Are you able to imagine the Lexus UX vary has been on sale so lengthy that its security score has expired?
That’s proper! The small SUV that was previously probably the most compact crossover within the Lexus vary when it was launched in Australia method again in late 2018 is not rated by ANCAP, and it surprisingly makes a stronger argument at the moment than it did pre-COVID.
A part of that comes all the way down to incremental tech enhancements contained in the cabin, and one other – bigger – part is the higher hybrid powertrain now obtainable within the vary.
Let’s undergo it.
How a lot does the Lexus UX value?
The Lexus UX lineup beforehand included an electrical variant, which has been axed, and there was a 250h hybrid model, which was changed in 2024 by the 300h model. That noticed an influence bump for all three variants of the Lexus UX, and there are nonetheless two grades that include the selection of front- or all-wheel drive.
| Mannequin | Worth earlier than on-road prices |
|---|---|
|
2026 Lexus UX300h Luxurious 2WD |
$55,730 |
|
2026 Lexus UX300h Sports activities Luxurious 2WD |
$62,320 |
|
2026 Lexus UX300h F Sport 2WD |
$63,110 |
|
2026 Lexus UX300h Sports activities Luxurious AWD |
$70,520 |
|
2026 Lexus UX300h F Sport AWD |
$73,210 |
It’s clear from the pricing that you simply’ll should actually want or need all-wheel drive to justify the additional value concerned, and admittedly I feel you’d be a bit foolish to spend greater than $70k on a Lexus UX of any kind. You do get an additional 84Nm of torque, although…
However this base mannequin at about $55k earlier than on-roads? It is a completely different story totally.
To see how the Lexus UX strains up in opposition to the competitors, take a look at our comparability software
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What’s the Lexus UX like on the within?
Over time the Lexus UX has seen some necessary adjustments to the cabin – but it surely doesn’t really feel startlingly completely different to the primary variations of this automotive.
That’s no dangerous factor as a result of it felt good then, and it nonetheless feels fairly good now.
Including to the attraction on the within is the new-ish 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which does embody issues like wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, linked providers, and sat-nav as properly.
There isn’t a lot in the best way of bodily controls – only a quantity dial – however the usability of the system is fairly good.
I don’t assume that is the best software program suite, and there are some menus which are a little bit bit hidden, however it’s largely learnable and straightforward to get together with.
I do like the truth that beneath that display you could have a panel of bodily controls, together with local weather management, fan pace, recirc, demister (together with rear and aspect mirror demisting!) and extra.
Additional down you’ll discover a wi-fi cellphone charger and two USB-C ports, which is nice to see in a base automotive like this.
Again from there’s a pair of cupholders, a pair of electrical seat heating buttons, and a dinky little shifter. You may take a little bit little bit of time to get used to how the shift sample works.
There’s additionally an EV mode and a ‘maintain’ mode button, so you’ll be able to attempt to set off issues to be totally electrical, however the battery is sort of small.
Between the seats there’s a centre console bin with a dual-opening lid, so you’ll be able to open it both method.
And the seats are extraordinarily comfy with good adjustment and a pleasant materials end to them – regardless that it’s a faux leather-based.
The doorways function good sized bottle holders, there’s an affordable glovebox, and the overall attraction of the cabin is high-end however not too blingy.
There are not any ambient lights or something like that, so a number of the extra trendy small premium SUV options do supply a bit extra wow consider some methods.
However it’s that typical Lexus-like, Japanese-spec stage of ending. Immaculate.
Within the rear there may be sufficient house for a 6’0”/182cm grownup to suit behind their very own driving place, however not with a lot house to spare.
Kneeroom is tight, headroom is a little bit bit slim as properly, and getting out and in may be laborious in case you’ve received large ft.
Don’t go considering you’ll match three throughout the again very comfortably, however at a pinch it is potential – as long as the occupants aren’t huge.
There are ISOFIX little one seat anchor factors and top-tethers for these rear seats, too.
There are directional air vents and USB-C ports within the again too, and there may be one map pocket on the passenger-side seatback.
There are not any door pockets in any respect, however there’s a flip-down armrest with cupholders.
Spacious? Not a lot. However comfortable? Sure!
The boot is compact, with sufficient house to suit some small suitcases, or the youngsters’ backpacks for varsity, but it surely gained’t be the perfect month-long driving vacation companion by way of boot house.
Below the boot ground there may be storage however you gained’t discover a spare wheel sadly – only a tyre restore package on this one.
| Dimensions | Lexus UX300h Luxurious FWD |
|---|---|
| Size |
4495mm |
| Width |
1840mm |
| Top |
1540mm |
| Wheelbase |
2640mm |
| Cargo capability |
368L |
To see how the Lexus UX strains up in opposition to the competitors, take a look at our comparability software
What’s beneath the bonnet?
The Lexus UX300h has a tried-and-tested four-cylinder petrol-electric powertrain, with an e-CVT auto managing proceedings. The bottom grade is front-wheel drive, and the upper specs have all-wheel drive obtainable.
| Specs | Lexus UX300h Luxurious FWD |
|---|---|
| Engine |
2.0L 4cyl hybrid |
| System energy |
146kW |
| System torque |
206Nm |
| Transmission |
e-CVT |
| Drive kind |
Entrance-wheel drive |
| Weight |
1585kg |
| Gasoline economic system (claimed) |
4.2L/100km |
| Gasoline economic system (as examined) |
5.1L/100km |
| Gasoline tank capability |
43L |
| Gasoline requirement |
91-octane common unleaded |
| CO2 emissions |
96g/km |
| Emissions normal |
Euro 5 |
I used to be very impressed with the real-world gasoline consumption I noticed whereas testing the UX300h over every week of combined driving.
I ran errands, hit the freeway, pushed it via some corners and usually drove it precisely the way you may, and 5.1L/100km was the displayed common. Good.
Notice, although, that there is no such thing as a official towing capability for this car, so if you might want to tow, this automotive gained’t be the go.
To see how the Lexus UX strains up in opposition to the competitors, take a look at our comparability software
How does the Lexus UX drive?
What an agreeable little automotive that is.
Unsurprisingly, it does really feel just like a Toyota Corolla hatchback or a Corolla Cross small SUV, and it’s constructed on the identical TNGA platform as these spectacular choices.
There are some similarities by way of powertrain expertise and the overall chassis dynamics of this platform are extraordinarily good.
That features the predictable, properly weighted and straightforward to handle steering that permits easy turning manoeuvres at low speeds and nice confidence at excessive pace, the comfy experience and clean suspension calibration that permits each straightforward driving in city day-to-day duties, and in addition the assured dealing with at tempo.
It’s a particularly likeable driving expertise. Mature, however nonetheless playful in case you push it.
The hybrid powertrain has a large amount of punch, and whereas it’s front-drive solely on this primary model, it nonetheless will get the facility down very properly.
One enchancment could possibly be to suit a set of sportier tyres – that will certainly enhance power-down grip and in addition outright cornering dealing with, however as it’s it’s utterly agreeable.
You’ve received regen braking in order for you it and a B mode to assist feed some extra energy to the battery pack, and the brake pedal really feel is totally advantageous.
There’s not a lot to complain about in relation to the refinement both – you’ll be able to hear the engine when it kicks into life, however more often than not you’ll be driving in a combination of hybrid or EV drive modes, and at city speeds EV mode does kick in very often.
There’s just a bit little bit of tyre roar to take care of at freeway tempo on rougher surfaces, but it surely’s hardly an issue for this automotive.
As for the security help expertise, you don’t have any of the annoyances that you simply is perhaps anticipating like a driver monitoring digital camera or incessant chiming for pace signage.
As an alternative, there’s a lane-keeping help function that you simply may wish to swap off (it defaults again on every time you restart the automotive) however it’s usually a particularly pleasant expertise.
And the frugal gasoline consumption is simply the cherry on prime.
To see how the Lexus UX strains up in opposition to the competitors, take a look at our comparability software
What do you get?
Right here’s a rundown of the vary, and what you get in case you resolve to spend extra as you progress up the ladder.
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2026 Lexus UX300h Luxurious normal gear:
- 17-inch alloy wheels
- LED headlights
- Leather-based-accented seats (NuLux)
- Heated entrance seats
- Energy adjustable entrance seats
- 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Wi-fi Apple CarPlay
- Wi-fi Android Auto
- 10-speaker audio system
- Sat-nav
- Related providers
- Energy tilt and attain steering wheel
- Good key
- Push-button begin
- Wi-fi cellphone charger
UX300h Sports activities Luxurious provides:
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- Panoramic View Monitor (360-degree digital camera)
- Adaptive Excessive-Beam System
- Ventilated entrance seats
- Driver’s seat reminiscence
- 13-speaker Mark Levinson premium sound system
- Leather-based-accented upholstery
- Rear privateness glass
F Sport provides:
- Distinctive F Sport styling
- 18-inch F Sport wheels
- Physique-coloured wheel arches
- Adaptive Variable Suspension
- Rear Efficiency Damper
- 5 drive modes: provides Sport S+, Customized (past Eco/Regular/Sport)
- Lively Sound Management
- F Sport seats
- F Sport steering wheel
To see how the Lexus UX strains up in opposition to the competitors, take a look at our comparability software
Is the Lexus UX protected?
The Lexus UX vary beforehand had a five-star ANCAP security score, but it surely expired on the finish of 2025. Which means there’s no relevant unbiased security score for this small luxurious SUV. However it’s not just like the model has eliminated the security gear, so it’s nonetheless going to be a ‘protected’ automotive to decide on.
Commonplace security gear consists of:
- Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
- Pedestrian detection (day, evening)
- Bike owner detection (day)
- Adaptive cruise management with cease/go
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Lane Hint Help
- Site visitors signal recognition
- Rear cross-traffic help
- Computerized high-beam
- Entrance and rear parking sensors
- Reversing digital camera
It misses out on a number of the energetic security annoyances of newer automobiles, which could truly make it much more interesting. There isn’t a driver monitoring system, no pace signal recognition, and subsequently bugger-all beeping bing-bong tech. Hooray!
However be mindful, this base mannequin solely comes with a reversing digital camera, not the surround-view system obtainable within the costlier variants.
The Lexus UX has eight airbags: twin entrance, driver’s knee, passenger’s knee, entrance aspect, and full-length curtain.
To see how the Lexus UX strains up in opposition to the competitors, take a look at our comparability software
How a lot does the Lexus UX value to run?
Lexus Australia nonetheless has the most effective reputations out there by way of aftersales possession – from each a reliability and premium expertise perspective. Ask any Lexus proprietor in the event that they’ve had a nasty time proudly owning their automotive, and I’ll offer you $50 if somebody says they’ve!*
| Servicing and Guarantee | Lexus UX300h |
|---|---|
| Car guarantee |
5 years, limitless kilometres |
|
Battery guarantee |
As much as 10 years, limitless kilometres (service-activated) |
| Roadside help |
5 years |
| Service intervals |
12 months or 15,000km |
| Capped-price servicing |
5 years or 75,000km |
| Whole capped-price service value |
$3225 |
*I’m not truly going to offer you $50.
To see how the Lexus UX strains up in opposition to the competitors, take a look at our comparability software
CarExpert’s Tackle the Lexus UX
It mightn’t be the most recent child on the block, but it surely’s one of the crucial full, likeable and habitable decisions you could possibly make in case you’re after a compact premium automotive.
The UX300h is a charmer. And the Luxurious model is all you’re actually going to want.
Considering shopping for a Lexus UX? Let CarExpert discover you the most effective deal right here.
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