Test drive | Lexus UX 250h: on the appeal of a brand

Manufacturers spend millions of dollars each year trying to understand the motivations behind purchasing a vehicle. At the center of this complex conundrum is brand perception. In a market where loyalty is anything but acquired, brand image is of paramount importance. The UX 250h with hybrid engine is a pure product of this reflection, which is the gateway to the entire Lexus range. While it is technically very close to Toyota, is its higher bill justified?

Design

Aside from height, the UX has essentially the same dimensions as the Toyota Corolla Cross, the crossover variant of the popular compact car. Aesthetically, however, the belonging to the Lexus brand is palpable. The large hourglass grille which defines the appearance of the manufacturer's models is present and maintained by well-proportioned and angular headlights whose diodes describe hooks. From the side, the crossover displays a pleasant balance thanks to its short overhangs and variations in texture on the sheet metal that drapes the beltline. The rear, which does not have a visible exhaust pipe – undoubtedly to highlight its hybrid mechanics – displays a large transverse light. An aesthetic element that adds refinement to a resolutely Lexus design.

On board

The composition of the dashboard, revised for the 2023 model year in order to integrate the latest version of the manufacturer's infotainment system, still looks very Lexus to justify the extra premium. Soft materials are omnipresent and the ergonomics are impeccable thanks to the use of physical buttons for many essential controls, including those for the ventilated-heated seats skillfully placed on the central console. The positioning of the cup holders in front of a – real – gear lever is also very well thought out, which eliminates the possibility of obstructing anything. The steering wheel could nevertheless provide more adjustments to allow more legroom. In this regard, the rear seats display an obvious deficiency in terms of clearance. Cargo space is also limited in volume, especially in height. Flaws that could push some buyers towards the NX compact SUV.

Under the hood

The UX has only been offered with traditional hybrid mechanics since the 2023 model year. This powertrain consists of a 2.0L four-cylinder with a starter-alternator and an electric motor at the front as well as that a rear electric motor is very Toyota in its performance. All in all smooth, this 181 hp engine performs the task adequately, but presents a power curve which sags at times, depending on the dialogue between the various mechanisms. The thermal engine increases the decibels significantly during acceleration, a nasal sound which less suits the desired character of the model. Moreover, its consumption remains reserved, with an estimated 6 L/100 km, which turned out to be 6.3 L/100 km during the test. A figure obtained on highway journeys where the hybrid engine is less efficient.

Behind the wheel

The comfort of the optional F Sport seats is undeniable from the outset; they find a relevant balance between support and flexibility. They harbor hopes of a certain dynamism, a hypothesis that we learn to qualify rather quickly behind the wheel. Certainly, the chassis of the small crossover seems well supported, presenting the necessary rigidity, but the steering is disjointed on a sensory level. We are therefore sailing in a fog when the time comes to turn this UX into a curve after having negotiated with a not very progressive braking pedal. The all-wheel drive system hardly helps the performance; it has a propensity to strongly enhance forward torque, a consequence of an underpowered rear electric motor. The adaptive suspension also lacks refinement: it does not always mask slight imperfections well, thus transmitting a little too much vibration to the cabin.

Embedded technologies

Lexus' latest multimedia system allows the brand to take a big step forward. Gone is the imperfect touchpad to make way for a large 8″ or 12.3″ screen fixed high enough and closer to the driver for better navigation and consultation. Logos of the most important menus are constantly displayed on the left superimposed and in clear view for quick access. The system is fast, the image is well defined and the animations are fluid, ensuring a modern rendering. The instrumentation, for its part, still comes from this digital and analog mix that only Lexus currently uses. On the model tested with the F Sport 2 package, a physical circle moves sideways on a digital screen to change the construction of the display.

The verdict

The Lexus UX belongs to that horde of vehicles that we will forget once the wave of electrification takes hold. Somewhat generic dynamically, but visually interesting, this product essentially fulfills a desire for accessibility with its standard hybrid powertrain as an asset. It's a crossover that also exudes an impression of solidity and quality. Judging by the increase in its Canadian sales of 84% in the third quarter of the year, the recipe seems to please. The sometimes crude manners of its engine and suspension nevertheless somewhat diminish its appeal as a luxury vehicle. The Toyota Corolla Cross, cheaper and more frugal, then seems very interesting at the same time. It all comes down to a fundamental question: how much would you be willing to pay to benefit from this luxury image?