The Lexus UX 250h the brand’s smallest and most-affordable hybrid crossover. After spending some time with this model, which was also equipped with the F Sport package, we found a few features that we really like about it. And while there are were also some features that we didn’t like, here are the few fantastic ones that stood out.

The Lexus UX 250h hybrid powertrain is smooth and efficient

The Lexus UX 250h is powered by a unique drivetrain that starts with a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine that’s connected to a pair of motors that power the front wheels and ends with a separate motor that’s integrated into the rear differential and powers the rear wheels. Altogether, this powertrain produces a total of 181 horsepower that, combined with the system all-wheel-drive operation, is very capable of going up steep inclines and even did well at higher altitudes.

During our time with the UX 250h, we drove it around the Denver, Colorado area, which is at 5,200 feet in elevation and even went up to 10,000 feet without any issues. In fact, we averaged around 50 mpg of combined driving with mostly highway cruising.    

The F Sport Package adds some necessary sportiness

At first, we thought that the F Sport package seemed a little overkill on a hybrid SUV – which is more of a hatchback car than a bigger SUV. But after spending some time driving it through curvy roads, it made more sense. The F Sport package adds revised springs and stabilizer bars for a tighter ride and wider, bigger 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels for better handling, while the appearance modifications include an F Sport front grille and front and rear bumpers to give the car a more aggressive look.

On the inside, the package adds F Sport front seats that highly bolstered and inspired the LFA supercar, while other interior treatments include a sport steering wheel with paddle shifters, a leather-trimmed shift knob, and aluminum pedals. We actually ended up liking the added sportiness as it added a little more fun to the otherwise mundane hybrid.

RELATED: Is the Lexus UX 250h Just a Fancy Toyota Corolla Hybrid?

The LED lighting did more than light up the night

While it might seem like a weird feature to highlight, we really appreciated the LED lighting that adorned the UX 250h, especially while driving through dark nighttime canyon roads. The car came with full-LED head and taillights that did well to light up the road and the car even has corner lights that activate when turning the wheel, effectively lighting up the apex of each turn.

The LED treatment extends to the back of the car as well, as the rear tail lights form one long strip that extends across the back of the car, and Lexus didn’t stop there. On the interior, there are LED dome lights and footwell light as well. Again, it might sound like overkill, but after a good amount of nighttime driving, it all made sense.

RELATED: 3 Annoying Features on the 2020 Lexus UX 250h

There’s more to like

There is definitely a lot to like about the Lexus UX 250h F Sport. And while these three features might not be enough to win anyone over, the rest of car might. Especially if you’re looking for a very efficient hybrid that can take corners well and provide ample lighting in the dark.