Lexus updates the UX

Lexus has given its UX hybrid a mid-life upgrade that helps trim its fuel consumption even further. For the past two years, the UX has been the best selling Lexus here in NZ .

Lexus says the UX ‘appeals to those who love the premium build quality as well as the slightly higher ride height of a crossover but who do not require a large family-sized SUV’.

The brand also says the new hybrid powertrain is ‘extremely economical and refined, while retaining elevated levels of performance’

Read our Lexus UX review

Big gains in efficiency

The hybrid models are now badged as 300h as the car now adopts Toyota’s fifth generation powertrain tech. This sees power increase by 11kW to 146kW. One of the major updates is the move to a new lithium-Ion battery with a higher output. 

This has seen big gains in efficiency; the UX 300h FWD’s average combined fuel consumption has dropped from 5.0 to 4.2L/100km (98g/km) , while the AWD is down to 4.5L/100km (105g/km) from 6.4. 

Inside, the Premium features a revised seven-inch display, while other variants receive a larger 12.3-inch full colour digital meter. Wireless Android Auto also makes the grade. A shift-by-wire lever is new too. 

Lexus has added more safety features like Safe Exit Assist, which ‘may provide occupants exiting the vehicle on the roadside with warnings if there is a chance of a collision with an approaching vehicle or bicycle’. The Pre-Collision System may now detect motorcycles in the daytime and bicyclists at all hours.

There are few minor trim changes too largely concerned with the finishing treatment and colours. There are a few new hues to choose from and the spindle grille is now dark grey metallic.  

NZ Pricing for the 2024 Lexus UX Range