The previous 2L hybrid powertrain of the older UX 250h was sufficiently quick but lacks refinement, especially considering the high price of the car. The updated UX 300h has 15 more horsepower and should be more refined as it doesn’t need to work as hard as before. All-wheel drive is standard, with the rear wheels powered electrically. Handling and road holding are accomplished enough but with no sporting pretensions. The ride can become a bit turbulent on rough surfaces but the car always feels secure. With long travel and some lost motion, the brakes don’t inspire confidence but do stop the car once you have adapted to it. Poor visibility.

Polarizing styling lacks grace but has not been a hindrance to sales. Despite a fairly substantial footprint, cabin space inside the UX 300h is tight, as is cargo capacity. The UX cabin is, in Lexus tradition, quite nicely finished. The digital gauge package can be configured in various ways to suit the look the driver prefers. Climate is handled via vertically arrayed buttons, with infotainment functions controlled by a touch screen. Comfortable front seats on the mainstream variants, with the grippier chairs in the F Sport being too aggressive for some drivers.

Complex and overlapping model range. Several trims could be eliminated without anybody noticing.rnrnThe base Premium trim, with alloy wheels, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, dual-zone climate controls and a sunroof, is nicely equipped. The Luxury upgrade adds navigation, a larger central screen, a head-up display system, wireless cellphone charging and a few minor comfort and convenience items, but is overpriced. The F Sport Design offers some F Sport 1 adds a digital gauge cluster, sport seats, adaptive suspension and door sill scuff plates, and is priced to reflect the value of the content. The F Sport 2 model includes navigation, a 12.3 inch screens, rear parking sonar, rear self braking, a head-up display system, wireless cellphone charging, a memory system, additional audio speakers and a few other items, but is overpriced.

Above average reliability predicted.