Lexus UX 2024: Subtle facelift with powerful hybrid upgrade

The Lexus UX debuted as the younger and smaller sibling of the top-selling NX model. It was also the brand's first car available in an electric version. Over five years on the European market, 105,624 units of the Lexus UX were sold (data from November 2024), with nearly 370,000 units sold worldwide. Interestingly, 1 in 10 European UX models sold ended up in Poland. Our editorial test included two conventional hybrid engine variants—the 250h and 300h AWD.

This past year, the UX model underwent a facelift. However, the exterior changes are not particularly noticeable, mainly offering an option for a two-tone body with a black roof and Sonic Copper paint. The most important changes occurred under the bonnet.

From 2024, the Lexus UX is now only available as a fifth-generation hybrid in the 300h variant, offering 199 horsepower and 202 Nm of torque. These figures arise from a four-cylinder petrol engine (152 hp) paired with a 109-hp electric motor. It also includes a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and offers 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 Nm. Acceleration improved by 0.6 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h. This improvement is due to the fifth-generation Toyota hybrid receiving 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 Nm instead of 7 hp and 75 Nm.

How does this translate into driving impressions? The engine operates 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 it is also well-suited for longer journeys.

Before the facelift, fuel consumption figures ranged from 5.3 to 5.8 litres per 100 km. Batteries with a capacity of 1 kWh and a 45-litre petrol tank enabled the electric motor to engage during starting, "coasting," and to assist during acceleration. In mixed-cycle driving, you could expect to cover about 800 km on one tank. After the facelift, both 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.

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 approximately 5.0 litres per 100 km. On expressways, you can expect average consumption to be slightly more than 2 litres higher (about 6.5 litres per 100 km). On the motorway, the Lexus UX 300h consumes around 9 litres per 100 km. The mixed-cycle average is around 7.1 litres per 100 km. It is good, though not exceptional.

The five-door Lexus UX is a compact premium crossover. The body measures just under 4.6 metres in length and 1.8 metres in width. A height of 1.55 metres and a clearance of 15 cm 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.

The styling of the Lexus UX is impeccable. 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 the exterior remained unchanged following this year's facelift, you can spot a few refreshed or more refined details inside. Primarily, a large automatic lever was replaced by a smaller, sleeker switch. Designers also eliminated the outdated touchpad for multimedia control on the touchscreen, and the antiquated buttons and knobs for radio and volume control under the armrest have disappeared. As a result, the Lexus UX no longer feels like a car from a previous era. This reordering also provided a new arrangement for cup holders, essential buttons, and a place for the phone—without omitting the wireless charger.

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

The interior at the front is truly elegant and comfortable, as is fitting for Lexus. While you can't complain about discomfort in the rear, there's no denying it—the Lexus UX is designed with the driver and front passenger in mind. The wheelbase is 2.64 metres. The boot offers a capacity of 311 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.