2024 Lexus UX Hybrid Car Review

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The 2024 Lexus UX Hybrid has a starting price of $35,540, which includes synthetic leather upholstery, GPS, wireless smartphone connectivity, and a Wi-Fi hot spot, as well as a comprehensive list of driver-assistance systems like adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring. The Premium model, which starts at $38,000, adds a sunroof, heated and ventilated front seats, and a hands-free power liftgate. The F Sport Design variant, which starts at $38,000, includes all of the basic amenities of the base model as well as sporty interior and exterior highlights. The F Sport Handling trim starts at $42,970. This top-tier model adds a standard 12.3-inch touch screen, front sport seats with increased side bolstering, and a sport-tuned suspension to the Premium trim's standard amenities.We'd choose the F Sport Handling package, which includes a sharper suspension, more supportive front seats, and a slick-looking instrument cluster, among other things. We'd go for the Premium package, which includes heated front seats, rain-sensing windshield wipers, superior interior materials, and a sunroof. Finally, a head-up display, heated steering wheel, power liftgate, and wireless charging are also options.

ProsCons
Stellar fuel economySmall cargo hold
Straightforward infotainment systemMeek powertrain
Oodles of standard featuresCramped second row
Edgy, though busy design
 

What’s New for 2024

The UX250h gets a hands-free power liftgate as an option for 2024, but generally, it's identical to the SUV Lexus offered the previous year.

The Lexus UX Hybrid has undergone the following significant changes in recent years:

  • 2024: no significant changes
  • 2023: retuned chassis and steering; updated infotainment system; F Sport models debuted; all-wheel drive no longer standard
  • 2022: no major changes
  • 2021: blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert added to standard features list; Black Line Special Edition introduced
  • 2020: Android Auto became standard; blind-spot monitoring became available

Pricing and Trims

The 2024 Lexus UX Hybrid has a starting price of $35,540, which includes synthetic leather upholstery, GPS, wireless smartphone connectivity, and a Wi-Fi hot spot, as well as a comprehensive list of driver-assistance systems like adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring. The Premium model, which starts at $38,000, adds a sunroof, heated and ventilated front seats, and a hands-free power liftgate. The F Sport Design variant, which starts at $38,000, includes all of the basic amenities of the base model as well as sporty interior and exterior highlights. The F Sport Handling trim starts at $42,970. This top-tier model adds a standard 12.3-inch touch screen, front sport seats with increased side bolstering, and a sport-tuned suspension to the Premium trim's standard amenities.

We'd choose the F Sport Handling package, which includes a sharper suspension, more supportive front seats, and a slick-looking instrument cluster, among other things. We'd go for the Premium package, which includes heated front seats, rain-sensing windshield wipers, superior interior materials, and a sunroof. Finally, a head-up display, heated steering wheel, power liftgate, and wireless charging are also options.

EV Motor

The 2024 Lexus UX Hybrid's powertrain consists of two electric motors and a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing a total of 181 horsepower. Front-wheel drive is standard, with the option of all-wheel drive. A continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) is standard on all versions.

While this hybrid system is fine for driving around town, it might seem sluggish when attempting to achieve highway speeds. It's fuel-efficient, but you'll probably wish for more power. The CVT has been improved, and it closely resembles a regular automatic transmission. The F Sport option includes a sharper suspension tune, 18-inch wheels with run-flat tires, and special interior and exterior decorations. By utilizing the paddle shifters, the CVT and planetary gearset can be fooled into operating like an automatic, but it's not especially successful, resulting in a heavy drone on downshifts and no meaningful method to upshift.

Ride and Handling

With well-weighted steering, low body lean, and a compact turning radius, the UX Hybrid handles effectively. Its performance isn't going to inspire any spontaneous joyrides, but it's nice enough for an afternoon drive. It boasts a smooth ride and robust brakes, and the optional all-wheel-drive system adds confidence while driving in bad weather. It had a superb steering feel and a calm elegance that was charming enough to compensate for its lack of speed.

Interior

The inside of the 2024 Lexus UX Hybrid is well-built and upmarket, with plenty of high-quality materials and soft-touch surfaces. The inside of this little Lexus isn't the most sumptuous on the market, but aside from a few harsh plastics, there's little to complain about. It also comes standard with dual-zone temperature control and power-adjustable front seats. Options like heated and ventilated front seats, a head-up display, and snazzier materials may boost the experience. While the back seat is far from roomy, it is also far from tight.

The cargo room in the UX Hybrid is disappointing for a premium hybrid SUV. The rear cargo compartment has 17.1 cubic feet of space, which is suitable for a few items of carry-on luggage. The back seats fold down, allowing you greater space for bulkier objects. A manual liftgate is standard, with the option of a hands-free electric liftgate.

The front seats are pleasant all day and supportive enough to keep passengers pleased on lengthy rides. The front row has ample head- and legroom for most people, albeit the interior isn't very large. The second row is tight and should only be utilized for short trips by adults. Children should have sufficient room.

Infotainment

The UX Hybrid's infotainment system is simple to use and packed with capabilities. The two-touch displays have sharp images and rapid reaction times. Although there are some physical controls for climate and music, certain climate changes must still be done via the touch screen. When driving, this can be distracting. The little Lexus may also be upgraded with a bigger 12.3-inch touchscreen, built-in navigation, wireless charging, and an eight-speaker luxury music system.

  • Standard infotainment features: an 8-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, navigation, a Wi-Fi hotspot, Bluetooth, voice recognition, a six-speaker audio system, and multiple USB ports
  • Available infotainment features: a 12.3-inch touch screen, a 10-speaker premium audio system, and wireless device charging
  • Additional standard features: a 7-inch digital gauge cluster, dual-zone automatic climate control, push-button start, proximity keyless entry, and a digital key that lets you lock, unlock, and start the vehicle using your smartphone.
  • Other available features: an 8-inch digital gauge cluster, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a universal garage door opener, and a moonroof

Fuel Economy

In the premium hybrid SUV class, the UX Hybrid achieves great fuel efficiency. The UX Hybrid achieves 43 mpg in the city and 41 mpg on the highway with front-wheel drive. Models with all-wheel drive earn 41/38 mpg city/highway. Visit the EPA's website for additional information on the UX's fuel efficiency.

Safety

Every model also comes standard with Lexus' Safety System+ 2.5 array of driver-assistance functions. This incorporates autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian recognition, lane-keeping assist, and a lane-centering adaptive cruise control system. Visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites for additional information about the UX's crash-test results. The following are important safety features:

  • Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian recognition is standard.
  • Lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assistance are standard.
  • Standard adaptive cruise control with lane-centering functionality

Warranty

Lexus offers a reasonable limited warranty as well as an even better powertrain warranty. The carmaker also offers a free term of planned maintenance.

  • The limited warranty period is four years or 50,000 miles.
  • The powertrain warranty is valid for six years or 70,000 miles.
  • For one year or 10,000 miles, complimentary maintenance is provided.

Competitive Cars

Lexus UX Hybrid vs. Lexus NX Hybrid

In the Lexus SUV range, the NX Hybrid sits directly above the UX Hybrid. The NX Hybrid's two engine options, including a plug-in hybrid, are substantially more powerful, yet its fuel efficiency is equivalent to that of the smaller UX. The NX is more expensive, and its luggage capacity remains unimpressive for the sector (albeit better than what the UX Hybrid delivers), but it is undoubtedly a more well-rounded and enticing overall package.

Lexus UX Hybrid vs. Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is an intriguing rival to the UX Hybrid. Toyota offers a cheaper starting price than Lexus, as well as better passenger and baggage space, more standard amenities, and a more powerful powertrain. It also produces comparable fuel economy estimates. The RAV4 Hybrid's interior isn't as posh as the UX Hybrid's, but it's still well-built and a pleasant place to spend time. The Toyota outperforms its Lexus cousin in several categories and is well worth considering if you're ready to forego some of the luxurious trimmings given by the UX Hybrid.