Lexus UX 250h F-Sport: 10 reasons why a hybrid makes sense on the road

With such a wide variety of engines and powertrains available today, choosing a car with the right fuel type and engine is quite an achievement. Today we want to take an in-depth look at the consumption and behaviour of a hybrid, -a conventional one-, that does not need its batteries recharged and that can be very economical under the right conditions.

To do so, we tested the Lexus UX 250h in F-Sport trim, a compact hybrid with 184 CV and premium finishes that can be an important ally on our usual road journeys. And to do so, we’ll tell you 10 reasons why this Lexus UX250h is interesting.

A hybrid can be sporty

A good example of this is the F-Sport trim, also available across the Lexus UX250h range, a trim that is very well equipped and also gives the interior of the UX a much more dynamic look. The UX’s avant-garde design is complemented by sporty details, which in this trim highlight the more dynamic side of the UX, especially on the front and rear bumpers.

Inside, sports-style seats stand out, offering excellent lateral support and adding comfort and sportiness to the cabin. They also feature heating and electric adjustment.

Premium hybrid, with quality finishes

Many EVs or PHEVs have a high price, even for a premium brand, but the materials and fit and finish are not always up to the mark.

In the test at hand, this Lexus UX250h stands out for its impeccable finishes, with most of the dashboard covered in leather and very neat fit and finish.

No need to stop to charge: hybrids recharge while driving

Another reason a hybrid is more convenient than a PHEV (plug-in hybrid) is the absence of charging: hybrids recharge the battery while driving, which gives us a total electric range of up to 2 km.

The most significant figure is not the electric range but the ability of the hybrid system to switch off the engine and run in electric mode when little energy is demanded, even switching the engine off completely on the motorway for short periods, which saves fuel.

Naturally aspirated engine, a familiar and highly reliable unit

The UX250h’s hybrid system uses the engine sourced from Toyota, in this case a two-litre unit producing 152 CV (an engine used by several Toyota models) and which forgoes a turbo. Being naturally aspirated, the engine has to be revved harder to extract the 184 CV of the hybrid combination, but at the same time, naturally aspirated engines are known for their reliability.

Smoothness, despite the CVT gearbox

The only drawback we can point out in Toyota hybrid vehicles, and therefore in those of its premium brand Lexus, is the feel of its CVT automatic gearbox. A gearbox that tends to rev the engine up when we accelerate to deliver its full power, all in a rather unrefined way.

It is true that in this Lexus UX250h the sensations improve, partly thanks to better interior soundproofing and because the gearbox has been calibrated for greater smoothness. So if we drive calmly, it is a very smooth car and we barely notice there is a combustion engine under the bonnet.

Hybrid, but agile with a lively 184 CV

Thanks to the three driving modes -Normal, ECO and Sport- we can get the most out of this UX, especially when the rev counter climbs and brings out the best of the naturally aspirated unit, making it an agile car with very composed and noble dynamic behaviour.

On twisty roads, although it is a slightly tall car, it responds with poise and follows the steering inputs in a disciplined way. Still, without a doubt, its best quality is its smooth ride.

Steering feel, genuine

Many plug-in hybrids or 100% electric vehicles have a very artificial steering feel, which does not help with good vehicle control, and even less with enjoying a pleasant drive. This Lexus UX250h surprised us greatly with the pleasant and communicative steering feel, which allowed greater control of the vehicle.

Low consumption on the road, below 6 litres in real driving conditions

According to official figures, the Lexus UX250h homologates an average consumption of 5.6 litres per 100 km, a figure that is very easy to achieve. In our road consumption test, covering more than 3,000 km on secondary roads (maximum speed 90 km/h), average consumption was 5.7 litres per 100 km.

On the motorway consumption rises somewhat, to 6.8 litres per 100 km, which is offset in the city with figures around 5.5 litres per 100 km.

High-fidelity sound system

This aspect has nothing to do with the vehicle’s behaviour or consumption, but with its equipment. As a music fan, I analyse the sound systems fitted to production cars in great detail.

Lexus has opted for a 10-speaker system in the UX250h, with outstanding sound quality. It is not the Mark Levinson system of its bigger siblings in the range, but its quality is higher than the standard systems of other premium brands (some of them very basic).

Lexus UX250h available from 38,800 euros

This is the price for the base trim, Business, which comes with a comprehensive standard equipment list.

It includes: BI-LED headlights, headlight washers, alloy wheels, light and rain sensors, LED rear lights, dual-zone climate control, keyless start and entry, a large array of safety systems with the Lexus Safety System+, emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, 8 airbags, a 6-speaker sound system, navigation and Android Auto/Apple CarPlay connectivity, among others.

Photos | Highmotor test team
Location | Route through roads in Spain and France

Technical specifications of this car

CrossoverLexus UX4 versions · from 40,250 €