By NITISH S. RELE – motoringflorida@gmail.com

Looking to buy a small but affordable crossover designed for the modern urban explorer? The overhauled-for-2025 UX300h (replaces the previous 250h) – the smallest SUV in the Lexus lineup – could be just the vehicle for you.

This city-centric ride in the fastest-growing compact SUV segment is equipped with a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated 4-cylinder engine putting out 196 horsepower (up 15) @ 6000 rpm and 139 pounds-feet of torque @ 4400 rpm. The front-wheel-drive version is mated to a continuous variable transmission. Suspension is handled by a MacPherson strut front and trailing arm multilink rear to smoothen breaks, bumps and turns on the road. The rack-and-pinion steering with electric power assist is swift, accurate and well-weighted. Zero to 60 is possible in eight seconds with eco, sport, sport+ and normal modes at the driver’s fingertips. A 34.2-feet turning circle means maneuvering sharp curves or making a U-turn is a breeze. The UX300h employs a gas engine, two electric motors and a 220-volt lithium-ion battery. At higher speeds, power comes primarily from the gasoline engine. During deceleration and braking, the vehicle uses regenerative braking to apply much of the wasted energy toward recharging the hybrid battery.

Standard bi-LED headlights and daytime running lights flank a massive black mesh spindle grille with chrome accents to give the UX a muscular stance. Attention to detail is apparent in the cabin with its robust three-spoke steering wheel, which turns effortlessly. As summer reaches its peak, the dual auto a/c will keep the front-row occupants cool. Tech-driven aficionados will appreciate the 10 speakers, four USB ports, 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless phone charger, and Amazon Alexa and Apple CarPlay integration. Passenger volume is at 88.5 and trunk space at 17.1 cubic feet, which is just OK for a compact SUV.

Our test-drive F Sport Handling trim fetches faux leather heated/cooled power front seats and steering wheel, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, power moonroof/rear door/fold exterior mirrors, adaptive variable suspension, aluminum scuff plate, among other features.

Standard safety features include dual front airbags, side curtain airbag, front knee airbags, four-wheel antilock brakes, stability and traction controls, panoramic view monitor, blind spot and rear-cross traffic alerts, smart-stop technology, front/rear parking assists, daytime running lights and tire pressure monitoring system. For heightened protection, there is also the Lexus Safety Sense 3.0 – a pre-collision system to detect pedestrians, lane departure alert with steer assist, smart beam headlamps and dynamic cruise control.

This Urban + X-over (crossover) is a purposeful gas-sipper (43 mpg combined) with no compromises except for a tight rear seat. The 2025 UX300h is an immensely pleasant vehicle thanks to a horsepower boost and other additions. The Lexus label of reliability and durability should seal the deal!

UX300h F Sport

Tires: 225/50RF18

Wheelbase: 103.9 inches

Length: 177 inches

Width: 72.4 inches

Height: 60.6 inches

Weight: 3,455 pounds

Fuel capacity: 10.6 gallons

City/hwy: 45/51 mpg

Base price: $44,805

Price as tested: $47,380

Web site: www.lexus.com