2023 Lexus UX 250h F SPORT Handling Review
The entry-level Lexus UX Hybrid sells in miniscule numbers but receives significant enhancements for its fifth model year.
REMEMBER ME?
I have to admit: before this Ultrasonic Blue subcompact crossover arrived in my driveway, I almost forgot the UX existed. When it debuted in 2019 Lexus priced the UX, available with either a gasoline or hybrid powertrain, from the low $30,000s creating a new entry point to Toyota’s luxury brand. Sharing a platform with the Toyota CH-R, the UX saunters into the 2023 model year exclusively with a hybrid motor and a host of upgrades broadening its appeal. Killing off the gas-only UX 200 results in a price hike with the base, front-wheel drive UX 250h now carrying an MSRP of $37,000. But for an additional $10,000 Lexus offers a more appealing UX experience through the top-of-the-line, all-wheel drive UX 250h equipped with the expanded F SPORT Handling Package.
SUBCOMPACT SMALL
A little smaller inside than my Hyundai Kona, the UX – which stands for Urban Crossover - slots below the NX in Lexus’ SUV lineup; its only model with a sub-$40,000 starting price. Intended to introduce Lexus to a younger customer, the UX has largely failed in its mission with sales off 42% last year. But perhaps this refreshed UX will get shoppers to give it another look and there are reasons to do so.
EFFICIENTLY-MINDED
With all UX models now elevated to hybrid status gas mileage is a stellar 42 MPG for front-wheel drive cars and 39 MPG for those with all-wheel drive, and that’s on regular unleaded. Driving range is 413 miles on a full tank. The Lexus Hybrid Drive system produces 181 horsepower in total with the two-motor hybrid transmission assisting the 2.0-liter inline-four to drive the front wheels and a third electric motor driving the rear wheels. Lexus refers to this kind of all-wheel drive as e-FOUR and it activates when the road surface is slippery as well as when cornering, going uphill, starting off or accelerating. On 18-inch F SPORT five-spoke wheels wrapped in newly developed Bridgestone Turanza EL450 all-season run-flat tires, the UX feels very well planted in the lousy winter weather we’ve encountered this week though a snow mode is not one of the available drive selections. Located high and to the right of the steering wheel and driver display is the drive knob with Normal, Eco, Sport S and Sport S+ modes. And because the F SPORT Handling package includes the Adaptive Variable Suspension the damping force also becomes firmer in Sport S+. AVS is this new package’s key ingredient and sole mechanical upgrade as it independently controls the shock absorbers according to road conditions. The ride is smooth, sumptuous and even buttoned down when desired. Combined with the enhanced rigidity of the body and double wishbone rear suspension this UX drives like a Lexus through and through with a more sophisticated posture in all driving situations.
STILL SLOW BUT MORE FUN
It's also more fun to drive. Though its 8.6-second 0-to-60 MPH time is as slow as any $40,000 car on the market, the UX makes its best impression on a curvy backroad. There’s more steering response than before and the Active Sound Control feature does a heck of a job at creating an amalgam of harmonized engine and exhaust notes in the cabin that add visceral appeal. This can be also be shut off, if not desired but I really like it when driving for fun. There’s also an EV drive mode capable of using only the nickel-metal battery’s electric propulsion for very short distances at slow speeds. The continuously variable transmission isn’t great, contributing to unsavory sounds when not masked by the aforementioned ASC, but there are paddle shifters that create six levels of accelerating and braking force when driving for sport. All told, the UX isn’t going to satisfy the performance enthusiast but that’s not its intention. It will please the driver who appreciates the combination of frugality and fun in a visually exciting Lexus wrapper because when optioned like this one there’s much to enjoy.
F SPORT FOR OVER $47,000
Priced at $47,690, this UX is far as you can take it. That’s an economic surprise for a car this small and power depleted but the blow is softened by this spectacular cabin. F SPORT touches include bolstered front seats, a heated steering wheel, aluminum pedals and scuff plates, and the racy Circuit Red interior trimmed in a synthetic, eco-friendly leather alternative. The performance-inspired instrument cluster also has that cool sliding bezel feature Lexus likes to use in its sports models. As soon as the doors open the red and black motif really pops and triggers the requisite oohs and ahhs. But the biggest change inside comes courtesy of the new multimedia interface. Gone are the days of maddening mouse controls and dreadful bonging sounds, this 12.3” touch display is big, bright and mostly a joy to use. There are some annoyances in the feature controls themselves such as having to press an “Enable Audio” button before listening to music but otherwise it’s a straightforward, easy to use system that also incorporates voice commands. Say the wake word “Hey Lexus” and use natural language to accomplish a multitude of tasks such as changing the temperature or selecting a radio station. It also supports wireless phone projection and for $75 includes a wireless charge pad – now larger to accommodate the latest phones. A Connected Services Drive Connection paid subscription is needed to access Cloud Navigation and other Intelligent Assistance features (Hey Lexus) after the 3-year free trial expires.
IMPROVED SAFETY FEATURES
Better representing the Lexus brand, the UX is now quieter and includes expanded safety features. Known as Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, the camera and radar have been improved to expand the response range of the Pre-Collision System for bicyclists and pedestrians. This car also benefits from the optional head-up display and intuitive parking assist. It’s as comfortable as it is exquisitely crafted with the resume of convenience features a Lexus should have at this price. From the ventilated front seats to the power tailgate with kick sensor, it’s all here.
VYING FOR AN AUDIENCE
With the CH-R on a path to retirement it’s unlikely the UX will go it alone so it may be on the exit ramp itself but the 2023 updates keep it compelling enough to make me remember it still exists.
REMEMBER ME?
I have to admit: before this Ultrasonic Blue subcompact crossover arrived in my driveway, I almost forgot the UX existed. When it debuted in 2019 Lexus priced the UX, available with either a gasoline or hybrid powertrain, from the low $30,000s creating a new entry point to Toyota’s luxury brand. Sharing a platform with the Toyota CH-R, the UX saunters into the 2023 model year exclusively with a hybrid motor and a host of upgrades broadening its appeal. Killing off the gas-only UX 200 results in a price hike with the base, front-wheel drive UX 250h now carrying an MSRP of $37,000. But for an additional $10,000 Lexus offers a more appealing UX experience through the top-of-the-line, all-wheel drive UX 250h equipped with the expanded F SPORT Handling Package.
SUBCOMPACT SMALL
A little smaller inside than my Hyundai Kona, the UX – which stands for Urban Crossover - slots below the NX in Lexus’ SUV lineup; its only model with a sub-$40,000 starting price. Intended to introduce Lexus to a younger customer, the UX has largely failed in its mission with sales off 42% last year. But perhaps this refreshed UX will get shoppers to give it another look and there are reasons to do so.
EFFICIENTLY-MINDED
With all UX models now elevated to hybrid status gas mileage is a stellar 42 MPG for front-wheel drive cars and 39 MPG for those with all-wheel drive, and that’s on regular unleaded. Driving range is 413 miles on a full tank. The Lexus Hybrid Drive system produces 181 horsepower in total with the two-motor hybrid transmission assisting the 2.0-liter inline-four to drive the front wheels and a third electric motor driving the rear wheels. Lexus refers to this kind of all-wheel drive as e-FOUR and it activates when the road surface is slippery as well as when cornering, going uphill, starting off or accelerating. On 18-inch F SPORT five-spoke wheels wrapped in newly developed Bridgestone Turanza EL450 all-season run-flat tires, the UX feels very well planted in the lousy winter weather we’ve encountered this week though a snow mode is not one of the available drive selections. Located high and to the right of the steering wheel and driver display is the drive knob with Normal, Eco, Sport S and Sport S+ modes. And because the F SPORT Handling package includes the Adaptive Variable Suspension the damping force also becomes firmer in Sport S+. AVS is this new package’s key ingredient and sole mechanical upgrade as it independently controls the shock absorbers according to road conditions. The ride is smooth, sumptuous and even buttoned down when desired. Combined with the enhanced rigidity of the body and double wishbone rear suspension this UX drives like a Lexus through and through with a more sophisticated posture in all driving situations.
STILL SLOW BUT MORE FUN
It's also more fun to drive. Though its 8.6-second 0-to-60 MPH time is as slow as any $40,000 car on the market, the UX makes its best impression on a curvy backroad. There’s more steering response than before and the Active Sound Control feature does a heck of a job at creating an amalgam of harmonized engine and exhaust notes in the cabin that add visceral appeal. This can be also be shut off, if not desired but I really like it when driving for fun. There’s also an EV drive mode capable of using only the nickel-metal battery’s electric propulsion for very short distances at slow speeds. The continuously variable transmission isn’t great, contributing to unsavory sounds when not masked by the aforementioned ASC, but there are paddle shifters that create six levels of accelerating and braking force when driving for sport. All told, the UX isn’t going to satisfy the performance enthusiast but that’s not its intention. It will please the driver who appreciates the combination of frugality and fun in a visually exciting Lexus wrapper because when optioned like this one there’s much to enjoy.
F SPORT FOR OVER $47,000
Priced at $47,690, this UX is far as you can take it. That’s an economic surprise for a car this small and power depleted but the blow is softened by this spectacular cabin. F SPORT touches include bolstered front seats, a heated steering wheel, aluminum pedals and scuff plates, and the racy Circuit Red interior trimmed in a synthetic, eco-friendly leather alternative. The performance-inspired instrument cluster also has that cool sliding bezel feature Lexus likes to use in its sports models. As soon as the doors open the red and black motif really pops and triggers the requisite oohs and ahhs. But the biggest change inside comes courtesy of the new multimedia interface. Gone are the days of maddening mouse controls and dreadful bonging sounds, this 12.3” touch display is big, bright and mostly a joy to use. There are some annoyances in the feature controls themselves such as having to press an “Enable Audio” button before listening to music but otherwise it’s a straightforward, easy to use system that also incorporates voice commands. Say the wake word “Hey Lexus” and use natural language to accomplish a multitude of tasks such as changing the temperature or selecting a radio station. It also supports wireless phone projection and for $75 includes a wireless charge pad – now larger to accommodate the latest phones. A Connected Services Drive Connection paid subscription is needed to access Cloud Navigation and other Intelligent Assistance features (Hey Lexus) after the 3-year free trial expires.
IMPROVED SAFETY FEATURES
Better representing the Lexus brand, the UX is now quieter and includes expanded safety features. Known as Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, the camera and radar have been improved to expand the response range of the Pre-Collision System for bicyclists and pedestrians. This car also benefits from the optional head-up display and intuitive parking assist. It’s as comfortable as it is exquisitely crafted with the resume of convenience features a Lexus should have at this price. From the ventilated front seats to the power tailgate with kick sensor, it’s all here.
VYING FOR AN AUDIENCE
With the CH-R on a path to retirement it’s unlikely the UX will go it alone so it may be on the exit ramp itself but the 2023 updates keep it compelling enough to make me remember it still exists.