The Lexus UX was the automaker’s most affordable entry into the luxurious lifestyle. With the majority of its product lineup offering hybrid variants, it was only a matter of time before the smallest crossover received its share of electrification.

Before, the UX used to be offered locally as the UX200 model grade, which came standard with a 2.0-liter, naturally aspirated in-line-four called the M20A-FKS. It was relatively thrifty and had a healthy 168hp and 205Nm.

But now, as the UX250h, it comes with a different variation of the M20A (the FXS) mated to a CVT and two electric motors. The total system output is now 181hp, but you get all the benefits of a hybrid drivetrain, like instant torque and improved responsiveness, excellent fuel efficiency, increased comfort, and better handling thanks to the Ni-MH battery and the cooling system mounted below the rear seats.

Aside from the major change in the powertrain, the UX now comes with Lexus Safety Sense as standard, so it now has dynamic radar cruise control, pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane-keep assist with lane-departure alert, steering assist, and automatic high beams. It also has a hill-start assist, vehicle stability control, and blind-spot monitoring.

Both variants have LED lighting all around, a power tailgate with a kick sensor, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on a new 12.3-inch infotainment screen, and a 10-speaker audio system as standard, some of which we’ve gone over in this article.

Stepping up to the F Sport variant grants you adaptive variable suspension, the LFA-inspired gauge cluster, paddle shifters behind the steering wheel, and the F Sport cosmetics found both inside and out.

The UX250h F Sport is priced at P3,798 million, while the UX250h Premier is more affordable at P3,058 million. The vehicle and its drivetrain come with a standard warranty of three years or 100,000km (whichever comes first), but the battery has a separate eight-year warranty for peace of mind.