Lexus UX touts compact size, luxury, hybrid system

Mark Glover’s AutoGlo car reviews can be seen here and in the Cruisin’ News, "Oregon, Nevada and California's classic auto news & marketplace."

Sacramento, California -- A Lexus level of luxury in a compact crossover package, and top-tier hybrid engineering thrown in on top.

What's not to like?

Good question after a recent week in the 2025 Lexus UX 300h F Sport Handling sport-utility vehicle.

Dressed in sparkling "Ultrasonic Blue Mica" paint, the tester was rated at 44 miles per gallon in the city and 40 mpg on the highway. Just so you know, the bottom line on the tester's sticker was $49,445.

Now that you've done the math -- incorporating long-term fuel cost savings and the initial outlay for purchase -- you can move on to other features.

Ride, for example.  The F Sport translated to sporty tuning that offered a rock-solid, no wavering ride on sharp corners. Freeway cruising was remarkably quiet, the 2-liter, four-cylinder power plant combining with hybrid technology to put out a max net combined horsepower of 196.

The power plant produced significant oomph when asked.

The UX hybrid system shares much DNA with that of the award-winning Toyota Prius.  Simply put, Toyota does hybrid right, being a pioneer in the technology.

The interior cabin back seats are a bit of a squeeze for adult-size humans, but the general comfort level is good.  Luxurious surroundings are excellent.

Among the standard features that stood out: leather trim, a heated steering wheel, a power steering column, adaptive variable suspension, intuitive parking assist, a power moonroof and a power rear door with kick sensor.

The UX 300h exists in a monster-competitive auto segment, but the vehicle's hybrid system gives it an edge among motorists seeking Lexus charms and class-leading luxury and features.