Considered the world’s first mass-produced hybrid vehicle, the Toyota Prius went on sale in Japan in October 1997. Universally recognized as a leader in hybrid technology, Toyota offers a hybrid version of nearly every one of its models — including those with Lexus badges.
The 2025 Lexus UX 300h F Sport shows that its possible to produce a great compact luxury hybrid SUV.
In fact, where many manufacturers are currently on their first- or second-generation hybrid technology, Toyota is on its fifth, which is now fitted to the smallest Lexus crossover SUV, the 2025 Lexus UX 300h.
Powertrain/Fuel Economy
Shared with Prius and Corolla Cross, the powertrain is comprised of a 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle inline 4-cylinder engine and a series of electric motors. Two-wheel drive versions get a pair of electric motors at the front wheels. All-wheel drive versions get a third electric motor to power the rear wheels.
Those of you who pay close attention to such things will note the littlest Lexus crossover’s nomenclature has gone from UX 250h to UX 300h. This is to reflect the fact the system delivers 15 more horsepower for the 2025 model year. Total system output is now 196 horsepower and 139 lb-ft of torque. A continuously variable transmission conducts the engine’s output to the front wheels.
You can anticipate 44 mpg in the city, 40 on the highway and 42 overall.
According to the EPA, you can anticipate 44 mpg in the city, 40 on the highway and 42 overall. This turned out to be an accurate summation in my experience. I saw an average of 42 mpg over the course of my week with the UX 300h.
Interior Design/ Comfort and Convenience Features
Typically, Lexus, which is to say rather nice, the UX 300h interior treatment speaks to the crossover’s heritage as a fully vested member of that exalted family. There’s no questioning the fact you’re in a luxury vehicle, despite the UX 300h’s outer dimensions. The cabin’s handsome architecture and upscale materials make this quite evident.
Key features include dual-zone climate control, as well as heated and cooled power adjustable front seats. My UX 300h F Sport Performance AWD test model also had a head-up display.
The 12.3-inch touchscreen dominating the dash provided access to CarPlay and Android compatibility, along with navigation. The hybrid Lexus crossover SUV also featured wireless charging for my iPhone and an eight-speaker audio system.
The 12.3-inch touchscreen dominating the dash provided access to CarPlay and Android compatibility, along with navigation.
On the other hand, while the front seats provided plenty of room to stretch out in comfort, the rear seats were best left to smaller children — especially for longer drives. Cargo volume with the second row deployed was a bit on the light side too. Fold it away though; you’ll swap marginal passenger accommodations for respectable carrying capacity.
Driving Impressions
Fitted with the F Sport Handling package, the version of the UX 300h with which I spent a week comported itself rather well on twisty roads. This version boasts an active suspension system, which helps keep the UX 300h’s body roll in check when the subcompact Lexus is called upon to perform rapid changes of direction.
Before you get it twisted though, the UX 300h ain’t no tarmac-burning back road bomber by any stretch of even the most vivid of imaginations. The diminutive Lexus, when equipped with the handling package, is best thought of as a proficient — rather than an enthusiastic — handler.
The diminutive Lexus, when equipped with the handling package, is best thought of as a proficient — rather than an enthusiastic — handler.
Being the “performance-oriented” version of the UX 300h, the Lexus was also equipped with an engine sound generator. Here again, even the most vivid of imaginations would be challenged to suspend their disbelief. The device’s utterances do not correspond the engine’s actions — at all. Plus, given the Lexus’ zero-to-60 time of over seven seconds, well, let’s just say it ain’t fooling nobody.
On the other hand, ride quality was very good. Plus, the UX 300h is more than capable of providing a quiet atmosphere within which normal conversation can be conducted without the intrusion of excessive road noise. Agility and maneuverability are commendable as well.
In Conclusion
With a base price of $37,515, the 2025 Lexus UX 300h also represents something of a bargain when you consider the amount of goodness you get for that money. Yes, you will sacrifice size, and the leading competitors in the category do outshine the Lexus in several areas — most notably performance.
However, you’ll be hard pressed to find this combination of style, comfort, prestige, fuel economy and price from any other maker — especially if you stick with one of the more basic versions of the subcompact luxury SUV.
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