2020 Lexus UX 250h AWD: The Brand’s Entry-Level Hybrid Crossover (Quasi Hatchback)

Highlight: The UX is the most fuel-efficient luxury subcompact or compact crossover available on the market without a plug-in application.

Vehicle’s MSRP: $44,190 (Base Model: $35,525)

Seating Capacity:  2 to 4 (the rear seat is a tight fit)

Standard Safety Features: ABS; airbags; all-wheel drive; traction control; vehicle stability control system; a lane departure warning accident avoidance system; an emergency brake assist system; a tire pressure monitoring system; a traction control system; a rearview camera; a radar activated cruise control system; heated mirrors;  run flat tires; and a pre collision safety system

Standard Equipment: 18-inch wheels and tires;  a manual operated tilt/telescopic steering wheel; a keyless ignition system; a leather steering wheel; electric power steering; interior air filtration; a hands free entry system; a 7-inch infotainment screen; a heads up display system; power sunroof; a heated steering wheel; power front seats; leather-like seats; a folding center armrest; roof rack cross bars; a power rear tailgate with kick sensor; and Amazon Alexa integration

Review Vehicle With Luxury Package: a blind spot lane departure warning system; 8 speakers; 1 subwoofer; an automatic rearview mirror; a reverse tilt side view mirror with curb view; multi-level heated/cooled front seats; driver’s seat with mirror; and a power tilt/telescopic steering wheel

Optional Features On Test Vehicle: wireless charger; windshield deicer; a heads up display; triple beam headlamps with auto-leveling; LED foglights; cornering lamps; a parking assist system; rear cross traffic alert with braking; a heated steering wheel; carpeted cargo mat; key gloves; and a paint protection film

Other Trim Level:

UX 200 (non hybrid)
F Sport hybrid

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: a 6-speaker AM/FM/HD with SiriusXM

Bluetooth Connectivity: Yes

USB Connectivity: Yes

                                                                                                        

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 6 years or 70,000 miles

Hybrid Warranty: 8 years or 100,000 miles

Standard Engine/Horsepower: 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder/181-hp

Recommended Fuel: Regular

Standard Fuel Mileage: 41-city/38-hwy

What’s New: After joining Lexus portfolio in 2019, the UX is basically a carryover for the 2020 model year. Android smartphones are finally compatible with Lexus vehicles infotainment system. Up until now, only iPhones were compatible with the Lexus brand.

Why: The luxury subcompact hybrid crossover is available in three trims: base,  F Sport or luxury. Being that the vehicle has a standard all-wheel drive system, the UX is capable of tackling most weather conditions. For those seeking a lower price, a non hybrid front wheel model is available too

For the 2020 model year, the hatchback CT 200h has been discontinued. The UX, which joined the line up in 2019, is the lone ranger hatchback-like crossover being offered by this Japanese luxury brand.

We spent time behind the wheel of a hybrid equipped outfitted with the brand’s luxury trim. For those who are a fan of the exterior styling of the Lexus family over the past few years, the UX falls right in line.

The four door UX we reviewed was infused with the latest luxury features. Like many of today’s Lexus models, the UX was outfitted with an intuitive finger recognition system that controlled the infotainment system, which included the audio, ventilation and navigation system. As long as the system works on cue, as ours did, there is no need for duplicate controls.

The UX handling, ride capabilities and height reminded us more of being behind the wheel of a hatchback car, as opposed to a crossover.

We also found the 4-cylinder hybrid to be quite peppy, despite the horsepower registering under 200-horsepower. Initially we questioned why the vehicle was outfitted with a heads up display (HUD) system. Yet, after spending time behind the wheel, while traveling Georgia’s expressways in the midst of the pandemic, one could easily push the vehicle well beyond the posted speed. The HUD immediately became a speed saver, reminding us to stay within the posted speed.

Furthermore, this is the only premium hybrid available in the subcompact segment.

Overall, like all of today’s Lexus, the UX was outfitted with the latest safety driving aids, ranging from a radar activated cruise control system to a lane keeping system.

But: According to fueleconomy.gov, the driving range of the UX gasoline model, when compared to the hybrid model we reviewed is a puny 5 mpg. While the hybrid has a slightly smaller fuel tank than the gasoline model, the overall gas mileage still favors the hybrid model.

And while most four door subcompacts are capable of carrying four occupants, its virtually impossible to squeeze any adults in the rear seat. With the rear seating area, the vehicle is more suitable for babies and small kids. There is literally no rear legroom available in the UX.

Moreover, what has become signature center controller, seems more fitting for the technological capable youths this vehicle is designed for. The interface is still isn’t as intuitive as some of the systems in many of its competitors.

Lastly, the aggressively styled exterior could be off-putting to some buyers. There are non premium vehicles that offer more room, at a lower price with many of the features found in the UX.

Verdict: The UX was designed to capture a younger buyer for the luxury brand. With the UX, one can opt for a hybrid or a gasoline model. There are an array of features that are available in the subcompact UX. The hatchback-like crossover is engaging and fun to drive. Pricing for the hybrid model starts around $35,000 and can easily zoom to $45,000, depending on equipment.

Non Hybrid Competition: BMW X2; Infiniti QX30; Mercedes-Benz GLA; and MINI Countryman