Lexus UX 300h: we test drive the SUV with the best fuel economy and performance improvements

We had the pleasure of travelling to Bordeaux, France, to see first-hand the remarkable update from the Japanese brand to one of its best sellers, the Lexus UX, a hybrid model that was launched in 2018 and has been able to account for up to 45% of sales of Lexus in Spain and sell 15,000 units since its launch. It now comes with improvements to its engine, its digital equipment and, above all, its fuel consumption thanks to its new hybrid system.

This model is called the Lexus UX 300h, which will shortly replace the UX 250h, and it is also available in a fully electric version, the UX 300e, a model that has also improved its charging time and features the latest driver assistance technologies to enhance safety.

It has been built on the GA-C Platform, which incorporates the fifth generation of the hybrid system, a generation that changes the combustion engine, and the transaxle inverter, which is now located at the front, and the battery has been improved with better lubrication. Thanks to these changes, the boot gains a capacity of 20 litres compared with the previous generation.

This update retains the HEV 2.0L engine, with notable improvements in performance, mainly thanks to the improved hybrid system. It now delivers a power output of 152 CV, which represents an increase of 7 CV over its predecessor, and achieves 0 to 100 km/h acceleration in just 7.9 s (8.7 in the previous generation). In addition, the engine torque has increased significantly, rising from 55 to 84 Nm, which translates into a more agile and dynamic response when driving. In terms of efficiency, the vehicle records an impressive fuel consumption of 5.3 to 5.7 litres per 100 kilometres in the AWD version, and in the front-wheel-drive version it achieves a consumption of 5 litres per 100 km.

But the improvements don’t stop there; the chassis has been reinforced to provide greater structural rigidity, offering a more stable and safer driving experience. In addition, an innovative system has been implemented that includes the “Brake Pedal” and an electric water pump, reducing losses and allowing the cabin to heat and cool more efficiently and quickly.

The battery has also been improved; this time it is lithium-ion with 72.8 kWh of capacity, being more compact and allowing higher voltage for faster charging (from 0 to 80% DC in 80 to 60 minutes), together with a 15% increase in battery power. Now, together, they deliver 199 CV, but efficiency has also improved, achieving a reduction of between 6 and 7 grams (0.2 and 0.3). This exempts us from paying road tax because, since Lexus, emissions have been brought below < 120 g.

The interior lacks nothing

Among its standout features is the improved acoustics in the cabin, achieving a calm and serene environment with a soundproofed interior that reduces external noise by up to 1.7 dB, a soundproofing achieved by adding small insulators along the edges of the doors. It also features a new 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a multimedia screen of the same size, very intuitive and where we can configure, activate or deactivate all the driver assistance systems.

Connectivity reaches a new level with the possibility of cloud connection, providing real-time information on traffic situations and nearby charging points. It also includes wireless smartphone connection for Android Auto and CarPlay, as well as the Lexus Link app (available from the Relax trim) to configure it from our mobile devices. For an even more personalised experience, they have also added voice control activated with the phrase “HEY LEXUS“, which allows quick, hands-free access to the vehicle’s functions. With up to four different interior colour options, the Lexus UX has substantially improved driving comfort.

It is also the first UX to incorporate “Driver Monitor Facial Recognition“, a camera mounted on the steering wheel that constantly monitors the driver’s functions and condition, a system that is connected to all the active safety systems and, should the driver fail to react, can be responsible for slowly braking the vehicle until it comes to a complete stop.

The design remains the same with many options available

Lexus continues to raise the bar with its new UX model, which now offers an even wider and more customisable range. One of the most notable novelties is the introduction of the eye-catching Sonic Copper colour, which joins the other 11 options available. This model completes the Lexus SUV range, alongside the LBX, NX, RX and the RZ, offering an option for every lifestyle.

As for customisation, the UX offers a wide variety of colours and upholstery, with the new Cooper Petra and Light Beige as standout options. In addition, the F SPORT trims offer even more customisation possibilities, with 6 upholstery options available exclusively for this trim. With its combination of elegant style, advanced technology and customisation options, the new Lexus UX continues to consolidate Lexus’s position as a leader in the premium vehicle segment.

Test drive: an update that improves in many aspects

As I mentioned, we had the pleasure of getting acquainted with the new Lexus UX 300h and seeing first-hand its entire update, which, I can assure you, has improved in several respects. As soon as you get into the car, you notice a very intuitive interior and a steering wheel that is pleasant to the touch. The first change is noticeable as soon as you sit in the driver’s position: the seats are very comfortable, even in the most basic version, and they have lowered the centre of gravity, allowing a much more comfortable and responsive position than the previous generation, a very notable aspect for an SUV.

The second change we noticed is the improved power; 199 CV is more than sufficient for this C-segment SUV. It has a wheelbase of 2.64 m, which contributes to a fairly smooth and very stable ride. It is not sluggish at all when taking corners, and this is where we also notice a clear improvement in its suspension.

Another point to highlight is the brake pedal; the feel is incredible. Lexus has achieved what we all wanted: an adaptive pedal that is also capable of regenerating the battery 15% faster than the previous generation. It also includes the “Brake Pedal“, a function that will help us regenerate the battery even faster and achieve fuel consumption of 5 L per 100 kilometres.

Price and availability

The UX+ is the most basic version and starts at a price of €41,300, but if we want the 4×4 version we will have to pay an additional €4,000, and would also be subject to registration tax. With this new update we have a better product at a better price. What was PREMIUM is now UX+ and, with the inclusion of all these improvements, it keeps the same price of €41,300.

The UX+ is the best-seller and, when financed, comes down to €37,000 with a deposit €150 lower. The electric UX300e version would be available from €350/month with an €18,000 deposit. There are also two trims available, Luxury and Sporty. If we choose the Luxury trim, we have the options of Relax for €48,900 and Relax+ for €57,900. However, if we prefer the sportier trim, we would have the options of F SPORT for €43,900 and the F SPORT+ for €52,000/€53,600.

Lexus hopes that, following this update, it will manage to sell between 2,000 and 2,500 units this year. Customer deliveries will begin from June.

Image gallery Lexus UX300h

Technical specifications of this car

CrossoverLexus UX4 versions · from 40,250 €