Review: 2020 Lexus UX 250h Is Tops in MPGs

2020 Lexus UX 250h

© PHOTO BY SCOTT TILLEY

The all-wheel-drive compact luxury crossover is the MPG leader for both CUV and SUV segments.

The Lexus UX (Urban Explorer) 250 is a subcompact luxury crossover SUV that was first introduced at the Geneva Motor Show in March of 2018. It was very appropriate for the UX to make its debut on an international stage in Geneva since this little crossover has been introduced and sold in 80 separate countries around the world. It is the smallest crossover model in Lexus' SUV lineup and the first Lexus to utilize the GA-C platform. The other vehicles that utilize the GA-C platform are all Toyotas.

New Hybrid Technology

The UX hybrid has been designed with the new-generation Lexus Hybrid Drive powertrain. This new hybrid system combines the 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine that is used in the UX petro model and two electric motor/generators in a new-generation hybrid transaxle. The new transaxle mounts the electric motor-generators coaxially (sharing a common axis) rather than in-line; resulting in a smaller (by 20%) and lighter (by 10%) hybrid system that reduces frictional losses by 25%. All that translates to a more efficient and powerful powertrain that can produce 181 total system horsepower and 151 lb.-ft. of torque gaining the distinction as the fuel-efficient leader with the best MPG of any non-EV CUV or SUV in the U.S at a combined 39 MPGs (41/38/39 city/highway/combined mpg).

All Wheel Drive

The UX 250h has a computerized all-wheel drive system that uses a dedicated 7hp electric motor-generator that is integrated into the rear differential. This stand-alone computerized system will automatically adjust rear-wheel power to assist with traction on rainy or snowy roads. There is also a computerized vehicle stability control system that will regulate power between the front and rear axles again helping when accelerating, cornering, or driving on slippery surfaces. For high-speed safety reasons, both systems will disengage at 34 mph.

Lexus Safety

Lexus considers this vehicle a gateway or entry level vehicle, but the safety features that comes standard with this SUV are anything but entry level. All 2020 UX models are equipped with 10 airbags including driver and front passenger airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, driver and front passenger seat-mounted side impact airbags, and front to rear side curtain airbags.

Also standard is the Lexus Safety System+ 2.0 and that includes:

Pre-Collision System with Low-light and Daytime Pedestrian and Daytime Cyclist Detection
All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
Lane Tracing Assist
Road Sign Assist
Rear Cross-Traffic Braking
Intelligent High-Beam headlamps

View more in depth information online about the above safety services and other safety services available. Do not let the classification or size of this SUV fool you. It may be listed as a subcompact just below the Lexus compact NX, but it does not drive or ride like a subcompact. I was very impressed with my UX driving experience. If I had someone ask me about vehicles in the subcompact segment, I would suggest they give this SUV serious consideration. It has the ability to be a safe, comfortable daily commuter vehicle for one person or also provide just enough size to shuttle four full-size adults and a week’s worth of groceries with ease. From a drive safety standpoint, its ride height and size allows it to be easily seen in daily commuter traffic or on the open road.