2025 UXh gets the 2023 Prius AWD-e Powertrain

2025 UX 300h BRINGS MORE POWER TO THE STREETS - Lexus USA Newsroom

So Lexus has updated the Lexus UX 250h for the 2025 MY to the UX 300h. The 2024 UX 250h FWD originally had a Frankenstein mix of a 2.0L engine and an 80 kW (107 hp) front motor. The 2024 UX 250h AWD added a 5 kW (7 hp) rear induction motor found in the 2022 AWD-e Prius. Both UXh versions made 181 hp (135 kW) combined while delivering 42 mpg (FWD) and 39 mpg (AWD) combined.

The 2025 UX 300h AWD now incorporates the fifth generation hybrid system's 83 kW (111 hp) front motor and 30 kW (40 hp) rear motor found in the 2023 Prius AWD-e to give the UX 300h AWD the same 196 hp as found in the 2023 Prius AWD-e. In addition the gas mileage has been improved to 43 mpg (FWD) and 41 mpg (AWD) combined while performance increased from 8.4 seconds to 8.0 seconds in the FWD, from 8.6 seconds to 7.9 seconds in the AWD for 0 to 60 mph acceleration. Assuming the 2025 NXh keeps the 10.6 gallon gas tank, the new UXh will increase range to 434 miles for the AWD from 413 miles (MY 2024) and 456 miles for the FWD 2025 UX 300h. The 2025 UX 300h AWD also comes with Lexus E-Four AWD system as well as the shift-by-wire paddle shifters found in all Lexus SUVs (yes they work exceptionally well).

Interior and exterior have no changes from the 2023 MY with the exception of the UX 300h badge replacing the UX 250h on the rear cargo door and the addition of Copper Crest exterior color. The 2025 UX 300h has also been updated to Lexus Safety System+ 3.0.

Now that Lexus has introduced the 2025 UX 300h, this brings up a couple of questions.

1. Does that mean the UX 300e sold in Europe will suddenly show up here? It's possible we may see the 280 mile EV with the same CATL designed 72.8 kWh battery and 150 kW (201 hp) motor as in the just released 2024 Lexus RZ 300e.
2. So is this the Prius SUV? Maybe. Positives: If you want a Prius with a slightly higher entry hip point and slightly more cargo room then sure. For some people this will mean easier entry and exit than the Prius. It'll be way more refined with available HUD and both front seats will be powered as well as available heated and ventilated. It is over 2 inches (56 mm) wider than the Prius giving the 2024 UXh better handling and ride. All UXh models come with 18" normal tires but they are run-flats. Negatives: The look may turn some people off as it still comes with the Lexus spindle grill (albeit a much smaller version) and it is a smaller vehicle about 4 inches (104mm) shorter, a little less than 2 inches (43 mm) less head room, and about 1 inch (30 mm) less leg room in the front. It'll come with at least a US $10,000 premium (WAG on my part because no MSRP has been released yet).

A more logical and cheaper alternative would be the Corolla Cross Hybrid which would give you more cargo space, slightly easier entry and normal tires. But there is no available heated steering wheel, HUD, dual power seats, available rear heated seats and good luck finding one. I came across 5 available over 5 dealerships.