2025 Lexus UX Review: A Compact Luxury Crossover With Big Aspirations

Does the smallest Lexus SUV still have what it takes to stand out in 2025? We take a deep dive into its style, tech, and performance to find out.

Introduction: The Underdog of the Luxury Crossover World

The 2025 Lexus UX is a curious creature in the automotive jungle. It’s the smallest SUV in the Lexus lineup, aiming to deliver a high-end driving experience in a compact package. Originally introduced in 2019, the UX was Lexus’s answer to the growing demand for premium subcompact crossovers—a market dominated by the BMW X1, Audi Q3, and Mercedes-Benz GLA.

But here’s the thing: the UX has always been a bit of an underdog. While its rivals lean on turbocharged performance and European driving dynamics, the UX has focused on refinement, efficiency, and a uniquely Japanese sense of design.

For 2025, Lexus has fine-tuned the UX to be more luxurious, more tech-savvy, and more efficient than ever. But does it do enough to compete with the heavy hitters? Let’s dive in and find out.

Exterior Design: A Bold Take on Compact Luxury

At first glance, the 2025 Lexus UX is unmistakably a Lexus. The brand’s signature spindle grille dominates the front end, flanked by sharp LED headlights that give it an aggressive, modern look. Lexus has refined the design slightly for 2025, with a more sculpted front bumper and a reworked grille pattern that adds depth and sophistication.

Size Matters – Or Does It?

While most luxury crossovers have bulked up in recent years, the UX remains true to its urban-friendly size. It measures 177 inches in length, making it shorter than an Audi Q3 and about the same size as a BMW X1. That means it’s easy to maneuver in tight city streets, yet spacious enough to feel like a proper SUV—at least from the driver’s seat.

New Colors & Wheels for 2025

Lexus has introduced a couple of new color options for 2025, including an eye-catching Copper Crest and a sleek Sonic Chrome. Wheel designs have also been refreshed, with new 18-inch and 19-inch alloy options that give the UX a more premium stance.

One thing that hasn’t changed? The UX’s black plastic wheel arches. Some love them for their rugged contrast; others feel they cheapen the look. Either way, they’re still here for 2025.

Interior & Tech: A Masterclass in Lexus Comfort

Step inside the 2025 Lexus UX, and you’re greeted with a cabin that feels unmistakably Lexus: plush materials, superb craftsmanship, and a design philosophy that prioritizes serenity over flash.

Updated Tech – Finally!

The biggest update inside? The infotainment system. Lexus has finally ditched the frustrating touchpad interface in favor of a fully touchscreen-based system. The UX now comes standard with a 12.3-inch touchscreen running the latest Lexus Interface software. This means:

✔ Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto

✔ Faster response times

✔ A cleaner, more intuitive menu layout

The system is a massive improvement over the old one, making everyday interactions—whether it’s navigating, changing music, or adjusting climate settings—far less frustrating.

Material Quality & Seating

Lexus doesn’t skimp on materials, and the UX’s cabin is a testament to that. You’ll find soft-touch plastics, NuLuxe faux leather, and optional real leather upholstery. Even the base trim feels upscale, with details like contrast stitching, wood or aluminum trim, and a driver-focused cockpit.

The seats? Comfortable, but not overly cushy. Lexus prioritizes support over plushness, making long drives easy on the back. However, rear seat space remains tight—if you regularly carry adults in the back, you might want to look at something bigger, like the Lexus NX.

Cargo Space – A Mixed Bag

Cargo room is where the UX’s small size becomes a limitation. With 21.7 cubic feet behind the second row, it’s fine for groceries and weekend bags, but if you’re planning a big road trip, you might need to pack smart—or travel light.

Performance & Driving Dynamics: Smooth Operator, But No Thrill Seeker

Engine & Hybrid Powertrain

For 2025, Lexus has streamlined the UX lineup to only offer hybrid powertrains—a move that aligns with its push toward electrification. The UX 250h remains the sole engine choice, pairing a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, producing 181 horsepower.

✔ 0-60 mph in around 8.4 seconds – Not exactly quick, but adequate for city driving.

✔ eAWD (electronic all-wheel drive) available – Great for extra traction in bad weather.

✔ Impressive fuel economy – Lexus claims 41 mpg combined, which is stellar for an SUV.

The trade-off? Performance. The UX isn’t designed to be a speed demon. It prioritizes smoothness, efficiency, and comfort over outright acceleration. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) can feel sluggish under hard acceleration, but for everyday commuting, it’s quiet and refined.

Handling: Urban-Friendly & Nimble

Despite its modest power, the UX has crisp steering and a well-balanced chassis. It feels agile around town, and the suspension does an excellent job absorbing bumps. However, push it hard into corners, and you’ll feel the limitations of its hybrid setup—this isn’t a BMW X1 or Mazda CX-50 when it comes to driving excitement.

For city dwellers, though? The UX’s compact size, light steering, and smooth ride make it an ideal urban companion.

Safety & Driver Assistance Features

Lexus is known for prioritizing safety, and the 2025 UX is no exception. Every UX comes standard with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which includes:

✔ Adaptive Cruise Control with stop-and-go

✔ Lane Keeping Assist with lane centering

✔ Automatic Emergency Braking with pedestrian detection

✔ Traffic Jam Assist (on higher trims)

With a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA and Top Safety Pick+ honors from the IIHS, the UX remains one of the safest small SUVs on the road.

Pricing & Trim Levels

The 2025 Lexus UX starts at around $37,500, making it one of the most affordable luxury crossovers on the market. Here’s a quick breakdown of the trims:

• UX 250h Base – Well-equipped with the standard 12.3-inch screen, NuLuxe seats, and Lexus Safety System+.

• UX 250h Premium – Adds a power liftgate, upgraded materials, and a premium sound system.

• UX 250h F SPORT Design – Sportier styling, but no real performance upgrades.

• UX 250h F SPORT Handling – Adds adaptive suspension, sportier tuning, and better handling for those who want a sharper drive.

Fully loaded, a UX 250h F SPORT Handling will set you back around $45,000—still a bargain compared to similarly equipped German rivals.

Verdict: Who Should Buy the 2025 Lexus UX?

The 2025 Lexus UX isn’t for everyone. If you crave power, thrilling acceleration, and maximum cargo space, this might not be your SUV.

But if you want a fuel-efficient, premium, city-friendly crossover with Lexus reliability, the UX is a fantastic choice. It’s stylish, packed with tech, and boasts one of the most refined cabins in its class.

✔ Pros: Great fuel economy, high-quality interior, top-notch safety, smooth ride

❌ Cons: Limited rear space, slow acceleration, small cargo area

If Lexus can inject a little more performance into the UX, it could go from being an underdog to a true segment leader. Until then, it remains a charming yet pragmatic choice for the right buyer. 🚘