2022 Lexus UX 250h Review

The Lexus UX 250h is the entry level into the Lexus brand, being both its smallest SUV and the least expensive of all its vehicles. It comes only as a hybrid, and only with all-wheel drive. It was introduced for 2019 and also came as the UX 200, with a non-hybrid drivetrain and front-wheel drive only. Compared to US buyers, Canadians overwhelmingly chose the hybrid, so the UX 200 has been dropped for 2022.

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The UX 250h is almost a niche vehicle, as it has very few direct luxury competitors that share both its compact footprint and its hybrid propulsion. It’s a full hybrid, capable of running on its battery alone, and switching seamlessly and automatically between gasoline, electricity or both, depending on conditions. It doesn’t get plugged in. Instead, it self-charges its battery with regenerative braking, by capturing the energy otherwise wasted when slowing down. 

The big benefit comes at the gas pump. It’s officially rated at 6.0 L/100 km combined in Canada, or 40 mpg combined in the U.S., and the hybrid battery is covered by a factory warranty of up to 10 years or 240,000 km in Canada, or 10 years / 150,000 miles in the U.S., whichever comes first.

It’s a good-looking little vehicle with nice proportions, especially since the plastic cladding around the wheel arches is now painted body colour, instead of the contrasting dark grey it was before. It gives the UX a far more sophisticated look as an upscale city cruiser.

Price and Options

The UX 250h comes in one trim level at $40,750, before a delivery charge of $2,145. Beyond that, there are four option packages that can be added, as well as exterior shades of Ultra White or Cloudburst Grey for $500, or Ultra Blue Mica at $650. 

There are three F Sport option packages, starting with the F Sport Series 1 at $1,950. It adds such items as paddle shifters, three-spoke steering wheel, 18-inch F Sport wheels, active sound control, and F Sport seats, grille, shifter knob, and appearance package. The F Sport Special Edition, at $4,000, further adds unique wheels, black-accent headlamps, and black interior with blue stitching.

The Luxury Package, at $5,300, includes items such as wireless charger, auto-dimming mirror, head-up display, 10.3-inch screen with navigation and eight speakers, wallet-size key, park assist, and hands-free liftgate. The F Sport Series 2, at $8,750, includes all the items from both the Series 1 and Luxury packages, and then adds adaptive premium headlamps, auto-tilting mirrors, and full TFT instrument cluster.

Interior

This may be Lexus’ entry-level vehicle, but the interior is very luxurious and finished with high-quality materials. The dash is a series of cascading panels with the infotainment screen nestled at the top, and buttons for the climate controls below it.

The seats are designed to be supportive and they are very comfortable. The UX is a small vehicle, and when dividing up the space, the designers gave priority to those in the front seats, where there is a lot of legroom. But the second row is cramped, and cargo space is limited. However, there is a bi-level cargo floor with a storage bin hidden under it.

Instead of a touchscreen, the infotainment system relies on a touchpad in the centre console. It requires you to move a cursor around the screen, get it on the exact spot, and then tap the touchpad to activate the function. It’s not easy to do when you’re driving on a road that isn’t glassy-smooth, and it can be very distracting. The stereo functions are thumbwheels set sideways into a panel on the console, and they can be annoying to use as well.

Performance & Drive Impressions

The UX uses a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, and combined with the electric motor, the system makes 181 horsepower. But the UX is heavy for its size; acceleration is pokey, and the continuously-variable transmission (CVT) is noisy as it gets up to speed.

However, once you’re moving, the UX is more fun to drive than you might expect. The steering is sharp, there’s a surprising amount of steering feel, and it corners flat. The hybrid system directly drives the front wheels, while a second electric motor powers the rear ones when all-wheel drive (AWD) is needed, including on acceleration or tight curves. 

The ride is very smooth, and the transition from gasoline to battery is generally almost seamless. Providing you’re stretching out in the front seat, and not stuffed into the rear one, the UX can be very comfortable on a longer drive.

Takeaway: Is the 2022 Lexus UX 250h Worth It?

From a starting price of $40,750, the UX 250h can go as high as $49,500 with the top F Sport Series 2 Package. The base trim includes features such as heated and ventilated power-adjustable seats, heated steering wheel, power sunroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, rain-sensing wipers, 18-inch wheels, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Standard driver-assist technologies include adaptive cruise control, emergency front braking, lane-departure assist, blind-spot monitoring, lane tracing assist, and automatic high-beam headlamps.

As mentioned, it’s difficult to cross-shop the UX 250h directly, because few vehicles match its size, hybrid powertrain, and upscale badge. The Toyota Venza is now offered strictly as a hybrid and it runs between $38,890 and $48,290, but while it’s luxurious inside, it’s not a considered a luxury brand. BMW offers the X3 with a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain at $54,990, while Lincoln’s Corsair Grand Touring, also a PHEV, is $58,100. If you want a small luxury crossover with a fuel-sipping powertrain, the Lexus UX 250h is intelligently priced and a good choice.