How much horsepower does the 2024 Lexus UX 250h have?
The 2024 Lexus UX 250h delivers a combined 181 horsepower from its hybrid drivetrain.
Built around a 2.0-liter gasoline engine paired with an electric motor, the UX 250h’s total output combines power from both sources to drive the front wheels (and rear wheels in the AWD version) through a smooth electronic CVT. Lexus officially lists the system as 181 hp (135 kW), a figure that reflects the car’s emphasis on efficient, city-friendly performance rather than straight-line speed.
Powertrain overview
The UX 250h uses a hybrid setup that blends a gasoline engine with an electric motor to produce a combined output of 181 horsepower. The engine is a 2.0-liter inline-4 configured for Atkinson-cycle operation to maximize efficiency, while the electric motor provides torque at low speeds and helps fill in power during acceleration. The system is paired with an electronic continuously variable transmission (eCVT) for seamless power delivery. All-wheel drive is available in the AWD (E-Four) version, which adds a rear electric motor to boost traction, especially in slippery conditions.
With this arrangement, the UX 250h aims to offer calm, confident city driving with reasonable highway capability, prioritizing smoothness and efficiency over outright performance. The hybrid setup contributes to brisk real-world acceleration for a compact crossover while maintaining respectable fuel economy for daily use.
Powertrain details
Below are the core components and considerations of the UX 250h’s hybrid system.
- Combined output: 181 horsepower (135 kW)
- Gasoline engine: 2.0-liter inline-4 (Atkinson-cycle)
- Electric motor: provides supplemental torque and assists the engine
- Transmission: electronic CVT (continuously variable)
- Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive standard; AWD (E-Four) available for enhanced traction
In everyday use, the hybrid system prioritizes smooth response at urban speeds, with the electric motor helping to reduce throttle lag and improve low-speed efficiency. The AWD version augments grip by distributing power to the rear wheels when needed, enhancing stability in adverse conditions without sacrificing efficiency in normal driving.
Performance and drive feel
While the UX 250h isn’t marketed as a performance SUV, its hybrid system delivers sufficient acceleration for city and highway merging, with the electric motor providing immediate torque at lower RPMs. The overall character is quiet, refined, and efficient, aligning with Lexus’ focus on comfort and ease of use in daily commuting and light-duty travel.
Efficiency and real-world usage
Owners typically experience strong urban efficiency thanks to the hybrid powertrain, with fuel economy that competes well in the compact crossover segment. The system’s ability to run on electric power at light throttle and to seamlessly blend propulsion from the gasoline engine helps the UX 250h achieve a favorable balance of performance and efficiency for daily driving.
Note: Exact fuel economy numbers can vary by drivetrain configuration and driving conditions. The AWD version, which adds a rear electric motor for improved traction, can have slightly different efficiency characteristics compared with the standard FWD model.
Summary
The 2024 Lexus UX 250h packs a combined 181 horsepower from its hybrid system, pairing a 2.0-liter gasoline engine with an electric motor and an eCVT. Standard front-wheel drive with an optional AWD (E-Four) configuration provides a practical blend of smooth, quiet acceleration and efficiency for daily commuting and city driving, while the rear motor in AWD helps with traction when needed.
