The Lexus UX 300e, the brand’s first electric vehicle (EV) in Australia, is no longer the sole electric model in its lineup, yet it remains significant to the offering.
At the beginning of last year, an upgraded battery pack was introduced, enhancing its driving range, while other features have largely remained the same since its debut in 2021. This stability is generally seen as a positive aspect.
The update has positioned the UX 300e more competitively within the expanding electric SUV market, and it continues to offer a quiet and comfortable ride.
However, unlike some rivals that have recently reduced prices, Lexus has kept its pricing steady for the UX 300e since the battery upgrade.
With a starting price of around $80,000, it faces tough competition from popular models like Tesla’s Model Y and certain configurations of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6.
In this review, we focus on the 2024 Lexus UX 300e Luxury, which is the second most expensive variant in the UX lineup. Although it lacks some features found in the higher-end Sports Luxury trim, it shares the same powertrain and motor specifications.
Is this model still a viable choice for prospective EV buyers, or should you consider alternatives?
How does the Lexus UX compare?
View a detailed breakdown of the Lexus UX against similarly sized vehicles.
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How much does the Lexus UX cost?
Among the two electric UX models, the more affordable one is priced competitively, sitting just above $80,000 before additional on-road expenses.
This pricing aligns it with the Tesla Model Y Performance ($82,900) and the Ioniq 5 RWD Dynamiq ($80,800), among others.
| Model | Price before on-road costs |
|---|---|
| 2024 Lexus UX 300h 2WD Luxury | $55,370 |
| 2024 Lexus UX 300h 2WD Luxury + Enhancement Pack | $57,420 |
| 2024 Lexus UX 300h 2WD Sports Luxury | $62,320 |
| 2024 Lexus UX 300h 2WD Sports Luxury + Enhancement Pack | $65,820 |
| 2024 Lexus UX 300h 2WD F Sport | $63,110 |
| 2024 Lexus UX 300h 2WD F Sport + Enhancement Pack 1 | $65,610 |
| 2024 Lexus UX 300h 2WD F Sport + Enhancement Pack 2 | $68,710 |
| 2024 Lexus UX 300h AWD Sports Luxury | $70,520 |
| 2024 Lexus UX 300h AWD F Sport | $73,210 |
| 2024 Lexus UX 300e Luxury | $80,720 |
| 2024 Lexus UX 300e Sports Luxury | $88,190 |
To see how the Lexus UX compares with its competitors, make use of our comparison tool.
What is the Lexus UX like on the inside?
Priced under $100,000, the 2024 Lexus UX offers a level of luxury that feels just right without being overly extravagant.
The standout feature is its familiarity with the traditional car setup, a refreshing change compared to many other EVs. Although it is equipped with an electric powertrain, it retains the essence of a Lexus UX. This design choice contributes to its appeal.
The UX 300e boasts a range of buttons for essential functions, a physical climate control panel, a steering wheel loaded with intuitive controls, and a well-designed instrument panel featuring traditional dials and readouts—an exciting prospect for many drivers.
To many, this clarity translates into an enjoyable user experience. While those who prefer minimalistic designs might find it overwhelming, those who appreciate a more tactile interface will feel right at home.
Upon entering, setting up a comfortable seating position is straightforward, aided by electrically adjustable seats and steering wheel. Moreover, drivers aiming for a sportier feel can benefit from lowering the seat slightly.
The interior reflects high-quality finishes, with pleasant materials used throughout. The seats are upholstered in a soft synthetic leather that Lexus has recently favored.
These seats are equipped with heating, ventilation, and powered lumbar support, while the leather-wrapped steering wheel also features heating and offers a comfortable grip.
Soft leather is used on the dashboard and center armrest, adding a luxurious touch, while a textured material provides visual variation. Overall, the cabin design presents a consistent aesthetic, accentuated by dark grey metallic trim elements, such as the Lexus emblem on the steering wheel.
Additionally, the vehicle is fitted with a remarkable Mark Levinson audio system that enhances the driving experience.
The cockpit is tailored with a driver-centric orientation, subtly reminiscent of a premium sports car, while still maintaining some resemblance to the original Toyota C-HR.
This thoughtful arrangement enhances the driver’s experience, making controls for infotainment and climate functions conveniently accessible, though some may need to lean forward for the far end of the screen.
The infotainment setup features a 10.3-inch touchscreen display, which is sharp, responsive, and easy to navigate during our time with the vehicle. A dial manages power and volume, with all other functions accessed through the screen or steering wheel buttons.
The absence of dedicated buttons may seem cumbersome, yet the clear icons simplify the process of navigating through menus. Wireless Apple CarPlay is included, further enhancing the user-friendliness of the system without any reported issues.
For phone charging options, the car offers two USB-C ports under the climate control panel, a wireless charger, and additional USB-C and 12-volt outlets located within the center console compartment.
Behind the steering wheel, a 7.0-inch driver information screen takes a unique approach. Instead of traditional gauges, it presents an electric power gauge along with other useful data, easily cycled through using the steering wheel buttons.
Though it may appear somewhat basic compared to more modern standards, it serves its purpose well. However, some may find the floating icons for functions like headlights and parking brake somewhat odd, as they appear disconnected from the main display.
Despite the spacious root around the instrument cluster, there’s a sense of intentionality in the layout of icons, avoiding clutter alongside a refined presentation.
Storage solutions in the front are functional, featuring two cupholders situated behind the wireless charging cubby, a sizeable center console storage area, bottle holders within the doors, and a standard glovebox.
Overall, nothing about the storage is overly compact or extraordinarily spacious, ensuring practical use. Thankfully, the center console is designed to be low-maintenance while minimizing fingerprints with its textured surfaces.
The quality of construction feels solid throughout, with well-constructed buttons, a satisfying gear selector action, and no noticeable interior rattling.
The back seat of the UX 300e reveals some challenges. The narrow door opening and limited rear door angle make entry a struggle for passengers and cargo alike.
Once inside, headroom is adequate, and even at 5’8”, I fit comfortably behind my own driving position. However, toe room is limited, especially if the front seats are situated lower for a sportier feel.
Meanwhile, legroom is confined, though the fold-down center armrest offers cupholders, and rear air vents and charging ports for added convenience. The luxurious materials from the front continue into the back, making the rear seats reasonably comfortable for extended journeys.
Similar constraints apply to the boot space, which measures 314 litres, making it smaller than that of competitors like the Hyundai Kona Electric (407 litres)—a traditional petrol model converted to an EV.
The sloping roofline reduces vertical space, though there is ample room lengthwise for storing groceries. However, narrow dimensions may restrict the fit for longer items unless the back seats are folded down. Lifting the boot floor reveals no additional space, as it holds the standard tyre repair kit.
A noteworthy benefit is access to Lexus’ Encore Platinum Electrified program, including fast charging options, a dedicated home charger install, and two complimentary charging cables. This allows for convenient overnight charging using a standard home power outlet.
Interestingly, the powered tailgate sometimes closes unexpectedly as one accesses the boot for storing charging cables, though it can be manually stopped before closing.
| Dimensions | Lexus UX 300e |
|---|---|
| Length | 4495mm |
| Width | 1840mm |
| Height | 1545mm |
| Wheelbase | 2640mm |
| Cargo capacity | 314 litres |
To see how the Lexus UX stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool.
What’s under the bonnet?
The UX 300e replaces the hybrid system available in other UX models with a single-motor electric configuration, now powered by a significantly larger battery that enhances its claimed driving range by 135 km.
| Specifications | Lexus UX 300e |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain | Single-motor electric |
| Battery | 72.82kWh lithium-ion |
| Power | 150kW |
| Torque | 300Nm |
| Driven wheels | Front-wheel drive |
| Weight | 1840kg (kerb) |
| Power consumption (claimed) | 16.9kWh/100km |
| Power consumption (as tested) | 19.2kWh/100km |
| Claimed range | 440km (WLTP) |
| Max AC charge rate | 6.6kW |
| Max DC charge rate | 50kW |
To see how the Lexus UX stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool.
How does the Lexus UX drive?
The UX 300e presents an ideal choice for those seeking a smooth and quiet driving experience in an EV.
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UX 300e Luxury
Upon pressing the button to start the vehicle, you might instinctively expect a combustion engine to roar to life. Instead, the environment remains silent, and the vehicle is ready to drive immediately.
Engaging the gear selector into drive allows for a smooth start, immediately enveloped in serenity with just a slight electric whir as the car accelerates.
Acceleration is brisk, with surprising torque delivery that defies its seemingly modest performance specs, achieving 100km/h in approximately seven to eight seconds. While the UX 300e feels effortlessly fast, aggressive driving can reveal minor issues within the drivetrain.
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UX 300e Sports Luxury
Offering front-wheel drive, the UX 300e delivers an abundance of torque that can lead to traction loss during aggressive acceleration, potentially leading to torque steer.
Incorporating a dual-motor all-wheel drive system would enhance the driving experience by providing extra traction and potentially increasing power output.
Opting for Eco mode via a dial reduces power delivery, which is beneficial for city driving. Although noticeable, this reduced output is manageably effective for urban commuting, allowing some energy savings.
Interestingly, our testing revealed an average consumption of 19.2kWh/100km—significantly above Lexus’ claimed efficiency figures, rarely dipping below 20kWh/100km outside of city driving conditions.
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UX 300e Luxury
Our driving experience involved mainly highway travel, a known limitation for EVs compared to traditional vehicles. This circumstance impacted the overall efficiency performance of the UX 300e, highlighting the battery’s potential shortcomings.
In its battery capacity upgrade from 54.4kWh to nearly 73kWh in 2023, the UX 300e now claims a range of 440km. However, when compared to other EVs in its price range—such as the Tesla Model Y Performance, which offers over 500km and faster speeds—it feels like it’s lagging in capability.
If I were to invest over $80,000 in an EV from a traditionally reputable brand like Lexus, I would expect a range capable of matching or surpassing the Model Y.
Charging the UX 300e is conveniently done at home using the provided wall-socket cables. While slower than rapid options, this method ensures the vehicle is fully charged overnight, ready for the next day.
A daily drive of 120km on highways would deplete just over half of the battery charge, meaning a 12-hour overnight charge would restore it to full efficiency. Fast charging options are available, but more appealing is the ease of simply plugging it in at home and forgetting about it.
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UX 300e Luxury
Interestingly, the UX features two types of charger connectors: a standard Type 2 AC port and an older CHAdeMO connector for DC fast charging. However, as CCS becomes the preferred standard in Australia, the availability of CHAdeMO stations may diminish over time.
Nonetheless, the current infrastructure allows access to these chargers, making it a non-issue for the UX 300e drivers, but suitable planning for longer trips is essential.
On public DC fast chargers, it can charge at a rate of up to 50kW, making it slower compared to some rivals with larger capacities.
Despite some charging quirks, the UX 300e excels in creating an enjoyable driving experience. Lexus’ efforts to enhance ride quality and road handling stand out against many contemporary EVs.
With silent operation, the vehicle minimizes wind and road noise, making long drives comfortable and pleasant.
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UX 300e Luxury
For highway driving, the UX includes adaptive cruise control with reliable lane-keeping assistance that maintains its position effortlessly. It handles tight bends smoothly, proving adept around freeway ramps.
The intuitive interface allows for convenient adjustment of these systems directly from the steering wheel in a user-friendly manner.
On country roads, the vehicle navigates bumps and rugged patches comfortably, delivering adequate power for safe overtaking when needed.
Even at nearly two tonnes, the UX 300e feels stable during turns, offering confidence without the expected weightiness associated with larger vehicles.
Despite this stable sensation, there are two notable tendencies during highway driving. First, a dashboard notification and sound will alert you that regenerative braking is limited when the battery is above a certain charge level.
This alert appears when driving over 50 km/h and persists until the vehicle stops. Although it can be dismissed, it often reappears shortly after.
Secondly, when approaching speed cameras, a loud dual beep alerts drivers, which may catch you off-guard. However, through the infotainment system, users can adjust these settings.
Aside from these quirks, the UX 300e manages regenerative braking effectively. With the “B” mode selected on the gear lever, you can control the braking intensity entirely.
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2022 Lexus UX 300e
Utilizing paddles behind the steering wheel allows you to adjust regenerative braking levels for optimal control when navigating through traffic or descending steep terrain, regaining a little electric power while doing so.
Driving and parking in urban environments is straightforward thanks to a comprehensive array of sensors, which suits the UX 300e’s natural tendencies.
While the Sports Luxury variant offers a surround-view camera, the Luxury model lacks this feature, which could enhance its convenience.
Overall, the UX 300e presents a robust package. However, the addition of all-wheel drive would significantly enhance its driving capabilities to match its premium price point.
What do you get?
Two grades of the UX 300e are offered, with our test vehicle being the more economical of the two. It forgoes certain luxuries like 18-inch alloy wheels, a sunroof, head-up display, and surround-view cameras.
Notable features of the Lexus UX 300e Luxury include:
- 12.3-inch infotainment system
- Wireless Apple CarPlay
- Wired Android Auto
- DAB+ digital radio
- Satellite navigation
- Wireless phone charging
- 7.0-inch driver information screen
- LED headlights and fog lights
- Keyless entry and start
- Hands-free power tailgate
- Rear privacy glass
- Power-adjustable steering column
- Eight-way power front seats
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- Heated outboard rear seats
- Heated steering wheel
- 13-speaker Mark Levinson sound system
- Power-folding, heated exterior mirrors
- Advanced safety features including AEB with pedestrian/cyclist detection
- Adaptive cruise control with stop/go functionality
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Lane Trace Assist
- Traffic sign recognition
- Rear cross-traffic assist
- Automatic high-beam functionality
- Front and rear parking sensors
- 17-inch alloy wheels
- Choice between Black or Rich Cream interior trims
Is the Lexus UX safe?
The UX 300e enjoys a five-star ANCAP safety rating, based on evaluations conducted by Euro NCAP in 2019.
