logo
2025 Lexus UX300h review: A compact SUV that punches above its weight

2025 Lexus UX300h review: A compact SUV that punches above its weight

Yahoo11-02-2025

It might seem like just another luxury crossover, but the Lexus UX300h is a little cooler than that. Underneath its sharp lines and mildly aggressive demeanor, the UX300h is an excellent commuter that can get a little rowdy if pushed.
Lexus's luxury crossover comes in several different flavors, depending on what you're looking for. The one I was fortunate enough to test out for a week was the AWD F Sport Handling variant, which most notably adds F Sport-tuned adaptive variable suspension to improve handling and ride quality. The exterior and cabin also gain a few F Sport aesthetic touches, such as body-colored cladding, a black roof, a slightly redesigned front fascia, better-bolstered front seats, and a plethora of F Sport badging.Design-wise, the UX300h looks decidedly "Lexus." It's not very different from the previous generation UX250h, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. The sharp angles, creases, and massive grille give it a sporty look that's very IS350-like.
I can't say that you would be able to tell it apart from another Lexus SUV unless you're a diehard fan of the brand or you see the badge at the rear, but Lexus managed to sculpt a car that's both attractive and inoffensive. Please take notes, BMW.
View the 21 images of this gallery on the original article
Under the hood is the same Atkinson-cycle 2.0-liter inline-four, putting out 196 horsepower through a continuously variable transmission. Depending on whether you get the FWD or AWD variant, that engine is mated to either two or three electric motors. That third motor drops 0.1 seconds off of the 0 to 60 mph, reaching that benchmark in 7.9 seconds. EPA-estimated ratings hover at 44 mpg city, 40 mpg highway, and 42 mpg combined. The FWD variant adds one mpg in each category.
That powertrain is by no means a powerhouse, but it ain't boring either. The Drive Modes switch located next to the instrument cluster can change between Eco, Normal, Sport, or Sport+ modes, with "Custom" acting as your own bespoke mode that you can alter in the infotainment system.From my experience, the modes simply alter the transmission's "shift times," so if more frequent redlines are your cup of tea, then Sport+ will be your happy place. I've also read other reviewers denote the engine's "drone" under hard acceleration, but to me, it sounded more like an angry, growling four-cylinder. It made the car seem faster than it really is, and I found no reason to complain about that.
The brakes also felt a tad touchy at first, actuating a little too close to the top of the pedal. Once I got used to them, they were fine, but my insides protested after the first few sudden stops.
The UX300h felt tight and agile through turns, and the steering wasn't too light or heavy either. Even in the rainy week when I had the car, I encountered no slipups or situations where I felt like it was getting away from me. Call it the Goldilocks of handling or attribute it to the F Sport Handling dynamics, but I'd gladly hit the canyons in this after a grocery trip.
The interior of the Lexus UX300h F Sport Handling is an equally nice place to be. The heated/cooled seats, along with the heated steering wheel, made long-distance trips a breeze, and the adaptive cruise control does its job as it should. All of the surfaces feel appropriate to the price point, with soft-touch vinyl, a few brushed finishes, and plastic in places you don't touch as often.
The infotainment system is smooth and easy to operate, with the intermittent freezing issues likely being the fault of wireless Android Auto. If you're more of an iPhone aficionado, wireless Apple CarPlay has you covered, too. Big props to Lexus for extracting the essential AC functions to pleasant-feeling piano keys right below the vents.
While the wireless charging is a welcome feature, I found it to be rather ineffective. Even with my case off, my phone started discharging while I was driving with Spotify and Google Maps on. Perhaps an increase in wattage would be a good addition.The digital cluster was nothing to write home about, with various modes available depending on the information you care about most. The Drive Mode switch added a round tachometer in Sport and a more F1-style horizontal one in Sport+, but they didn't evoke more than an "oh, cool" reaction.
I also couldn't help but notice all of the wasted space in the center console. Other than the Qi charging pad, the shifter, two cupholders, and the heated/cooled seats and steering wheel controls, it was all a vast sea of gray. A third cup holder—or, heck, even a fancy F Sport badge—would not have gone amiss.
I was also infinitely annoyed by the map light toggles. In most cars I've seen, they're activated by some kind of button, regardless of whether it's a separate one off to the side or whether the whole light fixture acts as a button. In the UX300h, they're touch-sensitive, which would not normally be an issue had they not been so close to the sunroof controls. More often than not, I'd find myself inadvertently turning on the map light when opening the sunroof.
The mafia should stay away from the UX300h, as the cargo area isn't the biggest you'll ever see. At 17.1 cu. ft. behind the second row, it can get a little tight, and the load floor is fairly high, too.
My shopping trip to WinCo managed to fill up the cargo area pretty well, with the removable cargo cover adding a little bit of room below the actual floor. There was still some space left, but I wouldn't count on this car being the grocery hauler for your entire extended family.That brings us to the base price. In its AWD F Sport Handling guise, the UX300h has a base price of $47,750. Tack on the extra options, like the $945 Ultrasonic Blue Mica 2.0 paint job, the $75 wireless charger, and the $900 color HUD, and you're sitting at $49,670. For comparison, the Genesis GV70 starts at $47,050 with an AWD 2.5T four-cylinder. It's no hybrid, and you don't get a heated steering wheel, but it's arguably a much fancier choice.
As my week with the Lexus UX300h F Sport Handling came to an end, I found myself reluctant to give it back. It's not a car that will blow your mind with its otherworldly feature set or performance, but it does everything well.
It's an attractive little SUV with enough oomph to get around and have some fun when commuting gets boring. It can stay planted around hard corners, and the F Sport Handling version gives it a few extra points in that department. The cabin keeps it classy with nice surfaces in the places that get touched the most often and enough techy amenities to make daily driving a comfy breeze.
Overall, I'd take the UX300h back any day of the week, although if you're looking for something a little bigger with a little more luxury, perhaps shop around before deciding if this is the one for you.
Love reading Autoblog? Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get exclusive articles, insider insights, and the latest updates delivered right to your inbox. Click here to sign up now!

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Why This BMW Stick-Shift Won't Disappear Just Yet
Why This BMW Stick-Shift Won't Disappear Just Yet

Miami Herald

time4 hours ago

  • Miami Herald

Why This BMW Stick-Shift Won't Disappear Just Yet

In an increasingly rare piece of good news for fans of manual sports cars, BMW is set to extend production of a key enthusiast model beyond the expected timeline. We're referring to the Z4 M40i with the brand's classic six-cylinder engine and stick-shift transmission, which was expected to go out of production in October this year. However, a reliable source over at Bimmer Post has revealed an extended production run that stretches all the way to May 2026. One can only assume that strong sales have led to the decision to keep the Z4 M40i around a little longer. For the 2025 model year, BMW introduced the Handschalter package for the M40i variant, which includes a six-speed manual in addition to the version with the eight-speed automatic. According to BMW's latest sales figures for Q1 2025, Z4 sales were up by 29% year-on-year in the United States, reaching 503 units. Yes, that's not a lot of cars in BMW world, but the Z4 is a low-volume sports car, not a family-friendly SUV. Considering that only the M40i is getting an extended production run until May 2026, we can presume that the increase in sales is due to the success of the M40i, not the base four-cylinder variant. Intriguingly, it looks like the Toyota GR Supra, with which the Z4 shares engines and other components, will also stick around until May 2026. The current Z4 starts at $54,050 for the 255-horsepower sDrive30i model with its 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo engine. To upgrade to the 382-hp M40i, you must spend at least $66,450. From there, a further $3,500 is required for the Handschalter package, which adds the six-speed manual along with extras like extended Shadowline trim, black mirror caps, M Sport brakes with red calipers, and black high gloss trim. It's not the cheapest new BMW, but fans have clearly being willing to pay for it. Besides the Z4 M40i manual, the German manufacturer has several other manuals available in its lineup, including the M2 coupe, M3 sedan, and M4 coupe. All have variations of the brand's sporty and powerful six-cylinder turbo engine. After eliminating dual-clutch automatics from its lineup recently - a more engaging alternative to traditional automatics - there was a fear that BMW manuals weren't long for this world, either. However, a BMW Blog report from March 2025 indicates that BMW isn't ready to ditch manuals entirely, even though the take rate for a stick-shift is low. For now, we have a six-cylinder manual Z4 to savor for a while longer, and that's a good thing. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Toyota Math: 9 Million EVs Are Just as Polluting as 27 Million Hybrids
Toyota Math: 9 Million EVs Are Just as Polluting as 27 Million Hybrids

Motor 1

time6 hours ago

  • Motor 1

Toyota Math: 9 Million EVs Are Just as Polluting as 27 Million Hybrids

Akio Toyoda is a man who speaks his mind. He's been saying for years that forcing everyone to buy EVs isn't the way forward. Toyota's chairman is adamant that the transition can't be rushed and that going all-in on electric vehicles would have massive repercussions across the automotive industry. He believes millions of jobs throughout the supply chain could be at risk if the combustion engine is phased out too quickly. On the environmental front, Toyoda maintains that EVs are still much dirtier than hybrids. The grandson of Toyota founder Kiichiro Toyoda claims the company has sold around 27 million hybrids since launching the first-generation Prius in 1997. According to him, those hybrids have had the same carbon footprint as nine million fully electric vehicles. Put another way, a single EV is as dirty as three hybrids. He argues that the gap is even wider when EVs are charged using electricity from thermal power stations reliant on fossil fuels, as is the case in Japan. 'But if we were to have made nine million BEVs in Japan, it would have actually increased the carbon emissions, not reduced them. That is because Japan relies on thermal power plants for electricity.' Proving Naysayers Wrong Toyota's reluctance to fully embrace EVs has sparked criticism, with some even questioning the company's future. You've probably seen comments predicting Toyota's downfall for lagging in the electric race, but that hasn't happened. In fact, the opposite is true. In 2024, Toyota was the world's largest automaker for the fifth year in a row. Sure, its EVs may trail the competition, but Toyota more than makes up for it with its hybrids and the remaining ICE models it still sells. The latest gas-powered car to receive the hybrid treatment is the Aygo X , the firm's smallest model outside of the kei cars, which are sold exclusively in Japan. Toyota claims the dinky hatchback has the lowest CO₂ footprint of any non-plug-in car on the market. Akio Toyoda once said EVs would never exceed a 30% market share and argued that the industry should focus on hybrids and synthetic fuels. Although it has admitted the Mirai has been a commercial failure , Toyota remains committed to hydrogen and sees potential in combining it with combustion engines. At the same time, it's helping BMW launch its first series-production hydrogen vehicle in 2028. Toyota Can Do It All As the automotive powerhouse it is, Toyota has the financial and industrial muscle to improve its hybrids while also developing better EVs. It has made the bZ more appealing and added the bZ Woodland and C-HR to its growing electric lineup. Its luxury brand Lexus recently launched the ES electric sedan and upgraded the RZ. According to a new Bloomberg report, two more EVs are coming to the U.S. by 2027. While the spotlight is on hybrids and EVs, Toyota hasn't forgotten the joy of driving. The company's CEO, Koji Sato, was recently quoted as saying, 'A car is not a car if it's not fun.' In the coming years, expect a new Supra, a revived Celica, and possibly a new MR2, judging by the mid-engine prototype shown earlier this year. Lexus, too, will launch a GT3-style road car, likely with a V-8. All told, Toyota appears to have just about every base covered. The impending return of the FJ Cruiser would further cement Toyota's reputation for offering one of the most comprehensive lineups in the automotive industry. New Toyota Models On The Way: Toyota Dealers Got a Sneak Peek at the New Celica This Might Be the New Toyota FJ Cruiser Get the best news, reviews, columns, and more delivered straight to your inbox, daily. back Sign up For more information, read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use . Source: Toyota Times Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )

Rene Rast's "headache" required serious care after Zandvoort DTM win
Rene Rast's "headache" required serious care after Zandvoort DTM win

Yahoo

time8 hours ago

  • Yahoo

Rene Rast's "headache" required serious care after Zandvoort DTM win

Schubert BMW driver Rene Rast hit his head just before the second DTM race of the Zandvoort weekend, it has been revealed, turning what looked like a relaxed Sunday drive through the dunes into a feat of strength for his 29th career DTM victory. "Yes, I have a headache," confirmed the three-time DTM champion in an interview with ran after the race, though he downplayed the situation: "You really have to concentrate and keep your thoughts together, block out the pain. I took two painkillers before the start." Advertisement However, over the course of the podium ceremony, Rast's symptoms worsened. He complained of discomfort, dizziness, and even tingling in his fingers. "It was a very difficult race physically. I had a lot of head pain. Also, my fingers are still tingling, so it wasn't easy, but yeah, we made it." Next race: Le Mans Following the podium ceremony, Rast was initially treated in an ambulance. However, instead of attending the press conference, the race winner was taken directly to the medical center for further examinations of his head and cervical spine (neck). Because options at the track were limited, Rast was transferred to a hospital in Haarlem. A CT scan was scheduled there to rule out possible injuries to the cervical spine, a BMW spokesperson confirmed to Race winner René Rast, Schubert Motorsport Race winner René Rast, Schubert Motorsport Alexander Trienitz Alexander Trienitz Advertisement understands the incident occurred roughly 10 minutes before the race started, when Rast had gone to use the restroom one last time. While stepping over the pitwall, the BMW driver is said to have struck his head hard on the railing. Even team principal Torsten Schubert was unaware of the situation: 'I didn't know anything until the podium. Only after the podium.' Marco Wittmann, who had even put pressure on his BMW team-mate in the final phase of the race, was also unaware of Rast's health issues. 'No, I'm actually surprised, so I'll definitely check in to see what's going on,' said the runner-up, who was still completely in the dark during the press conference: 'I didn't notice him having any problems, so maybe it happened during the race.' Advertisement Following last night's examinations, Rast was released from hospital and is now able to make his way to Le Mans, where he'll drive the #20 BMW M Hybrid V8 alongside Robin Frijns and Sheldon van der Linde in the Hypercar class this week. "Quick update: got released from hospital this evening," the German wrote on Instagram last night. "No injuries detected which means I am ready to go to Le Mans tomorrow. "Just before today's DTM race start, I hit my head quite heavily which lead to some pain and dizziness. The medical team took precautions and sent me to a hospital for checks. Better safe than sorry. Thanks for all your messages." To read more articles visit our website.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store