Replacing the UX 250h, the subcompact UX 300h is the first Lexus to receive Toyota’s fifth-generation hybrid system.
Powertrain Specs and MPG
The gas-powered portion of the UX’s powertrain is still a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, which pairs with two electric motors and a continuously variable automatic transmission. System output rises from 181 horsepower in the 2024 UX 250h to 196 hp in the new 300h. Lexus claims the revised hybrid system cuts about a half-second off the 0-60 mph time, dropping it to 7.9 seconds for all-wheel-drive models and 8.0 seconds for front-drive versions.
Even though the UX 300h makes more power than its predecessor, Lexus says it’s a bit more fuel-efficient, as well, with a manufacturer-estimated 43 mpg combined for the FWD model and 41 mpg combined with AWD. These figures surpass EPA combined estimates for the FWD and AWD UX 250h by 1 mpg and 2 mpg, respectively.
FWD is standard, and while AWD models power their rear axle with a third electric motor, the claimed output of the powertrain doesn’t change. Gone is the 250h’s nickel-metal-hydride battery, replaced by a smaller and lighter lithium-ion pack located under the rear seat.
While the interior and exterior styling remain largely the same with the new powertrain, the 2025 Lexus UX 300h now offers a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. An 8-inch infotainment touchscreen remains standard, with another 12.3-inch touchscreen available as an option.
Lexus is also upgrading the UX from its Safety System+ 2.5 suite to Safety System+ 3.0. This adds emergency steering assist and curve speed management to features that include forward collision warning with pedestrian and bicyclist detection, automatic emergency braking, left-turn oncoming vehicle detection, adaptive cruise control, active lane centering, lane departure prevention and road-sign recognition.
The 2025 Lexus UX 300h will go on sale in early 2024. Pricing will be available closer to launch.
