First Look: 2023 Lexus UX 250h Luxury Subcompact Crossover
There are a host of changes in store for the 2023 Lexus UX 250h, including the new Lexus Interface, a larger touchscreen and enhanced safety through Lexus Safety System+ 2.5.
Canada Drives recently traveled to Plano, Texas to see the smallest Lexus crossover in person to gain a better understanding of what consumers should expect from this hybrid when it goes on sale late this summer.
New UX 250h interior changes
2023 Lexus UX 250h | Photo: Amee Reehal
The introduction of the new Lexus Interface (details below) is the biggest change for the 2023 UX 250h interior, but other updates are being rolled out as well. The F Sport Series 1 package now comes with an aluminum footrest and scuff plate in addition to F Sport-exclusive sport seats, steering wheel, shift knob, meters, aluminum sport pedals and digital key.
Meanwhile, the F Sport Series 2 package adds a head-up display, 12.3-inch multimedia screen with embedded navigation, adaptive front lighting system, ventilated front seats with driver seat memory, wireless charging, intuitive parking assist, hands-free power liftgate and more.
Other interior changes include a revised instrument panel and console layout, larger wireless charging space and the addition of two USB charge ports.
Powertrain: hybrid-only UX for 2023
The big news on the powertrain front for the UX is that it is available in North America as a hybrid-only model, hence the 250h name.
2023 Lexus UX 250h | Photo: Amee Reehal
Powering the UX 250h is the Lexus Hybrid Drive System which consists of a 2.0-litre Atkinson cycle four-cylinder gas engine, electric motors, and nickel-metal hybrid battery pack. Power is put to the ground via an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (e-CVT) and standard all-wheel drive. Total system output is rated at 181 horsepower.
Performance / efficiency
On the performance and efficiency fronts, the UX 250h isn’t quick, with a manufacturer estimated 0-97 km/h (0-60 mph) time of 8.2 seconds, but it does score well on the fuel consumption end of things with a rating of 5.7 / 6.2 / 6.0 L / 100 km (city / highway / combined).
Of note, Lexus engineers have stiffened the UX 250h chassis by adding 20 spot weld points to its body and have recalibrated its electronic power steering and shock absorbers.
For 2023, the UX 250h can also be outfitted with performance dampers and an Active Variable Suspension, both of which are available with the F Sport Series 1 package. Essentially, these add-ons help absorb road imperfections, reduce body flexing, improve overall ride quality, and reduce cabin noise. Steering response is also improved thanks to the addition of a steering gear brace.
2023 UX 250h styling updates & key features
2023 Lexus UX 250h | Photo: Amee Reehal
F Sport Series packages
On the design front, the 2023 UX 250h receives expanded F Sport Series 1 and 2 packages which includes F Sport-specific wheels, grille, dark roof rails, black roof, moonroof, rain sensing wipers, fog and cornering lamps, automatic headlamp leveling and painted wheel arch moldings.
New multimedia system
The Lexus Interface multimedia system is undoubtedly one of the biggest changes in store for the 2023 UX 250h. Two screen sizes are offered, a standard 8-inch display and an optional 12.3-inch unit. Both screens are mounted closer to the driver and feature higher resolution displays that are anti-glare. The system comes with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and dual Bluetooth phone pairing.
The Lexus Interface comes loaded with a host of connected car tech including over-the-air system software updates and Voice Assistant, which can be awakened with “Hey Lexus”, to allow users to adjust various car settings, such as radio stations and climate controls, through voice commands.
Lexus Drive Connect
Other features include Drive Connect, a subscription service that includes Cloud Navigation, Destination Assist and Intelligent Assistant. Over-the-air routing and traffic information are also included, as are Points of Interest, which are powered by Google. Destination Assist comes with access to a 24/7 live agent service to assist with navigation.
2023 Lexus UX 250h | Photo: Amee Reehal
Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 is standard
On the safety front, the 2023 UX 250h comes standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, which comes with items such as Pre-Collision System which uses a single-lens camera and millimetre-wave radar to detect daytime bicyclists and pedestrians in low-light conditions.
Also included in the package is Lane Tracing Assist which keeps the vehicle centred in its lane with steering support. For the 2023 UX 250h, the system has been enhanced with artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to expand steering assist range.
Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
Dynamic Radar Cruise Control has also been updated to include a curve speed-control function that slows the car down for an approaching curve. The rate of deceleration adjusts depending on the size of the curve thanks to a speed-tracking function which also maintains distance to the car in front based on set speed. We breakdown cruise control in our article here.
The 2023 Lexus UX 250h goes on sale in late summer. Pricing will be announced closer to launch. Meantime, shop our used hybrid vehicles inventory here.
