2024 Lexus UX assessment | CarExpert

Lexus’ first electrical automobile (EV) in Australia is not considered one of a sort within the native mannequin vary, however it nonetheless has an vital half to play.

It acquired a brand new, bigger battery pack with improved driving vary at the beginning of final yr, however it’s in any other case remained largely unchanged because it arrived in 2021. For probably the most half, that’s a superb factor.

That improve made it extra aggressive within the rising area of electrical SUVs, and it’s retained its quiet, snug character.

However whereas different EVs have had their costs lower in latest months, Lexus hasn’t budged on the UX 300e for the reason that addition of the brand new battery.

At round $80,000 it has some stiff competitors, largely from the likes of Tesla’s best-selling Mannequin Y SUV and others like particular grades of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6.

On take a look at right here is the 2024 Lexus UX 300e Luxurious, the second-most costly choice within the UX vary. It misses out on some additional bits and items seen on the electrical Sports activities Luxurious, however it retains the identical powertrain and motor outputs.

Is it nonetheless value contemplating when you’re making the soar to an EV, or would you be higher off following the pack into a distinct choice?

How does the Lexus UX evaluate?

View an in depth breakdown of the Lexus UX in opposition to equally sized autos.

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UX

How a lot does the Lexus UX value?

The cheaper of the 2 electrical UX fashions bears a aggressive price ticket within the wider Lexus vary, coming in at simply over $80,000 earlier than on-road prices.

That brings it in keeping with the Mannequin Y Efficiency ($82,900) and Ioniq 5 RWD Dynamiq ($80,800) amongst others.

To see how the Lexus UX stacks up in opposition to its rivals, use our comparability device.

What’s the Lexus UX like on the within?

It’s a 2024 Lexus for lower than $100,000, which implies it’s nearly as luxurious as you’d prefer it to be with out going excessive.

The principle takeaway is that it presents like a traditional automotive, which – when you’re accustomed to another EVs – is refreshing. That’s in all probability as a result of it’s simply Lexus UX with an EV powertrain, however that’s a purpose it really works so nicely.

You continue to get a great deal of buttons to your normal features, a bodily local weather management system, a steering wheel with a great deal of helpful and logical controls, and an precise instrument cluster with dials and numbers! How thrilling is that?

Jokes apart, it’s an pleasurable place to spend time. Those that aren’t a fan of button-laden autos doubtless gained’t take pleasure in it as a lot, and that’s honest sufficient. In distinction, individuals like me who admire this sort of factor will really feel proper at dwelling.

You’re not overwhelmed attempting to determine every part out if you first step inside – as a substitute you’ll be able to take a second to soak up all of it and settle in. It’s straightforward to get into a snug seating place due to the powered seats and steering wheel, and when you’re the driving force it’s value setting the seat barely decrease if you’d like a sportier really feel.

As you’d count on, the inside is completed in supplies which can be each good to have a look at and work together with. The seats particularly are upholstered in artificial leather-based, which is a really comfortable materials Lexus has used generously prior to now few years.

You get heating, air flow, and powered lumbar, whereas the artificial leather-wrapped steering wheel affords a heating operate and is each comfortable and properly proportioned.

You’ll discover some extra of that leather-based on high of the dashboard and on the centre armrest, however you’ll be able to count on any floor contained in the UX upholstered in that materials can be comfortable to the contact. The sprint is damaged up with a textured materials for a little bit of variation.

Total there’s a satisfying consistency to the cabin’s design, and the acres of black are accented by dark-grey metallic accents right here and there just like the Lexus emblem on the steering wheel.

As a bonus, the Mark Levinson-branded audio system sounds unimaginable and makes the driving expertise all of the extra pleasurable.

What you may not discover as you get in is the way in which every part within the entrance of the cabin is oriented in the direction of the driving force. In some methods it’s harking back to a higher-end sports activities automotive, in others it bears a hanging resemblance to one thing like a first-gen Toyota C-HR.

That’s not a nasty factor, and the delicate tilt does nicely to make the driving force really feel on the centre of every part occurring within the automotive. It additionally makes the infotainment and local weather management simpler to succeed in, although you should still must lean forwards to work together with the far finish of the display.

The infotainment system is a ten.3-inch touchscreen show, which is graphically sharp and labored flawlessly in our week with the automotive. There’s a singular knob for energy and quantity, however each different infotainment-related operate is both achieved through the display or the buttons on the steering wheel.

Even with out devoted buttons, there are clear icons on the display making it straightforward to navigate the varied menus. Wi-fi Apple CarPlay is at all times a pleasant bonus, and as with the remainder of the system there have been no points to report.

If it’s essential cost your cellphone, you’re spoilt for alternative. There are two USB-C shops beneath the local weather management interface, a wi-fi charging pad, and a 12-volt outlet and one other USB-C port within the centre console storage field.

Behind the steering wheel is a 7.0-inch driver data display, although it isn’t arrange like a traditional display you’d discover in different new automobiles. As a substitute, it’s a model of a typical instrument cluster tailored to work with an EV, which implies there aren’t any tachometer or speedometer gauges.

As a substitute, you get an EV energy gauge with loads of helpful data, which you’ll cycle by way of utilizing buttons on the wheel. The opposite facet affords a cost gauge with an electrified petrol pump icon, in addition to a reminder of the automotive you’re driving above.

Whereas it’s a bit primary and you might argue it’s starting to look outdated, it really works nicely and is smart. The one issues I discover uncommon are the icons for issues just like the headlights and parking brake, which appear to drift aimlessly within the void exterior the digital show.

There’s a variety of house within the bezel across the instrument cluster to make the format of icons appear extra intentional, as a substitute of filling up the realm with ornamental traces and logos.

Storage up entrance is kind of as you’d count on. There are two cupholders behind the wi-fi charger cubby, an extended centre console storage field with a comfortable ground, bottle holders within the doorways, and an average-sized glovebox forward of the passenger.

Nothing on the storage division is simply too small or exceptionally giant, with the cupholders particularly finest suited to cans or espresso cups. No less than you gained’t have to fret about dirtying the centre console an excessive amount of, as there’s hardly any gloss black plastic to be discovered wherever.

Lexus has fitted lots of the UX’s flat surfaces with textured plastic as a substitute, which has a nice uninteresting sheen and is much less prone to entice fingerprints and smudges.

In any other case, every part feels sturdy. The buttons are all well-made with a superb really feel, the gear selector strikes with a stable chunky motion, and there aren’t any inside rattles or squeaks to talk of.

The second row is the place the UX 300e begins to fall over. Getting in isn’t as straightforward because it may very well be, as its misleading small SUV stature means the door opening is slim and a bit too tight to comfortably get individuals and objects out and in.

Moreover, the rear doorways don’t open as large as they might. When you’re in, house doesn’t get significantly better.

You’ll be snug sufficient for headroom, and I might sit behind my very own driving place at 5’8″ tall. The principle situation is toe-room, as a result of if you wish to have the driving force’s seat adjusted in a decrease place rear passengers don’t have any to work with.

On high of that, there isn’t an enormous quantity of legroom to stretch into. No less than there’s a fold-down centre armrest with cupholders, in addition to rear air vents, two charging ports, and heating for the 2 outboard seats.

Storage is in any other case restricted to bottle holders within the doorways and a map pocket on the again of the entrance passenger seat. The good supplies from the entrance carry by way of to the again, and the rear seats themselves are snug sufficient to take a seat in for longer durations of time.

The compromised rear house carries by way of to the boot, which is once more on the smaller facet. At 314 litres, it’s noticeably smaller than the Hyundai Kona Electrical at 407 litres – one other petrol car-turned EV.

Vertical house is restricted due to the sloping roofline, however there’s loads of house lengthways to have the ability to match grocery luggage with room to spare.

Boot house is deceptively slim, as longer objects gained’t match until you fold the rear seats down. There’s no more room to be revealed by lifting the ground, as that house is devoted to the tyre restore package included as normal.

A pleasant bonus is the complimentary entry to Lexus’ Encore Platinum Electrified program, which provides you entry to quick charging, a devoted dwelling charger, and two free charging cables. The latter makes it straightforward to plug the automotive into considered one of your own home energy factors to let it slowly cost in a single day.

The powered tailgate did have a singular quirk. As I’d use the boot to pack away the charging cable, it’d generally determine to shut by itself whereas I used to be nonetheless standing there. It’s not laborious to cease it closing by holding it up, however it’s nonetheless sudden for an in any other case stable (if not undersized) package deal.

To see how the Lexus UX stacks up in opposition to its rivals, use our comparability device.

What’s underneath the bonnet?

The 300e drops the hybrid powertrain supplied throughout the remainder of the UX vary in favour of a single-motor electrical setup. It’s now fed by a considerably bigger battery than when it first launched, offering a 135km enhance in claimed driving vary.

To see how the Lexus UX stacks up in opposition to its rivals, use our comparability device.

How does the Lexus UX drive?

Should you’re after a refined, snug, and quiet on-road expertise in an EV, this automotive must be excessive in your purchasing record.

Whenever you hit that button to the left of the steering wheel, you’d be forgiven for anticipating an engine to start out up given the combustion origins of the UX. In fact there’s no sound, and also you’re able to drive immediately.

Proper and down on the gear selector places the automotive into drive, and setting off brings with it one other bout of silence. Should you’re nitpicking you’ll discover a faint electrical whirr because the motor will get in control.

Getting in control within the UX 300e isn’t any sweat, as a result of even when energy outputs appear modest on paper there’s no lacking that preliminary torque hit if you mash the throttle.

It might shock you to understand how briskly it takes off. It takes round seven or eight seconds to get to 100km/h, however you’ll be on the restrict faster than you realise due to how refined the experience is. Arduous acceleration does reveal a number of the issues with the drivetrain although.

The UX 300e is just supplied with front-wheel drive, and it makes an excessive amount of torque to be despatched to solely two wheels. It tends to interrupt traction from a standstill when you’re not cautious, and also you’ll discover a level of torque steer on the similar time.

We expect this automotive would profit vastly from a dual-motor all-wheel drive system like many different EVs available on the market, as it could imply each additional grip and the potential for a lift in energy.

You’ll be able to uninteresting its energy output by deciding on Eco mode with the small dial on the higher left of the sprint, which works nicely in metropolis driving. The drop in energy is noticeable, however when there’s no must rush from gentle to gentle it’s excellent – plus it can save you some cost whilst you’re at it.

It’s one of many few instances it is possible for you to to avoid wasting cost when driving the UX 300e, as a result of it seems to be fairly thirsty on its electrical energy consumption.

We noticed an influence consumption of 19.2kWh/100km in our week with the automotive, which was nicely above Lexus’ declare. It actually solely dropped the low 19s after a stint within the metropolis, whereas it sat at 20kWh/100km for the remainder of the time.

There was a heavy skew in the direction of freeway driving whereas we had the automotive, which is a recognized weak point of EVs in comparison with inner combustion autos. It could’ve been good to see the determine a bit nearer to the producer declare, particularly as a result of we anticipated a bit extra from its upgraded battery.

The UX 300e’s battery capability was boosted from 54.4kWh to almost 73kWh in 2023, bringing with it an elevated claimed driving vary of 440km. Within the context of 500km-plus EVs at an identical worth level – just like the Tesla Mannequin Y Efficiency, which is rather a lot quicker – it nonetheless feels prefer it’s lagging behind.

I’m no fan of Tesla, but when I used to be paying greater than $80,000 for an EV from a legacy model like Lexus (or Toyota) I’d be wanting one thing that might at the very least match and even outdo the sales-dominating Mannequin Y.

Essentially the most handy method to cost the UX 300e is at dwelling utilizing one of many normal wall-socket cables supplied. Whereas it doesn’t cost quick, it’s excellent to go away it to juice up in a single day and be prepared for the morning.

A day’s journey of 120km on the freeway would drop its battery cost to barely above half, and when left on cost for 12 hours in a single day it’d be comfortably at capability by the point it was time to go away once more. Quick chargers are at all times an choice too, however it’s simpler to rock up at dwelling, plug it in and overlook about it.

Apparently, it has two several types of charger connectors on both facet of the automotive. One is a regular Kind 2 AC plug, however the different is an older-standard CHaDeMO port for DC quick charging.

Such ports might quickly change into more durable to seek out at public chargers in Australia, as CCS turns into the popular normal. There are nonetheless loads of CHaDeMO chargers round in the intervening time so it’s no trigger for concern on the UX 300e, however as with all EV it pays to plan forward on lengthy drives.

It’ll cost at as much as 50kW on a public DC quick charger, which implies you’ll be sitting longer in comparison with a few of its higher-capacity rivals.

Infrastructure quirks apart, the UX 300e is an outstanding automotive to drive. No matter Lexus has achieved to refine the experience high quality and on-road expertise has achieved wonders to set it other than a number of the different EVs available on the market proper now.

As talked about, it’s extremely quiet. Even with no engine to masks sound from the freeway it allows minimal highway and wind noise to the purpose the place there’s nothing of notice to talk of. It’ll fortunately eat up the kilometres between fees.

Freeway driving is supported by adaptive cruise management with lane-keep help, which works reliably and has no drawback preserving the automotive located. Even round tighter bends, like on freeway interchange ramps, it isn’t scared to crank on the mandatory steering lock whereas maintaining its pace.

The system is simple to work together with too, with devoted buttons on the steering wheel the place they belong.

On nation roads, the UX rides convincingly over bumps and tough patches. If it’s essential overtake a slower transferring automobile forward, there’s loads of energy to rapidly shoot previous on the opposite facet of the dotted line when protected.

When it got here to the bends, we had been stunned at how nicely it held itself collectively. It’s not unreasonable to count on EVs to weigh greater than extra conventional automobiles, and at practically two tonnes the UX 300e actually isn’t gentle.

Even with that data, it doesn’t really feel heavy. It doesn’t do something you wouldn’t count on a lighter automotive to do, and in some methods I think the heftier weigh-in helps in ironing out smaller bumps and imperfections on the highway.

Round turns it stays comfortably planted, with no actual tendency to understeer when you’re not on the ability. In that sense it’s value being affected person round turns earlier than laying into the throttle, in any other case you might run the danger of breaking traction mid-turn – particularly if it’s damp.

Whereas freeway driving is snug, there are a few tendencies the automotive has relying on the state of affairs. The primary is a warning on the sprint and accompanying beep, which pops as much as inform you regenerative braking is restricted as a result of battery cost is excessive.

It’ll seem if you go above 50km/h, and keep on till you come to a cease. You’ll be able to dismiss it whilst you’re on the transfer, however it’ll present up once more just a few seconds later it doesn’t matter what.

Meaning it hides all that helpful data on the left facet of the instrument cluster, at the very least till you press a button to briefly take away it or when the battery cost drops beneath a sure degree and regenerative braking is re-established.

The opposite is a pace digital camera warning on the freeway, which beeps loudly twice if you’re approaching a static digital camera. It could possibly catch you off guard when you’re not anticipating it, however a trawl by way of the infotainment system for automobile settings will will let you regulate it.

Apart from its refinement, the UX 300e does regenerative braking very nicely. When it’s totally out there at lower than three-quarter cost, you’ll be able to choose “B” engine braking mode on the gear selector to obtain full management over the system.

There are paddles behind the wheel to regulate the extent of regenerative braking lively, and at greater ranges of braking you’ll be able to crawl by way of visitors with one pedal or descend steeper hills with out touching the brake pedal – all whereas gaining again slightly little bit of cost.

It’s a welcome addition, and I like that getting into greater ranges permits the automotive to essentially jam on the “brakes” to sluggish itself down considerably. It isn’t fairly single-pedal driving because it gained’t carry you to a cease, which is value preserving in thoughts when you’re in metropolis visitors.

Moreover, driving and parking within the metropolis is simple due to the plethora of sensors, and such environments are the place the UX 300e feels prefer it naturally belongs.

It does, nevertheless, miss out on a surround-view digital camera, which is just out there on the Sports activities Luxurious variant.

Total it’s a nicely put-together package deal, however we simply want it had the good thing about AWD to again up that refined expertise and upmarket price ticket.

What do you get?

There are two grades of UX 300e, and our tester was the cheaper of the 2. It misses out on luxuries together with 18-inch alloy wheels, a sunroof, head-up show, and surround-view digital camera.

Lexus UX 300e Luxurious highlights embrace:

• 12.3-inch infotainment system
• Wi-fi Apple CarPlay
• Wired Android Auto
• DAB+ digital radio
• Satellite tv for pc navigation
• Wi-fi cellphone charging
• 7.0-inch driver data display
• LED headlights and fog lights
• Keyless entry and begin
• Palms-free energy tailgate
• Rear privateness glass
• Energy-adjustable steering column
• Eight-way energy entrance seats
• Heated and ventilated entrance seats
• Heated outboard rear seats
• Heated steering wheel
• 13-speaker Mark Levinson sound system
• Energy-folding, heated exterior mirrors
• AEB with pedestrian/daytime bicycle owner detection
• Adaptive cruise management with cease/go
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Lane Hint Help
• Visitors signal recognition
• Rear cross-traffic help
• Computerized high-beam
• Entrance and rear parking sensors
• 17-inch alloy wheels
• Black or Wealthy Cream inside trim

Is the Lexus UX protected?

The Lexus UX 300e has a five-star ANCAP security score based mostly on testing carried out by Euro NCAP in 2019.

Normal security gear consists of:

• Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
  • Pedestrian detection (day, evening)
  • Bike owner detection (day)
• Adaptive cruise management with cease/go
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Lane Hint Help
• Visitors signal recognition
• Rear cross-traffic help
• Computerized high-beam
• Entrance and rear parking sensors
• 8 airbags

UX 300e Sports activities Luxurious provides:

• Tri-beam LED headlights
• Adaptive high-beam
• Encompass-view cameras

How a lot does the Lexus UX value to run?

The Lexus vary is backed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee. The EV battery is roofed for as much as 10 years or 160,000 kilometres if its storage capability falls beneath 70 per cent.

The UX 300e comes with a three-year subscription to Lexus’ Encore Platinum Electrified program, which incorporates automobile loans, entry to valet parking vouchers at taking part places, and three years of free charging at Chargefox public cost stations.

Patrons of the UX 300e additionally obtain a professionally put in AC dwelling charger from JET Cost as a part of their buy.

To see how the Lexus UX stacks up in opposition to its rivals, use our comparability device.

CarExpert’s Tackle the Lexus UX 300e Luxurious

The UX 300e actually is a pleasant automotive, however we’re undecided it’s good sufficient to justify the value tag.

There’s no denying Lexus has achieved what it does finest on this automotive; creating snug upmarket interiors inside trendy shells atop famously reliable Toyota bones.

The inside itself is the spotlight, as its typical format is acquainted regardless of its EV underpinnings. The place others have a tendency in the direction of minimalism, having loads of buttons which can be clear with devoted features helps to make it straightforward for a standard motorist to adapt.

Its beneficiant use of soppy, high-quality supplies makes it a nice place to spend time, and even after lengthy drives we didn’t really feel fatigued or uncomfortable behind the wheel. It’s small within the rear although, which has at all times been a UX grievance.

Then there are the mechanics, which provide loads of energy and a refined experience. It’s not skittish and doesn’t really feel prefer it’s going to fall off the highway underneath its personal weight, which once more helps to make it really feel like a traditional automotive and never an ultra-modern electrical fridge.

However, it might do with extra vary regardless of being fitted with a bigger battery, and it actually wants an all-wheel drive system to permit it to get its energy to the bottom extra effectively.

As with most EVs it’s additionally higher suited to sluggish driving round city, because it tends to eat by way of cost on prolonged freeway runs. There aren’t any complaints with its regenerative braking setup past the warning at excessive cost, because it’s reassuring to know the automotive will be capable to constantly management its pace when you ask it to.

It’s good you get a free three years of Encore Platinum Electrified, however at this worth we’d virtually need it to be a everlasting factor.

When you think about the competitors at $80,000, the Mannequin Y jumps out as an apparent EV benchmark for the UX 300e. Gross sales figures replicate that too, as final yr there have been a complete of 2468 UX examples (together with hybrid and EV) offered in opposition to 28,769 Mannequin Ys.

For what it’s, and as a lot as we prefer it with its improved battery, it’s laborious to suggest the UX 300e due to worth alone. Of the 2 out there, the Luxurious could be the choose over the Sports activities Luxurious, purely as a result of it’s mechanically the identical and we really feel the few extras don’t add sufficient to justify the upper premium.

So whereas it’s a superb automotive as is, it may very well be improved vastly by just a few drivetrain tweaks and some thousand shaved off the sticker worth.

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