2025 Lexus UX 300h Brings More Power

For 2025, Lexus’ smallest hybrid SUV gets an all-new powertrain. While the UX doesn’t appear to be boasting any aesthetic updates, Lexus also says the lineup now includes a new Copper Crest color, available on all models, and a handful of changes to the car’s safety systems.

As a result of a new hybrid system, power output rises from a combined 143 horsepower and 133 lb-ft of torque to 193 hp. Lexus hasn’t provided a torque figure, which likely means it is unchanged. Regardless, the new hybrid system gets new 83kW front and 30kW rear motors and an updated 60-cell lithium-ion battery. This new battery replaces the old, dated nickel-metal hydride unit. This gets shoved under the passenger seat for better storage and room for occupants. The engine and hybrid drivetrain are mated to a continuously variable automatic transmission.

Other mechanical updates include new shift-by-wire technology, and the 2025 UX will be available with both front and all-wheel drive. The two drivetrain options are good for an estimated 0-60 acceleration time of 7.9 seconds (AWD) and 8.0 seconds (FWD) and an estimated 43 MPG combined on FWD models and 41 MPG combined on AWD models.

Inside, the UX gets a larger 12.3-inch digital dash, standard on Premium and F Sport trims. The entry-level unit is a 7-inch gauge screen, only used on the base trim. An 8-inch center touchscreen is standard on all Base, Premium, and F Sport Design models, whereas a 12.3-inch screen is found on the F Sport Handling trim. There’s also a head-up display available, The rest of the space sees minor updates, like a new window switch layout, chrome accenting, and a new “hairline finish” on F Sport Handling models that will hopefully not recede with time.

2025 models will also come standard with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, the brand's latest suite of advanced driver assistance features. This includes pre-collision braking with pedestrian detection, radar cruise control, lane-keep assist with departure alert and steering assist, and more. Updates for 2025 include Curve Speed Management for the radar cruise, which will help better manage your set limit while the system is active, as well as lowering the set speed if needed. Also new are Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist and Left Turn Oncoming Vehicle Detection/Braking. The former “helps support collision avoidance with certain detectable objects” by adding braking or steering corrections, but only under “certain daytime conditions.” The latter is more self-explanatory, adding a warning and automatic braking if the car detects a driver turning left into an oncoming vehicle, again only during those “certain daytime conditions.” Lexus hasn’t said when the UX will be hitting dealers, but sometime in 2024 is likely.

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