It’s hard to find a luxury SUV that’s both inexpensive and cheap to maintain, but the Lexus UX Hybrid might be one of them. Repair problems on Lexus models are few and far between, plus it’s hard to overlook the UX Hybrid’s sub-$40,000 MSRP. Before you decide whether that’s a good deal or not, let’s consider all the best and worst things about this vehicle.

How cheap is a 2024 Lexus UX Hybrid?

The 2024 Lexus UX Hybrid is currently the most attainable car in this automaker’s lineup, with a starting price of $36,690. Its two electric motors and four-cylinder engine have a combined output of 181 hp. The Lexus Hybrid Drive system is built with a low center of gravity so that drivers can get the most out of this car’s performance, regardless of trim. U-turns and other precise steering maneuvers should be easy thanks to the UX Hybrid’s 17.1-ft turning radius.

The Lexus Hybrid Drive setup is paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission and front-wheel-drive on the base trim. The 250h model promises a combined 42 mpg combined city/highway, which U.S. News deems as one of this vehicle’s best qualities.

That affordable base price also nets you a lot of nice features, such as smartphone integration, digital key services, faux leather seats, navigation, and fast-charging USB ports. Every Lexus UX Hybrid is also optimized with several advanced driver’s aids like forward-collision warning, lane departure alert with steering adjustment, adaptive cruise control, and road sign detection.

Here’s what the 2024 Lexus UX Hybrid fails to deliver

Despite having an electrified powertrain, the UX Hybrid is slower than you’d expect. This car needs 8.6 seconds to reach 60 mph. MotorTrend also called attention to the UX Hybrid’s subpar acceleration along with its intrusive engine noises. An all-electric powertrain would likely eliminate those grievances entirely, but Lexus doesn’t sell the electric UX in North American markets. 

The Lexus UX Hybrid has room for five passengers, but only two of them might be truly comfortable. The rear seat only has 33 inches of legroom and 36 inches of headroom. With just over 17 cubic feet of cargo area behind those seats, this hybrid’s cargo capacity is pitiful even by segment standards. 

MotorTrend was critical of the F Sport Handling trim, which is equipped with both a sport-tuned suspension and a special sport steering wheel. While it feels quicker to drive compared to regular 250h, this model’s sport suspension is still too plush to provide much feedback. Tester drivers were also unimpressed by the Active Sound Control feature, which produces an artificial engine note to hype up the UX Hybrid’s reserved powertrain. 

The 2024 Lexus UX Hybrid gets a lot of things right

While the 2024 Lexus UX Hyrid’s tour-worthy suspension isn’t athletic enough, there’s no denying that it makes the ride quality silky smooth. Paired with good brakes and swift turning abilities, this SUV should make your commute just a little more exciting. All of the available seating options are supportive and cozy, especially the sport options with extra bolstering. 

Additionally, drivers will appreciate that the Lexus UX Hybrid is a Top Safety Pick+ winner. It received Good ratings in every crashworthiness test and Superior scores for each of its advanced safety functions. 

The Sport models might not have the best performance chops, but they certainly look the part inside and out. Despite all of its standard features, Lexus still only charges $44,120 for the Sport Handling trim. Taking this automaker’s reputation for reliability and the UX Hybrid’s impressive efficiency into consideration, the UX Hybrid definitely provides plenty of satisfaction at its price point.