminutive size. The overall size and shape of the dash means the large touchscreen looks relatively at home and not tacked on. I really like the dashboard cover draped across the top of the dash; it looks great, but sadly, it reminds me of how I failed to fix the dash in my IS 300. Also, while It’s fantastic that there is a volume knob, even at 6 feet with pretty long arms, I couldn’t reach it that well. Thankfully, there are redundant controls on the wheel.
Rear legroom is a tight 33.1 inches, meaning some occupants in the back will need the front seats moved forward to fit comfortably. My daughter, who is slightly taller than I am (shut up), ended up with her feet across the backseat on the way to dinner. Cargo capacity is 17.1 cubic feet, which is a bit smaller than competitors like the Audi Q3, but the hatchback design makes it feel much more practical. Plus, you can drop the rear 60/40 seats to add even more.
Out on the road, the UX could be faster, but it isn’t slow. Its reasonable curb weight of 3,575 means the 196 horses have less to haul around than usual. The driver assistance features are all right, though the parking sensors trigger easily in stop-and-go traffic. At least there is a quick mute button on the screen.
The real draw is the EPA-estimated 42 mpg combined city/highway rating. If the UX fits your size requirements and budget, it delivers a comfortable ride and upscale interior to accompany that mpg-rating.
Summary
Yeah, that last bit was the summary. I enjoyed the overall size and driving experience of the UX. It’s not particularly fast, but I could see a young family really getting a lot of use out of the subcompact luxury package. It rides well, it’s easy to park, it’s fairly practical, and at $39,000ish (without options), you can get the AWD version.