Lexus UX 2024: Subtle facelift brings modern tech updates

The Lexus UX debuted as the younger and smaller sibling of the best-selling NX model. It was also the brand's first car available in an electric version. Over five years in the European market, 105,624 units of the Lexus UX were sold (data from November 2024), and worldwide, nearly 370,000 units were sold. Our editorial test included two conventional hybrid engine variants — 250h and 300h AWD.

The UX model underwent a facelift this past year. However, not many exterior changes are noticeable. These include the option for a two-tone body with a black roof and Sonic Copper paint. The most important changes occurred under the hood.

As of 2024, the Lexus UX is only available as a fifth-generation hybrid in the 300h variant. This means 199 horsepower and 202 newton-metres of torque from a four-cylinder gasoline engine (152 hp) and a 109-hp electric motor. The vehicle also has a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and a choice of front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive (AWD).

The table below shows that while the performance of the combustion and electric units has remained the same, the hybrid system's power increased by 15 hp, and the maximum torque rose by 12-newton metres. Acceleration shaved off 0.6 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h. This is because the fifth-generation Toyota hybrid gained a new inverter and a lithium-ion battery (222 V) instead of the previous nickel-metal hydride one (216 V).

The change in the electric unit responsible for AWD, which also powers the rear axle, did not affect the hybrid system's overall power. After the facelift, it generates 40 hp and 84 newton-metres instead of 7 hp and 55 Nm.

How does this translate into driving impressions? The engine runs at lower revs and accelerates more smoothly. It has (slightly) improved fuel efficiency and, above all, enhanced driving comfort. The Lexus UX is inherently a compact city crossover, but you shouldn't have any reservations about taking it on a longer trip.

The pre-facelift fuel consumption figures ranged from 5.4 to 5.8 L/100 km. Batteries with a capacity of 1 kWh and a 45-litre gasoline tank allowed the electric motor to engage during starting, "coasting," and assist in acceleration. You could expect to cover about 800 kilometres on one tank in mixed-cycle driving. After the facelift, the battery capacity and fuel tank size remain unchanged. According to the manufacturer, the improved fifth-generation hybrid results in slightly lower fuel consumption - by about 0.2-0.7 litres per 100 km (equivalently around 1-3 mpg).

That's about average values. And how does it look in practice? On national roads (up to about 90 km/h), the Lexus UX 300h's fuel consumption is about 5 L/100 km. Going onto expressways, you can expect average consumption to be slightly more than 2 litres higher (about 6 L/100 km). The Lexus UX 300h on the highway consumes about 9 L/100 km. The mixed-cycle average is around 7 L/100 km. It's good, though not outstanding.

The five-door Lexus UX is a compact premium crossover. The body is just under 4.6 metres long and 183 centimetres wide. A height of 155 centimetres and a clearance of 15 centimetres make it resemble a bulky hatchback rather than a small SUV. It's hard to disagree with Marcin Łobodziński, a journalist who writes about the Lexus UX:

Indeed, the undeniable popularity of SUVs fuels automotive marketing. It's enough to recall that the sister (or perhaps mother) brand of Lexus, Toyota, introduced cross-variants of its most popular models—the Yaris, Corolla, and even the smallest Aygo—to the market.

You can't fault the styling of the Lexus UX. It's an attractive hatchb... crossover with a dynamic silhouette, strong features, and a grille typical of models like the NX or ES. In terms of appearance, it delivers everything you expect from this brand.

While nothing changed on the exterior following this year's facelift, you can spot a few refreshed or more refined details inside. Primarily, a classic and rather large automatic lever was replaced by a smaller and sleeker switch. Designers also did away with the outdated touchpad for multimedia control on the touchscreen, and the archaic buttons and knobs for radio and volume control under the armrest edge disappeared. As a result, the Lexus UX no longer feels like a car from a previous era. This reordering also gave a new arrangement for cup holders, essential buttons, and a place for the phone — without omitting the induction charger.

The digital cockpit behind the steering wheel and the screen content in the dashboard's centre has a new look. This results from a revamped interface and multimedia system supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto wirelessly. Both screens are larger. The small analogue clock from the panel above the dashboard is gone.

The front interior is elegant and comfortable, as is appropriate for Lexus. You can't complain about discomfort in the rear, but there's no denying it — the Lexus UX is designed with the driver and front passenger in mind. The wheelbase is 264 centimetres. The trunk has a capacity of 310 litres, with a double floor that allows you to store items like a first aid kit, fire extinguisher, warning triangle, or even a snow brush underneath.