Lexus says goodbye to 2023 and embraces the New Year with its latest upgrade. Its premium subcompact SUVs like the 2025 Lexus UX300h stand out. The brand's fifth-generation hybrid system is a major advancement. It redefines power and efficiency.

Lexus: Upgrade Using Hybrid Technology

It was a big move for Lexus to switch from the previous hybrid setup, which was already very good, to a new, stronger system. The name of this upgrade has changed from UX250h to UX300h to reflect its better speed and features.

Lexus is committed about hybrid technology because they stopped making the gas-only UX200 in 2023 and now only make hybrid versions. The smallest Lexus SUV now has a hybrid version called the 2025 Lexus UX300h. It takes the hybrid concept to a whole new level of power and style.

MotorTrend reported that 2025 Lexus UX300h is going through some exciting changes. It's moving away from its old gas-electric power setup and embracing the latest technology also seen in Toyota's impressive new Prius hybrid hatch. Performance improves with horsepower up from 181 to 196.

This power improvement is mostly due to switching from a nickel-metal-hydride battery to a slightly higher-voltage lithium-ion unit and adding new electric motors. Because of this enhanced power, the model is now known as the UX300h, leaving the UX250h behind in its name.

The UX300h continues to employ a 2.0-liter inline-four engine, coupled with an electric drive motor and a starter-generator, harmoniously blending these three power sources through a planetary-type continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) to propel the front wheels.

Additionally, the option for "E-Four" all-wheel drive remains available, achieved through a third electric motor powering the rear axle, mirroring the previous configuration.

READ MORE: Volvo's Electric Trucks Roll Out in Latin America for First Time

Car and Driver further explained this upgrade from Lexus. The brand credits the boost in horsepower to their new hybrid setup and a lighter lithium-ion battery, replacing the old nickel-metal hydride one.

They've placed this 60-cell battery pack smartly under the rear seat, so you won't lose any precious cargo space, which is often a worry with hybrid vehicles. Lexus shares that if one chooses front-wheel drive (FWD), they can expect an impressive combined fuel efficiency of 43 mpg.

Meanwhile all-wheel-drive (AWD) models will still deliver a solid 41 mpg. This means a 1 mpg increase for the FWD option and an even better 2 mpg boost for the AWD model compared to the 2024 UX250h EPA ratings.

More from 2025 Lexus UX300h

In the UX, they've introduced shift-by-wire technology. Lexus shared, this change eliminates the need for traditional mechanical linkages and results in faster and more seamless gear shifts.

This upgraded model, the 2025 Lexus UX300h with its fifth-generation hybrid technology brings a few additional enhancements to the table.

These include the introduction of a new color option known as Copper Crest. Changes extend to the door panel buttons layout, which has been updated, and the metal trim on F Sport Handling models now sports a fresh finish.

Furthermore, Premium and F Sport models now come equipped with a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster as standard, while the base trim retains its 7.0-inch display. The center touchscreen measures 8.0 inches for the base, Premium, and F Sport Design models.

While the F Sport Handling variant features a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen. Notably, the F Sport Handling model now includes a standard power rear door, which can be activated using a kick sensor for added convenience in 2025.

It also brings Lexus's Safety System+ 3.0 as standard.

Pricing

As stated in MotorTrend the complete pricing information and additional specifics about these trim levels will become available closer to the launch date of the 2025 UX300h. Lexus will remain in competition with Audi's Q3, BMW's X1, Mercedes-Benz's GLA-Class, and Cadillac's XT4 in the market.

RELATED ARTICLE: Lexus Partners with Tiktok to Reach More Audience for Its "December to Remember" Iconic Campaign

Copyright @ MOTORTIMES, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.