What Is the Cheapest Lexus?
The Lexus UX250h is the cheapest Lexus, and it’s got a hybrid powertrain. Here’s what you need to know about buying a Lexus.
Written by Bonnie Stinson
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
Lexus means luxury, but you don’t have to pay top dollar to own a car from the Lexus family. Meet the cheapest Lexus, the UX250h. For less than $36,000, it could be yours!
Hybrid cars are hugely popular nowadays due to their fuel efficiency and ecofriendliness. Lexus has been a bit late to the game on this front, but the manufacturer is making up for lost time with the new UX250h. This is a hybrid powertrain version of the 2022 UX 200.
If you want to own a luxury car without dropping a ton of cash, keep reading. Here’s what you need to know about affording the cheapest Lexus—plus a few alternatives if you decide you’d rather save your money.
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The UX is the cheapest Lexus you can buy
As of 2023, the Lexus offers their cheapest car, the UX, as a hybrid model only. It’s now called the UX250h. As a leading brand in luxury, the Lexus UX250h has a base MSRP of $35,925.
Well-suited for commuters who want a luxury crossover, the 2023 UX250h has excellent fuel economy due to its hybrid powertrain. Note that as of 2023, Lexus no longer makes the UX200, the former gas-powered low-cost Lexus.
In addition to the switch to hybrid-only models, the 2023 Lexus UX250h gets some upgrades to the infotainment center interface and improved safety technology. The 2023 UX has a 2.0L four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, delivering a total power output of 181 horsepower.
Here are the starting price tags for several trim levels on the Lexus UX:
- UX 250h (base): $35,925
- UX 250h Premium: $38,385
- UX 250h F Sport Design: $38,385
- UX 250h F Sport Handling: $43,355
How much cheaper is the Lexus UX?
Lexus offers a number of additional models that rapidly escalate the level of luxury—and the price tag. Below are starting prices for Lexus’s other 2023 models:
- 2023 NX: $39,755
- 2023 Plug-In Hybrid EV: $57,705
- 2023 RX: $48,500
- 2023 ES Hybrid: $43,690
- 2023 LS: $77,535
- 2023 LC Hybrid: $100,600
As you can see, the Lexus NX comes pretty close to the Lexus UX with regard to affordability. The NX uses a gas-fueled powertrain and provides more cargo space and legroom, so it’s up to you to decide which is more important.
How to find an affordable Lexus
Expect the luxury details of a Lexus to drive prices up with any model, but you can also try these tips to keep your costs lower:
- Stick to the base model. The Lexus UX 250h Premium has some nice upgrades but they’re mainly aesthetic. However, you’ll pay a $3,000 difference in price.
- Avoid unnecessary upgrades. You could upgrade the infotainment center to a larger size—or you could keep your eyes on the road instead. Stay strong and resist adding unnecessary features, and you’ll save a ton of money (plus you’ll save on insurance costs, too!)
- Go used. Love the Lexus UX but looking for a gas powertrain? A 2019 or 2020 Lexus UX 200 can give you what you're looking for. The fair market value puts those cars at around $30,000, and you’ll retain a good chunk of change!
- Look for dealer incentives. Lexus will be excited to get you behind the wheel of one of their vehicles. Use that to your advantage and cash in on deals and special financing options.
The best Lexus UX competitors you can buy for under $40,000
Lexus’ cheapest offering is the Lexus UX. However, there are other cars that fit the bill of luxury subcompact crossovers. Here are the models are worth checking out:
- Volvo XC40: The Volvo XC40 now runs on a mild-hybrid engine and starts at $36,350. With a mild hybrid engine, the Volvo XC40 cannot compete with the Lexus UX in terms of fuel economy. However, this Volvo gives you more power behind the wheel with 194 horsepower.
- Mercedes-Benz GLA: A small and luxurious crossover, the Mercedes-Benz GLA starts with a base MSRP of $37,500. With a powerful gas engine, this car packs a punch while keeping the price relatively low for a Benz. If you are looking for a gas-powered version of the Lexus UX, this model might be a good substitute
- Audi Q3: With comfortable leather seats and a high-quality interior, the Audi Q3 comes in at a base price of $36,800. This car is somewhat comparable to the Lexus UX, although the Audi Q3 comes with shiftable automatic paddles if that’s something that gives you a thrill.
- Cadillac XT4: Billed as an entry point to owning a Cadillac, the Cadillac XT4 has a base MSRP of $36,295. This car looks sleek on the outside, but the Lexus UX will give you better handling on the road. However, the Cadillac XT4 grants you some additional interior space which is something many have complained about in the Lexus UX.
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