{"id":32045,"date":"2024-01-15T17:11:16","date_gmt":"2024-01-15T21:11:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/?p=32045"},"modified":"2024-01-15T17:12:21","modified_gmt":"2024-01-15T21:12:21","slug":"payne-efficient-lexus-ux-250h-dresses-up","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/2024\/01\/payne-efficient-lexus-ux-250h-dresses-up","title":{"rendered":"Payne: Efficient Lexus UX 250h dresses up"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><em>Oakland County<\/em>\u00a0\u2014 The auto industry\u2019s emerging electric car segment begs the question: how do you differentiate brands if everything sounds like a quiet, electric motor-driven Tesla? Porsche\u2019s answer is Porsche-like handling. The Mustang Mach-E pipes in an artificial growl. Dodge says its Daytona Banshee\u2019s electronic Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust will roar like, well, a banshee.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Actually, luxury automakers have been struggling with this issue for a while. As electronics democratize auto tech and nanny mpg laws forced drivetrains to downsize to 4-cylinders and CVT transmissions, premium brands have had to hone their brand identities.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Take the Lexus UX 250h F Sport sitting in my driveway. You can see it from space.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.detroitnews.com\/gcdn\/authoring\/authoring-images\/2024\/01\/09\/PDTN\/72158481007-lexus-ux-250-h-fr-34-door.jpg?width=990&amp;height=558&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp\" width=\"589\" height=\"332\" \/><\/p>\n<p><em>With big grille, lots of body cuts, and flashy wheels, the 2023 Lexus UX 250h stands out. Henry Payne, The Detroit News<\/em><\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Lexus\u2019s entry-level ute wears a wild wardrobe that would make Gene Simmons proud. Yuuuuge front grille. Angular peepers with L-shaped eyebrow running lights. L-shaped gills. Dramatic swept flanks that look like the sheet metal was shaped by desert winds. Narrow greenhouse that finishes with three-dimensional taillights arching across the rear.<\/p>\n<aside class=\"gnt_m gnt_x gnt_x__lbl gnt_x__al\" aria-label=\"advertisement\">\n<div id=\"ad-slot-7103-mi-detroit-C1561-native-article_link-money-autos-2\" class=\"gnt_x_sl gnt_x_al\" data-g-r=\"lazy\" data-gl-method=\"llx\"><\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">It\u2019s polarizing. Outrageous. A design statement. At $47,930, my hybrid F Sport Handling tester added a moonroof, power-folding mirrors and a kick-open rear hatch. This is a brand you won\u2019t confuse with any other.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Open the front doors and the drama continues. The front seats wrap me in red leather. A Cyclops-eye instrument gauge slides back and forth, depending on how you like your drive data displayed. Drive modes are selected using one of the devil\u2019s horns that sprout from the instrument hoodie. Tweak the horn to SPORT or SPORT PLUS and the instrument gauge glows (appropriately) red.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"gnt_em gnt_em_img\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.detroitnews.com\/gcdn\/authoring\/authoring-images\/2024\/01\/09\/PDTN\/72158483007-lexus-ux-250-h-intwide.jpg?width=660&amp;height=372&amp;fit=crop&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp\" alt=\"The 2023 Lexus UX 250h offers lush, red leather seats.\" width=\"529\" height=\"298\" \/><\/figure>\n<div class=\"gnt_em_img_ccw gnt_em_img_ccw__cap gnt_em_img_ccw__crd\" data-c-caption=\"The 2023 Lexus UX 250h offers lush, red leather seats.\" data-c-credit=\"Henry Payne, The Detroit News\">\n<p><em>The 2023 Lexus UX 250h offers lush, red leather seats. Henry Payne, The Detroit News<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Loud mouth. Red leather. Hoodie. Devil\u2019s horns. Oh, this bad boy wants to misbehave. Grab the shifter, yank it into DRIVE and the Lexus\u2019s bark &#8230; is worse than its bite.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Stomp the throttle and the 181-horsepower engine drones. Never mind that similarly priced luxury competitors like the Audi Q3 and BMW X2 boast much more powerful turbo-4s \u2014 the Lexus will be eaten for lunch by mainstream brands like the 250-horse Mazda CX-30 or 210-horse Kia Soul Turbo.<\/p>\n<aside class=\"gnt_m gnt_x gnt_x__lbl gnt_x__al\" aria-label=\"advertisement\">\n<div id=\"ad-slot-7103-mi-detroit-C1561-native-article_link-money-autos-3\" class=\"gnt_x_sl gnt_x_al\" data-g-r=\"lazy\" data-gl-method=\"llx\" data-x-c=\"2\"><\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">The latter pair cost less than 35 grand while also offering all-wheel drive and distinctive styling.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Indeed, for a grand less than my 250h tester, you could buy my coveted all-wheel-drive hot hatch VW Golf R with 315 horsepower, digital tech, two more inches of rear legroom\/two more cubic feet of cargo space and be the envy of every motorhead on your block. Heck, for the same coin, the BMW X1 has 60 more horsepower, four more inches of rear legroom, and eight more cubic feet of cargo space.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">But they don\u2019t carry Lexus badges.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"gnt_em gnt_em_img\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.detroitnews.com\/gcdn\/authoring\/authoring-images\/2024\/01\/09\/PDTN\/72158491007-lexus-ux-250-h-side.jpg?width=660&amp;height=372&amp;fit=crop&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp\" alt=\"The 2023 Lexus UX 250h offers front or all-wheel-drive with the latter preferred for Michigan winters.\" width=\"504\" height=\"284\" \/><em>The 2023 Lexus UX 250h offers front or all-wheel-drive with the latter preferred for Michigan winters. . Henry Payne, The Detroit News<\/em><\/p>\n<div class=\"gnt_em_img_ccw gnt_em_img_ccw__cap gnt_em_img_ccw__crd\" data-c-caption=\"The 2023 Lexus UX 250h offers front or all-wheel-drive with the latter preferred for Michigan winters.\" data-c-credit=\"Henry Payne, The Detroit News\"><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">The auto industry talks about the Cult of Tesla and its hordes of fans who worship the brand\u2019s pioneering, risk-taking, high-tech EV cars. Never mind the, ahem, quality issues. Lexus owners are no less cultish \u2014 they just prioritize.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Lexus vehicles are bone reliable, winning so many quality trophies that Tokyo HQ long ago ran out of shelf space. That quality is backed by Disney-quality dealer service, which lavishes customers with attention. I\u2019ve met Lexus owners who love their dealer contact more than their dog.<\/p>\n<aside id=\"gnt_atomsnc\" class=\"gnt_em gnt_em_anc\" data-g-r=\"lazy\" data-gl-method=\"loadAnc\" aria-label=\"Newsletter signup form\">\n<div class=\"label\" hidden=\"\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"container\">\n<div class=\"message\">\n<div class=\"title\">Get the\u00a0<span class=\"highlight\">Michigan Politics<\/span>\u00a0newsletter in your inbox.<\/div>\n<p class=\"description\">Washington and Lansing, red and blue, we&#8217;ve got your government covered.<\/p>\n<div class=\"frequency\">Delivery: Daily<\/div>\n<div class=\"container\">\n<div class=\"input-container populated\">\n<p><input autocomplete=\"off\" name=\"email\" required=\"\" type=\"email\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"clickable\"><\/div>\n<p><label>Your Email<\/label><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"bar\">\n<div class=\"highlight\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"progress-primary\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"progress-secondary\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Tesla fans marinate in sex appeal but, um would like a little show of quality every once in a while. Over on the Lexus side of the dance floor, they are at home in the trusty arms of their brand, but, um, would it kill them just to take me out on the dance floor and do the swing?<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Just once?<\/p>\n<figure class=\"gnt_em gnt_em_img\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.detroitnews.com\/gcdn\/authoring\/authoring-images\/2024\/01\/09\/PDTN\/72158485007-lexus-ux-250-h-rrdirtroad.jpg?width=660&amp;height=372&amp;fit=crop&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp\" alt=\"The 2023 Lexus UX 250h isn't quick on the open road, but its AWD system is useful in slippery conditions.\" width=\"493\" height=\"278\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"gnt_em gnt_em_img\"><em>The 2023 Lexus UX 250h isn&#8217;t quick on the open road, but its AWD system is useful in slippery conditions. Henry Payne, The Detroit News<\/em><\/p>\n<div class=\"gnt_em_img_ccw gnt_em_img_ccw__cap gnt_em_img_ccw__crd\" data-c-caption=\"The 2023 Lexus UX 250h isn't quick on the open road, but its AWD system is useful in slippery conditions.\" data-c-credit=\"Henry Payne, The Detroit News\"><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Tesla quality is improving and so is Lexus sex appeal. Beneath the UX 250h\u2019s wardrobe is a good ol\u2019 conservative, reliable appliance.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">While autos like the $35K Chevy Bolt EUV (Super Cruise) and $50K Tesla Model 3 (Autopilot) push cutting-edge driver-assistance features, my Lexus offered adaptive cruise control. Cruising down Telegraph Road toward stopped cars at a traffic light, the Lexus\u2019s average system would only brake hard once it was nearly on top of the traffic. Um, better to intervene.<\/p>\n<aside class=\"gnt_m gnt_x gnt_x__lbl gnt_x__al\" aria-label=\"advertisement\">\n<div id=\"ad-slot-7103-mi-detroit-C1561-native-article_link-money-autos-4\" class=\"gnt_x_sl gnt_x_al\" data-g-r=\"lazy\" data-gl-method=\"llx\" data-x-c=\"3\"><\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">BMW and Cadillac sport superb interior ergonomics like tactile steering-wheel controls that you can locate easily with your thumbs so you never have to take your eyes off the road \u2014 or squint at the controls in the dark. UX\u2019s average control buttons, however, are flat and hard to locate by touch alone.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Lexus steps it up when it comes to infotainment.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Long a laggard in tech like voice command software and Apple CarPlay, Lexus offers an \u201cIntelligent Assistant\u201d system with a native navi system on par with Google Maps. On the way to the airport with Mrs. Payne, I barked our destination \u2014\u00a0<em>Hey Lexus! Navigate to QuikPark, Romeo, Michigan<\/em>\u00a0\u2014 and the system understood my West Virginia accent like we\u2019d grown up together.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Still, Mrs. Payne prefers Apple CarPlay (and Android Auto) so she can play her Spotify music lists and pre-set a destination on her phone in the house (that then translates to Apple CarPlay in the car). It\u2019s a wireless world (except, ironically, for government edicts forcing automakers on the electric car cord), and the Lexus hybrid is in sync.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"gnt_em gnt_em_img\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.detroitnews.com\/gcdn\/authoring\/authoring-images\/2024\/01\/09\/PDTN\/72158478007-lexus-ux-250-h-cockpit.jpg?width=660&amp;height=372&amp;fit=crop&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp\" alt=\"Though not on par with competitors, the ergonomics of the 2023 Lexus UX 250h are much improved over past, mouse-pad operated screens.\" width=\"509\" height=\"287\" \/><\/figure>\n<div class=\"gnt_em_img_ccw gnt_em_img_ccw__cap gnt_em_img_ccw__crd\" data-c-caption=\"Though not on par with competitors, the ergonomics of the 2023 Lexus UX 250h are much improved over past, mouse-pad operated screens.\" data-c-credit=\"Henry Payne, The Detroit News\">\n<p><em>Though not on par with competitors, the ergonomics of the 2023 Lexus UX 250h are much improved over past, mouse-pad operated screens. Henry Payne, The Detroit News<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">As the car rotated onto Telegraph, my wife instantly grabbed for the ceiling handle to brace herself. But the Lexus is no Mazda CX-30 Turbo, so I took the corner at a moderate pace.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">The F Sport trim offers paddle shifters, but I never touched them. Indeed, the AWD system is hardly necessary for burning rubber out of stoplights \u2014 Lexus clocked an 8.4 second run from 0-60 mph \u2014 but owners will find it useful in Michigan snow. Indeed, the most interesting drivetrain feature was to gauge how long I could maintain electric power at low speeds before the gas engine kicked in.<\/p>\n<aside class=\"gnt_m gnt_x gnt_x__lbl gnt_x__al\" aria-label=\"advertisement\">\n<div id=\"ad-slot-7103-mi-detroit-C1561-native-article_link-money-autos-5\" class=\"gnt_x_sl gnt_x_al\" data-g-r=\"lazy\" data-gl-method=\"llx\" data-x-c=\"4\"><\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">True to the commoditization of vehicles today, the UX 250h has the same CVT automatic transmission found in a Toyota Corolla Cross. But unlike the UX Darth Vader-mobile dressed in red leather, Gene Simmons would never give the Toyota a second look.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Next week:<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"gnt_ar_b_h2\">2023 Lexus UX 250h<\/h2>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Vehicle type: Front engine, front- and all-wheel-drive, five-passenger hybrid SUV<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Price: $36,490, including $1,150 destination fee ($47,930 F Sport as tested)<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Powerplant: 2.0-liter 4-cylinder mated to twin electric motors (as tested)<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Power: 181 horsepower<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Transmission: Continuously variable transmission<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Performance: 0-60 mph, 8.4 seconds (mfr.); top speed, 110 mph<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Weight: 3,604 pounds<\/p>\n<aside class=\"gnt_m gnt_x gnt_x__lbl gnt_x__al\" aria-label=\"advertisement\">\n<div id=\"ad-slot-7103-mi-detroit-C1561-native-article_link-money-autos-6\" class=\"gnt_x_sl gnt_x_al\" data-g-r=\"lazy\" data-gl-method=\"llx\" data-x-c=\"5\"><\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Fuel economy: EPA est. mpg 41 city\/38 highway\/39 combined (AWD as tested)<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong>Report card<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Highs: Much improved interior displays; lots of personality<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Lows: Tight rear seat; personality ends when you press the pedal<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Overall: 3 stars<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><em>Henry Payne is auto critic for The Detroit News. Find him at hpayne@detroitnews.com or @HenryEPayne.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Oakland County\u00a0\u2014 The auto industry\u2019s emerging electric car segment begs the question: how do you differentiate brands if everything sounds like a quiet, electric motor-driven Tesla? Porsche\u2019s answer is Porsche-like handling. The Mustang Mach-E pipes in an artificial growl. Dodge says its Daytona Banshee\u2019s electronic Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust will roar like, well, a banshee. Actually, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[7,87],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/32045"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=32045"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/32045\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":32048,"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/32045\/revisions\/32048"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=32045"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=32045"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=32045"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}