Flash Drive

2021 Lexus UX250h

November 22, 2021 - Behind The Wheel - Comments: 

Model Tested: 2021 Lexus UX250h AWD

The 2021 Lexus UX250h is a compact luxury SUV that combines excellent fuel economy with all-weather handling and great safety features.

Engine:  2.0-liter gas/electricI-4, 181 horsepower

Transmission: CVT automatic, all-wheel-drive

EPA Rating: 41-mpg city, 38-mpg highway, 39-mpg combined

Base Price: $35,200

As Tested: $41,535

Performance:

Impressive fuel economy—our best was 44.4-mpg

Pretty good acceleration with electric motor assist

Pleasant highway ride

The slope of the rear window on the stylish hatchback does impact cargo capacity.

Dash mounted dial for Sport, Normal, Eco driving modes

Great safety features

Limited EV-only use for short trips

Comfort:

Comfortable, supportive driver and front passenger seats

Heated and ventilated front seats (3 temps)

Heated steering wheel (2 temps)

Outstanding front legroom

Soft headrests

Very good headroom

The split folding rear seats and flat cargo deck do offer versatility.

Medium thick, slightly contoured leather steering wheel

Good auxiliary controls

Tight backseat, but adults can fit if fronts moved up a lot

High quality interior materials

Utility:

Narrow front door bins

Locking glovebox on the small side

Medium size sunroof

Handy infotainment controls on console armrest

OK touchpad, but not great

The rear lift gate can be motion activated.

Smart phone charging pad

USB ports

One rear seat storage pouch

Split rear seats fold flat

Tall people clear power rear hatch

Big, wide bin under cargo deck

WOW Factors:

Outstanding fuel economy

All-weather all-wheel-drive

Excellent safety features and safety ratings

Great front row room and comfort

Rear seat quality is excellent, but the front seats need to be moved up for adults.

Excellent optional head up display

Whines:

Cargo capacity impacted by sloping roofline

No rear door bins

Tight backseat

Lots of wheelwell intrusion for rear doors

Bottom Line:

The 2021 Lexus UX250h is little changed from the previous model, but blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert are now standard. Also, there is a Black Line Special Edition trim option for added style. The UX250h is

The 2021 Lexus UX250h is a fun car to drive both in the country and in the city.

well equipped and priced at the lower end of the compact luxury hybrid SUV segment. Its compact size is great for city driving, but it’s also a comfortable highway cruiser. Space is great for two and reasonable for kids or occasional rear seat adults.