Lexus UX 250h 2021 Review

At first glance, the 2021 Lexus UX 250h has a lot going for it: an attractive base price, lots of standard features, and expressive styling for an extra-small crossover SUV. The interior is quite a looker, too, as it shares a common design language with pricier Lexus models. Rounding out the list of strengths is its hybrid powertrain, which gives the UX 250h excellent fuel economy — 42 mpg in combined city/highway driving, according to the EPA.

Few other luxury automakers bother offering a hybrid powertrain in their little SUVs. You won't find one in the BMW X1 or Mercedes-Benz GLA, for instance. But not everything is great in Lexus town; the lethargic acceleration and cumbersome infotainment interface make us frown. How much do these drawbacks sour the overall experience? Learn more by reading our in-depth Expert Rating on the 2021 UX 250h.

Which UX 250h does MatoCar recommend?

The 2021 Lexus UX 250h is a subcompact SUV sold in three trim levels: base, F Sport and Luxury. All use a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and a hybrid system to provide a total of 181 horsepower. All-wheel drive is standard, as is a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Lexus also sells the non-hybrid UX 200, which is reviewed separately.

Base The base UX 250h starts you off with:

• 18-inch alloy wheels
• LED headlights
• Keyless entry and start
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Power-adjustable front seats
• Simulated leather upholstery
• Six-speaker audio system
• 7-inch infotainment display
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration
• Wi-Fi hotspot

Every UX 250h comes with a suite of safety features, which Lexus calls Safety System+ 2.0. It consists of:

• Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
• Lane departure mitigation (warns you of a lane departure when a turn signal isn't used and can automatically steer to maintain lane position)
• Lane keeping system (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane)
• Blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while reversing)
• Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Lexus and the car in front)

The UX 250h has several available options, including:

• Premium package
• Automatic wipers
• Sunroof
• Heated and ventilated seats
• Black Line Special Edition
• Premium package
• Black-painted wheels
• Black exterior styling elements
• Blue seat belts and interior trim
• Two-piece Zero Halliburton luggage set
• Navigation system, which also adds:
• Power-adjustable steering wheel
• 10.3-inch infotainment display
• Eight-speaker audio system
• Auto-leveling headlights
• Hands-free liftgate
• Heated steering wheel
• Wireless charging pad
• Head-up display (displays important information in your sight line onto the windshield)
• Parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible behind the vehicle when parking)

F Sport The F Sport is the sport-themed model, adding:

• Unique wheels
• Aerodynamic body kit
• Sport-tuned suspension
• Steering wheel-mounted paddles that control simulated gear shifts
• Sport front seats
• Upgraded digital gauge cluster

Most of the base model's options can be ordered on the F Sport as well. You can also opt for:

• Luxury package
• Premium package
• Driver-seat memory settings
• Hands-free liftgate

Luxury The top-trim Luxury model starts with base UX 250h content and adds:

• F Sport's Luxury package content
• Sound-reducing front side glass
• Illuminated air vent knobs

Any optional extras from the base UX 250h that aren't already included in the Luxury trim are available here as well.