2020 Lexus UX250h Review - A Surprising User Experience

The study of user experience, often shortened to UX (since everything needs to fit in a neat 140-character limit), looks at how humans interact with a particular system. Often applied to computers, cell phones, and the like, UX looks at usability, ergonomics, and human feelings as they pertain to whatever system is being studied.

Lexus has a different definition for UX. The brand’s UX is this 2020 Lexus UX 250h, an “Urban Crossover.” While budget constraints have affected city infrastructure maintenance nationwide, leaving many roads a pockmarked hellscape, I’m not completely certain I buy the crossover story. So I grabbed the keyfob, prepared to thrash this pretender in the old TTAC tradition.

I’m not completely sold on the styling. To be fair, there are only so many ways one can style this jacked hatch type of vehicle without the result looking like some overwrought L.A. Gear hightop sneaker from the late Eighties. Lexus’ signature hourglass grille isn’t as offensive here as in other models – it’s proportionate and almost understated.

[Get a price quote on the Lexus UX here!]

The wheel arches, however, bother me. See the above profile view. The aperture of the fender and the black plastic cladding both make the opening look asymmetrical. To my eyes, the arches are rounded toward the front of the car, and more squared toward the rear. It’s a weird effect I can’t help but notice.

Out back, however, is a delightful touch. Tail fins!

Well, no, not really tail fins, but a tiny raised surface on each tail lamp stands proud, reminding me of the toned-down fins that appeared on American cars in the mid-Sixties. It’s a lovely detail.

This paint. Swoon. Lexus calls it Nori Green Pearl, and I was underwhelmed when I first saw it under overcast skies, sitting beneath my pear tree. Once some light falls on it, however, the colors start to dance. I’m not good enough with the camera to properly do this color justice – try and spot one on the road or at a dealer and you’ll see what I mean. And, unlike special hues found on many, many other cars, it’s not an extra cost option.

The interior further surprised me. It’s not as cramped as I’d expected from the subcompact classification. Indeed, my family of four journeyed to a new hiking spot a few hours away and emerged with absolutely no discomfort or complaints from the increasingly whiny tweens. One note – real leather seats are not available. The NuLuxe material, however, felt as good as a real hide.

One point of user experience that seems to elicit complaints across the Lexus lineup comes from the infotainment control. No matter the car, the touchpad is always a bit too sensitive. Here, Lexus changes up the primary control buttons that sit just aft of the offending pad, giving tuning knobs for volume and, well, tuning, and a couple of hotkeys to toggle between radio and media. I suppose with plenty of driving time, these controls will become familiar, but I often found myself looking down to change various functions rather than keeping my eyes on the glass. I’d like to see Lexus completely reevaluate the UX here across the line – not just on the UX.

Cargo space isn’t massive at 17.1 cubic feet (down from 21.7 on the non-hybrid, front-drive UX 200), but it’s workable for the target market. As you’ll see, we managed a warehouse club run without problem, and without folding the seatback. Okay, well, maybe I fibbed – the hatch wouldn’t close as you see it here. Had I done a better job of arranging things I’m sure I’d have been fine. That massive barrel of cheese balls was fouling the hatch opening, so I tossed it in the back seat. I need to get better at grocery Tetris.

Now, for what everyone looks for in a hybrid subcompact crossover: a stellar driving experience. Well, I took FTD at a local autocross. . . no, I can’t get through that with a straight face, either. But my goodness the UX 250h drives better than it really should. Steering is quick and direct without being darty, and is nicely weighted, too. A curb weight of 3,605 pounds means the 181 horses aren’t setting the tires ablaze, but the response from the engine and pair of electric motors is quite good when getting away from a light or hustling through the twisties.

No, I’m not joking about that one – that hiking trip took us through some of southeastern Ohio’s best two-lanes, and the UX felt right at home. We ended up continuing down a poorly maintained, potholed one-lane gravel road to get to our trailhead, and despite some nasty rocks loudly pounding the undercarriage when I overcooked a few turns, the wee hatchback managed nicely.

I never expected to like this 2020 Lexus UX250h. From the outside, it’s a cynical take on the crossover genre with some divisive styling touches. Behind the wheel, however, it’s surprising in a good way. It’s not the right car for my family, but it very well may be perfect for you.

[Images: © 2020 Chris Tonn/TTAC]