Four-wheel drive makes the car noticeably better. We test the new Lexus UX 300h, which replaces the 250h. This hybrid car is now noticeably better.
The Lexus UX has been upgraded. It is almost invisible from the outside, but the car has also noticeably changed. And that didn’t make him any worse.
The UX, that’s the smallest Lexus, right?
No he is not. Yes, it was when it was launched, but now there is also the LBX, which is even smaller. The UX is the size of Audi Q3 and Volvo EX40. An important segment from which the Japanese would like to benefit.
There is not much new to see on the outside, except this color.
But is it new then? I do not see it…
Understandable, but minute details are different. For example, the Lexus logo is slightly larger because there is an improved radar behind the grille as part of Lexus’ upgraded safety systems. The invisible changes to the car are also noticeable and important. The cockpit is also very similar to that of its predecessor, but it is the most high-quality in its class, at least in the more expensive versions. Also new is the latest multimedia system from the Japanese, with a pleasantly large touchscreen. It is not the fastest on the market, but it is modern and clear. In addition, many things such as climate control and seat heating are still operated with physical buttons.
Great finish and the new multimedia system is an improvement.
And the Lexus UX is now called 300h instead of 250h. That won’t be a 3.0 engine…
Uh no… It means the fifth generation of Lexus’ hybrid powertrain is present. A four-cylinder 2.0 is supported by an electric motor (or two for the 4WD version) that together peak at 199 hp. That is 15 hp more than the UX250h had, but more importantly, the amount of electric power has increased significantly before the power peak. This helps when starting off or during the intermediate sprint. It is less necessary for the petrol engine to rev up as much as with weaker hybrids. This makes the driving experience more pleasant in all areas. As reported, with the four-wheel drive versions you get an electric motor on the rear axle. However, its power has increased from 7 to 40 hp! This makes no difference to the maximum power compared to the front-wheel drive, but driving away is extremely smooth this way. The added value of 4WD compared to the relatively small additional cost makes it highly recommended. It is striking how much better we like this drivetrain compared to our Toyota C-HR endurance tester with also 199, which only has front-wheel drive.
And does it drive the same as before?
No, there is some noticeable difference, although it is not life-size. The chassis of the UX has been tightened up a notch and the braking system has been improved for better braking force distribution over the wheels. The total package has certainly made the UX a better car. Apart from the better drivetrain, the car drives refined and comfortably, without being weak or afraid of corners. It is serene and quiet, with outside noise being filtered out much better than Toyotas such as the C-HR, which have much of the same underlying technology. Of course, the UX is not a driver’s car, but it does not irritate those who steer a little firmer, while quiet drivers become more zen than ever.
The driving is very refined.
It all sounds pretty good!
Certainly, there is one big but: space. The UX was already terribly cramped at launch and little has changed. Adults cannot actually sit there in good decency unless you have very small people sitting in the front and even then it is a compromise for everyone. And it is not the case that this is to create more trunk space, because with 315 liters the UX offers very little space for luggage. It is also not due to the (now even smaller) battery because it is located under the back seat. There is simply bizarrely little interior space left for a car that doesn’t look that small from the outside. A competitor like the Volvo EX40 is also not extremely spacious, but the back seat is at least realistically usable. This limits the use of the UX considerably and that is a point. Especially considering the price of the car. The starting price of just under 45,000 euros is still manageable, but the more luxurious versions with exactly the same drivetrain quickly exceed 50 and even approach 60,000 euros. It is also a pity that four-wheel drive only costs 3,000 euros extra, but can only be ordered on the expensive executive or F-Sport versions. And so you pay 66k(!) anyway if you want 4WD. A lot of money for a compact car and the larger Lexus NX comes into the picture.
A particularly tight arrangement…