Road Test: 2022 Lexus UX 250h F Sport AWD

Hybrid+AWD+Lexus Quality=Impressive Fuel-Efficient Premium Compact Crossover

The 2022 Lexus UX 250h F Sport AWD continues as the smallest compact crossover utility vehicle (CUV) from Toyota’s premium division. New for the 2019 model year, expect the UX 250h to be replaced in the coming years as Lexus is in the process of completely revamping its line-up. This small crossover is appealing in a number of ways as it offers hybrid efficiency, all-wheel drive (AWD) and does so with an upscale look and a high-quality fit-and-finish. The target customer may be someone buying their first Lexus and their first luxury car, a combination Lexus wants to take the lead in reaching.

Hybrid Efficiency

The 2022 Lexus UX 250h is powered by the Lexus Hybrid Drive system of a 2.0-liter gasoline-powered, 4-cylinder engine combined with twin electric motors for a total system 181 horse power. It runs through a continuously variable automatic transmission with paddle shifters. The transmission has a mechanical first gear that launches the UX 250h before the CVT kicks in, improving initial acceleration. The paddle shifters are programmed for fast shifts, which makes blipping them effective on tight mountain roads.

The Lexus Hybrid Drive system automatically switches between the electric drive mode, combined electric motor and gasoline engine, and gasoline-only engine power. The UX 250h can go-up to 71 mph on electricity alone, with a nearly imperceptible transition between gasoline and electricity. All can be monitored on dash gauges.

The trick to getting the highest fuel economy in a hybrid is learning how to drive it efficiently. Fuel economy for the 2022 UX 250h, which runs on 87 octane gasoline, is EPA rated at 41 mpg city/38 highway/39 combined, but in the Eco drive mode our time traversing Southern California highways covered 221 miles at an average of 42.7 mpg. On three separate occasions of either being in stop-and-go rush hour traffic or in a city, we averaged 48.7 mpg, and on short in-town runs I was getting in excess of 50 mpg. The higher number demonstrates the beauty of hybrid technology for commuting and in-town driving. Fuel economy numbers reported by Clean Fleet Report are non-scientific and represent the reviewer’s driving experience using the dash gauge computer. Your numbers may differ.

The nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) battery is charged when applying the brakes or coasting. This regenerative charging system converts kinetic energy into electric energy and stores it in the battery. This process can be viewed on a dash gauge where you can watch the power flow into and out of the battery.

Driving Experience: On the Road

Clean Fleet Report drove the UX 250h F Sport AWD, with F Sport being the sportiest trim level on any Lexus model. The UX 250h F Sport has a sport-tuned suspension of revised springs and stabilizer bars with active sound control. This last feature produces the sound of up and down shifts, making the CVT (which has no gears) sound like a geared transmission. So if driving silently is not your thing, active sound control works—yes, it is pretty cool.

In the F Sport trim, the UX 250h had 18-inch gloss black alloy wheels shod with 225/50 all-season Bridgestone Ecopia run-flat tires. There was no perceived degradation of handling due to the run-flat tires, which sometime can be an issue because of their hard sidewalls.

The UX 250h has respectable performance, thanks to the extra power from the twin electricmotors. The 0-60 speeds are in the mid-eight second range, which doesn’t quite put it in the performance or sporty category, but by placing the CVT in Sport mode, the engine is forced to stay in the rev band for a bit more performance. Acceleration is more than adequate for most driving situations, and the feel is linear and smooth, something that comes from the non-turbocharged engine.

Out on the road the UX 250h feels planted and solid, with the available combination of active cornering assist and vehicle stability control. The latter helps control understeer on turns and corners. The system automatically applies small amounts of brake pressure to the inside wheels, so you take corners with more precision and control.

There is a feel of confidence when going down the road, aided by the electric power-assist steering programmed for good road feedback. The cabin was pleasantly isolated from common road imperfections and, with a 17-foot turning radius, three-point turns are a thing of the past.

Driving Experience: Exterior

The UX 250h is in the compact luxury crossover segment, so the Lexus design team knew it has to stand out. The focal point of all Lexus models is its signature grille that features a block-shape mesh pattern and a tasteful lower chrome edge. The arrowhead-shaped triple beam LED headlights, fog, daytime running and cornering lights frame the grille, which sports the Lexus “L” badge in blue, signifying this Lexus is electrified.

The UX has eye-pleasing proportions with the near-flat roof having aluminum rails and a color-matched shark fin antenna that all ends with a small spoiler located on the foot-activated power rear lift gate. The rear full-width tail lights (with a Lexus “Easter egg”) have 120 LEDs that make for an impressive nighttime look. Clean Fleet Report’s UX 250h F Sport also had a power tilt and sliding moonroof, power and heated exterior mirrors, and door handle courtesy lights.

The very few chrome bits and pieces tastefully accent the side windows and on the front grille. Clean Fleet Report’s UX 250h F Sport was painted in Cloudburst Gray that looked elegant against the black trim on the wheel arches and the front and rear fascia. The wheels pushed to the corners give a sporty look.

Driving Experience: Interior

The uncluttered interior features high quality materials and top notch fit-and-finish with the dash inspired by the grain of Japanese paper called washi. If you can imagine an interior feature or treatment that should be on a premium car, Lexus packed it into the UX 250h F Sport. The well-padded and comfortable NuLuxe synthetic leather front sport seats, with F Sport embossed on the head rests, were heated and perforated. They are 10-way power with lumbar for the driver, and 8-way for the passenger. Second row access was easy, with comfortable seats and ample head and leg room for two adults; three in a pinch. For convenience there are four USB ports and a 60/40 folding and reclining seat back.

Gauges, including the hybrid management system, are in easy reach, including those for the dual-zone automatic temperature system. The head-up display was a helpful way to keep our eyes on the road. The heated, black leather-wrapped steering wheel contains audio telephone and voice controls, and was adjustable by the power tilt and telescoping steering wheel column.

Clean Fleet Report’s test car had the Lexus Multimedia System with a 10.3-inch, high-resolution display that included navigation and the Lexus Premium Sound System. The 8-speaker system provides excellent sound to deliver SiriusXM/FM/CD/HDAM with MP3 playback capability. Yes, there is a CD player, which is very rare these days.

Connectivity is through four USB ports. Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, music streaming via Bluetooth wireless technology, and hands-free phone capability complete the system. Voice commands connect with Siri EyesFree and Google Assistant. The Wi-Fi hotspot can support up to five devices and comes with a complementary 4GB of data for a three-month trial.

Clean Fleet Report is a big fan of volume and channel knobs for the radio, and this system has them, but not in the traditional location on the dash. Instead, you will find two, easy-to-use wheels on the center console, perfectly placed for where you lay your hand. The trackpad, with a short learning curve, provided access to the functions on the display. The Enform service connect system is included for the first 10 years.

Once inside and cruising down the road, wind noise was non-existent, partially due to the low 0.33 coefficient of drag, a flat underbody and noise reduction through sound absorbing and insulating materials.

Safety

The UX 250h is well-equipped with active and passive safety features starting with the Lexus Safety System+ 2.0. This feature-rich system is explained here. Other safety items include 10 air bags, a tire pressure monitoring system, collapsible steering column, electronic parking brake, anti-theft alarm and engine immobilizer, rear view camera, blind spot monitor with rear cross traffic alert, rain sensitive wipers, Homelink rearview mirror, headlamp leveling and washers and rear park assist.

Pricing and Warranties

The 2022 Lexus UX 250h AWD has a base price of $36,825, including the mandatory $1,075 destination fee. Clean Fleet Report’s UX 250h F Sport Luxury AWD had a base price of $41,865, but with $3,300 in options and the $1,075 destination fee, the price came to $44,615.

The 2022 UX 250h comes with these warranties:

• Battery – 10 years/150,000 miles

• Basic – Four years/50,000 miles
• Powertrain – Six years/70,000 miles
• Hybrid – Eight years/100,000 miles
• Maintenance – One year/10,000 miles
• Corrosion – Six years/Unlimited Miles
• Roadside Assistance – Four years/Unlimited mile

Observations: 2022 Lexus UX 250h Hybrid F Sport AWD

The 2022 Lexus UX250h Hybrid F Sport AWD is a stylish premium compact crossover, making it stand-out from others on the road. The UX 250h F Sport delivers agile handling with comfortable ride comfort, resulting in pleasing driving attributes. Toss-in the fuel efficient hybrid system, and the UX 250h should have strong appeal for anyone looking for an upscale, highly efficient crossover.

The UX 250h may be the least expensive Lexus you can buy, but this does not mean there was any scrimping on build quality and materials. The interior is a most welcoming place offering comfort, style and all the tech you could want.

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Story and photos by John Faulkner

Other Lexus Adventures We Have Taken:

Road Test: 2022 Lexus TX 450h Hybrid

News: 2023 Toyota & Lexus New Products

Road Test: 2022 Lexus ES 300h Hybrid

News: Toyota & Lexus Reveal 15 Upcoming EVs

Flash Drive: 2022 All-New Lexus NX

Road Test: 2021 Lexus RC 350 F Sport

Road Trip: 2021 Lexus NX 300h Hybrid

Road Test: 2021 Lexus LC 500h Hybrid

Disclosure:

Clean Fleet Report is loaned free test vehicles from automakers to evaluate, typically for a week at a time. Our road tests are based on this one-week drive of a new vehicle. Because of this we don’t address issues such as long-term reliability or total cost of ownership. In addition, we are often invited to manufacturer events highlighting new vehicles or technology. As part of these events we may be offered free transportation, lodging or meals. We do our best to present our unvarnished evaluations of vehicles and news irrespective of these inducements.

Our focus is on vehicles that offer the best fuel economy in their class, which leads us to emphasize electric cars, plug-in hybrids, hybrids and diesels. We also feature those efficient gas-powered vehicles that are among the top mpg vehicles in their class. In addition, we aim to offer reviews and news on advanced technology and the alternative fuel vehicle market. We welcome any feedback from vehicle owners and are dedicated to providing a forum for alternative viewpoints. Please let us know your views at publisher@cleanfleetreport.com.