George Kuruvilla
L
exus began with the rugged, Land Cruiser-based LX SUV, then revolutionised the crossover segment with the compact RX. Over 25 years later, Lexus offers SUVs in every size to cater to all markets. The UX, introduced in 2018, is a first-gen compact crossover aimed at young urban professionals. It competes with the BMW X1, Audi Q3, and Mercedes GLA, and has achieved notable success in the region. From 2024, it’s been available with a hybrid powertrain, and I had the chance to drive the top-spec F Sport Prestige variant—here are the “yays” and “nays” of what I call the “cross hatch.”
Design and aesthetics
The UX 300h is a peculiar-looking vehicle. It’s a sub-compact crossover SUV that’s just a tad larger than a typical hatchback. It maintains Lexus’ family design language, drawing cues from the RX like the familiar spindle grille. Both the LED headlamp clusters that flank it and the bodywork have been stretched (in different directions) and sculpted to render a sharper exterior look. The rear also features a sharply contoured tailgate and continuous rear lamps. The Premier model comes with 17-inch wheels, while the F Sport has 18-inch “Dark Premium Metallic” wheels. Overall, do I love the shape of the UX? Not exactly. Do I hate it? Definitely not. It may not make it to the pages of a coffee table book about design, but it sure is sporty and its overly edgy aesthetic may grow on you.
The UX’s interior layout is clean and futuristic, with a colour scheme split between the black layered dashboard and sporty red upholstery. The F Sport bucket seats up front are incredibly comfortable, thanks also to the driving position, but rear space is tight. Expect the knees of 6-footers to press against the seatbacks. Also, due to its width, it’s ideal for two adults, not three. The build quality is solid, with good plastics up front. However, the lack of décor in some areas, blank buttons, and cheaper-quality rear door plastic make you briefly question its slightly inflated price tag.
The cockpit is driver-centric, featuring a great leather-wrapped 3-spoke steering wheel with well-sized buttons. The transmission is controlled by a neat knob, a far cry from the old RX’s clunky lever. The driver also benefits from two high-res screens: one for the instrument cluster and another — a 12.3-inch infotainment display — along with well-placed A/C vents and hard buttons underneath for easy control. The cabin may be small, but it is a nice place to be.
Performance
The UX is a hybrid, replacing the naturally aspirated ICE from before. It features a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder with 16-Valve DOHC, VVT-iE (intake), and VVT-i (exhaust) for the Atkinson cycle, paired with an 80 kW (approx.) electric motor powered by a Li-ion battery. All powers combined, they produce 196 PS of peak power and 188 Nm of torque available between 4,400–5,200 rpm — better performance than the outgoing engine, with the added perk of excellent fuel economy. Despite its small 43-litre tank, the UX 300h delivers an impressive 650km range, thanks to its remarkable 6.1L/100 km efficiency — about as good as hybrids get.
It may not be ‘F Sport’ quick, but it feels zippy on both short stretches and highways, making the drive engaging. The well-sorted suspension, with MacPherson struts up front and a trailing wishbone at the rear, ensures agile handling akin to hot hatches. Despite all torque going to the front wheels, there’s no noticeable torque steer, which is commendable. Braking is also strong with all-around disc brakes, but modulation takes some getting used to. Thanks to its compact size, “chuckability” (agility), and peppy motor, I’d call it a half-hot hatch —in a good way.
It’s impressively quiet, despite being the most affordable Lexus, and rides smoothly for a small car — or any car, really. A big win for a small package. Cruise control and a rear camera aid urban driving, though a 360-degree camera is notably absent.
Features and functionality
The 487-litre boot is square and practical, making loading easy, with additional undertray storage. However, there’s no powered tailgate — surprising at this price.
Even more surprising is the lack of a wireless charger. Up front, there are two USB ports, plus a deep central cubby with a USB-A port. The glovebox is small, but the rear cabin gets two USB-C ports and A/C vents too. Navigation is well animated and works well, though response times could be quicker — same for voice control. Elevating the travel experience is the superb 10-speaker Lexus sound system — every detail, every instrument can be heard.
Verdict
The Lexus UX 300h has been designed with ‘U’ (you) in mind — especially if you happen to be a young professional who may be single or have a young family. It is a quirky, sharply sculpted crossover with zippy hybrid performance, agile handling, and Lexus’ signature refinement. The cabin is futuristic and populated with mostly premium materials, but it isn’t perfect. It lacks rear space and misses critical luxury vehicle features like a powered tailgate. However, stellar fuel economy, comfy ride, and an outstanding Lexus sound system claw back some ground, making it an efficient daily driver for a reasonably hefty price.
VERDICT
GOOD: Build quality; road dynamics and cabin comfort; fuel economy; reliability
BAD: Overly stylised exterior; tight rear quarters; no power tailgate, 360-degree ‘cam’ or wireless charger; pricey
EDITOR’S RATING : 7.5/10 stars
SPECIFICATIONS
Body type: 5-seater; 4-door premium sub-compact crossover SUV
Engine: Front-engine; 2.0-litre 4-cylinder + electric motor; front-wheel drive
Transmission: CVT
Peak output: 196 PS @ 5,600 rpm
188 Nm @ 4,400 – 5,200 rpm
0 to 100km/h: 8.0 seconds (claimed)
Top speed: 177 km/h (drag limited; claimed)
Price: Starting at Dh170,000; Dh185,000 (as tested)