2025 Lexus UX 300h SUVOTY Review: A Solid Improvement but Too Pricey

Lexus’ entry-level compact SUV isn’t all-new, but it received a significant midcycle update that transforms both its powertrain and the nameplate. The 2025 Lexus UX 300h now features a hybrid system borrowed directly from the new Toyota Prius, the vehicle that earned MotorTrend’s 2024 Car of the Year honors. The 300h designation replaces the outgoing 250h, marking Lexus’ debut model equipped with this new powertrain.

The hybrid system upgrades feature a new lithium-ion battery, replacing the previous nickel-metal hydride unit, and a power boost that increases output to 196 hp, up from 181 before. The UX 300h’s 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine remains paired with two electric motors, but some of our SUV of the Year judges felt it still needs a bit more punch.

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“On our winding road driving route, the car was nimbler than I expected, but it wasn’t overly exciting,” Detroit editor Alisa Priddle said. “Everything felt just a little bit numb and bland. Acceleration was sluggish.”

But most of our judges agreed the small Lexus handled uneven surfaces with elegance, especially on the Honda proving ground’s ride-testing road, where different sections mimic imperfections found in the real world. “I feel the bumps, but they’re largely absorbed, and I am not suffering gut jiggle,” technical director Frank Markus said.

Although Lexus has marketed the UX as a crossover since its debut, we of course evaluated it alongside other more dedicated SUVs in the competition. Navigating the off-road course, which includes a sand pit and a few short fire roads, proved somewhat challenging for the UX. Judges had the pedal floored through the deepest parts of the sand pit, and although the UX didn’t get stuck, the SUV relied heavily on momentum to make it out. “I am foot-to-floor and still just barely managing 13 mph in the sand oval,” Markus said. “That’s one of the poorer performances of the event.”

Inside the UX, we were generally satisfied with the cabin’s design, though it lacked the luxury feel typically found in Lexus’ other models. The all-black interior didn’t do much to elevate the small SUV’s ambiance, though the large 12.3-inch infotainment display was a highlight. Lexus’ new infotainment system is a significant improvement over its predecessor, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with crisp graphics displayed in a big, easy-to-read format.

However, pricing ultimately kept the Lexus UX 300h from advancing to the finalist round. Our UX 300h F Sport AWD came with a $49,445 price tag, something that surprised all judges. While value is a category where Lexus typically excels, this specific UX 300h didn’t have it. The higher cost came with the 2025 update, making it feel as though it’s priced a segment above its competition.

Overall, we were pleased with the updates Lexus introduced for the new model year, but the UX 300h still has room to improve—value being one of the most notable demerit.

This review was conducted as part of our 2025 SUV of the Year (SUVOTY) testing, where each vehicle is evaluated on our six key criteria: efficiency, design, safety, engineering excellence, value, and performance of intended function. Eligible vehicles must be all-new or significantly revised.

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