This Lexus proves you don't need to choose between luxury and fuel efficiency

Published Jul 24, 2026, 3:45 PM EDT Tyler is an automotive journalist and content contributor at How-To Geek with over three years of experience covering the automotive industry. His work focuses on delivering clear, well-researched, and engaging content that helps readers better understand the vehicles they drive and the technology behind them. Before entering automotive media, he spent five years as an academic editor, developing a strong foundation in research methodology, factual accuracy, and structured analysis. This background informs his journalistic approach today, ensuring that every article balances technical insight with accessibility for a broad audience. Tyler specializes in automotive journalism, content strategy, and SEO-driven publishing, with a particular interest in performance, reliability, and the cultural role of cars. He approaches automotive writing with a distinct philosophy: vehicles should be engaging and expressive, not merely functional tools. This perspective shapes his coverage and allows readers to connect with cars beyond basic specifications. Luxury SUVs are often associated with high purchase prices and equally expensive running costs. While premium interiors and advanced technology are easy to find, impressive fuel economy usually isn't, especially once you move beyond mainstream options and start exploring the luxury segment. One small Japanese luxury SUV bucks that trend. It combines the upscale cabin and refinement buyers expect from a premium badge with hybrid efficiency that rivals some of the most fuel-efficient mainstream SUVs, making it one of the most affordable luxury vehicles to own over the long run. In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from Lexus and other authoritative sources, including the EPA. The Lexus UX is more efficient than any other luxury SUV in 2026 Powered by a smooth, fuel-sipping setup Credit: Lexus If you're looking for a luxurious crossover, chances are you've already discovered that they come with a lot of added expenses. If you're unwilling to compromise on comfort, there is one crossover that does help you at least keep one cost down. The hybrid Lexus UX is one of the most efficient vehicles on the market, delivering better fuel economy figures than any other luxury crossover you can buy. As efficient as a new Toyota RAV4 Model City Highway Combined FWD 45 MPG 41 MPG 43 MPG AWD 44 MPG 40 MPG 42 MPG In terms of efficiency, you can't do better than the Lexus UX in the luxury segment. Its size is its biggest advantage here, as most other luxury automakers don't make proper hybrids in the subcompact segment. This means that most other options achieve closer to 30 miles per gallon combined. We appreciate that opting for all-wheel drive doesn't take too much of a toll on efficiency, as you'll only really lose a single mile per gallon in most scenarios. It's a fun little urban crawler Base Trim Engine 2L Inline-4 Hybrid Base Trim Transmission CVT Base Trim Drivetrain Front-Wheel Drive Base Trim Horsepower 150 HP @6000 RPM Base Trim Torque 139 lb.-ft. @ 4400 RPM Base Trim Fuel Economy (city/highway/combined) 45/41/43 MPG Base Trim Battery Type Lithium ion (Li-ion) Make Lexus Model UX The UX is a small little crossover that is built to zip around the city, and as such it doesn't need to pack a huge punch. It comes with a humble four-cylinder engine under the hood which pairs with two or three electric motors, depending on whether you go for front- or all-wheel drive. Regardless, though, the setup makes a combined output of 196 horses. A continuously variable transmission is standard on every model. While the UX isn't exceptionally fast up to 60 miles per hour, taking 7.7 seconds, we think most will be satisfied by its acceleration. It is also pretty nimble thanks to its small size, allowing it to handle quite well. Don't mistake it for something particularly sporty, though, as it still prioritizes comfort over excitement in most places. Though, the adaptive dampers you get in the F Sport Handling model do make it feel a little more versatile. The cheapest way to get a Lexus is to get a 2026 UX It is an exceptionally affordable luxury car A big part of the reputation that Lexus has garnered over the years comes down to the fact that they have traditionally undercut the competition. However, with the demand for the brand being so high, prices have jumped on a lot of models. One of the few models that remains significantly cheaper than its competition, despite its hybrid powertrain, is the UX, with it being the most affordable Lexus you can buy in 2026. Thousands cheaper than its German rivals Model Starting MSRP Base $38,850 Premium $42,120 F Sport Design $42,685 F Sport Handling $47,270 Getting a new luxury car for less than $40,000 in 2026 is an extremely difficult feat, with the UX existing in an increasingly small group of affordable luxury options. It starts thousands cheaper than entry-level models from German brands, like the BMW X1 or the Audi Q3, but it feels every bit as luxurious. The main compromise you're making by opting for the UX is to interior space, which we'll dive into in more detail further below. If you're looking for the best value for money, we think that the Premium model is the way to go. It comes standard with all the core features luxury buyers are looking for, so you don't have to tack on tons of optional extras. You get things like heated and ventilated front seats, a panoramic moonroof, ambient interior lighting, and a larger infotainment screen. It might be compact, but the UX is still loaded with luxuries Lexus doesn't skimp on its entry-level model While Lexus doesn't usually offer the same performance that some other luxury options are capable of, the one thing that they always do get right is interior comfort. Such is the case for the UX, with it also actually being one of the more attractively designed models in the brand's current lineup. While some compromises are made in terms of interior space, it still feels like an overall comfortable package loaded with impressive technology. Small but not lacking in class Front row headroom 37.2 inches Front row legroom 42 inches Second row headroom 36.3 inches Second row legroom 33.1 inches Cargo capacity 17.1 cubic feet In our eyes, it's better to think of the UX as a raised hatchback rather than a real SUV. There is a good amount of space up front, though taller buyers might feel like the headroom is a bit lacking. While the back seat isn't quite as uncomfortably small as the dimensions above make it out to be, adults are going to feel a little bit squished, particularly on longer journeys. Cargo space isn't exceptional either, but there is enough room for a couple of suitcases. In terms of design, we think the dashboard in the UX is great. It looks upscale and modern without feeling gimmicky, like a lot of other modern luxury cars. The materials used throughout are all really good for the price point, with every trim coming with high-quality upholstery and leather and other soft-touch materials on most major touchpoints. Lexus puts a heavy emphasis on tech The base UX comes with an eight-inch infotainment screen, but a 12.3-inch touchscreen is available as an option. Regardless of the size of the screen, wireless smartphone mirroring is standard. You also get a Wi-Fi hotspot and a number of USB ports for charging devices. A six-speaker sound system is standard, but top trims come with a 10-speaker unit instead. The Lexus UX is an affordable runabout that is exceptionally light on fuel It is hard to find genuine savings in the luxury segment, but the Lexus UX pulls through. It is affordable up front and comes fitted with a thrifty powertrain that won't burn through fuel at a ridiculous rate, two things that are pretty rare for a luxury car. It doesn't come without sacrifices, but we reckon there are plenty of buyers out there willing to give up a bit of room in the back if it means they get a luxury SUV that won't cost them a ridiculous amount of money to keep running.