The Lexus Ux 250h continues to define the compact luxury SUV segment, carrying forward its engaging driving dynamics and sophisticated features into the 2024 model year. A notable enhancement for 2024 is the availability of a power rear door with a convenient kick sensor now standard across the entire UX model range.
Remaining exclusively a hybrid powertrain offering for the US market, the 2024 UX 250h underscores Lexus’ dedication to a carbon-neutral future.
Under the hood, the UX 250h is powered by the advanced fourth-generation Lexus Hybrid Drive system. This powertrain delivers a combined 181 horsepower while maintaining an impressively tight 17.1-foot turning radius, enhancing urban maneuverability. The hybrid system seamlessly integrates a 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with two electric motor/generators within the hybrid transaxle. Buyers can select between front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations to suit their driving needs and preferences.
The 2024 Lexus UX 250h is anticipated to be available for purchase starting in Spring 2024.
Striking Exterior Design and Optimized Aerodynamics
The 2024 Lexus UXh makes a bold statement with the iconic Lexus spindle grille. Here, the grille features a distinctive block-shape mesh pattern, where individual elements evolve in shape as they radiate outwards from the central Lexus emblem. Complementing the grille is the sharp headlamp design, incorporating LED daytime running lights arranged in an arrowhead motif above the main headlights, reinforcing the signature Lexus L-shaped lighting identity.
At the rear, full-width taillights create a distinctive nighttime signature. This design is achieved through a sequence of 120 LEDs that gracefully taper towards the center, reaching an incredibly slim profile of just 1/8” at its narrowest point.
The overall vehicle silhouette flows seamlessly from the lines of the spindle grille, enveloping the cabin in a cohesive design. Crisply sculpted surfaces and pronounced, flared front and rear fenders project a sense of robustness and dynamism. An aerodynamic profile, combined with wheels positioned at the corners and a striking front fascia, contributes to the UXh’s agile and sporty presence.
Thoughtful aerodynamic elements are integrated throughout the exterior. The wheel arch moldings not only protect the body but also channel airflow to minimize turbulence and lift, enhancing vehicle stability.
Similarly, the rear combination lamps incorporate unique Aero Stabilizing Blade Lights, extending from the top of the rear fenders across the vehicle’s rear. This innovative design guides airflow around the rear, further reducing turbulence and lift. This aerodynamic optimization improves stability, particularly during cornering and in crosswind conditions. A wing-type spoiler at the rear roof edge, along with a flat underbody, further contribute to reduced cabin noise, improved fuel efficiency, and overall aerodynamic performance.
The 2024 UXh offers a sophisticated palette of exterior colors, including Caviar, Obsidian, Redline, Nori Green Pearl, Grecian Water, Cloudburst Gray, Iridium, Eminent White Pearl, and Cadmium Orange. For those opting for the F SPORT models, six color options are available, paired with a contrasting Obsidian roof: Redline, Cloudburst Gray, Iridium, Ultra White, Ultrasonic Blue Mica 2.0, and Cadmium Orange.
All UXh models come standard with 18-inch run-flat tires. Base and Premium models feature five-spoke alloy wheels with a dark gray and machined finish, while F SPORT models are distinguished by split-five-spoke alloy wheels. Additional wheel options include a gloss black and machined finish and a matte black finish, allowing for further personalization.
Robust Structure and Refined Driving Dynamics
Lexus engineered the UXh to deliver an exceptional balance of agile handling and a smooth, quiet ride. This is achieved through the utilization of the high-strength global architecture platform. Extensive use of high-tensile steel, advanced adhesives, and laser screw welding results in a remarkably rigid structure. This robust foundation is crucial for achieving both sporty handling characteristics and luxurious ride comfort.
By employing lightweight materials such as aluminum for the side doors, fenders, and hood, and composite materials for the tailgate, the UXh achieves a low center of gravity of just 23.4 inches. This low center of gravity translates to a feeling of stability and agility typically associated with lower sport hatchbacks.
The MacPherson strut front suspension and trailing arm double wishbone type rear suspension, both mounted to sub-frames, are meticulously tuned to provide an optimal blend of agility and ride comfort. Refinements to components like damper oil quality, oil seals, and friction control within the shock absorbers contribute significantly to the overall refined ride quality.
Active Cornering Assist (ACA), integrated with Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), further enhances handling. ACA subtly applies brake force to the inside wheels during cornering, helping the UXh follow the driver’s intended line and minimizing understeer. This results in more precise cornering and enhanced stability.
F SPORT Models: Performance and Style
The 2024 Lexus UXh is available in a diverse range of eight models, including the sporty F SPORT Design and F SPORT Handling variants. Both the UX 250h F SPORT Design and F SPORT Handling models are equipped with distinctive F SPORT wheels, grille, dark roof rails, a black roof, a power tilt-and-slide moonroof, rain-sensing windshield wipers, fog and cornering lamps, automatic headlamp leveling, and painted wheel arch moldings.
Building upon the F SPORT Design, the F SPORT Handling model elevates performance with the addition of Active Variable Suspension (AVS). AVS enhances handling responsiveness, stability, and overall ride comfort. Inside, the F SPORT Handling model further distinguishes itself with an aluminum footrest and scuff plate, along with exclusive F SPORT sport seats, steering wheel, shift knob, meters, and aluminum sports pedals.
Driver-Centric Interior and Advanced Technology
The interior of the 2024 Lexus UX 250h is thoughtfully designed with a driver-focused approach. Essential vehicle controls are intuitively grouped around the driver’s side of the cabin, promoting a comfortable and natural driving experience and enhancing connection with the road. An available color head-up display projects key information, such as speed, shift position, navigation prompts, and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control and Lane Tracing Assist status, directly within the driver’s line of sight. The standard Lexus Interface with a touchscreen display provides seamless operation for both the driver and front passenger.
Lexus aimed to create a cabin atmosphere that blends the feel of a luxury sedan with the elevated seating position and versatility of a crossover. Entering and exiting the UXh is made easier by the optimized hip-point placement and carefully contoured seat cushions. The human-centered design is evident in the instrument panel’s low profile and the slim A-pillar moldings, both contributing to improved visibility.
Addressing modern connectivity needs, the UXh is equipped with five USB ports throughout the cabin. The front console features two USB Type-C ports and an available wireless charger. A USB Type-A port is also located inside the center console. For rear passengers, two Type-C USB ports are conveniently positioned at the rear of the center console.
The UXh offers 8-way power-adjustable front seats with driver lumbar support and manual headrest adjustment. The UX 250h Premium model further enhances comfort with standard heated and ventilated front seats, a power tilt-and-slide moonroof, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.
Seating surfaces are trimmed in NuLuxe® and are available in Black, Palomino, and Birch. F SPORT Design offers NuLuxe® Birch with Lapis seat color in addition to Black and Birch, while F SPORT Handling features exclusive Black and Circuit Red seats. The dash trim finish draws inspiration from the texture of Japanese washi paper, lending a sense of calm and warmth to the interior environment.
Cutting-Edge Technology and Convenience Features
Lexus Interface Multimedia System
A standard 8-inch or optional 12.3-inch touchscreen display provides intuitive controls and clear information for both driver and passenger. The high-clarity glass screens feature an anti-reflective coating for vivid visuals. Menu navigation is designed to be familiar to smartphone and tablet users. A physical knob at the screen’s edge allows for convenient power and volume control.
Drive Connect*: Cloud-based navigation with Google Points of Interest and natural language voice recognition.
Intelligent Assistant*: With an active Drive Connect subscription, the Intelligent Assistant enables voice commands for navigation, multimedia, and climate control via the “Hey Lexus” prompt. Enhanced with dual microphones and noise cancellation for improved voice recognition.
Remote Connect *: Utilizing the Lexus app, Remote Connect allows for remote door lock/unlock, vehicle start, climate control adjustment, and vehicle health monitoring (subscription required).
Safety Connect*: Provides access to emergency services and vehicle theft assistance via the Lexus Safety Connect subscription.
Service Connect*: Via the Lexus app, Service Connect provides maintenance reminders and Vehicle Health Reports by connecting the vehicle with a compatible Lexus dealer (subscription required).
Connectivity*: Includes Bluetooth® connectivity, wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility, available Wi-Fi Connect with 4G for up to five devices, HD Radio®, USB data, and a SiriusXM® Platinum Plan trial. Wi-Fi Connect enables Integrated Streaming for linking Apple Music® and Amazon Music subscriptions.
*Subscription required after trial period. 4G network dependent. See www.lexus.com for details.
Lexus Safety System+ 2.5
All 2024 UXh models are equipped with Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, a comprehensive suite of active safety features. This includes Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Low-light Pedestrian & Daytime Bicyclist Detection, Left Turn Vehicle Intersection Support, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Intelligent High Beams, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Tracing Assist, and Road Sign Assist.
UX 250h Pricing
(Pricing information not detailed in the original article and should be added based on official Lexus releases for a complete article.)
