2022 Lexus UX 250h Luxury - Review by Mark Fulmer
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When Size Matters Not
Mark Fulmer
Executive Producer, Editor
The Auto Channel
Riddle me this: when is a compact car not a compact car? When it is the 2022 Lexus UX 250h Luxury - a compact SUV that is complete with all wheel drive, a hybrid powerplant getting 39 combined mpg, and is endowed with plenty of upscale safety systems.
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The hybrid engine allows for good use of the instant torque from the electric motor for good moves in urban environments like a good, but not great, basketball point guard. Small size and light weight make for a driving experience in the subtle needs of modern day motoring that don't include dragstrips or raceways. For thin little roads and undersized parking lots, you'll enjoy the fact that you get a a 17 foot turning radius. Bad weather and road conditions are held in check by the all wheel drive system.
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The interior is indeed compact, but quite comfy for all of us with less than six feet of length. The fit and finish that is quite Lexus-ian in look and feel bespeaking refinement and elegant simplicity. The lengthy 10.3-inch high-res split-screen multimedia display is both practical and pleasing to the eye.
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Below that screen are two rows of useful buttons for a the various climate controls, top row handles the internal atmosphere, while the lower row is ready to either cool or heat up your lower back and glutes.
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The center console has the touchpad for those with steady and true digits, however beneath that the most used adjustments have a set of dials...
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as well as steering wheel buttons... and to top it off, voice commands as well. We seem to be inching our way to more and more audio control commands and fewer and fewer distractions to make adjustments... although I'm seeing more and more drivers messing around with phones while driving.
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Anyway, the rear hatch can be powered up with the wiggle of a tootsie...
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And a reasonable space open up for about four grocery bags and a couple of gallons of milk.
Safety systems are top of the line and include:
PRE-COLLISION SYSTEM WITH PEDESTRIAN DETECTION
ALL-SPEED DYNAMIC RADAR CRUISE CONTROL
LANE DEPARTURE ALERT WITH STEERING ASSIST
ROAD SIGN ASSIST and more...
With a combined fuel rate at 39 mpg, competitive price, and excellent resale value, the UX 250h just could be the refined compact you are looking for.
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