2025 Lexus UX300h F Sport Handling - Review by David Colman +VIDEO

Responsive, Sporty, and Elegant

David Colman

Photos and Story by David Colman
Special Correspondence to THE AUTO CHANNEL

Lexus has just released the latest revision of their entry-level UX model range. While the new offerings may look superficially similar to previous versions, subtle changes for 2025 make this ultra-compact SUV much more enticing to drive. But you need to select the right version, which also happens to be the most expensive one. Designated UX300h F SPORT HANDLING, this one gives the enthusiast all the bells and whistles that are lacking in lesser models. Instead of front wheel drive, this one gives you all-wheel drive. Instead of a functional but prosaic interior, this one gives you Lexus race team inspired form-fitting bucket seats, a 12.3-inch information screen (versus 7 inches on the base model), and an incredibly sophisticated recalibration of the suspension system that will make you want to take your UX to track days or autocrosses.

You might ask, "But if I can buy the base UX 300h for $37,490, why should I spend an extra $8,885 for the top echelon UX 300h F SPORT HANDLING?" While I can't vouch for the relative merits or demerits of the front wheel drive base model, I can state that the all wheel drive ("E-Four" in Lexus lexicon) "F SPORT HANDLING" model is the one you'll want to own. When Lexus first introduced the F Sport concept over a decade ago, the emendations consisted of little more than exterior F badges and interior upgrades meant to convey a racier feel to an otherwise stock vehicle. But like Lexus' successful race team, the F Sport program has also come a long way since those early days.

You can instantly judge the impact an F Sport Handling kit brings when you pitch the lively UX into its first tight bend. The upgrade enhances performance with active variable suspension (AVS) which sharpens handling through superior damper control, while also providing better stability and improved ride comfort. To run this mini-Lexus through its paces, grasp the conveniently placed ride control knob on the right side of the instrument binnacle, and twist to your preferred Drive Mode: Normal, Eco, Sport or Sport+. The instant transformation from Normal to Sport+ will have you reveling in the perfect weighting of the steering feedback, the quick response of the throttle pedal, and the snug retention provided by the F Sport's exclusive race seats, appropriately finished in black with "Circuit Red" stitching.

No matter which UX you choose, your powerplant will be the same - an all-new 5th-generation hybrid unit. All UX levels utilize the M20A-FXS 2.0 liter 4-cylinder gas engine which connects to a new hybrid transaxle. A pair of electric motor generators account for the hybrid part of the system, with a front unit producing 83kW of energy and a rear motor, located near the rear axle, good for 30kW of output. These feed charge to a new 60 cell lithium-ion battery which replaces a previously used nickel metal hydride unit. All told the drivetrain produces 196 net hp which it sends to the road through a newly redesigned planetary type constant velocity transmission. Lexus has replaced mechanical transmission actuation for 2025 with shift-by-wire technology which converts shift operation to electronic signals. This in turn results in instant response when you toggle the shift lever, or flap the steering wheel paddles. While the UX is no quarter-mile barnstormer, it will accelerate from 0-60mph in 7.9 seconds. The hybrid powertrain churns through the CVT's ranges with a rheostat-like whine that sounds intriguing, and requires no manipulation from the driver to reach peak velocity.

Lexus stylists have reconfigured what had previously been the ugly duckling of the family brood to something you can be proud to show off. The UX's sculptural side surfacing enhances light refraction, especially if you choose the F SPORT HANDLING-only color of Ultrasonic Blue Mica which graced our test car. This paint job will set you back an extra $595 for Premium Paint, plus a mandatory $350 up-charge for "Bi-Tone Paint," since the roof and roof rails are painted gloss black. Lexus has also introduced a new shade for 2025 called Copper Crest which promises to be an enhancing shade for the stubby UX.

Lexus fits a set of 18x7J split five-spoke black alloy rims to the F SPORT models. These rather narrow rims are shod with run flat 225/50RF18 Bridgestone Turanza radials with a treadwear rating of TW400. Given the UX's excellent handling balance, and its newly enlarged wheel arch moldings, I would be inclined to pop on a set of 18x8J rims shod with TW200 radials. That upgrade would make the revamped UX the perfect Bimmer hunter.

2025 LEXUS UX300h F SPORT HANDLING

ENGINE: 2.0 liter inline-4 plus 2 electric motor generators
HORSEPOWER: 196hp (combined)
FUEL CONSUMPTION: 44MPG City/40MPG Highway
PRICE AS TESTED: $49,445

HYPES: Responsive, Sporty, Elegant Finish

GRIPES: Occluded Rear Vision

STAR RATING: 9 Stars out of 10

©2024 David E Colman