• by Tanya Gazdik , Staff Writer, Yesterday

My neighbors are pretty accustomed to seeing different vehicles parked in my driveway.

I know my car du jour is particularly noteworthy when even the non-gearheads ask me questions. 

“I really like the color of this one,” said my neighbor. “Lexus calls it Copper Crest. It’s a new color,” I replied. 

It is a stunning shade of orange, the perfect color to capture the vibe of fall in Michigan with the turning color of the leaves. 

The same neighbor was pleasantly surprised by the price: the base is $44,805. As equipped, the version I drove was $48,795, which included a $900 head-up display, $425 for illuminated door sills and $595 for premium paint, with another $350 for bi-tone paint.

For a luxury car that truly feels luxurious, that is not a bad price. For the 196 horsepower that the 2.0L 4-Cylinder hybrid engine provides along with a 43 combined city/highway mpg, it’s even better. It’s the first Lexus vehicle powered by a fifth-generation hybrid system.

Only offered with a hybrid powertrain in the U.S., the 2025 UX 300h supports Lexus’ work towards the realization of a carbon-neutral society. 

The premium metallic paint is truly worth the money. It’s stunning and picks up every last ray of sunlight. The F Sport trim also includes features like color-keyed over fender and gloss black trims.

The target customer is “urban dwellers and eco-conscious buyers who seek a premium, city-friendly subcompact crossover that prioritizes fuel efficiency, maneuverability, and luxury brand ownership experience over maximum passenger or cargo space.” 

They should also be comfortable with a little extra attention, because this vehicle is likely to bring it.