Overview

The Lexus UX was once the firm’s baby compact SUV – the smallest in the line-up. But, after a range reshuffle in 2024, it has become the middle child, between the smaller LBX and bigger NX. A few upgrades were applied at the same time; most notably, the engine gained a bit more power. Thus, the Lexus UX250h became the Lexus UX300h.

At first glance, you probably wouldn’t be able to tell the 300h and 250h versions apart. The styling was massaged a bit to mark the transition, but the changes are of the blink and you’ll miss them variety. The most significant changes were a new, vastly improved infotainment system and the upgraded powertrain, which includes an all-new battery pack for the hybrid system.

The UX was launched in 2018 as a de facto replacement for the old Lexus CT hatchback. An electric version, badged UX300e was launched in 2021 – we have a separate review of it. We’ve tested many examples of the UX over the years, including a six-month long-term test. You can read more about how we test cars at Parkers to reach the conclusions given here.

The 300h powertrain combines a 2.0-litre petrol engine with a smallish battery pack and an electric motor. There’s also the option of E-Four all-wheel-drive, which adds an extra e-motor to the rear axle. Power remains the same, but the extra traction can be useful.

Lexus gives you more choice in trim levels. There are no less than seven to choose from – Urban is the entry-point, Takumi tops the range. They all come extremely well-equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, satnav and adaptive cruise control among many other features.

The UX is up against some very well-rounded competition including the BMW X1, Mercedes-Benz GLA, Audi Q3 and Range Rover Evoque. You could even make a case that it counts the latest premium hatchbacks such as the Audi A3 Sportback as adversaries, but the biggest threat is arguably from its LBX stablemate.

So, what has Lexus done to assert the UX’s place in a very strong market – and in its own model range? Over the next few pages we’ll dive into the Lexus UX in much greater detail, with our verdict based on scores that cover everything from practicality to performance, running costs to interior quality.