Lexus’s growing hybrid lineup is shining a spotlight on Toyota’s broader green vehicle strategy with the company wisely focusing on expanding their presence in the hybrid sector alongside EVs. While the bigger RX and NX models have often been considered the collective faces of Lexus’s efforts in the CUV side of the business when it comes to hybrids, it can be easy to forget all about the tiny UX. The UX was supposed to be a compact offering for buyers who needed hybrid technology in a small package that could navigate tight city streets.
However, unlike its brand teammates, the UX300h has not had as much time in the spotlight and as the brand continues to update its hybrid offerings, the UX feels like it’s slowly being left behind, but is that the case, and can the 2025 UX claw its way back into the broader sphere of relevance?
UX300h continues to be the green member of the family
With the bulk of the 2025 updates focusing on what lies underneath the UX’s skin, it’s no surprise that the 2025 model continues to keep the same core styling themes that it has had for several years now. While this aspect of the UX300h is rapidly beginning to show its age, the F-Sport package still does its best to spice up the little CUV. The package allows the front end to have a bit more character and some of the other trim updates that the package brings pump up the figurative juice even more.
We also like the copper-hued paint that came on our example with the sunlight allowing some of the metal flake to twinkle and add depth to the slick hue’s presentation. The rear styling is still our least favorite aspect of the UX but with other Lexus models also adopting a unified lightbar and sharply creased edges back there, we’ll give the UX a pass for its efforts even if it also causes it to come up a tad short against rivals that have benefitted from more extensive updates.
The interior largely follows the same core script and is also largely carried over from the outgoing model. This includes the updated infotainment system which made its appearance some time ago and other minor material changes. The cabin as a whole still feels high quality and is nicely put together though the rear seats can be a bit tight for taller occupants. Fold them down and it increases the amount of cargo space that the UX has though it will still sit on the bench for bigger bulkier loads with its bigger teammats being there for customers in that particular regard. The front seats in our tester had commendable amounts of support but it’s a shame that the base UX still has thrones that feel flat and bland.
Powertrains get overhauled in UX300h
Once you have a moment to fully process all the carryover bits, owners get to look under the hood where the true meat and potatoes of this update are found. The 2025 model gets an updated hybrid powertrain with the UX being the latest to get Toyota’s fifth-generation hybrid system. This setup is also found in the Toyota Prius and Corolla Cross with the UX being powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with the engine being mated to either two or three electric motors depending on whether AWD is selected or not.
In our case, the 2.0-liter came with two electric motors which helps the combined setup to produce 196 hp. The extra 15 hp on hand also prompted Lexus to change the badging from 250h to 300h to reflect the increased amount of muscle. The power gain is welcome but those hoping that it magically transforms into a performance model will not find much here with our tester needing 7.7 seconds to make the sprint to 60 mph. It’s quicker than the old 250h but the gasoline engine still drones like a lawnmower under full acceleration, but the handoff between the electric motors and the gasoline engine is smoother and less jerky which is an improvement over past models.
Fuel economy increases despite the small boost in power with the EPA saying a front wheel drive UX can get 43 mpg in combined driving with the AWD variant getting 42 mog which is a gain of 1 and 3 mpg respectively. Our tester was an F-Sport but unlike the style-focused F-Sport Appearance variant, our tester arrived with the F-Sport Handling package which adds adaptive dampers and not much else to the UX. It also comes with a fake engine noise feature which is more gimmick than substance.
Value Quotient
The 2025 Lexus UX300h starts under $40,000 which allows it to undercut many of its rivals but this ability comes at the cost of it being smaller than most of the competition. This size is glaring when you consider that our tester’s $48,795 as-tested price makes it a tough sell for compact CUV buyers with the UX being akin to a hatchback in this hotly contested segment.
That said, ignoring the F-Sport models and focusing on other members of the UX family is where you’ll get the most bang for your buck. Unlike the F-Sports, the lower trims put a stronger focus on fuel economy and it’s these models where you truly begin to fully appreciate what the updated powertrain has to offer in performance and fuel economy. It also doesn’t hurt that these models are also cheaper too which will please the needs of budget-focused shoppers.
Carl Malek has been an automotive journalist for over 10 years. First starting out as a freelance photographer before making the transition to writing during college, his work has appeared on numerous automotive forums as well as websites such as Autoshopper.com.
Carl is also a big fan of British vehicles with the bulk of his devotion going to the Morgan Motor Company as well as offerings from Lotus, MG, and Caterham. When he is not writing about automobiles, Carl enjoys spending time with his family and friends in the Metro Detroit area, as well as spending time with his adorable pets.