2021 Lexus UX250h review: Brand’s cheapest hybrid is ideal for couples

Many luxury car makers have expanded their ranges to make it more affordable to get into a vehicle with a prestige badge, including this SUV.

Luxury cars don't have to break the bank, there are a range of options for those wanting to dip their toes in the premium pool.

Here is everything you need to know about the Lexus UX250h SUV.

VALUE

As the most affordable vehicle in the Lexus line-up – with prices starting at about $51,500 drive-away – the UX teams the quality and attention to detail the brand is known for with a smartly-styled five-door body.

It’s a big step up to the hybrid UX250h tested here, which kicks off in Luxury trim for about $59,500 (an all-electric UX300e is due next month). For that spend, Lexus delivers more than the hybrid set-up. Additional features include wireless phone charging, parking sensors, smart key entry and a powered tailgate.

There are also 17-inch alloys, heated front seats, artificial leather trim and a 10.3-inch centre screen incorporating Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The UX is stylish and relatively affordable.

COMFORT

It’s a beautifully presented cabin up front, although we’re not convinced by the audio selector dials built into the palm rest behind the occasionally clumsy touchpad.

There’s no memory button for the electrically-operated driver’s seat, but the pews themselves hug and support nicely.

There’s no shortage of space up front, although back-seat occupants will find leg room is tight and head room modest. At least there are air vents to the rear and a central arm rest (don’t bother trying to squeeze three across the back).

The high-floored 368-litre boot is 10 per cent smaller than the petrol version – thanks to the batteries taking up space – and there’s no cover, although there is a storage area under the floor.

The hybrid is properly fuel efficient.

SAFETY

A forward-facing radar and camera keep an eye out for potential collisions and the car can automatically emergency brake for other vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists (the latter only during the day).

There’s also blind-spot monitoring and radar cruise control. An auto high beam system is often too eager to flick on the long-range lights and doesn’t always do a great job of spotting traffic, be it oncoming or cars arriving from a side street. Best to switch it off in the suburbs.

The cabin is well equipped and conservatively styled.

DRIVING

The 2.0-litre engine is bigger and gruntier than the one in the Toyota C-HR, with which the UX shares underpinnings. That translates to better performance.

While the UX hybrid is available as an all-wheel drive, in Luxury guise it’s front-drive only. The electric motor provides a hearty early surge that works beautifully around town. Even when feeding power on, the additional 80kW and 202Nm from the electric motor provides useful thrust, with the engine stepping in the further you press the pedal. The transition from electric power to petrol is smooth and refined.

The UX runs purely on petrol but fuel use is impressively low, with claimed consumption of 4.5 litres per 100km. While it’ll use more than that in the real world, it’s still refreshingly frugal, ensuring 700-800km from a tank.

Dynamics tilt more to comfort and city friendliness than sharp handling and it lacks the driving enjoyment of European rivals.

The UX is most comfortable in the city.

VERDICT 3/5

The most affordable Lexus hybrid uses very little fuel in a stylish SUV body that’s best suited to singles and couples.

ALTERNATIVES

Audi Q3 35 TFSI, from about $54,500 drive-away

Smartly-presented digital dashboard and quality finishes team with sharp pricing for a practical compact SUV. The 1.4-litre engine is nothing special but provides solid mid-rev pull for a car that’s sporty through the bends.

BMW X1 sDrive 20i, from about $61,000 drive-away

Sweet engine and slick transmission make for an athletic compact SUV. What the interior lacks in glitz it makes up for with user-friendliness.

Mercedes-Benz GLA200, from about $67,000 drive-away

Spacious and tech-laden interior looks the business, especially with the dual digital screens and ambient lighting. But twin-clutch auto and 1.3-litre engine are nothing special and it’s pricey.

LEXUS UX250H LUXURY VITALS

Price: From about $59,500 drive-away

Warranty/servicing: 4 years/100,000km, about $2900 for 5 years/75,000km

Safety: Eight airbags, auto emergency braking, adaptive cruise, blind-spot warning, lane-keep assist, traffic sign recognition

Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl 107kW/188Nm and 80kW/202Nm electric motor

Thirst: 4.5L/100km

Boot: 368L

Originally published as 2021 Lexus UX250h review: Brand’s cheapest hybrid is ideal for couples