Lexus joined the compact crossover segment with a brand new series and that is the Lexus UX range. It comes as a gasoline powered UX200 and a hybrid UX250h. The 2020 Lexus UX250h is the only hybrid vehicle in the segment and that alone could change the game in favor of Lexus.
The UX250h is powered by a 2.0L, naturally aspirated, 4-cylinder engine producing 143 hp and 133 lb-ft of torque of peak torque. It also has two electric motors with a nickel-metal hydride battery pack at each of the front wheels and a third electric motor on the rear axle, thus effectively making it all-wheel drive. The combined output of the drivetrain is 181 horsepower which comes mated to a CVT transmission.
181 hp @ 6000 rpm | 2 L | Inline 4 | regular unleaded
Luxury $39,550 onwards
181 hp @ 6000 rpm | 2 L | Inline 4 | regular unleaded
Colors and Styles
Nebula Gray Pearl
Vehicle images are guides only and may not reflect the model's exact specifications/features– exact specifications/features should be confirmed with the seller.
Ratings
Features
7.0
Engine And Performance
7.1
Fuel Economy
6.0
Interior
7.0
6.8
OVERALL RATING
Expert Review, Pricing Analysis and Buying Guide
6.8
Overall Rating
The UX250h is contested by the Jaguar E-Pace, the Range Rover Evoque, and the Volvo XC40 among numerous cars in this segment. The competition is powerful than the UX250h but this Lexus has the privilege of style and a sense of occasion unmatched by its competitors and its a hybrid too. Being a Lexus, it also enjoys the privilege of being unique in a population of Europeans. Let see how the competition rolls.
2020 Lexus UX 250h front three quarters (Euro Spec)
2020 Lexus UX 250h rear three quarters (Euro Spec)
7.0/10 Features
7.1/10 Engine and Performance
6.0/10 Fuel Economy
7.0/10 Interior
2020 Lexus UX 250h hybrid Features
7.0/10
Trim
Base
Luxury
F-Sport
MSRP
$34,000
$36,200
$39,200
Key Features
18-inch wheels
Sound-damping front side windows
Unique 18-inch wheels
LED headlights
Auto-dimming side mirrors
Sport-tuned suspension
Heated side mirrors
Hands-free liftgate
LED foglights
Proximity entry and push-button start
Driver-seat memory functions
Augmented engine sound generator
Selectable drive modes
Blind-spot monitoring
Steering wheel paddle shifters
Dual-zone automatic climate control
10.3-inch central display
Sport front seats
Simulated-leather upholstery
Eight-speaker sound system
Upgraded digital gauge cluster
Power-adjustable front seats
60/40-split folding rear seat
Rearview camera
Infotainment system with 7-inch touchscreen display
Smartphone app-based navigation
Apple CarPlay smartphone integration
Six-speaker audio system and satellite radio
The UX 250h comes in three trim levels Base, F Sport and Luxury. All cars are mechanically the same except that each higher trim adds some more features in the car. The F Sport also gets some visual updates with a sportier look.
We Recommend:
The UX is a lot about its features and its luxury quotient. For that matter, picking the top of the line Luxury trim is a very good choice. You could also pick the F Sport trim if sporty looks are your priority. However, the best pick in the UX range is certainly the UX 250h which is the hybrid version of the UX. It comes with more power and torque from the electric motors and also has the benefit of AWD.
2020 Lexus UX 250h hybrid Engine and Performance
7.1/10
UX 250h has 181 horsepower, just 12 hp more than the non-hybrid UX, but its electric motors help give it a more instant surge of power when you need it. The UX 250h is also stable and fun to pilot around turns. Ironically, the sportiest UX happens to be the hybrid. - Edmunds
Engine and Transmission
The Lexus US 250h is powered by a 2.0L, naturally aspirated, 4-cylinder engine producing 143 hp and 133 lb-ft of torque of peak torque. It also has two electric motors with a nickle-metal hydride battery back at each of the front wheels and a third electric motor on the rear axle, thus effectivekly making it all-wheel drive. The combined output of the drivetrain is 181 horsepower, just 12 horsepower more than the non-hybrid UX200.
While the electric motors does give you some extra boost when you floor the gas pedal, it still not quite exiciting. The added power will help you in your over taking manuevers and off the line acceleration but the effect fades out soon. It will cruise confortably at decent speeds but do not ask much from it. It still better than the non-hybrid engine and it can even drive some distance in pure electric mode. Also, the AWD system works only upto speeds of 45 mph.
The engine is mated to a CVT gearbox but with a trick up its sleeve. The first gear is a conventional mechanical gear from where the CVT takes over. It has been made so to remove the sluggishness and unresponsiveness of a CVT gearbox and give better off the line performance and it indeed does work well. The first gear blends into the CVT seamlessly and then on, the CVT can simulate 10 gears if you tap at the paddles. However, the CVT isn’t an exceptional one and behaves quite like all other CVTs and disappointing at that.
Models
Lexus UX 250h
Volvo XC40
Land Rover Range Rover Evoque
Jaguar E-Pace
MSRP
$34,000
$34,195
$42,795
$39,595
Engine
2.0L Inline-4 and 3 electric motors
2.0L, Turbo charged, Inline-4 cylinder
2.0L, Turbo charged, Inline-4 cylinder
2.0L, Turbo charged, Inline-4 cylinder
Transmission
Continuously variable transmission
8 speed automatic
9 speed automatic
9 speed automatic
Horsepower
169 hp@ 6600rpm
248 hp@ 5500rpm
237 hp@ 5500rpm
246 hp@ 5500rpm
Torque
151 ft-lbs@ 4800rpm
258 ft-lbs@ 1800rpm
251 ft-lbs@ 1250 rpm
269 ft-lbs@ 1200rpm
In comparison, all its competitors are way more powerful similar engines of 2.0L, 4-cylinder motors but they are all turbocharged. The Volvo XC40 is the most powerful with 248 horsepower. The competition also uses conventional automatics whereas the Lexus is the only one to be using a CVT gearbox.
Acceleration
Models
Lexus UX 250h
Volvo XC40
Land Rover Range Rover Evoque
Jaguar E-Pace
0-60 MPH
8.6 sec
6.7 sec
6.0 sec
7.2
Quarter mile
16.6
15.1
N/A
15.6
Engine
2.0L, i4 and 3 electric motors
2.0L i4
2.0L i4
2.0L i4
Emission
(Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)
N/A
N/A
7.1
N/A
The UX 250h takes 8.6 seconds to accelerate from standstill to 60 mph which is a pretty decent number but slowest in the competition. That of course is no surprise as the Lexus is quite underpowered but intentionally so as it prioritizes fuel economy over performance. The Range Rover Evoque is the fastest car to 60 mph at just 6.0 seconds which is quite good for a compact SUV.
Ride and Handling
The ride quality is one of the biggest highlights of the UX 200. It has a really comfortable ride, perhaps one of the best in the segment. It soaks up bumps and potholes very well, even at highway speeds. What also impressive is that in spite of having a soft ride quality, it remains quite stable and composed around corners as well. It also benefits from the added weight of the battery back and elctric motors which give it some more stability at higher speeds. Body roll is very well managed and it really inspires confidence even if you are pushing it hard.
The steering is sharp and precise with a nice hefty feeling to it. It not too light, it not too heavy, just the perfect amount to weight to get some feeling out of it. The UX 200 is based on the same platform as the Toyota CH-R which is quite a fun car to drive. The UX naturally inherited the fun and nimble nature of the CH-R and then the dynamics have been really well engineered.
Braking
Model
Lexus UX250h
Volvo XC40
Land Rover Range Rover Evoque
Jaguar E-Pace
Brake Front (in.)
12
13.6
12.8
12.8
Brake Rear (in.)
11.1
11.9
12.5
11.8
Curb Weight (lbs.)
3600
3629
3865
4035
60-0 MPH (ft.)
173 ft (70-0)
N/A
N/A
N/A
The brakes are something that Lexus couldn’t get right with the UX 200. The brakes are too sensitive and a little jab at the pedal brakes the car with a hard jerk. It really difficult to bring the car to a smooth stop with a steady pressure on the pedal. That said, the brakes are really strong and provide great biting force. It takes the UX 250h 173 ft to come to a dead stop from 70 mph which is pretty decent in this segment.
2020 Lexus UX 250h hybrid Fuel Economy
6.0/10
Model
Lexus UX 250h
Volvo XC40
Land Rover Range Rover Evoque
Jaguar E-Pace
MPG (city)
41
23
22
21
MPG (highway)
38
31
29
28
MPG(combined)
39
26
25
24
Where the Lexus really beats the competition is with its fuel economy. The engine was optimized to return great fuel economy figures and it really does, even more so with the hybrid powertrain over the non-hybrid UX200. It returns 39 miles to the gallon combined which is really amazing for
the segment. The Volvo XC40 follows next but returns only 26 miles to the gallon combined.
2020 Lexus UX 250h hybrid Interior
7.0/10
The front of the UX cabin is where Lexus plays one of its trump cards. Smart, (mainly) logical and less cluttered than its bigger brother NX, the space feels generous and welcoming. Material quality is excellent and original in places too, notably in the optional dashboard covering that resembles textured Japanese washi paper.- Top Gear
Design
The interiors are busy but still quite aesthetic. What catches your eyes first are the 10.3-inch infotainment screen set deep inside the dashboard. The AC vents that sit below are sleek and stylish. The piano style switches for the climate controls feel really good to use as well. The layout is typically Lexus and it really looks good. There also a unique dashboard trim in blue fabric like material which is also really cool.
What catches your eye next is the 7-inch or an 8-inch (on the higher trims) screen in the instrument cluster. There is a physical gauge cluster within the digital screen and it houses the speedometer which is a really cool touch. Fit and finish of the materials are really nice and there are soft touch panels at most places you would touch. The analog clock beside the infotainment screen is another very good touch.
Seating
Model
Lexus UX 250h
Volvo XC40
Land Rover Range Rover Evoque
Jaguar E-Pace
Passenger capacity
5
5
5
5
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)
35.7/55.1/42.1
39.0/56.7/40.9
39.0/NA/40.2
39.2/NA/40.0
Second (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)
36.4/52.9/33.1
39.1/56.3/36.1
38.0/NA/34.8
38.2/NA/35.1
The Lexus does not have the most spacious interiors as its rivals are a bit roomier. Having said that, there still is plenty space inside with good legroom and headroom. The seats are quite comfortable and can be heated or cooled. There are AC vents for the rear passengers as well. The cabin is very well built and long hours would be very happily spent in this car.
Infotainment System
Infotainment system is not something Lexus seems to be getting right. While the system itself is good and packs in all the features you’d need, the way to control the system is just not good enough. The track pad that Lexus uses to operate the infotainment system requires you to take your eyes off the road and quite some time getting used to. There are much better ways to operate an infotainment system and Lexus should definitely consider that.
Apart from the inconveniences of the track pad, the system itself is quite good. The graphics are nice, the system is intuitive and feature loaded and certainly an improvement over what Lexus has been doing before. Also, the music controls are via some buttons and dials placed under the central armrest and is quite convenient to use.
Interior Features
Privacy Glass or Deep Tinted Glass
Leather Steering Wheel
Power Windows
Tilt and Telescope Steering
Power Adjustable Exterior Mirror
10.3 inch infotainment screen
7 inch digital instrument cluster
Heated and Cooled seats
Automatic climate control
Cargo Capacity
Model
Lexus UX 250h
Volvo XC40
Land Rover Range Rover Evoque
Jaguar E-Pace
Cargo Volume (ft.3)
17
20.7
20.3
24.2
The Lexus has the least capacity cargo capacity for the class. The Jaguar has 24.2 cu.ft of space which is the best in the class. The boot caapcity is smaller even than in the UX200 becuase some space is taken up by the battery pack. Still, the boot is big enough to pack in at least three large bags and maybe some more.
2020 Lexus UX 250h hybrid Exterior
On the UX, the current styling theme playful and adventurous in a way its European competition is not, and that a positive development for a brand that has followed more than it led in styling.- The Car Connection
Design
The UX 250h is a very handsome looking car. It has very good proportions and looks distinctly Lexus. The front is dominate by the large spindle grille. It looks aggressive and bold with a chrome garnish at the lower lip of the bumper. The headlamps are extremely stylish and the detailing with the DRLs looks stunning. The fog lamp housings run vertically down from the headlights, all the way to the bottom to give it a really sharp and mean look.
Move over to the sides and you are met with a multitude of lines and creases that beautifully bring out the muscular haunches of the car. The squared wheel arches with black claddings all around add some ruggedness to the design. The dual tone wing mirrors also are very stylishly designed.
The rear is probably the most pleasing angle of the UX 200. There nothing very fancy going on, just a light band connecting the brake lights on either side to make one seamless tail light. Some more lines and creases, a Lexus logo and black and silver claddings on the bumper finish off the rear design. The design is very distinctive and would easily catch eyes.
Exterior Dimensions
Model
Lexus UX 250h
Volvo XC40
Land Rover Range Rover Evoque
Jaguar E-Pace
Curb weight (lbs.)
3600
3629
3865
4035
Length(in)
177
174.2
172.0
173.0
Width(in)
72.4
73.3
78.1
78.1
Height(in)
60.6
65.3
64.4
64.9
Ground clearance(in)
N/A
8.3
8.3
8.8
Wheelbase (in)
103.9
106.4
104.7
105.6
Track width (in) F/R
61/61
63/64
63.8/64.1
64/65.1
If we talk about dimensions, the UX 200 is not the biggest. It has the maximum length but the least width, least height and the least wheelbase too. The compact dimensions also makes it the lightest. The dimensions and weight greatly contribute to the nimble nature of the car. Also, its wheelbase is not much smaller than the competition which means interior space is not much compromised.
Exterior Features
Spindle grille with mesh pattern
LED DRLs and headlamps
Dual Tone wing mirrors
Body Cladding
Light Band for the tail lights
18-inch wheels
Rear Spoiler
2020 Lexus UX 250h hybrid Safety
The Lexus UX 200 has not been rated by NHTSA or IIHS as of yet as it a brand new car but it comes loaded with pretty good safety features as you would expect from a Lexus.
Pre-Collision System (PCS) with Pedestrian Detection
All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
Lane Tracing Assist
Road Sign Assist (RSA)
Intelligent High-Beam headlamps
Anti-lock brakes
Stability control
Multiple Airbags
2020 Lexus UX 250h hybrid Competition
Lexus UX 250h vs Volvo XC40
The Lexus UX250h may be quite underpowered in comparison to the XC40 but it does pretty well what it does. It has good body control and a good ride quality as well. It looks very stylish and quite apart. The interiors are good but the infotainment system could have been better. It has way better fuel economy than any of its competitors. The XC40 does all the good things that the Lexus does but with way more power and performance. Also, the interiors in the Volvo are way nicer too. What really works for the Volvo is that it priced almost similarly to the Lexus and for that, it clearly the better choice amongst the two.
Lexus UX 250h vs Land Rover Range Rover Evoque
The Range Rover Evoque just received a fresh update this year and it looks smarter and sleeker than before. The Evoque has best in class interiors and technology with this new update. It also the fastest to 60 mph and is expected to ride and drive much better than before. Being a Range Rover, the Evoque has proper offroad capabilities and there no beating the Evoque at that. The Rangie is far better than the UX250h in every respect but it quite more expensive as well. If money is not a concern, the Evoque is easily the better car but if you want a competitive car in this segment at a very reasonable price, the UX250h fits the bill quite well.
Lexus UX 250h vs Jaguar E-pace
Not quite as powerful as the Jaguar E-Pace but it does pretty well for what it meant to do. It has a good balance between ride quality and body control. It certainly has the visual appeal which is quite distinctive and though not very special with the interiors, it good enough to challenge the Jaguar with its materials and technology. It has way better fuel economy than any of its competitors. On the other hand, the Jaguar is quite more powerful and much faster. If horsepower is not your concern, then the UX250h is the most sensible buy at a reasonable price but the E-Pace seems worth it for the extra power and performance it comes with.
2020 Lexus UX 250h hybrid Final Verdict
The Lexus UX250h is a pretty nice car. Yes, it not quite as powerful as some of its competitors but once you look beyond that, it a great car for what it has been designed to be. You do feel underpowered sometimes when you really want to push it out on the highways but on the contrary, it gives fuel economy from its hybrid powerplant which is unheard of in this segment. Also, it the only hybrid compact SUV in this segment.
The engine is refined, it has good ride quality and good body control. It looks very stylish and very different from the numerous other Jaguars, Range Rovers and Volvos in this segment. The interiors feel rich and it comes decently well-equipped but it could have done better still. Lastly, when you consider the price at which you get the UX250h, it seems great value for its money and it opens the segment of compact luxury to a whole new audience.