Lexus brings a small hybrid. But the styling could use some help. . .?

By Gary S. Vasilash

The good news about the Lexus UX300h F Sport is that it is a hybrid. And not just any hybrid system but the fifth-generation Lexus Hybrid System. Which doesn’t necessarily mean all that much at first. I mean, does anyone remember the second- or third-generation Lexus Hybrid System?

I didn’t think so.

But what this does mean is that the UX300h has a system that has been refined multiple times, more times than probably any competitive hybrid vehicle out there.

As for what that system consists of: it is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that is supplemented by two motor generators via a planetary-type continuously variable transmission. There are front and rear motors and a 60-cell lithium-ion battery.

All of which means that there is a total horsepower of 196.

And a combined fuel economy of 43 mpg.

Which is a nice thing to have.

The thing to know about the hybrid system in this vehicle is probably this: you can simply ignore it. It just works. There is nothing that makes you think, “Hmm. . .I wonder what’s going on in there?”

In a word: seamless.

The model driven here features the F Sport Handling package. Which means there is active variable suspension from a mechanical standpoint and an aluminum pedals and sport seats (among other things) from an aesthetic and functional perspective.

Regardless of the active variable suspension—as well as active cornering assist—the UX300h is not exactly the sort of thing you’re going to take to the local gymkhana and crush it.

Lexus says there is “the higher seating position and versatility experienced in a crossover.”

I suppose there is a higher seating position compared with, say, a Lexus RC, but while this is supposed to be a “crossover,” it is a diminutive one (176.97 inches long, 72.49 inches wide, 60.63 inches high, and a 103.94-inch wheelbase) and with a 6.3-inch ground clearance, this isn’t exactly something you’ll wonder about a running board for ingress and egress.

There is a 12.3-inch color touchscreen. There is the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which includes various collision prevention/mitigation technologies as well as driving enhancements.

The tech isn’t overwhelming in the UX.

But then there is the styling.

And this is something that I think is not only underwhelming for a Lexus, but underwhelming, period.

The cladding around the wheels doesn’t make the vehicle look robust. The creases in the body side unnecessarily break up the surface (i.e., this is a small vehicle, so it’s not like there is a giant slab that would require some sort of visual relief).

About the only thing it has going for it is the spindle grille, and that’s something that many people find to be off-putting.

The base UX300h MSRP is $36,340.

The one driven here has base MSRP of $47,647.

And that’s a problem, I think.

One could select the top-of-the-line Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and get a bigger, more powerful vehicle with a slightly smaller touchscreen (10.5 inches) and a bit less in the way of fuel economy (40 mpg combined)—and have a base price of $40,205 for the loaded-trim.

“But it’s not a Lexus.”

Yes.

Still. . . .