The Lexus UX range of compact SUVs has been on sale in Australia since 2019, originally
as the UX 250 with the choice of petrol or hybrid powertrains. A fully electric variant was
added in 2021 with the current UX 300 replacing the UX 250 and dropping the petrol
option. The UX 300e was discontinued earlier this year.
We’re told the name stands for Urban Explorer which, sort of, identifies its target audience.
A compact SUV, the UX 300 sist on the same platform as the Toyota Corolla hatch,
Corolla Cross and C-HR SUV.
The UX 300h hybrid comes in three variants, Luxury, Sports Luxury and F Sport Luxury is
front-wheel drive only, the higher-spec models adding the option of all-wheel drive. Prices
range from $55,370 for the 300h 2WD Luxury through to $73,210 for the AWD F Sport
On-road costs need to be added.
Optional Enhancement Packs are available with additional features over those that are
standard in the particular models. These range from $2050 through to $5600 with the F
Sport.
Our test vehicle was the UX 300h Sports Luxury.
STYLING
Although classed as a compact SUV the UX 300h is 4.5 metres long and so just 10 cm
shorter and 15 cm lower than the Toyota RAV4, giving it more of a hatchback than an SUV
profile.
The front of the UX 300h is dominated by the characteristic Lexus ‘spindle’ grille with
vertical fins on the outer edges and eyebrow-like LED headlights and vertical.
Standard in all models are heated and powered folding door mirrors, rear privacy glass,
roof rails and a shark fin antenna.
The F Sport gets its own design for its front and rear bumper, F Mesh grille, jet black
plating and front fender emblems.
A moonroof with opening tilt and slide function is standard on the AWD Sports Luxury and
F Sport and through Enhancement Packs in the other variants.
The UX 300h Luxury comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, Sports Luxury and F Sport get
differing designs of 18-inch alloys.
Up to 10 exterior colours are available depending on the variant.
INTERIOR
The cabin of the UX 300 has a premium look and feel, which is expected from any Lexus
vehicle.
The front seats are comfortable and supportive with synthetic leather in the F-Sport and
Sports Luxury. The entry level Luxury gets Nulux interior trim.
All models come with 10-way power adjustment for the driver and 8-way for the front
passenger. All are heated but only the F-Sport and Sports Luxury are ventilated.
The steering wheel is powered with both height and reach adjustment.
Switches for the seat heaters and seat ventilation are integrated into the upper console.
Leather-accented steering wheel and gear knob are standard in all variants.
SAFETY
Safety starts with eight airbags include driver and front passenger dual stage, driver and
passenger knee bags, driver and front passenger side airbags and left and right full curtain
protection.
The Lexus Safety System+ is the brand’s Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS)
that uses sensors, cameras and radars to alert drivers on potential problems. It includes a
pre-collision safety system with pedestrian and daylight cyclist detection, adaptive cruise
control, lane keeping assistance, road sign assist, blind sport monitoring and parking
support.
Other safety features include rear cross-traffic alert, hill start assist, low tyre pressure
warning, rear Isofix child seat anchors and rear seat occupant reminder.
F-Sport and Sports Luxury add auto-levelling three-eye Bi-Beam LED headlamps.
DRIVETRAIN
Power is provided by a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder direct petrol injection engine producing 112
Kw and 188 Nm. This is backed by a permanent-magnet motor and a lightweight lithium-
ion battery giving combined maximum outputs of 146 kW and 206 Nm.
This is put to ground through an electronic continuously variable automatic transmission.
and all-wheel drive system.
The F-Sport and Sports Luxury AWD variants come with the Lexus E-Four system. This
uses a dedicated electric motor mounted to the rear axle to automatically provide extra
grip in slippery conditions.
INFOTAINMENT
A 12.3-inch multimedia touchscreen supports full smartphone pairing including wireless
Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
The digital instrument cluster is also 12.3-inch and can be customised according to driver
preferences.
Luxury and 2WD Sports Luxury get a 10-Speaker Lexus Premium Sound System; AM/FM
radio, MP3 and WMA (Windows Media Audio) play compatible.
Sports Luxury and F Sport graduate to a 13-Speaker Mark Levinson Premium Surround
Sound System; Clari-FI & Quantum Logic Surround.
DRIVING
Although it’s a relatively small vehicle it’s easy to get into and out of thanks to large doors
and a fairly high ground clearance.
There is a colour head-up display but it only comes with Enhancement Packages in the F-
Sport and Sports Luxury.
On the road the Lexus UX 300h is quiet inside, at least on smooth bitumen. It’s versatile,
easy to maneuver around town but not challenged on motorways where it’s reasonably
smooth and can be pushed hard without biting back.
The transmission is smooth with instant response. In manual mode switching between 3rd,
4th and 5th gears keeps the engine in the preferred power zone at all times.
The steering is relatively light with a nice level of feedback.
Handling is neutral, thanks to a low centre of gravity, with progressive breakaway,
controlled with some steering input, but some tyre squeal is evident during tight cornering.
The brakes are well-balanced although a bit too aggressive for our taste.
There are three drive modes: Eco, Normal, and Sport. Eco mode maximises fuel savings
across all driving conditions by smoothing the throttle response and by moderating air-
conditioning operation. Normal mode provides an optimal balance between driving
performance and fuel efficiency. Sport Mode delivers quicker throttle response and
increased power steering feel.
Fuel consumption is listed as 4.4 litres per 100 kilometres on the combined cycle. We
averaged a tad under 5.0 L/100km during our test.
SUMMARY
Comparisons between Toyota and Lexus models are inevitable, often coming down to
comparing cost/benefit analysis between similar vehicles.
In the case of the Lexus UX 300h it sits around the same size as the Corolla Cross SUV
but costs almost $20,000 less. Both are hybrids with the same powertrain including an all-
wheel drive option.
The UX brings the higher level of prestige and extra quality that’s expected from any Lexus
vehicle. But is that, together with the different badge, enough to justify the 20-grand price
hike?
RATINGS:
Looks: 8/10
Performance: 8/10
Safety: 8/10
Thirst: 9/10
Practicality: 7.5/10
Comfort: 8/10
Tech: 8/10
Value: 7/10
AT A GLANCE
MODEL RANGE
UX 300h Luxury 2WD Hybrid: $55,370
UX 300h Sports Luxury 2WD Hybrid: $62,320
UX 300h F Sport 2WD Hybrid: $63,110
UX 300h Sports Luxury AWD Hybrid: $70,520
UX 300h F Sport AWD Hybrid: $73,210
UX 300e Luxury Electric: $80.720
UX 300e Sports Luxury Electric: $88,190
Note: These prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your
local Lexus dealer for drive-away prices.
SPECIFICATIONS (Lexus UX 300h AW7D Sports Luxury hybrid five-door wagon)
PERFORMANCE:
Capacity: 1.987 litres
Configuration: Mild hybrid, 4-cylinders in-line
Maximum Power: 112 kW @ 6000 rpm
Maximum Torque: 188 Nm @ 4400-5200 rpm
Kierb Weight: 1640 kg
Fuel Type: 91 RON petrol
Fuel Usage Combined Cycle: 4.4 L/100km
CO2 Emissions: 99 g/km
DRIVELINE:
Electronic continuously variable transmission, all-wheel drive
DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT AND CAPACITIES:
Length: 4495 mm
Wheelbase: 2640 mm
Width: 1840 mm
Height: 1540 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity: 43 litres
Turning Circle: 10.4 metres
Kerb Mass: 1640 kg
BRAKES:
Front: Ventilated disc
Rear: Solid disc
STANDARD WARRANTY:
Five years/unlimited km
