The streets are set to welcome a vibrant new force as the 2025 Lexus UX 300h introduces an advanced powertrain and a sleek new badge to its lineup. This compact crossover, renowned for its adaptability, now commands an impressive 196 total system horsepower. It owes this significant boost to its newly integrated hybrid transaxle and the shift to a more efficient, lightweight lithium-ion battery.
The 2025 model doesn’t just promise more power; it ensures a more agile and responsive driving experience, finely balanced with the signature smoothness Lexus is known for. The vehicle’s technological and safety enhancements, along with the addition of the sophisticated Copper Crest as an exterior color choice, further accentuate its allure.
Exclusively available in the U.S. with a hybrid powertrain, the 2025 UX 300h represents Lexus’ commitment to fostering a carbon-neutral society. This model is set to replace the preceding UX 250h and is expected to hit the market in early 2024.
Table of Contents
Introducing the Fifth-Generation Hybrid System
The 2025 Lexus UX 300h proudly stands as the inaugural model to feature the fifth-generation Lexus Hybrid System. This innovative system marries a 2.0-liter, inline four-cylinder gas engine with two motor-generators. It operates through a planetary-type continuously variable transmission, optimizing both power and efficiency.
The synergy between the gasoline engine and the electric motor guarantees brisk acceleration and seamless performance, further enhanced by the switch to a compact, 60-cell lithium-ion battery situated under the rear seat. This strategic placement not only improves passenger comfort but also augments storage capacity.
With the incorporation of a new hybrid transaxle, the UX 300h sees an upsurge in the output from both front (83 kW) and rear (30 kW) motors. The collective force of the engine, battery, and high-output motor culminates in an authoritative 196 horsepower.
Embracing Advanced Technology
The 2025 UXh introduces shift-by-wire technology, transforming traditional shift operations into a more responsive, electrical signal-based system. This advancement eliminates mechanical connections, allowing for quicker, smoother shifts.
Coupled with these technological strides is the UXh’s enhanced acceleration, boasting an improved estimated 0-60 mph time of 7.9 seconds for the All-Wheel Drive (AWD) version and 8.0 seconds for the Front-Wheel Drive (FWD).
E-Four, Lexus’ innovative all-wheel drive system, is available for the UX 300h. It features a permanent synchronous motor at the rear axle, ensuring immediate application of drive force in demanding situations such as low traction or rapid acceleration.
Efficiency doesn’t take a back seat despite these power enhancements. The UXh maintains an impressive fuel economy, with an estimated 43 mpg for FWD models and 41 mpg for AWD models.
Aesthetic and Aerodynamic Mastery
The 2025 Lexus UXh stands as a testament to meticulous design and engineering. The iconic Lexus spindle grille, complete with a block-shaped mesh pattern, emanates sophistication.
Its individual elements evolve in shape radiating from the central Lexus emblem, flanked by headlamps and LED daytime running lights that form an assertive arrowhead motif. These elements combine to strengthen the UXh’s assertive and modern face.
The UXh’s silhouette flows from the spindle grille, wrapping the cabin in crisp, sculpted lines and pronounced fenders inspired by robust aesthetics. Its aerodynamic form is accentuated by large, corner-positioned wheels and an assertive front fascia, contributing to its agile and sporty stance.
Wheel arch moldings not only protect the bodywork but also refine the vehicle’s aerodynamics, reducing turbulence and enhancing stability.
At the rear, Aero Stabilizing Blade Lights bridge across, featuring a distinctive array of 120 LEDs tapering towards the center. This design isn’t just visually striking; it plays a crucial role in reducing turbulence and improving stability.
Complementing these features are a wing-type spoiler and a flat underbody, both contributing to the UXh’s aerodynamic efficiency and quietness.
A Foundation of Strength and Agility
At the core of the UXh’s design lies a dedication to combining agile handling with smooth, tranquil ride comfort. This is achieved through its construction around a robust global architecture platform, characterized by the extensive use of high-tensile steel and fortified with high-strength adhesives and laser screw welding.
The result is a structure of exceptional rigidity, which forms the foundation for both its sporty handling and luxurious ride quality.
The use of lightweight materials such as aluminum for the side doors, fenders, and hood, along with composite materials for the tailgate, ensures the UXh maintains a low center of gravity, positioned at 23.4 inches. This design detail provides a grounded, nimble feel typically associated with lower sports hatches, enhancing the overall driving experience.
Its suspension system, featuring MacPherson struts at the front and a trailing arm double wishbone type at the rear, is meticulously tuned. Both systems are mounted to sub-frames and refined with attention to the smallest details—like the quality of damper oil and friction control in the shock absorbers—culminating in a ride that’s both agile and supple.
In addition, the UXh incorporates Active Cornering Assist (ACA), integrated with Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), to ensure precision in turns. By subtly applying brake control to the inside wheels, ACA mitigates understeer tendencies, thereby maintaining stability and enhancing the vehicle’s cornering prowess.
2025 Lexus UX 300h F SPORT Performance: An Athletic Edge
For those seeking an even more dynamic driving experience, the 2025 Lexus UX 300h offers the F SPORT Design and F SPORT Handling models among its eight distinct versions. These models elevate the UXh’s sporty demeanor with exclusive F SPORT wheels, grille, and additional aesthetic touches such as dark roof rails, a black roof, and a power tilt-and-slide moonroof.
Practical elements like rain-sensing windshield wipers, fog and cornering lamps, and automatic headlamp leveling are also included, alongside painted wheel arch molding.
The F SPORT Handling model furthers the dynamic experience with an Active Variable Suspension (AVS). This system refines handling, stability, and overall ride comfort.
Inside, the F SPORT Handling model boasts aluminum footrests and scuff plates, alongside F SPORT-exclusive sports seats, power steering column, heated steering wheel, and meticulously crafted aluminum sports pedals. For added convenience, a standard power rear door with kick sensor is new for this year.
Refined Interior for the Discerning Driver
Inside, the 2025 Lexus UX 300h reveals an interior of refined elegance and functional design. Updates include a new button layout on the door panels and chrome-finished ornamentation. The F SPORT Handling models also feature new hairline finishing on the door panels and center console, adding a touch of sophistication.
The UXh’s commitment to driver comfort and convenience is evident in its standard 12.3-inch multi-information display in the instrument cluster for all Premium and F SPORT models, while a 7-inch display is standard on the Base model. These displays offer customizable layouts, allowing drivers to tailor the information to their needs.
An available color head-up display projects essential information directly into the driver’s field of view, minimizing distraction and enhancing safety. This feature displays a range of information, including speed, shift position, navigational directions, and active safety system alerts.
The Lexus Interface touchscreen display ensures both the driver and front passenger can easily operate the vehicle’s systems. With an 8-inch screen standard on Base, Premium, and F SPORT Design models, and a 12.3-inch screen on the F SPORT Handling model, the high-definition touchscreen displays are coated with a high-adhesion, anti-reflective coating for clear visibility and intuitive control.
The UXh’s cabin design takes inspiration from luxury sedans, offering the comfort and versatility expected in a crossover. The seating position is elevated for a commanding view, while the design of the instrument panel and slim A-pillar moldings enhance visibility.
The 8-way power adjustable front seats, complete with adjustable lumbar support for the driver, ensure a comfortable and customizable driving experience.
Premium models further enhance comfort with heated and ventilated front seats, power tilt-and-slide moonroof, rain-sensing windshield wipers, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and power rear door with kick sensor. The interior’s aesthetic is further refined with dash trim finishes inspired by washi, the traditional Japanese paper, evoking a sense of calm and warmth.
NuLuxe-trimmed seating is available in a variety of colors, including an exclusive Black and Circuit Red option for F SPORT Handling models.
Advanced Technology and Safety Features
The 2025 Lexus UX 300h comes equipped with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, a comprehensive suite of active safety and convenience features. This includes the Pre-Collision System (PCS) with Pedestrian Detection, designed to detect and provide warnings for vehicles, pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists under certain conditions.
If the driver does not respond, the system can provide automatic emergency braking. New features in the LSS+ 3.0 include Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist and Left Turn Oncoming Vehicle Detection/Braking, enhancing the vehicle’s ability to avoid collisions.
The All-speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) is an adaptive cruise control system that uses radar and camera technology to maintain a preset speed and distance from the vehicle ahead, adjusting automatically in traffic. The new Curve Speed Management feature aids in managing speed on curves when cruise control is engaged, providing a smoother and safer driving experience.
The Lexus Interface touchscreen is a standout feature, offering easy-to-use controls with smartphone and tablet-like operations. The high-definition touchscreen provides clear information and menu operations, ensuring that both the driver and front passenger can easily access and control the vehicle’s features.
Lexus Safety System+ 3.0: A Commitment to Comprehensive Safety
The 2025 Lexus UX 300h is not only about performance and luxury; it’s equally focused on safety. The Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 is a testament to this commitment, bringing together a suite of advanced safety features designed to protect and assist the driver.
This system includes the Pre-Collision System (PCS) with Pedestrian Detection, designed to detect a range of objects including vehicles, pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists, providing audible and visual alerts, and if necessary, automatic braking to mitigate or avoid collisions.
Enhancements in the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 include Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist, which aids in avoiding collisions with certain detectable objects by applying gentle braking and steering operations.
The Left Turn Oncoming Vehicle Detection/Braking feature is particularly innovative, designed to provide warnings and automatic braking if the system determines the driver is turning left in front of an oncoming vehicle under certain conditions.
The All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) is an adaptive cruise control system intended for highway use. It maintains a preset distance from the vehicle ahead, adjusting speed as needed, even in stop-and-go traffic. The DRCC system is a valuable asset for long drives, reducing driver fatigue and enhancing overall safety.
The new Curve Speed Management feature in the LSS+ 3.0 version further aids in managing vehicle speed in curves when cruise control is engaged, making for a more comfortable and controlled driving experience.
Innovative Technology and Comfort
The 2025 Lexus UX 300h is not only a marvel of engineering and design; it’s also a hub of innovation and luxury. The vehicle features the Lexus Interface with touchscreen, a standard high-definition touchscreen that provides easy-to-use controls and clear information.
Available in 8 inches for Base, Premium, and F SPORT Design models and 12.3 inches for the F SPORT Handling model, the touchscreen displays utilize a high-adhesion, anti-reflective coating to ensure a vivid display. The intuitive menu operations are akin to those found on modern smartphones and tablets, offering a familiar and user-friendly interface.
The color head-up display is another notable feature, providing critical information directly in the driver’s line of sight. This feature allows the driver to stay informed about speed, shift position, and other vital details without taking their eyes off the road.
It’s particularly useful for keeping track of navigational directions and the status of various driver-assist systems like Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Tracing Assist, and Road Sign Assist.
The design of the UXh’s cabin is thoughtful and driver-focused. The placement of the hip point and the shaping of the seat cushion make entering and exiting the vehicle easier, while the low, unobtrusive design of the instrument panel and the slim A-pillar moldings improve overall visibility.
The 8-way power-adjustable front seats with adjustable lumbar support for the driver ensure a comfortable driving position, customizable for different drivers and driving styles.
The interior finish is inspired by the grain of Japanese paper, known as washi, commonly found in traditional Japanese homes. This detail evokes a calm and warm feeling, further enhancing the luxury experience inside the UXh. NuLuxe®-trimmed seating is offered in a range of colors, allowing for personalization and comfort.
The F SPORT Handling model offers an exclusive seat color combination of Black and Circuit Red, adding to the vehicle’s sporty appeal.
Driving Towards a Sustainable Future
The 2025 Lexus UX 300h is more than just a vehicle; it’s a statement of intent towards a sustainable future. By exclusively offering a hybrid powertrain in the U.S., the UX 300h supports Lexus’ ongoing efforts towards the realization of a carbon-neutral society.
The shift to a lightweight lithium-ion battery and the integration of the fifth-generation Lexus Hybrid System signify major steps forward in terms of efficiency and environmental responsibility.
With its combination of dynamic performance, luxurious comfort, cutting-edge technology, and a commitment to sustainability, the 2025 Lexus UX 300h is poised to redefine what a compact crossover can be. It’s a vehicle designed for the discerning driver who values both the thrill of the drive and the need for a sustainable, responsible approach to mobility.
