Road Test: 2019 Lexus UX250h F Sport
SUVs are all the rage at the moment, whether they’re large, medium, or small. Lexus has already mastered the large and medium SUVs, introducing one of the first large luxury SUVs in 1995 with the LX450 and pioneering the midsize luxury crossover segment with the very popular RX in 1998. The newest competitive luxury segment is the subcompact SUV. With the UX, Lexus aims to be a new option for customers considering a Mercedes-Benz GLA, BMW X1 (or X2), Infiniti QX30, MINI Countryman, Jaguar E-PACE, Lincoln MKC, Volvo XC40, Cadillac XT4 or Audi Q3. With shoppers able to choose between so many different options, Lexus needed to get the UX right and it has.
In such a crowded segment, Lexus had to distinguish itself with the UX and they accomplished it in many ways. One major aspect is the design. With the F Sport package and the Ultrasonic Blue Mica paint, many passersby gave the UX a second look when walking past our driveway, with the paint really popping out in sunset. More importantly though, the UX offers a hybrid powertrain in its segment, setting itself apart as far as fuel economy is concerned to buyers of small crossovers. (The only other vehicle offering one is the more-expensive plug-in hybrid MINI Countryman). Customers can choose between two different powertrains. The UX200 has a 2-liter 4-cylinder engine making 169 horsepower and is available with front-wheel-drive only, while the aformentioned hybrid UX250h has a 4-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, generating a combined 175 horsepower, and an all-wheel-drive system. A front-wheel-drive version of the UX250h is not available.
All Lexus UX models come standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, which brings Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, radar cruise control, lane departure alert, and road sign assist. Other standard features include dual-beam LED headlights, roof rails, smart key, and the Lexus Multimedia System with 7-inch display and Apple CarPlay compatibility, all of being equipment that much of the time costs extra on competing vehicles. The optional blind spot warning system was helpful, which has a light on the mirror illuminating whenever a vehicle was present in the blind spot and the parking assist was beneficial too, helping ensure the front bumper of the UX F Sport didn’t scrape any curbs by flashing a proximity graphic on the infotainment screen.
We sampled the UX250h F Sport which has a base price of $37,175. Our test vehicle was relatively well-equipped, coming with the navigation system with 8-speaker Lexus Premium Sound System and which extends the infotainment screen to 10.25 inches ($2,200), a blind spot monitor ($500), windshield deicer ($100), wireless charger ($75), parking assist ($565), a power rear tailgate with kick sensor ($600), striking Ultrasonic Blue Mica paint ($595), the F Sport Premium Package with moonroof, rain-sensing wipers, and heated front seats ($975), as well as a heated F Sport steering wheel with paddle shifters ($150), bringing the total MSRP to $42,935.
One characteristic of the interior that we liked was the driver-oriented dashboard and center console layout. The infotainment screen faces towards the driver while the volume and tuning knobs are on the center console, designed as wheels you can easily turn with your fingers while resting your arm on the armrest. It takes some getting used to, but drivers will appreciate it at the end of their first drive with the UX. Furthermore, we found the Lexus Enform infotainment system surprisingly intuitive. Frequent smartphone users will immediately take to the controls, which utilizes a touchpad in the center console to choose between infotainment functions, ranging from navigation to climate control to audio. The infotainment system can also sync with smartwatches, Amazon Alexa-enabled devices, or Google-Assistant enabled devices. Also the screen allows for the driver to view both the navigation map and climate controls on the screen at the same time, not usual for luxury vehicles in the UX’s price range.
The seats were firm and comfortable, all UXs coming standard with a 10-way power driver’s seat with 2-way lumbar support and an 8-way passenger seat. The rear seats are a good place to sit but can be a tight fit for larger people. Legroom may be an issue though most luxury subcompact crossover buyers usually don’t carry full-sized adults in the rear. Cargo room is good, with a manual-folding 60/40 split rear seat that presents a fully flat loading floor. The hybrid UX250h offers 17 cubic feet of cargo room while the front-drive UX200 has 22 cubic feet of space due to the removal of the electric motor and all-wheel-drive. Our UX test vehicle had a black interior, but those wanting something more colorful can opt for a two-tone blue-and-white interior in the base UX trim or a red interior in the F Sport versions.
Handling of the UX250h F Sport was very good, with its revised springs and stabilizer bars for a tighter ride. We drove the UX at the San Jose foothills and it felt right at home on the winding backroads. Steering feel was excellent and the UX250h F Sport never lacked for grip, a key benefit of the all-wheel-drive system. The hybrid powertrain was never lacking for pick-up and could pick up speed easily on uphill sections. In addition, the UX250h F Sport we tested was rated at 41 miles per gallon in the city, 38 on the highway, and 39 combined. During our time with the UX, our fuel mileage fell right in line with those figures. In addition, as one of two all-wheel-drive hybrid entries in its segment, the UX is a vehicle that buyers focusing on fuel mileage and comfort should have on their shopping lists.
Ultimately, those looking for a fun, reliable, fuel-efficient luxury crossover will find what they’re looking for in the Lexus UX. With the Lexus ownership experience being rated among the highest of all vehicle brands, almost anyone who purchases the UX knows what they’re in for in terms of reliability and ownership experience. With a starting price of $33,000, the UX’s price is right in line with fully-loaded compact crossovers that don’t come with the ownership experience that the Lexus offers. The UX250h is a solid product from Lexus and presents a very enticing subcompact luxury transportation option in a segment where customers are spoiled for choice.
