The Audi Q3, Volvo XC40 and BMW X1 are the go-to options for buyers shopping for a compact premium SUV. Meanwhile, the Lexus UX is the definitive left-field pick, thanks to its crossover like body style and an efficient hybrid system. However, with updated rivals featuring more practicality and kit, is the Lexus UX still relevant? We tested a UX 300h to answer that.
AA Cars Rating: 3.8/5
How we test carsConsider the Lexus UX if you want a reliable and fuel-efficient hybrid with a high-quality cabin, and relaxed driving characteristics. However, compared with rivals, it is beginning to show its age and remains significantly compromised for practicality.
Adithya is the Content Editor at AA Cars and a Motoring Journalist, with over 1,000 published articles across numerous publications.
Read bioThe Lexus UX range starts from £38,095 for the UX 300h premium, with prices increasing to £49,545 for the range-topping fully loaded Takumi version. There are other trims in between and meanwhile, the F Sport Design Tech at £40,245 offers the most value.
The Lexus UX has been around for a while now. So, there are good savings to be found if you shop used or nearly new cars. For example, on AA Cars, we have cars starting from as low as £12,000 for a 2022 model with prices going up to 30,000 for a 2025 plate car with low miles.
There is only one powertrain option for the UX:
Hybrid’s is the bread-and-butter powertrain for Lexus, and the Japanese manufacturer has perfected this over the years. In the UX 300h, the driving experience is more relaxing than engaging. The combined output from the hybrid system is a healthy 199hp. So, at not point does the UX 300h feel sluggish. There’s always a reserve of electric boost to aid initial response, with the engine kicking in swiftly when needed for a seamless power delivery.
Just like in any other Lexus CVT, the UX 300h lacks any gears, so it drives more like an electric car. This also means, the engine can become noisy during hard acceleration such as when overtaking or accelerating along a motorway slip road. The UX feels most comfortable at low to moderate speeds, where the drivetrain feels effortlessly smooth and capable, as the engine rarely comes on as well. As a strict urban runaround, the UX 300h is satisfyingly relaxing to pilot around with more than adequate grunt and instant throttle response.
Drivers looking for an exciting drive are better off with rivals, as this Lexus is all about being laid-back. There are three drive modes on offer (Eco, Normal and Sport); in Sport, the UX 300h feels sprightly with the engine working harder for maximum performance.
After living with the Lexus UX 300h Premium, we think the ride and handling balance (without adaptive suspension) is well-judged. The UX does a great job of making sure the passengers are not aware of the road surface. The ride feels plush with a slight degree of firmness that makes the overall body control tighter.
The low-slung crossover body style has paid dividends here as the Lexus UX 300h rides and handles more like a hatchback. Around corners, the chassis feels keen and there’s good rotation with a fine balance. The steering weighs up nicely and offers a reasonable level of feel from the front when pushed. At motorway speeds, the ride can feel a tad jiggly, but that’s ever so faint to become bothersome.
In true Toyota/Lexus fashion, the brake pedal is well calibrated despite featuring regeneration and offers good bite when needed. Overall, the Lexus UX 300h is more pleasant to drive than expected. But, make no mistake, the focus here is on effortless progress, and from that perspective, the UX 300h feels very much like a Lexus from behind the wheel.
Step into the cabin, and it feels quintessentially Lexus in here. You get a good spread of materials such as leather, fabric and brushed aluminium to elevate the cabin experience. The design is straightforward, although it might feel old compared to its European rivals. But, on the plus side, there’s a host of physical buttons, making the whole experience refreshingly easy to use on the move.
Quality of materials, and fit and finish feel right, but this is not a cabin that will impress you for its design flair or wow factor. Lower grades use an 8-inch touchscreen, while selected higher grades receive the 12.3-inch Lexus Link Pro system.
This is where the UX lags behind its rivals. The boot space measures 315 to 317 litres (depending on FWD or AWD). Boot space is integral for a family SUV, and this puts the UX behind all of its rivals. Even the smaller Lexus LBX offers close to 402 litres of boot space.
The same theme continues in the cabin, where space is at a premium. Up front, there’s adequate room for two with a low seating position. But move to the back, and it does feel a bit tight, especially in contrast. You can definitely seat two adults, but there’s not enough headroom, knee-room or under-thigh support for them to be happy over longer distances.
If rear seats are not that important to you, or if you primarily only use the front seats, the Lexus LBX is worth considering. Not only is it around £6,000 to 8,000 cheaper, but it also offers a similar experience and a bigger boot, although at the expense of an even tighter rear cabin and a less powerful powertrain.
Depending on the trim, feature highlights for the UX 300h include the 13-speaker Mark Levinson sound system, 360-degree camera, ventilated front seats, head-up display, 8-way electrically adjustable front seats with 2-way power lumbar support for driver, adaptive suspension, 12.3-inch touchscreen display, electrically adjustable steering wheel, electric tailgate, etc.
The UX 300h is offered in, Premium, F Sport Design, F Sport Design Tech, F Sport, and Takumi.
Exterior colours include Nova White, Graphite Black, Terrane Khaki, Celestial Blue, Sonic Titanium (£250), Sonic Grey (£250), Sonic Platinum (£250), and Sonic Copper (£250).
In 2019, the Lexus UX achieved a full 5-star crash test rating with Euro NCAP. The scores were as follows:
Lexus Safety System+ includes features such as radar cruise control, pre-collision assistance and lane-support systems. Depending on grade, the UX is also available with Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.
During our extended time testing the Lexus UX, the advanced driver-assistance systems worked as promised and remained non-intrusive. Lane Trace Assist also worked well and kept the car centred in its lane. There were some odd moments where the safety assists were overly cautious (driving near parked cars on tight streets).
Lexus provides a three-year/60,000-mile manufacturer warranty, with additional service-activated extended cover available up to 10 years or 100,000 miles, subject to terms.
Lexus claims the UX 300h can offer between 54. 3and 56.4 mpg (combined). During our time with the car, using it over mixed conditions, we were consistently seeing 50+ mpg without trying hard. This also means the UX is one the most fuel-efficient cars in its segment. However, the AWD version takes a small fuel economy hit and is claimed to offer between 49.5 and 50.4 mpg.
In terms of CO₂ emissions, the UX is rated between 113 and 119g/km for the front-wheel drive and between 126 and 128g/km for the AWD. This is impressive for a self-charging hybrid, but it is no match for a plug-in hybrid or full-electric when it comes to company car tax benefits. Most UX 300h trims also cost over £40,000, attracting the luxury car tax add on.
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