Electric vehicles may grab headlines but hybrids continue to appeal to consumers. According to a Jan. 3, 2025 Reuters report, while EV sales lagged in 2024, “U.S. new-car sales in 2024 continued to rise from their pandemic lows, bolstered by replenished inventories, higher incentives, and surging demand for hybrid vehicles.”
Luxury hybrids are very much in the mix and that includes Lexus. The automaker introduced the UXh in 2018 as a hybrid-only model. Updated for 2025, the new 300h is the first Lexus powered by the fifth-generation hybrid powertrain.
Latino Traffic Report recently tested Lexus’s sporty compact SUV, equipped with the F Sport package that elevates its new powertrain with 196 total system horsepower. Select the Sport S+ mode, one of four available, and the UXh really takes off and with a nice engine rumble taboot.
Replacing the UX 250h, the 300h is still a hybrid so one may also select the Eco mode for an EPA estimated fuel economy of 45 mpg in the city and 41 mpg on the highway (Lexus hybrids tend to do better in stop-and-start traffic). The as-tested mpg came to 44.1 mpg.
Known for its glass-like exterior paint, Lexus bestows new colors on the 2025 UX 300h including Copper Crest that was featured on the test model. The 2025 model year also includes updated technology and safety features but the rear parking sensor was a little slow, pedestrians appeared before the sensor alarm was heard. Admittedly, driving experts will say, and rightly so, that it’s best to turn and look first before backing out, but safety tech like this should alert the driver in advance to more effectively serve as a preemptive warning.
The sporty theme continued on the inside with black bolstered seats with red accent stitching. New technology included shift by wire transmission, a vivid 12.3 touchscreen on the F Sport (the interface with Apple CarPlay was a little clunky), two Type C USB ports but luckily for those with older technology, a Type A USB in the center console was included as well. A 12V outlet, formerly used for a cigarette lighter, can also be employed for charging with the appropriate chord.
Only offered with a hybrid powertrain in the U.S., the 2025 UX 300h has a starting price of $37,490. The as-tested price came to $48,200.
Sí: The UX 300h offers impressive fuel economy in a sporty, fun package.
No: The parking sensor may need to be adjusted to provide a better preemptive warning.
