Luxury and efficiency don’t always go hand in hand, but one hybrid SUV proves you’re able to have both in a single, smartly designed package. In today’s market, this subcompact luxury crossover stands out as the most economical option in its class, offering premium comfort with impressively low running costs.
With exceptional fuel economy, refined styling, and a well-appointed interior, it delivers all the essentials of a luxury vehicle without the usual expense at the pump. Its hybrid powertrain is smooth and reliable, while standard tech and safety features make everyday driving both convenient and secure.
For buyers who want to step into the luxury segment without sacrificing efficiency, this SUV is the clear choice. It’s proof that you don’t need to spend more, or burn more fuel, to enjoy upscale amenities and reliable performance. Here’s why it’s the most economical luxury hybrid SUV you can buy today.
In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including TopSpeed and the EPA.
The Lexus UX is Sleek, Comfortable, and Impressively Light On Fuel
If you’re looking for a luxury crossover, but you don’t want to have to constantly shell out a ton of money for gas, then the Lexus UX is a fantastic option. It will satisfy any budget-minded buyer as it is one of the most affordable luxury SUVs you may currently buy. It may not be the quickest or the most engaging, but it is absurdly comfortable and cheap to run.
196 HP
139 LB-FT
FWD or AWD
0-60 MPH
Top Speed
111 MPH
The UX is a hybrid-only affair, pairing a smooth and proven four-cylinder engine with two electric motors. The current model is quicker and more satisfying than the old UX250h, which felt sluggish and bogged down. It comes standard with a CVT and front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive being optional. If you’re looking for something sporty, then rivals like the BMW X1 or the MINI Countryman might suit you a little better.
While it isn’t as outright athletic as some of its core competitors, the UX is fairly nimble thanks to its small size. However, the subcompact SUV clearly puts comfort first, which we don’t necessarily think is a bad thing. Its ride is exceptionally plush and Lexus has done a good job of isolating the cabin from the noises of the world. F Sport Handling models come with adaptive dampers, which is great, but don’t expect it to switch up the driving dynamic of the UX too heavily.
45 MPG
41 MPG
43 MPG
44 MPG
40 MPG
42 MPG
The Lexus UX is easily the most efficient luxury crossover that you can buy today. In fact, there is only one other hybrid crossover that is more efficient,the mainstream Kia Niro. Even for a hybrid, getting over 40 miles per gallon is an impressive feat. Opting for the more responsive all-wheel drive model also doesn’t drop estimates all that much, with it only losing a single mile per gallon compared to the front-wheel drive model.
According to the EPA, you’ll save around $3,000 annually in fuel costs compared to the average new vehicle in America by driving a UX. This assumes that you drive around 15,000 miles a year, with 45 percent of that being on the highway and 55 percent being in the city.
The UX is the Most Affordable Way To Get Into a New Lexus
Lexus has built its brand identity by being reliable and affordable, with most of their vehicles being among the cheapest in their respective segments. The subcompact SUV segment is filled with affordable options, but the UX still manages to stand out by undercutting its rivals. Its affordability doesn’t hinder its ability to be luxurious, though, with the Japanese brand packing the crossover with standard features and high-quality materials.
$38,035
$41,235
$41,985
F Sport Handling
$46,500
Getting a luxury crossover for under $40,000 is not something to be scoffed at. Even the most expensive trim sits under the average amount that Americans spend on new vehicles, which is currently around $48,000. The subcompact luxury SUV segment is filled with some pretty impressive affordable options, but most start above $40k, with the best trims coming closer to $50k.
If you’re wondering which UX trim offers the best value for money, we’d go with the Premium. The UX is not a sporty car, rather focusing on efficiency and comfort. Thus, it’s hard to justify the F Sport trims. The Premium is also a relatively small jump in price above the base model, coming with plenty of kit to justify that price. You’ll get things like heated and ventilated front seats, leather upholstery, a panoramic moonroof, and a larger infotainment screen.
Changes For 2025
We’ve already covered the most important change to the UX badge, which is its powertrain. The outgoing UX 250h only made 181 horsepower and felt a little uninspiring. Lexus has added some new electric motors, which has pushed power output up and made the little hybrid crossover feel much perkier and more responsive to throttle inputs. The Japanese brand has also added a new lithium-ion battery pack as well.
Other updates a more minor. A new paint option called Copper Crest is now available. Enhancements to the driver assists on offer have also been made, alongside the addition of a larger optional digital gauge cluster.
Warranties and Maintenance
Lexus is renowned for its ability to build sturdy vehicles, and the UX is no exception. However, warranties add an extra layer of protection against any issues you might encounter. The bumper-to-bumper coverage offered when you buy a new UX is fairly competitive, with the powertrain warranty being better than what you’d get in most other luxury vehicles. Lexus also offers your first maintenance visit on the house.
For a Crossover This Affordable, the UX is Exceptionally Luxurious on the Inside
Often, when you pay less for a luxury vehicle, you expect a couple of compromises. This is an issue that is commonly run into within Lexus' lineup, with their vehicles being more affordable but never competing for top spot when it comes to quality. The UX, however, manages to find a pretty impressive middle ground, with a cabin that rivals the segment’s best offerings.
Cargo Capacity
17.2 Cubic Feet
Easily the biggest weakness of the UX is interior space. Lexus' subcompact SUV feels more like a hatchback with some additional height. The tallest occupants are going to find that cabin a little claustrophobic, whether they’re in the front or the back. Legroom in the front is pretty decent, but rear seat passengers are going to be cramped.Space in the cargo area is relatively competitive, though.
If you’re someone who doesn’t need a particularly big car, and you find that you fit comfortably in a UX, then there is plenty to love about the crossover. Attractive materials are used throughout the cabin, with the dashboard being covered in soft-touch materials. There are also some pretty impressive standard features on offer, such as dual-zone climate control and power-adjustable front seats. Things like heated and ventilated front seats and leather upholstery are available as well.
Infotainment and Technology
If you opt for the base UX, you’ll get the standard eight-inch infotainment screen. Upgrade to any other model, though, and you’ll get a much bigger 12.3-inch unit instead. Controls are intuitive, and the system is very responsive. Regardless of which screen you get, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. You can control this system via touch controls or voice commands. A fully-digital gauge display is standard, with a heads-up display being available on higher trims.
Alongside the standard four USB-C slots, the UX can be enhanced with an optional wireless smartphone charging pad. A premium ten-speaker sound system is also on offer as an option on some trims and standard in the F Sport Handling. You can also replace your key fob with your smartphone, with the UX supporting a digital key.
