So far absent from the highly sought after segment of compact crossovers, Lexus enters a strong bet on the UX 250h . After all, it is with this that the Japanese brand intends to face models such as the BMW X1 and X2, the Audi Q2 and Q3, Volvo XC40 or Mercedes-Benz GLA.
Developed based on the same platform used by Corolla, the GA-C (derived from TNGA), the UX 250h is only available in Europe in a hybrid version, confirming Lexus' strong commitment to this type of engine in the Old Continent.
Aesthetically, the UX 250h hardly looks like a… crossover. Lower than most competitors, it has a large grille and a strip of light with 130 LEDs that runs through the entire rear section, and, overall, the UX 250h ends up looking somewhat sporty.
Inside the Lexus UX 250h
Once inside the UX 250h, the first highlight is the quality, both of the materials and of the assembly, which places the Japanese model among the references in the segment. Aesthetically, in spite of the similarities with the other models of the brand, the evolution in terms of ergonomics compared to the “older brothers” is notorious.
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Thus, we found fewer buttons and a better placement of those that resisted the “cleaning”. Too bad that Lexus has not taken advantage of this evolution to reform the touchpad used to control the infotainment system and whose use requires a long period of getting used to (blessed quick shortcuts to the system in the command center).
In terms of space, the UX 250h ends up disappointing a little. If space is not a problem at the front, at the rear it is somewhat cramped (above all at the level of the legs) and the luggage compartment is only a mere 320 liters of capacity (the SEAT Ibiza, for example, offers 355 liters of capacity).
The trunk only offers 320 liters of capacity.
At the wheel of the UX 250h
When we get behind the wheel of the UX 250h, the first compliment goes to the sport seats of the F Sport version that we've rehearsed. Comfortable and with a good level of lateral support, they allow you to easily find a good driving position (although lower than we are used to in a crossover).
With a robust and very comfortable step, when the curves arrive, the UX 250h shines even more. In addition to having a low center of gravity, the steering is communicative and needs something that contributes to the Lexus model even being fun in winding lines.
Speaking of numbers, the UX 250h offers a combined power of 184 hp , and at the mechanical level the CVT box is the “weakest link”. Is that if at slower paces we are even led to forget that it is there, when we decide to “squeeze” all the power, the CVT ends up making the engine (unpleasantly) audible and reminds us of its existence.
In terms of consumption, the UX 250h is a pleasant surprise, thanks largely to the hybrid system. So it's hard to get this Lexus past the 6.5 l/100 km mark. , since in cities we often find ourselves in electric mode, something that is not only beneficial for the environment but also for the… wallet.
Is the car right for me?
Well built, well equipped and with a distinctly different styling, the Lexus UX 250h is the ideal car if you are one of those people who likes a little more ground clearance, a premium environment and a look that makes you stand out in a crowd of SUV.
In cities, the hybrid system proves to be a good ally, keeping consumption at very low levels, sometimes around 5 l/100 km. At the same time, the UX 250h also offers good performance, low consumption and a dynamic behavior more interesting than expected.
Just don't ask for it is a lot of space or an infotainment system at the level of what the German (or Swedish) competitors do.