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Lexus makes high-quality luxury cars with attractive styling, pleasing driving dynamics, refined interiors, and premium features. However, Lexus vehicles are more expensive than their mainstream rivals. But there’s a notable exception: the 2023 Lexus UX subcompact luxury SUV. It’s the cheapest new Lexus car. And with its standard hybrid powertrain, it gets excellent gas mileage.

The 2023 Lexus UX is the cheapest new Lexus car

Blue and white seats in 2023 Lexus UX hybrid luxury SUV, most affordable new Lexus car with high fuel economy
2023 Lexus UX Hybrid | Lexus

With a starting price of $35,925, the UX is the cheapest new Lexus car of 2023. The next most affordable Lexus models are the NX compact luxury SUV and IS compact luxury sports sedan.  

Here are the 10 cheapest 2023 Lexus models, in order of lowest to highest MSRP:

  1. UX, $35,925
  2. NX, $39,755
  3. IS, $40,585
  4. ES, $42,490
  5. NX Hybrid, $43,105
  6. ES Hybrid, $43,690
  7. RX, $48,550
  8. RX Hybrid, $50,150
  9. NX Plug-In Hybrid, $57,705
  10. IS 500, $58,270

Thanks to inflation, Lexus has increased prices across its 2023 lineup. For instance, the 2023 UX costs $2,475 more than last year’s model (which started at $33,450). However, despite this significant price hike, the fuel-sipping UX remains the cheapest new Lexus car.

Lexus UX gets high gas mileage with its standard hybrid powertrain

Front 3/4 view of silver 2023 Lexus UX 250h hybrid compact SUV during fuel economy test
2023 Lexus UX 250h | Lexus

Along with being the cheapest new Lexus car, the 2023 Lexus UX gets high fuel economy with its standard hybrid powertrain. Toyota, which owns Lexus, has long been the industry leader for hybrid technology. And the Japanese automaker applied this hybrid technology to all UX models. 

Gas prices are lower than they were in 2022, but fuel remains one of the most significant car ownership costs. An efficient luxury SUV like the UX saves drivers a considerable amount of money at the pump. This high gas mileage further adds to the affordability. 

The UX’s hybrid powertrain combines a four-cylinder gas engine with electric motors. The front-wheel-drive model packs two electric motors, while the all-wheel-drive version has three. The fuel-sipping powertrain enables the FWD model to achieve an EPA-estimated gas mileage of 43 mpg in the city and 41 mpg on the highway and the AWD version to get 41/38 mpg city/highway.

What’s new for the 2023 UX?

Lexus discontinued the non-hybrid UX 200 for the 2023 model year. Also, the FWD model is a new addition. Additionally, Lexus claims this luxury subcompact crossover has better ride quality and handling, thanks to suspension and chassis modifications. 

Furthermore, the F Sport trim gets a newly available F Sport Handling package that includes adaptive dampers. Plus, the UX has an upgraded Lexus Interface infotainment system with an 8.0-inch or 12.3-inch touchscreen.

If you’re looking for a reasonably priced new luxury SUV, consider the 2023 Lexus UX. This subcompact crossover is the cheapest new Lexus car. And thanks to its standard hybrid powertrain, the fuel-efficient UX is also affordable to drive.