Lexus UX 300h 2026: Key Facts from the Official Announcement

The article outlines the 2026 Lexus UX 300h updates confirmed in the official Lexus release, covering hybrid specs, design changes and safety features for informed readers.

The 2026 Lexus UX 300h arrives with the same major hybrid-system upgrade introduced in 2025, carrying forward the fifth-generation powertrain while adding several focused refinements to design and equipment. As the market shifts toward smaller urban vehicles, the model subtly creates the impression that Lexus has grown small—both literally, as the brand’s most compact crossover, and figuratively, echoing a sentiment that Lexus feels different from the era of its larger, imposing models.

The UX 300h continues to use a 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine paired with two motor-generators, producing a total of 196 horsepower in U.S. specification. The lightweight lithium-ion battery and redesigned transaxle, which debuted in 2025, carry over unchanged, contributing to responsive acceleration and improved overall performance.

Lexus positions the UX 300h as the only UX variant in the U.S. market, reinforcing the company’s direction toward lower emissions. The combination of efficiency and agility is expected to maintain the model’s relevance amid the expanding field of compact hybrid crossovers.

Exterior changes for 2026 remain subtle but noticeable. A new Ultra White paint option has been added, wheel choices expanded, and F SPORT variants receive revised color combinations. The signature spindle grille and aerodynamic elements—including the 120-segment rear Blade Lights—shape a distinctive profile while enhancing stability.

Inside, the cabin focuses on comfort and usability. Premium and F SPORT models now come with a 12.3-inch multi-information display, while the Base trim features a 7-inch unit. Updated door-panel layouts, improved materials, and reorganized interface elements reflect a more intuitive, modern approach.

Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 is now standard and introduces several additions. New features such as Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist and Left Turn Oncoming Vehicle Detection/Braking provide enhanced support during critical maneuvers. Complementary systems include Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Tracing Assist, Road Sign Assist, and Proactive Driving Assist.

European sources report that the UX 300h for their market produces 199 DIN horsepower and uses the same updated hybrid architecture. In Germany, the model already appears in pre-sale listings, and ADAC lists fuel consumption of 5.0 L/100 km for the related version. However, precise pricing and confirmed launch dates for the 2026 model year have not yet been disclosed.

In the United States, pricing has been announced: the lineup starts at $38,250 including DPH, while the AWD F SPORT Handling model reaches $48,240. Sales are scheduled to begin in late 2025.

Although the UX 300h exemplifies the brand’s technological direction, its compact dimensions and the broader move toward smaller, more efficient vehicles reinforce the impression that Lexus feels smaller now—both in size and in character—an evolution that aligns closely with current market dynamics.