It doesn’t look any different, but the most affordable Lexus is getting a new hybrid system and a little more power for 2025. Replacing the UX 250h, the subcompact UX 300h is the first Lexus to receive Toyota’s fifth-generation hybrid system.
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Powertrain Specs and MPG
The gas-powered portion of the UX’s powertrain is still a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, which pairs with two electric motors and a continuously variable automatic transmission. System output rises from 181 horsepower in the 2024 UX 250h to 196 hp in the new 300h. Lexus claims the revised hybrid system cuts about a half-second off the 0-60 mph time, dropping it to 7.9 seconds for all-wheel-drive models and 8.0 seconds for front-drive versions.
Even though the UX 300h makes more power than its predecessor, Lexus says it’s a bit more fuel-efficient, as well, with a manufacturer-estimated 43 mpg combined for the FWD model and 41 mpg combined with AWD. These figures surpass EPA combined estimates for the FWD and AWD UX 250h by 1 mpg and 2 mpg, respectively.
FWD is standard, and while AWD models power their rear axle with a third electric motor, the claimed output of the powertrain doesn’t change. Gone is the 250h’s nickel-metal-hydride battery, replaced by a smaller and lighter lithium-ion pack located under the rear seat.
More Tech and Standard Safety Equipment
While the interior and exterior styling remain largely the same with the new powertrain, the 2025 Lexus UX 300h now offers a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. An 8-inch infotainment touchscreen remains standard, with another 12.3-inch touchscreen available as an option.
Lexus is also upgrading the UX from its Safety System+ 2.5 suite to Safety System+ 3.0. This adds emergency steering assist and curve speed management to features that include forward collision warning with pedestrian and bicyclist detection, automatic emergency braking, left-turn oncoming vehicle detection, adaptive cruise control, active lane centering, lane departure prevention and road-sign recognition.
Availability and Pricing
The 2025 Lexus UX 300h will go on sale in early 2024. Pricing will be available closer to launch.
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