The smallest Lexus crossover gets its hybrid game on in the US

MANILA: Here comes the hybrid edition of the UX. The Lexus 250h offers urban dweller appeal and better driving performance. The inclusion of Lexus Interface, a bigger touchscreen, and Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 to the hybrid crossover provides just what customers have been searching for.

In a statement, Lexus International Chief Engineer Mitsuteru Emoto said, “The new UXh aims to enhance the appeal of electrified vehicles, especially hybrid EVs, by further evolving the driving experience and advanced safety equipment in a uniquely Lexus way. With thorough attention to detail, the Lexus team worked to develop these two key features so that customers around the world could enjoy a sense of luxury and a comfortable, safe and secure driving experience.”

To further align with the brand's efforts to achieve a carbon-neutral society, the UX will only be available with a hybrid powertrain in the US. Lexus is expanding its hybrid electric vehicle  (HEV) lineup with an exciting drive and a variety of options for affluent buyers.

By improving steering response, handling stability, and ride quality, Lexus gives the 2023 UXh a more precise driving performance. Structural rigidity was enhanced by adding 20 spot welding points to the body, and the electronic power steering and shock absorbers were re-calibrated correspondingly.

The inclusion of the new Bridgestone 18-inch run-flat tires improves noise and vibration reduction.

With the addition of the F Sport Design and Handling packages, the UX 250h F Sport's sleekness have been further enhanced. It comes with F Sport wheels, grille, dark roof rails, black roof, moonroof, rain sensing wipers, fog and cornering lamps, automatic headlamp leveling, and painted wheel arch molding.

The F Sport Handling package adds a standard performance damper and Active Variable Suspension (AVS). The rear performance dampers quickly absorb body flex and mild vibrations to increase overall ride comfort and quietness while sharpening handling. Furthermore, the AVS maintains a flat posture while absorbing excess shock, even on road surfaces with a mix of large undulations and tiny bumps, thanks to the responsive damping force adjustment. As a result, steering response, stability, and comfort are improved. Adding a brace to the steering gear improves steering response even further.

The UXh gets an aluminum footrest and scuff plate inside the F Sport, as well as F Sport-exclusive sports seats, steering wheel, shift knob, meters, and aluminum sports pedals. Memory F Sport seats with heated and ventilated options for the driver and the front passenger are available. Digital key, heated auto-dim, memory and auto-dim side mirrors, and a rear-view mirror with HomeLink all enhance the F Sport Handling experience for the driver.

The Lexus Interface multimedia system, with a larger, higher-resolution touchscreen display, comes standard on the 2023 UX 250h. The instrument panel and console area's forms and switch placement have been modified, improving overall cabin functionality. The wireless charging space has been vertically expanded and LED lighting has been placed to the top. There are two USB charging ports in front of the console.

The Lexus Interface multimedia system and connected services offer a reimagined user experience. The system has the latest display with higher resolution and smartphone-like anti-glare technology, with a standard eight-inch or optional 12.3-inch touch display positioned nearer the driver. Touch and voice activation controls allow users to engage with the system.

The Lexus Interface has a new Voice Assistant that may be accessed via voice command or a button on the steering wheel. Simple phrases such as "Hey Lexus" activate the system to respond to voice commands. The Lexus Interface Assistant, which was created with a human-centered approach, allows passengers to engage with the new multimedia system in an intuitive way. The system, which features two microphones, improved noise-cancellation, seat detection, and speaker location capabilities, allows front-seat occupants to access media, phone, and vehicle settings such as climate control using a voice-first approach.

Drivers and passengers can also use Cloud Navigation, Destination Assist, and the Intelligent Assistant features with the Connected Services Drive Connect subscription. Drive Connect's Cloud Navigation enables real-time Over-the-Air updates for traffic and routing data, as well as Points of Interest (POI). Google POI data is integrated to guarantee up-to-date search capability. Meanwhile,  Destination Assist provides 24/7 live agent support in reaching the next destination. The available Intelligent Assistant adds to the standard Assistant's capabilities with a Drive Connect subscription. Weather and location-based notifications, as well as address and POI search with navigation through Intelligent Assistant, are all available. The Intelligent Assistant also includes audio streaming functionality with Wi-Fi Connect.

Dual Bluetooth phone connectivity is also available, as well as standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.

Additional standard Connected Services are included with the new UXh. Safety Connect comes with a three-year trial service that includes an Emergency Assistance Button (SOS), 24/7 Enhanced Roadside Assistance, Automatic Collision Notification, Stolen Vehicle Locator, and Collision Assistance. Service Connect allows drivers to get Vehicle Health Reports, Maintenance Alerts, and reminders with a five-year trial.

With a three-year trial of Remote Connect service, Lexus app users can stay connected to their UX 250h. They can turn on the headlights, lock and unlock the doors, and start the vehicle remotely. They can also view the status of their vehicle, receive notifications, and set guest driver alerts.

The Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 preventive safety technology is also standard on the new UXh. The goal is to reduce traffic injuries and fatalities while also making it easier for people to drive.

The performance of the single-lens camera and millimeter-wave radar has been upgraded to increase the response range of the Pre-Collision System (PCS), which is programmed to recognize daytime bicyclists and pedestrians in low-light conditions as well as approaching vehicles before right turns and pedestrians crossing the street from the direction in which the vehicle was moving before it started to make a right or left turn. Emergency Steering Assist, which supports steering inside the vehicle's lane as directed by the driver, is also included.

Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), an advanced driving support feature that assists steering to keep the vehicle in the center of the lane, has had its lane-recognition functions improved through the use of AI technologies that widen the assist range, leading to smoother and more continuous steering assist.

Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), which regulates acceleration and deceleration so that the distance to an immediately preceding vehicle is consistent within the speed set when driving on motor-vehicle-only roadways and others, now includes a curve speed-control function that slows the vehicle in advance based on the size of a nearing curve.

The 2023 Lexus UX 250h will be available in the US starting late summer 2022.

Photos from Lexus

Also read: Lexus IS brings brand to next chapter with Lexus Driving Signature