Lexus UX250h hybrid technology explained

The Lexus UX250h is a unique vehicle in its segment. The only hybrid vehicle in its class, the Lexus UX250h also offers a sophisticated all-wheel drive system not found in the Lexus UX 200.

This is a one-of-a-kind hybrid system, one that has been designed not only to provide stability under any conditions, but also to provide the best possible fuel economy. Most all-wheel-drive systems increase vehicle consumption due to their weight and the friction created by using all four wheels to propel the vehicle. This is not the case with the Lexus UX 250h system.

The system uses a 7-horsepower electric motor-generator located in the rear differential of the UX 250h. This engine allows the rear wheels to be steered when conditions demand it to achieve all the benefits of a traditional all-wheel drive system. Power distribution to the rear axle is controlled by the vehicle's stability control system, which detects when there is a loss of grip requiring the intervention of the AWD system.

So, when you go up an icy slope or drive on a snowy or slippery road, the system can send power to the rear wheels to help maintain balance. The technology is also able to prevent oversteer and understeer.

That said, the system only kicks in when it's needed, which means that when you're driving on a dry road or there's no loss of grip, the Lexus UX 250h is essentially a front-wheel drive vehicle with a hybrid engine.

This means you get a luxury sport utility vehicle with an average fuel consumption of just 5.7 liters per 100 kilometers in the city and 6.2 liters per 100 kilometers on the highway. This makes the Lexus UX 250h one of the most economical all-wheel drive vehicles in the industry.