Powertrain upgrade for SUV

Lexus has given its luxury UX crossover a substantial powertrain upgrade for 2024, introducing new technology, a more powerful hybrid engine and revisions to the interior design.

Since its introduction to New Zealand in 2018, UX has sold more than 1,500 units and was the best-selling Lexus in NZ in 2022 and 2023.

Andrew Davis, Lexus NZ vice-president, says the latest upgrades will cement the UX’s place in the marque’s line-up by offering consumers a sleek and efficient mid-size SUV. 

“We’re excited to continue adding to this customer favourite with the latest upgrades – the new hybrid powertrain is extremely economical and refined, while retaining elevated levels of performance,” he adds.

“The UX brilliantly encapsulates the advancements of Lexus’ original technology within a sharp and brave design. UX appeals to those who love the premium build quality as well as the slightly higher ride height of a crossover but who do not require a large family-sized SUV.”

There are seven variants in the line-up and these include Premium, F Sport and Limited grades, front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), and hybrid and BEV powertrains. 

The increase in hybrid performance comes after a major upgrade to the all-electric UX 300e BEV last year, when it received a larger 72.8kWh battery to extend driving range by more than 40 per cent.

All UX hybrid grades are now rebadged to UX 300h to reflect an 11kW increase in total system output to 146kW. When it comes to carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, FWD variants emit 98g/km and AWD versions 105g/km, under the 3P-WLTP standard.

The 2024 UX 300h hybrid system also adopts fifth-generation Lexus technology, which includes the introduction of a lithium-ion battery, providing 15 per cent greater per-cell output while lowering fuel consumption.

The UX 300h FWD's average combined fuel consumption has dropped to 4.2 litres per 100km, while the UX 300h AWD is down to 4.5l per 100km.