2025 Lexus UX300h Review

Luxury

Step inside the UX300h and you’re immediately greeted by a cabin that punches above its price point. Lexus has mastered the art of making even its smallest models feel special, and the UX is no exception. The dashboard is elegantly designed with soft-touch materials and meticulous attention to detail. The seats, especially in the Premium and F Sport trims, offer excellent comfort and support, with available options for heating and ventilation. Ambient lighting, a tasteful mix of textures, and a modern digital gauge cluster all contribute to a genuinely upscale atmosphere.

While the rear seats are tighter than some rivals, the overall sense of quality is undeniable. Lexus’s signature quiet ride is present here, with effective noise insulation making the UX a serene place to spend time, even if some road noise creeps in at higher speeds. For those seeking a luxury experience in a compact footprint, the UX300h delivers.

Performance & Efficiency

The 2025 UX300h benefits from a powertrain upgrade, now boasting 196 horsepower from its 2.0-liter four-cylinder hybrid system. This translates to a noticeable improvement in everyday driving, with a 0–60 mph time of 7.7 seconds for the front-wheel-drive model. It has plenty of pickup to merge onto the highway, and even as a crossover, you get an experience that feels tailored to the driver.

Where the UX300h truly shines is efficiency. With EPA ratings of 45 mpg city and 41 mpg highway for FWD models (and only a slight drop for AWD), the UX outpaces nearly every rival in its class. Real-world driving confirms these numbers, making the UX300h an ideal choice for urban commuters and eco-conscious buyers alike. The hybrid system delivers seamless transitions between gas and electric power, and the ride is consistently smooth and composed, thanks to a well-tuned suspension.

Lexus has packed the UX300h with a generous suite of standard and available features. Every model comes with a touchscreen infotainment system featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and multiple USB ports. Higher trims offer a larger 12.3-inch display, premium audio, wireless charging, and built-in navigation.

On the safety front, the UX300h is equipped with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane tracing assist, pre-collision warning with pedestrian detection, and road sign assist. The UX’s strong safety credentials are further reinforced by top crash-test ratings and a full complement of airbags.

Optional packages add more luxury touches, such as a power liftgate, head-up display, and upgraded materials. The F Sport Handling trim brings a sportier suspension and unique styling cues, appealing to those who want a bit more flair.

Practicality

Practicality is a mixed bag for the UX300h. Its compact size makes it a breeze to maneuver and park in tight urban environments, and the turning radius is impressively small. However, this comes at the expense of rear-seat and cargo space. The back seat is adequate for shorter trips but can feel cramped for adults on longer journeys. Cargo capacity is also on the smaller side for the segment, with a high liftover height that can make loading bulkier items a challenge.

That said, for singles, couples, or small families prioritizing efficiency and luxury over outright utility, the UX300h works well. The hybrid system’s ability to run on electric power at low speeds is a boon in stop-and-go traffic, and the overall reliability and low running costs associated with the Lexus brand add to its appeal.

Verdict

The 2025 Lexus UX300h is a standout for buyers seeking a premium, efficient, and city-friendly crossover. Its luxurious cabin, impressive fuel economy, and comprehensive safety features make it a strong contender in the subcompact luxury SUV class. While it’s not the most spacious or powerful in its segment, its blend of refinement, technology, and Lexus reliability makes it a smart, stylish choice for urban dwellers who value comfort and efficiency.