Which Lexus model is the cheapest?
The entry-level Lexus model is the UX subcompact crossover, with the base UX 200 typically the cheapest option in new-car inventories. The UX 250h hybrid sits higher in price, while other Lexus models start well above both. This article breaks down which model is the least expensive and what that means for buyers.
What makes the UX the entry point
In today's Lexus lineup, the UX sits at the bottom of the price ladder. It’s the smallest crossover the brand offers, designed to be practical and efficient rather than performance-focused. Buyers typically encounter two principal new-vehicle options in this segment: the base gasoline variant and the hybrid, with the hybrid usually carrying a higher sticker price due to its powertrain and efficiency benefits.
Before outlining the specific price tiers, it’s helpful to note that price can vary by market, trim level, and optional packages. The following list highlights the core entry options and how they compare in cost.
- UX 200 (base gasoline): The most affordable Lexus, usually offered in a range of trims such as Standard, Premium, and Luxury, with price starting in the high $30,000s in the United States.
- UX 250h (hybrid): A step up in price due to the hybrid powertrain and added efficiency, typically starting around the low-to-mid $40,000s in the United States.
- Trims and packages: Premium, Premium Plus, and Luxury packages add features (safety tech, comfort upgrades, wheels, etc.) and shift the price upward from the base.
In short, if you want the cheapest way into a Lexus showroom, the UX 200 is your starting point, with the UX 250h offering a more economical blend of efficiency and capability at a higher price.
Prices and regional variations
Prices for the UX and its variants vary by country, due to taxes, import duties, and local incentives. In the United States, the UX 200 remains the entry-level choice, while many buyers opt for the slightly more expensive Premium or Luxury trims that bundle additional equipment. In other regions, the naming and exact price bands may shift, but the UX remains the most affordable path into a Lexus lineup.
Because dealer offers, incentives, and destination charges affect the bottom line, prospective buyers should check local pricing guides and official Lexus configurators for the latest figures in their area.
What to expect in the cheapest Lexus model
The cheapest Lexus—the UX 200—offers practical city-friendly packaging, with front- or all-wheel drive options and a focus on efficiency rather than speed. The standard equipment typically includes a suite of safety features, an ergonomic interior, and updated infotainment, with higher trims adding premium audio, leather, and advanced driver-assistance capabilities. If you’re prioritizing budget, the base variant is your starting point, and upgrading through trims and packages can tailor the experience without leaping into higher models like the NX or RX.
Before exploring the next steps in your purchase journey, consider how much you value fuel economy, technology, and luxury touches when deciding whether to stay with the base UX 200 or step up to the UX 250h or a higher trim level.
Summary
The Lexus UX line represents the brand’s entry point, with the UX 200 typically being the cheapest new Lexus in most markets as of 2025. The UX 250h hybrid, while more efficient, carries a higher starting price. Regional pricing and available packages can shift the final figure, so checking local Lexus configurators and dealer quotes is essential for an exact price. For buyers, the UX provides an affordable doorway into the Lexus experience, with a clear upgrade path through trims and options rather than jumping to mid- or full-size models.
