Better gas mileage only takes you so far — if it's a luxury car. Because the people who buy luxury cars expect something more. They certainly don't have to sweat the cost of gas. The key, then, is to offer more of other things, with better gas mileage as the perk.
What It Is
The UX 250h is the hybrid version of the UX 200, Lexus' new subcompact crossover SUV.
In addition to being a hybrid that burns less gas, the UX 250h comes standard with more power, better performance, better gas mileage and all-wheel drive, the last of which isn't available with the UX 200.
What's New
Both versions of the UX are new models for 2019.
What's Good
Exceptional city gas mileage.
More power than the UX 200.
Comes standard with AWD.
What's Not So Good
Virtually the same highway mileage as the UX 200.
Less cargo space (hybrid gear takes up space).
Not much back-seat space in either UX.
Under the Hood
The UX is unusual both for what's under its hood as well as what's not under its hood.
Both versions come with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, but neither has a turbocharger. It's become hard to find any car — let alone a luxury car — without a turbocharged engine. But Lexus is a conservative luxury car company. It built its rep on long-term reliability, and turbocharged engines often aren't, because they're much more complex and more stressed.
But how do you make the power and deliver the increased performance luxury car buyers expect? Add a pair of electric motors, which raises the horsepower to 181 versus the UX 200's 169. Electric motors are simpler — almost no moving parts — and they don't run hot, as turbos do. They ought to last as long as the UX does.
There's also a third motor, which powers the rear wheels when the front wheels break traction, so you don't get stuck when it snows.
On the Road
In stop-and-go city driving, the UX 250h's gas engine is often off, but the UX itself is kept moving by those electric motors and the battery pack, which provides the juice. That is why the UX 250h is capable of 41 mpg, while the UX 200 only manages 29 mpg in city driving.
But on the highway, the UX 250h's fuel-efficiency advantage dissipates (38 mpg versus 37 for the UX 200) because the gas engine is pretty much running constantly, which is necessary to maintain higher speeds.
But there's a perk: torque.
The hybrid's three electric motors give instant and stronger acceleration.
For sharper handling, Lexus offers an F-Sport package that includes an 18-inch wheel/tire package and firmer suspension calibrations, along with bolstered seats and an upgraded all-digital instrument cluster.
At the Curb
The five-door/hatchback UX — hybrid or not — is primarily a city car because of its size.
It's easy to park, but there's no much room in back. Or behind the back seats. Rear-seat legroom in both the hybrid and non-hybrid is just 33.1 inches. In the hybrid, cargo space behind the back seats is only 17.1 cubic feet, whereas the non-hybrid's (which hasn't got that third motor back there) is 21.7 cubic feet.
But 17.1 cubic feet of cargo space is still a lot more than that of most full-size sedans, which is one of the reasons for the tremendous popularity of these crossovers that are smaller on the outside.
All trims come standard with Apple CarPlay but not Android Auto. The Luxury trim comes standard with a huge 10.3-inch LCD touch screen; the base trim has a smaller 7-inch display.
The Rest
Another manifestation of Lexus' conservative approach is that the UX isn't a plug-in hybrid. These have a few advantages, chiefly that you can usually drive farther (and faster) on just battery power. But the disadvantages include much higher cost, which renders the gas savings irrelevant. Plus, with plug-ins, you have to deal with plugging in. You don't here. Just drive. The UX recharges itself.
The Bottom Line
Luxury hybrids are about having more while using less. Which is why you pay a little more for them.
Eric's new book, "Don't Get Taken for a Ride!" is available now. To find out more about Eric and read his past columns, please visit the Creators Syndicate webpage at www.creators.com.
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