2023 Lexus UX Hybrid Reviews, Pricing & Specs

The 2023 Lexus UX Hybrid gets a new FWD option, handling improvements, and a much-needed update to its infotainment system for the new model year.

The Lexus UX is a sharp subcompact luxury SUV with hybrid-only power and good standard equipment. It’s offered in four configurations for 2023: base, Premium, F Sport Design, and F Sport Handling.

What’s New for the 2023 Lexus UX Hybrid

The standard gas-powered UX was discontinued for 2023, leaving only the UX Hybrid. The SUV comes in a new front-wheel-drive (FWD) variant and got improvements to its handling. Lexus finally updated the UX’s infotainment system with a new interface that brings more fluid and intuitive navigation, advanced voice controls, and wireless smartphone connectivity.

Design

Like Lexus’s larger SUVs, the UX Hybrid features a prominent spindle grille and sporty lines. The sides feature a unique carved shape and the rear carries a side-to-side LED taillight. Two-tone paint with a black contrasting roof color is available for F Sport models, and wheel sizes start at 18 inches. Lexus equips bi-LED headlights and LED taillights as standard equipment.

Powertrain

The 2023 UX Hybrid comes with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and electric motors that makes 181 combined horsepower. Power reaches the front or all four wheels through a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Acceleration is leisurely, and the CVT lets the engine wail under hard acceleration. The F Sport Handling trim gets sharper handling and suspension, but the UX is a mostly sedate cruiser in all its forms.

Interior

Though small inside, the Lexus UX offers upscale materials and an attractive design. It features nice materials, large screens, and unique controls that give it a futuristic look in places. Folding rear seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, power-adjustable front seats, and an adjustable rear cargo floor all come standard. Heated and ventilated front seats are available, and the F Sport Handling trim adds sport seats with heavier bolstering.

Technology

An 8-inch touchscreen comes standard for 2023, bringing wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It runs Lexus’s new interface, which has more intuitive menus and navigation, quicker transitions between screens, and improved voice controls. Other standard tech includes a 7-inch driver information display, a Wi-Fi hotspot, Bluetooth, SiriusXM radio, and Lexus connected apps.

Safety

The standard Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 brings adaptive cruise control and curve speed management, automatic emergency braking, forward collision warnings, lane-departure alerts with steering assist, lane-tracing assist, road-sign recognition, and automatic high beams. Lexus also includes blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alerts, a backup camera, and an electronic parking brake.

The 2023 UX earned a Top Safety Pick + from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), which included “Good” scores in all categories. The IIHS’s new crash tests use more force in side-impact testing, and vehicles must perform well to earn a Top Safety Pick award.

Pricing

Pricing for the 2023 Lexus UX Hybrid starts at $36,490. The mid-range Premium and F Sport Design trims start at around $39,000, while the top F Sport Handling has a starting price of around $44,000.