First Look Review: The 2024 Lexus UX Hybrid is a hatchback with SUV looks

The 2024 Lexus UX Hybrid is one of the smallest and most affordably priced luxury crossovers in the U.S. market. Targeted primarily at young customers and city dwellers, the compact SUV holds the distinction of being the sole hybrid model in its segment. Recently, I got a chance to experience a gray 2024 Lexus UX Hybrid in Los Angeles (2024 Lexus UX250h). Here’s what I think about the new hybrid SUV.

Design

The Lexus UX Hybrid looks more like a hatchback than an SUV, but setting aside the the body style and classification for a minute, I think there’s little not to like about its proportions. In my opinion, it looks quite athletic and dynamic, thanks to its long hood, sleek greenhouse, and 18-inch wheels pushed out to the corners.

When Lexus introduced the UX Hybrid in 2018, full-width rear lights weren’t a common feature, and I believe they still add a cool touch to the vehicle. However, I’m not a fan of the pointy headlamps, its Spindle grille, or the sharp rising creases along the sides. Overall, if you were to ask me, it’s a fairly likable exterior for an urban crossover. The tight and uniform panel gaps are a testament to Lexus’s commitment to build quality, even in this smaller vehicle class.

Interior

The Lexus UX has a modern and practical interior with a snug, driver-focused cockpit. Its design does not exude the same level of luxury as the Mercedes GLA available overseas or the Mercedes GLB in the U.S. market. That said, in Lexus models, luxury is usually more about touch and feel rather than glamorous visuals.

The low-set dashboard seamlessly connects to the doors and creates a wraparound effect, and I can tell from my experience that it makes the front occupants, especially the one in the driver’s seat, feel cosseted. I like how the center of the dash is tilted towards the driver, and also the bank of fighter jet-like climate control switches below the central AC vents. While they may not have anything particularly modern or extraordinary, in my opinion, they still represent a form of luxury in 2024.

As I pointed out in the 2024 Lexus ES Hybrid, the placement of the traction control and drive mode knobs is unusual, making them look like horns popping out of the instrument binnacle. Lexus uses an old-school 7-inch MID in most grades and a similar 8-inch MID in the F Sport Handling grade. In my opinion, both look no match for the far more advanced customizable virtual instrument clusters of gas-powered European rivals, especially the 2024 BMW X1.

The available 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto and features cloud navigation. I think the user interface of this infotainment system is intuitive and first-time users would adapt to its functions and menu structure in no time. From what I know about the UX, the infotainment system quickly responds to inputs and shows no lags in operation.

The quality of materials Lexus has used in the interior is in line with what I expect from a luxury car. The doors close with a reassuring thunk, there’s ample use of soft-touch materials, and the physical controls give tactile feedback.

I’m six feet tall, and I felt that ingress and egress were manageable in the front of the 2024 UX Hybrid. When I sat in the 8-way power adjustable driver’s seat with memory, heating, and ventilation functions, I felt that the space was a little tight for a person of my height. I had plenty of headroom, and the under-thigh support was decent. The side bolsters were supportive and made me feel nicely tucked in, but I do wish they were adjustable.

I appreciated Lexus offering the heated steering wheel with a power-adjustable tilt and telescopic column in a vehicle of this class, but I found the range of telescopic adjustment limited. Rear visibility also could’ve been better. In my opinion, the electric parking brake switch should be located in a more easily visible location instead of below the vehicle start/stop button in the lower part of the dashboard.

Sitting behind the driver’s seat, which was still in my set position, I had limited legroom and knee room. I was surprised to find that my head wasn’t touching the roof, and the under-thigh support was alright. The angle of the backrest was comfortable enough for me. However, I must note here that Lexus doesn’t offer reclining and heating functions in the UX Hybrid’s rear seat. The rear seat isn’t wide enough to comfortably accommodate three adults.

The 2024 UX Hybrid features a kick-activated power tailgate, opening which reveals a cargo area with a high-set load floor and 17.1 cu. ft. of luggage space. The rear seat can be folded down to increase the luggage space, but Lexus hasn’t disclosed to how much. Unlike the old model, the new UX has a power tailgate with a kick sensor across the line-up. When I checked out the underfloor in the cargo area and the underbody, I found that the 2024 UX Hybrid doesn’t come with a spare tire.

Driving impressions

The Lexus UX Hybrid should drive and feel the same as in the previous model year, as it has no mechanical changes. It’s still available in FWD and eAWD drivetrain layouts, with 181 horsepower and an EPA-est. combined fuel economy of 42 MPG (FWD)/39 MPG (eAWD).

Gauging from previous model year reviews, the UX Hybrid is a mixed bag. It’s not particularly fast and may not feel as powerful as one might expect from a luxury vehicle. That said, it can comfortably accelerate to highway speeds and it allows overtaking vehicles effortlessly. Moreover, its steering wheel has a nice heft to it and its response feels sharp.

The UX Hybrid is quite stable and offers a comfortable ride. However, it does show some body roll when pushed into the corners excitedly. Still, overall, it’s a nifty little crossover for urban use, and is easy to drive and park.

Price

The prices of the 2024 Lexus UX Hybrid fall between USD 36,690 and USD 45,520 (incl. USD 1,150 DPH fee).

TopElectricSUV says

The 2024 Lexus UX Hybrid doesn’t feel as luxurious as some of its gas-powered rivals from Europe. I think its biggest limitation is space in the second row. However, for those who aren’t particularly concerned about performance and space, it’s a frugal urban commuter and it does offer some fun, too.

2024 Lexus UX Hybrid FAQs

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