The 2024 Lexus UX Hybrid is the cheapest new Lexus SUV on sale and one of the most affordable luxury cars in general. In the minds of some buyers, its price already makes the UX a winner. While the Lexus UX has many good qualities, there are also three bad ones that are worth mentioning.

Pro: value proposition

The Lexus UX 250h starts at $36,690 and comes with several attractive features. The seats, steering wheel, and dashboard are all wrapped in NuLuxe faux leather. If you’re willing to pay an extra $2,460 for the Premium model, you’ll get ventilated and heated front seats. That model is also available with the 12.3-in touchscreen option, but the standard 8-in one is still easy to read.

The infotainment interface has both standard smartphone integration and voice recognition. You can add a wireless charging pad for just $75 to accompany the four USB ports inside. The 250h has crucial safety features like forward-collision warning with both pedestrian and cyclist detection, plus automatic emergency braking. Lane departure alert, traffic sign recognition, and blind-spot monitors are also standard. An automatic parking function can be added to the base trim for $565.

The Lexus UX retains its competitive price point even at its higher trim levels. The Sport Handling model includes upgrades like custom drive modes, a sport suspension, and paddle shifters. Lexus also throws in some dynamic interior accents and bolstered sport seats to the tune of $44,120.

All-wheel drive is a $1,400 upcharge. Even with that, a Lexus UX Sport Handling costs less than other fully loaded performance-oriented hybrids in the luxury segment. 

Pro: fuel economy

With front-wheel drive, the Lexus UX Hybrid can earn 42 mpg combined city/highway. AWD models are rated for 39 mpg combined, so both drivetrains will yield plenty of annual fuel savings.

These impressive estimates are made possible by the Lexus Hybrid Drive system with two electric motors and the continuously variable automatic transmission. 

Pro: nice interior

The Lexus UX’s infotainment screen is angled slightly toward the driver, emulating a cockpit-style experience to go along with the athletic personas of the Sport trims. The Sport Handling model is the only one available with the two-toned red and black seats.

Regardless of trim, each UX interior has a premium look and feel inside. 

Con: pokey engine

The Lexus UX’s four-cylinder might lend itself to this hybrid’s fuel efficiency, but it only has 181 hp on tap. Kelley Blue Book says that this engine needs about 9 seconds to reach 60 mph, so it’s best suited for adventures around town. If you have to venture onto the interstate, the Lexus UX still retains a comfortable ride and smooth power delivery. 

Con: not enough cargo area

The Lexus UX’s load floor sits quite high off the ground, so lifting bulky objects inside the vehicle can be a struggle. Behind the rear seats, you have just over 17 cu-ft of cargo space. Photos from Lexus confirm that this SUV also doesn’t have a lot of big storage cubbies inside.

Fortunately, all models have a 60/40 split-folding rear seat and a power liftgate is available. 

Con: cramped rear seat

Riders in the second row only get 33 in of legroom, which is vastly disproportionate compared to cabin legroom estimates (42 in). Unlike the front seats, the back ones aren’t available with any lumbar adjustments. Headroom is decent at 36 in.

Still, because the 2024 Lexus UX is so small, you’ll be able to park and navigate crowded streets without issue. The UX’s tiny base price also yields a lot of value, but it’s only worth the spend if you can live with this SUV’s flaws.