The 2022 Lexus Ux 250h enters the compact crossover segment, promising Lexus luxury in a smaller, more fuel-efficient package. Based on the same platform as the Toyota C-HR, the UX aims to elevate the experience with a premium interior and hybrid powertrain. But does this compact Lexus deliver on its luxury promise, or does its size and price tag leave it wanting? Let’s delve into a detailed review of the 2022 Lexus UX 250h.
Exceptional Fuel Economy: The 2022 Lexus UX 250h’s Strong Suit
One area where the 2022 Lexus UX 250h truly shines is fuel efficiency. Consistent with Toyota’s renowned hybrid technology, the UX 250h boasts impressive MPG figures. During a week-long test drive, an average of 35 MPG was consistently achieved. This fuel economy makes the UX 250h a compelling option for those prioritizing gas savings in a luxury vehicle. Even with a modest 10.6-gallon fuel tank, drivers can expect a range of nearly 400 miles on a single fill-up, reducing visits to the gas station.
Lexus Interior Quality: A Touch of Luxury in the UX 250h
True to its Lexus badge, the 2022 UX 250h delivers a convincingly luxurious cabin experience. The interior is meticulously crafted with high-quality materials. The seats, upholstered in Lexus’ NuLuxe synthetic leather, offer a premium feel that closely mimics genuine leather. The overall interior ambiance exudes a sense of durability and refinement that is characteristic of the Lexus brand. While some less prominent buttons might feel less premium, the majority of touchpoints throughout the cabin reinforce the impression of genuine luxury. Lexus’ expertise in interior design is clearly evident in the UX 250h. The steering is precise and responsive, contributing to an overall secure and competent driving feel. While run-flat tires limit its sporty potential in cornering, the handling remains adequate for daily driving. The UX 250h excels as an easy-to-operate vehicle for everyday commutes and errands, prioritizing comfort and ease of driving over sporty performance. Despite its bold exterior styling, it’s crucial to recognize that the UX 250h is not designed as a performance vehicle; its strengths lie in comfortable and confident commuting.
Drawbacks: Space, Performance, and Price Concerns in the 2022 Lexus UX 250h
Unfortunately, the advantages of the 2022 Lexus UX 250h are overshadowed by significant drawbacks, primarily related to its price, interior space, and performance. The as-tested price of $44,115 for the ‘Luxury’ trim raises serious questions about its value proposition. Despite an overall length of 177 inches, the UX 250h suffers from a remarkably cramped interior, particularly in the rear. Rear legroom is severely limited, making it uncomfortable for taller adults. The short 103.9-inch wheelbase and low roofline contribute to a claustrophobic feeling in the back. While suitable for small children or pets, the rear seats are not practical for adult passengers on longer journeys. Similarly, the cargo space is not optimized for larger items or families, requiring careful planning for errands or trips.
The hybrid powertrain, while fuel-efficient, delivers underwhelming performance. The 181-horsepower engine struggles to move the 3,600-pound crossover with any urgency. Acceleration from 0 to 60 MPH takes a sluggish nine seconds. Furthermore, demanding more power for merging or passing results in unpleasant engine noise, amplified by the continuously variable transmission (CVT) which holds the engine at high RPMs. This noisy and strained engine performance detracts significantly from the expected luxury experience. The engine’s coarse sound and behavior feel out of place in a vehicle marketed as luxury. An all-electric powertrain could potentially address these performance and noise issues, offering smoother and more powerful acceleration, but would likely further increase the vehicle’s already high price.
The pricing of the 2022 Lexus UX 250h becomes even more problematic when considering alternatives. For the same price, consumers could opt for a Toyota Venza Limited, which offers comparable interior quality, identical fuel economy, and significantly more interior space due to its larger RAV4 platform. Even a larger Toyota Highlander Hybrid becomes accessible at this price point. Alternatively, sacrificing a small amount of fuel economy opens the door to the BMW X1, a vehicle that provides a superior driving experience and a more spacious interior. The limited interior space of the UX 250h is a major concern for any vehicle in this price range. While a more affordable price point might make the UX 250h a more appealing compact luxury option, its current cost makes it a difficult proposition, especially given its lack of performance and confined dimensions. It is neither fast nor spacious, creating a challenging value equation.
Adding to the usability concerns, the 2022 UX 250h features Lexus’ older touchpad interface, which is widely criticized for its cumbersome operation. While newer Lexus models like the NX have adopted improved infotainment systems, the UX 250h still suffers from this outdated and frustrating user experience. For a vehicle named “User Experience,” the infotainment system is ironically one of its weakest points.
Verdict: A Pricey Path to Fuel Efficiency in the 2022 Lexus UX 250h
If the 2022 Lexus UX 250h were priced significantly lower, perhaps by $10,000, it could present a more compelling case as a fuel-efficient and luxurious compact crossover. At a lower price, it would essentially represent a Toyota C-HR with a substantial luxury upgrade, filling a specific niche. However, at its current price point, the UX 250h commands a premium of nearly $15,000 over the C-HR Limited, making it a questionable value proposition from the outset. The limited space, both for passengers and cargo, further diminishes its appeal as a practical daily driver, particularly for families or those needing versatility. Toyota’s own Venza emerges as a considerably more sensible alternative, offering similar fuel economy and luxury at the same price, but with significantly greater space and practicality. Stepping up to a Lexus NX hybrid, while potentially more expensive, would also provide a more well-rounded and spacious luxury vehicle. While the concept of a compact luxury car holds merit, the 2022 Lexus UX 250h struggles to justify its price tag with its limited space and lackluster performance, relying heavily on its fuel economy as its primary selling point. For buyers primarily focused on fuel savings, exploring more affordable and equally efficient vehicles might be a more prudent financial decision.
2022 Lexus UX 250h Luxury – Key Specifications:
- Price as-tested: $44,115
- Pros: Excellent fuel economy
- Cons: Cramped interior, slow acceleration, high price
Better Alternatives to Consider:
- Toyota Venza: Offers similar MPG, more space, and comparable interior quality for the same price.
- BMW X1: Provides a more engaging driving experience and larger interior, sacrificing some fuel economy.
- Mazda CX-30 Turbo Signature: Offers sporty performance, a nicer interior, and significant cost savings.
Interior of the 2022 Lexus UX 250 showcasing front seats and dashboard
Luxury interior details of the Lexus UX 250 showcasing seat stitching and materials
Front exterior of the 2022 Lexus UX 250h emphasizing its grille and headlights
Close-up detail of the 2022 Lexus UX 250 exterior showing design elements
