Road Test: 2023 Lexus UX 250h Premium FWD

Street Check: 2023 Lexus UX 250h Premium FWD

Standout Gas-Environment friendly Premium Compact Crossover

The 2023 Lexus UX continues because the smallest compact crossover utility car (CUV) from Toyota’s premium division. This small crossover is interesting in a variety of methods because it provides hybrid effectivity, is offered with all-wheel drive and does so with an upscale look and a high-quality fit-and-finish. The goal buyer could also be somebody shopping for their first Lexus and their first luxurious automotive, a mixture Lexus desires to take the lead in reaching.

The entrypoint to the Lexus world

Hybrid Effectivity

The 2023 Lexus UX 250h is powered by the Lexus Hybrid Drive system of a 2.0-liter gasoline powered, 4-cylinder engine mixed with the dual electrical motors. The full system 181 horsepower runs by a constantly variable automated transmission (CVT) with a mechanical first gear that launches the UX 250h earlier than the CVT kicks in.

Gasoline plus two electrical motors

The hybrid system mechanically switches between the pure electrical drive mode, mixed electrical motor and gasoline engine, and gasoline-only engine energy. When on the freeway, take a look on the heart spherical gauge that reveals whether or not the hybrid system is within the charging, eco or energy mode. Studying tips on how to modulate the accelerator pedal to remain within the eco and cost vary will produce the most effective effectivity.

The 2023 UX 250h runs on 87 octane and is EPA rated at 43 mpg metropolis/41 freeway/42 mixed. Within the 210 miles we placed on the CUV, averaging 65 miles per hour traversing Southern California highways, we had a mean of 41.5 mpg. Gas economic system numbers reported by Clear Fleet Report are non-scientific and signify the reviewer’s driving expertise utilizing the sprint gauge pc. Your numbers could differ.

The nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) battery is charged when making use of the brakes or coasting. This regenerative charging system converts kinetic vitality into electrical vitality and shops it within the battery. This course of can also be seen on a splash gauge, the place you possibly can watch the facility circulate into and out of the battery.

Driving Expertise: On the Street

Clear Fleet Report drove the UX 250h Premium with front-wheel drive (FWD) and driver-selectable drive modes of Eco, Regular and Sport. When to make use of the drive modes is self-explanatory

Run flats you possibly can reside with

The 18-inch machined, five-spoke vibrant alloy wheels with Darkish Grey inserts are shod with 225/50 all-season Bridgestone Turanza run flat tires. There was no perceived degradation of dealing with as a result of run flat tires, which typically might be a problem due to their laborious sidewalls.

The UX 250h has respectable efficiency, due to the additional energy from the dual electricmotors. Zero-to-60 mph speeds are within the low-eight second vary, which doesn’t fairly put it within the efficiency or sporty class. However, place the CVT in Sport mode, and the engine is pressured to remain within the rev band for a bit extra efficiency. The acceleration is greater than satisfactory for many driving conditions with a linear and {smooth} feeling, one thing that comes from the non-turbocharged engine.

The UX 250h feels planted and strong, with a really feel of confidence when taking place the street. The electrical power-assist steering is programmed for good street suggestions, and the impartial MacPherson struts with coil springs and gas-pressurized shock absorbers smooth-out the experience. The cabin was pleasantly remoted from widespread street imperfections, and with a 17-foot turning radius three-point turns are a factor of the previous.

Driving Expertise: Exterior

Unmistakenly Lexus

The UX 250h is within the compact luxurious crossover phase so the Lexus design crew knew it has to face out. The point of interest of all Lexus fashions is their signature grille that encompasses a block-shape mesh sample and a tasteful decrease chrome edge. The arrowhead-shaped triple beam LED headlights, fog, daytime operating and cornering lights body the grille, which sports activities the Lexus “L” badge in blue, signifying this Lexus is inspired.

The UX has eye-pleasing proportions with the near-flat roof having aluminum rails and a color-matched shark fin antenna. It ends with a small spoiler situated on the foot-activated energy rear carry gate. The rear full-width tail lights (with a ‘Lexus’ Easter egg) have 120 LEDs that make for a formidable nighttime look. Clear Fleet Report’s UX 250h Premium additionally had an influence tilt and sliding moonroof, energy and heated exterior mirrors, and door deal with courtesy lights.

The only a few chrome bits and items tastefully accent the facet home windows and the entrance grille. Painted in Iridium ($500 possibility), a platinum shade, it seemed elegant particularly with the color-matching wheel arches.

Driving Expertise: Inside

The uncluttered inside options Lexus top quality supplies and a high notch fit-and-finish, with the sprint impressed by the grain of Japanese paper referred to as washi. When you can think about an inside function or therapy that ought to be on a premium automotive, then Lexus packed it into the UX 250h. The seats are well-padded and cozy in NuLuxe artificial leather-based, with the 8-way energy adjustable entrance seats each heated and perforated. Second row entry was simple, the seats had been snug and there was ample head room, however the leg room will likely be tight for taller passengers. Two match properly, with three in a pinch. For comfort there are 4 USB ports and a 60/40 folding and reclining seat again.

All of the premium options

Gauges, together with the hybrid administration system, are in simple attain and sight, together with these for the dual-zone automated temperature system. The heated, black leather-wrapped steering wheel ($150 possibility) incorporates audio phone and voice controls, and was adjustable by the facility tilt and telescoping steering wheel column.

Clear Fleet Report’s check automotive had the Lexus Multimedia System with a 12.3-inch, high-resolution show (a part of a $1,405 possibility bundle) that included navigation and the Lexus Premium Sound System. The ten-speaker system gives glorious sound to ship SiriusXM/FM/HDAM with MP3 playback functionality.

Connectivity is thru two entrance and rear USB-C ports and a USB-A port within the heart console. There may be wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, music streaming through Bluetooth wi-fi, with hands-free telephone functionality finishing the system. Voice instructions join with Siri EyesFree and Google Assistant by saying “Hey, Lexus” or “Hello, Lexus.” The Wi-Fi Hotspot can help up-to 5 gadgets, and comes with a complementary 4GB of information for a three-month trial. The wi-fi telephone charger is a $75 possibility. Enform join providers are included for 10 years.

As soon as inside and cruising down the street, wind noise was practically non-existent, partially as a result of low 0.33 Coefficient of Drag, a flat underbody, and noise discount by sound absorbing and insulating supplies.

Security

Quiet room (in case you’re not too tall)

The UX 250h is well-equipped with lively and passive security options, beginning with the Lexus Security System+ 2.5. This feature-rich system is defined here. Different security gadgets embody 10 air luggage, a tire stress monitoring system, collapsible steering column, digital parking brake, anti-theft alarm and engine immobilizer, rear view digicam, blind spot monitor with rear cross site visitors alert, rain delicate wipers and rear park help.

Pricing and Warranties

The 2023 Lexus UX 250h has a base worth of $35,375, together with the necessary $1,150 vacation spot payment. Clear Fleet Report’s UX 250h Premium had a base worth of $37,800, and with $2,695 in choices and the $1,150 vacation spot payment, the ultimate worth got here to $41,645.

The 2023 UX 250h comes with these warranties:

  • Battery – 10 years/150,000 miles
  • Fundamental – 4 years/50,000 miles
  • Powertrain – Six years/70,000 miles
  • Hybrid – Eight years/100,000 miles
  • Upkeep – One 12 months/10,000 miles
  • Corrosion – Six years/Limitless Miles
  • Roadside – 4 years/Limitless mile

Observations: 2023 Lexus UX 250h

The 2023 Lexus UX 250h is a classy premium compact crossover, making it stand-out from others on the street. The UX 250h delivers agile dealing with with snug experience consolation, leading to pleasing driving attributes. Toss-in the fuel-efficient hybrid system, and the UX 250h ought to have sturdy attraction for anybody in search of an upscale, extremely environment friendly crossover.

A standout luxurious subcompact

The UX 250h would be the least costly Lexus you should buy, however this doesn’t imply there was any scrimping on construct high quality and supplies. The inside is a most welcoming place, providing consolation, type and all of the tech you can need.

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Story and photographs by John Faulkner

Disclosure:

Clear Fleet Report is loaned free check automobiles from automakers to judge, sometimes for every week at a time. Our street assessments are based mostly on this one-week drive of a brand new car. Due to this we don’t handle points equivalent to long-term reliability or complete value of possession. As well as, we are sometimes invited to producer occasions highlighting new automobiles or expertise. As a part of these occasions we could also be supplied free transportation, lodging or meals. We do our greatest to current our unvarnished evaluations of automobiles and information irrespective of those inducements.

Our focus is on automobiles that supply the most effective gas economic system of their class, which leads us to emphasise electrical automobiles, plug-in hybrids, hybrids and diesels. We additionally function these environment friendly gas-powered automobiles which are among the many high mpg automobiles of their class. As well as, we purpose to supply opinions and information on superior expertise and the choice gas car market. We welcome any suggestions from car homeowners and are devoted to offering a discussion board for different viewpoints. Please tell us your views at publisher@cleanfleetreport.com.


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