Lexus' Unpopular UX Gets Pricier for 2026—Should You Buy a 2025 Instead? – Yahoo Autos

The Lexus UX has never been the brand's sales hero – far from it. In fact, as of September 2025, Lexus moved only 6,899 units year-to-date in the US, leaving the UX near the bottom of the company's volume charts. It occupies an odd place: stylish enough for urban buyers, thrifty as a hybrid, but often overshadowed by the NX and RX, which offer more space and stronger performance.
Still, Lexus hasn't abandoned the nameplate, though it can only do so much to improve it. For 2026, the UX 300h returns with slight price increases across the board. The base front-wheel-drive model now starts at $38,250 including destination, while the priciest trim – the AWD F Sport Handling – reaches $48,240. The question now is straightforward: with only light updates for 2026, is the smarter move grabbing a discounted 2025 instead?
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Mechanically, nothing changes. The hybrid powertrain introduced last year remains: 196 total system horsepower, a new transaxle, and a lightweight lithium-ion battery that helped wake up the UX's response. Both FWD and AWD models keep the same motor outputs – 83 kW up front, 30 kW out back for AWD – so performance stays familiar.
Most updates land in the cosmetic and tech departments. Ultra White joins the color palette on Base and Premium grades. F Sport models keep their two-tone Obsidian-roof look but now gain a monotone Caviar option.
Inside, door panels get revised switchgear and more chrome detailing, while F Sport Handling trims add hairline-finished trim pieces.
A few enhancements arrive for Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, too. Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist, Left-Turn Oncoming Vehicle Detection/Braking, and the updated Curve Speed Management system expand the crossover's driver-assist abilities, especially during low-speed maneuvers or adaptive cruise operation.
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Here's where the decision tilts. Cars.com listings show meaningful discounts for remaining 2025s. Base, Premium, and F Sport Design trims typically carry about $1,000 off MSRP, with the lowest advertised prices landing at $37,414 (Base), $40,512 (Premium), and $41,440 (F Sport Design). Only F Sport Handling shows no discount, and in some cases, even lists higher than 2026 pricing.
So, which way should you go? If you're eyeing anything below F Sport Handling, a well-priced 2025 makes more sense. You avoid the 2026 price bump while giving up little more than new paint options and minor trim changes. But if you want the top-spec Handling trim, the 2026 version's added features make paying full price easier to justify. Bonus for the nameplate holding its value better than other hybrids.
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This story was originally reported by Autoblog on Nov 15, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Autoblog as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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