Lexus has upped the badge number on its compact SUV as the vehicle moves to a newer powertrain for the 2025 model year.

The 2025 Lexus UX 300h features Toyota’s fifth-generation self-charging hybrid system with a combined 196 hp.

The vehicle was previously called the UX 250h.

Prices start at $43,605, which doesn’t include freight, PDI, fees and taxes.

What else is new with the vehicle?

The Luxury and F Sport trims now feature a larger digital cluster, measuring 12.3 inches, plus a digital key.

A new shift-by-wire powertrain includes a new shift knob design.

Lexus Interface and Lexus Safety System + 3.0 is standard on all models.

There are also several new colours available.

“The UX Hybrid has built a reputation for urban agility and for 2025, Lexus engineers have boosted performance to enable our compact luxury crossover to bring more power to the streets,” said Martin Gilbert, director of Lexus Canada, in a news release. “We’ve also updated the new UX 300h with our latest bundle of safety technologies and added a new, larger digital instrument cluster to select grades – ensuring this model continues to deliver a refined, urban experience that’s a perfect partner for our guests’ active lifestyles.”

More on the powertrain

The updated UX comes with the same powertrain that can be found in the latest Toyota Prius, which won 2024 Canadian Car of the Year and 2024 North American Car of the Year.

The hybrid system features an inline four-cylinder gas engine with two motor-generators mated to an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission, and a compact lithium-ion battery pack. The previous UX had a nickel-metal hydride battery.

Power is upped by 15 hp over the previous generation.

Shift-by-wire technology eliminates mechanical connections, which creates quicker and more seamless shifting.

All variants include all-wheel drive.

The following are the starting manufacturer’s suggested retail prices (excluding freight, PDI, fees and taxes) for each UX 300h trim:

• Premium – $43,605
• Luxury – $49,069
• F Sport Design – $44,675
• F Sport 2 – $51,344