The 2025 Lexus UX 300h is an ideal choice for young, well-employed motorists living in a planned development without parking or slim garage space

Jump To Special Features

2025 Lexus UX 300h Pricing
F Sport Handling Features
Consider These Accessories
UX 300h Powertrain and Fuel Economy
Interior Function
Safety Features and Technologies
Ride and Handling
Back Seats and Cargo Space
Why Buy the 2025 Lexus UX 300h?
Specifications

BY MARK MAYNARD

The Lexus UX 300h is a sip of teacup luxury among small, hybrid crossovers — but it is not everybody’s cuppa. This littlest Lexus in the U.S. goes where bigger SUVs rub shoulders in a crowded urban landscape. Its nameplate defines its mission as an “Urban Explorer.” The UXh earns respect for its gasoline-electric hybrid mileage ratings of 44 mpg city, 40 highway, and 42 mpg combined.

It is ideal for young, well-employed motorists living in a planned development with no parking or slim garage space. The UX is a sturdy small car built on Toyota’s TNGA-C platform, shared with the Toyota Corolla Cross (among other models). Both vehicles are five-seat, five-door subcompact crossover SUVs that use the Toyota Prius drivetrain.

The UX 300h is more luxurious than the more practical and affordable Corolla Cross.

Sharing a Toyota architecture provides an extensive network of standard safety features and technologies, including Proactive Parking Assist. Engage this technological shoehorn when trolling for a slot to fit the 14.7-foot-long UXh. This advanced driver assistance system uses sensors, cameras, and software to help squeeze into a space.

Lexus UXh hybrid competitors include the Alfa Romeo Tonale, BMW X1, Mercedes-Benz GLB, and Volvo XC40.

UXh Body Style

Flared front and rear fenders and large wheels pushed to the corners present a strong stance. And the expansive spindle grille can only be Lexus.

The bobbed rear-end styling is somewhat awkward, but the “Aero Stabilizing Blade Lights” are unique. The lighting treatment begins at the top of the rear fenders and spans the vehicle’s rear. Red taillight lenses stick upward like a fin. At night, a sequence of 120 LEDs taper toward the center.

The rear fascia guides airflow around the rear of the UXh to reduce turbulence and lift. A wing-type spoiler at the roof’s rear edge and a flat underbody contribute to aerodynamics for fuel efficiency.

Lightweighting is achieved by using aluminum for the side doors, fenders, and hood. Composite materials are used for the tailgate.

2025 Lexus UX 300h Pricing

The 2025 Lexus UX 300h lineup consists of four trim levels in front- or all-wheel drive. All variants have the same hybrid powertrain and a continuously variable transmission with an EV mode.

2025 UXh starting prices range from $37,715 to $47,750. For $1,570, you can add all-wheel drive to any trim level. Suggested retail pricing includes the $1,175 freight charge from Miyawaka, Fukoka, Japan.

Standard 2025 Lexus UXh equipment is below the specifications chart.

Today’s tester is the topline 300h F Sport Handling AWD, which costs $49,670. It has four options: a $900 head-up display, $595 premium paint (Ultrasonic Blue Mica), and $350 bi-tone paint. The kicker is another $75 for a wireless charging pad. But why? Shouldn’t that be among the standard features of a nearly $50,000 subcompact SUV crossover?

The UX 300h F Sport Handling has just two factory packages. The Cold Area package, $100, adds a windshield wiper de-icer, and the Special Appearance Package, $180, adds a rear black emblem overlay and black window trim surround.

F Sport Handling Upgrades

UX 300h F Sport Handling is the top trim level for 2025. It has some desirable features, including:

• Power moonroof;
• NuLuxe trimmed upholstery and Washi dashboard trim (styled on the grain of a paper, known as ‘washi,’ familiar from the ‘shoji’ paper sliding doors of traditional Japanese houses.
• Heated and ventilated front seats and heated steering wheel;
• Power front seats with driver memory presets;
• Aluminum front door scuff plates;
• Power adjustable steering column;
• Adaptive variable suspension;
• 18-inch split-five-spoke alloy wheels with black and machined finish and run-flat tires;
• LEF fog and cornering lights;
• Power rear tailgate with kick sensor;
• Body color fender overriders;
• 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster;
• Intuitive parking assist;
• Power folding and heated side mirrors;
• Digital key with three-year trial (requires remote connect subscription).

Lease Offers

At the time of publication, there were two low-mileage lease offers for a 2025 UX 300h front-wheel drive:

• $339 per month for 42 months, with $3,999 due at signing. The security deposit will be waived, and the lease includes a $2,000 cash incentive.
• $359 per month for 36 months, with $3,999 due at signing. The security deposit will be waived, and the lease includes a $2,000 cash incentive.

There also was a financing option offering 5.99 percent APR up to 72
months.

And there is a $2,000 lease cash offer for just about all UX trim levels.

Find current Lexus UX pricing and accessories here.

Look for special Lexus UX offers here. There were a few finance or lease offers at the time of publication. A $2,000 lease cash offer was available for many 2025 UX models, including the UX 300h F Sport Handling AWD or FWD.

Consider These Accessories

Carmate DC4000RA Dashcam 360 Parking Assist, $85. The dashcam acts as a guardian after you have switched off the engine and left the. The camera will automatically turn on when an impact or bump is detected to record the incident. Plus, a built-in voltage monitor will alert when the vehicle battery is getting weak and will shut down to save battery power.

Owners can step up the camera surveillance with a three-camera system:

Carmate DC4000RA Dashcam 360, $570. Front and rear cameras record license plate numbers, door dings, or rear-ending incidents. A built-in infrared LED enables recording inside the vehicle, even at night. Footage provides a simultaneous three-camera view, including swipe and zoom functions. Users can view the recording on the PC app.

There are also more than a dozen pet accessories from name-brand makers. Among the choices are:

• Happy Ride Folding Pet Ramp, $90;
• Kurgo Backseat Barrier, $58;
• Kurgo Tru-Fit Smart Five-Point Harness with seatbelt tether, $43. Various sizes are available.

Warranties

The Lexus UXh (and all Lexus hybrid models) are covered for 4 years or 50,000 miles bumper to bumper. The first and second scheduled maintenance services are free, including a free loaner vehicle and a carwash.

Hybrid-related components that require repairs to correct defects in materials or assembly are covered for 8 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first from the original date of first use when sold as new.

The hybrid battery is covered for 10 years or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first, and is transferable across ownership.

UX 300h Powertrain and Fuel Economy

The fifth-generation Lexus Hybrid System pairs the inline 2.0-liter four-cylinder gas engine with two motor generators or three for all-wheel drive. The e-CVT uses shift-by-wire technology, which converts shift operations into electrical signals. Lexus says this setup helps enable quicker and more seamless shifting.

Both electric motors charge the lithium-ion battery (an upgrade from last year’s nickel-metal hydride battery). The 60-cell battery is under the rear seat.

With the 83 kW front motor and the rear 30 kW motor, total horsepower is 196. With that, Lexus cites 0-60 acceleration in 7.9 seconds AWD and 8.0 seconds FWD.

The e-CVT has drive modes of ECO, Normal, and Sport. An EV drive mode allows battery driving at low speeds for short distances. The F Sport Handling adds paddle shifters and drive modes of Sport S, Sport S+, and Custom.

Unfortunately, the F Sport handling did not whisper to punch up Sport or Sport+. Instead, my performance level in Normal was just fine.

The E-Four all-wheel-drive system connects through a permanent synchronous motor at the rear axle. Lexus claims near-instantaneous power, even in low-grip situations.

Fuel economy estimates are 44 mpg city, 40 highway, and 42 mpg combined. In a week of mostly urban driving, I was happy with 39.1 mpg. But the previous best mpg for the test car was 44.8.

With the 10.6-gallon tank, a cruising range of 400 miles is possible. 87 octane fuel is recommended.

UX 300h F Sport Ride and Handling

The UX 300h isn’t particularly fun to drive when jockeying for lane space on the interstate. But the fun of its personality emerges in how slick it scoots around town. The adaptive F Sport-tuned suspension gives nimble handling, but the ride is a mix of soft springs and stiff shock absorbers. It is jolting over rough streets.

Standard on all UXh models are 18-inch run-flat tires.

The UX 300h F Sport was not quiet at highway speeds, something even a cranked audio system could not block out. Maybe it’s the Bridgestone Turanza run-flats?

Interior Function

The driver area is smartly designed with easy-to-see and touch controls. The driver has open sightlines across the hood, at the side mirrors, and over the shoulder.

Its subcompact space will be limiting to taller drivers, but the flat-bottom F Sport steering wheel helps with thigh space. Headroom with the moonroof is just 35.75 inches, or 37.28 without.

There are five USB ports, two Type C in the front shift console and two in the back, with a Type A in the front armrest console. But a wireless charging pad is a $75 option?

Back Seat and Cargo Space

The Lexus treatment is slightly more luxurious in the front seat, but second-row materials are full Toyota and look cheap in a $40K car. Conveniences include two charging USBs, grab handles with jacket hooks, and a center armrest with can holders.

I would not recommend the UXh as a ride-share vehicle. The bench seat is short on thigh support, and there is narrow footroom through the doorway. Legroom of 33 inches is only OK if the front seat is pushed forward, so everybody is cramped.

Front-drive UX trim levels get the nifty 2-level double-decker rear cargo deckboard, adding around 3 cubic feet of space. However, the adjustable deckboard is unavailable on AWD models, which use the space for the third electric motor. Consequently, the usable space is shallow, but folding the seatbacks adds a broad, flat space.

Safety Features and Technologies

Including 10 air bags, the Lexus UXh is well-armed for city and highway driving by the Lexus Safety System+3.0. Among its advanced technologies are:

Pre-Collision System (PCS) with Pedestrian Detection. To help detect a vehicle, pedestrian, bicyclist, or motorcyclist, provide an audio-visual forward collision warning. If the driver does not react, the system will engage automatic emergency braking at speeds between approximately 7-110 mph ;

All-speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC). Radar and camera technologies help keep the vehicle at a preset speed and distance from vehicles ahead, even in stop-and-go traffic;

Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist. Adds more steering force during an emergency maneuver;

Left Turn Oncoming Vehicle Detection/Braking. Gives a warning and automatic braking if turning left in front of an oncoming vehicle in certain daytime conditions.

Lane Tracing Assist (LTA). Provides active steering assistance and helps keep the vehicle centered in its lane;

Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, LDA w/SA.

Star Safety System includes:

VSC — Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control;

TRAC — Traction Control;

ABS — Anti-lock Brake System;

EBD — Electronic Brake-force Distribution;

BA — Brake Assist;

SST — Smart Stop Technology;

AHB — Automatic High Beams;

PDA — Proactive Driving Assist.

Why Buy the 2025 Lexus UX 300h?

Rather than going full F Sport Handling, with its hard ride and overkill performance features, consider the UX 300h F Sport Design. Starting at $43,235. It gets all the desirable F Sport design treatment without the sport-tuned suspension.

For a young person getting out of a hand-me-down Camry, the Lexus UX 300h will be a prestigious upgrade. Lease it for a couple of years, then trade up to the Lexus NX 350h or NX 450h plug-in hybrid. This compact-class SUV crossover has starting prices of about $42,000 to $50,000, including an F Sport Handling AWD.

2025 Lexus UX 300h F Sport Handling Specifications

Body style: subcompact, 5-seat, 5-door SUV crossover in front- or all-wheel drive

Engine: 150-hp 16-valve DOHC Atkinson-cycle 2.0-liter 4-cylinder; 139 lb.-ft. torque from 4,400-5,200 rpm

Hybrid system: Permanent magnet synchronous motors, front and rear (AWD);

Max output: 111 hp front, 40 hp rear

Total system power: 196 hp

Battery: 60-cell lithium-ion, 222 volts

Transmission: CVT

Acceleration to 60 mph: 8 seconds (AWD); top speed 177 mph

Fuel economy: 44/40/42 mpg city/hwy/combined; 87 octane recommended

Coefficient of Drag: 0.33 Cd

BY THE NUMBERS

Fuel tank: 10.6 gallons

Cargo space: 17.2 cubic feet

Front head/leg room: 35.7*/42 inches *w/moonroof

Rear head/leg room: 36.38/33 inches

Length/wheelbase: 176.9/103.9 inches

Curb weight: 3,575* pounds *w/AWD (3,455 lbs. FWD)

Turning circle: 34.2 feet

FEATURES

Standard UX 300h equipment includes: SmartAccess with push-button start-stop, backup camera, electric parking brake leather-trimmed steering wheel and shift knob, dual-zone climate control with interior air filter, 8-way power-adjustable front seats, 60/40-split folding rear seats, folding tonneau cover and 2-level double-decker rear cargo deckboard (but not on AWD models), Washi dashboard trim, 6-speaker audio system, Lexus Interface with 8-inch touchscreen display, wireless Apple CarPlay or Android integration, Bluetooth connectivity and five USB-C ports

Subscription technologies include:

• Drive Connect with Cloud Navigation, Intelligent Assistant and Destination Assist. (4G network dependent);
• Lexus app (includes remote connect engine start, service scheduling, vehicle health reports and alerts.
• Wi-Fi Connect (AT&T hotspot) up to 30-day/3GB trial.

Safety features include: 10 air bags, blind spot monitor with rear-cross traffic alert, Lexus Safety System 3.0, and Star Safety System

CHASSIS and BODY COMPONENTS

Brakes: 4-wheel discs, vented 12-inch rotors front; rear, solid 11.06-inch rotors; electric parking brake

Steering: power rack-pinion; turning circle, 34.2 feet

Tires-wheels: 18-inch split-five-spoke alloy wheels and Bridgestone Turanza EL450 grand-touring all-season run-flats

Suspension: F Sport Handling Active Variable Suspension.