Lexus UX300h Prioritizes Refinement, Sophistication and Efficiency
Opting for the Lexus UX gets you into everything that the brand stands for at Lexus’ lowest available price point starting at $37,715. The UX still delivers the brand’s signature ride—smooth, quiet and comfortable. It also upholds Lexus’ reputation for a meticulously crafted interior, with premium materials and cutting-edge technology. And the 2025 UX300h saves you money at the pump with 43 MPG combined fuel efficiency.
For 2025, the new UX300h replaces the previous UX250h. The bigger number on the badge indicates a more powerful hybrid setup under the hood. It consists of 2.0-liter inline-four gasoline engine and two more-powerful-than-before electric motors, upping the horsepower to 196. The engine pairs to an eCVT transmission (Electronic Continuously Variable Transmission). Front-wheel-drive is standard. The AWD system, known as E-Four, adds an electric motor to the rear axle, providing all-wheel drive capability. And the AWD option that sacrifices only one MPG in the rating.
If you yearn to lean to the sportier side, there are F Sport options, though they’re mostly cosmetic. You’ll get unique 18-inch wheels, restyled bumpers, black roof, grille and exterior trim and a sunroof with the F Sport Design trim. We test drove the UX300h F Sport Handling version, which got it a sport-tuned suspension, some additional driving modes. Its sport design front seats are heated and ventilated. And the F Sport Handling package also gives it a larger touchscreen and 10-speaker audio system.
Our UX300h F Sport Handling tester started at $44,805 and total tag of $48,200 after adding premium paint, wireless charger, head-up display, and a few other niceties along with delivery charges.
Alfa Romeo Tonale Delights with Spirited Performance and Sporty Handling
The gas Tonale has a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 268 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. And the PHEV Tonale proves that a plug-in hybrid SUV does not have to mean sacrificing any ounce of athleticism.
Tonale EAWD models have a turbocharged 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission that drives the front wheels. A 15.5-kWh plug-in hybrid battery drives the rear wheels. This translates to a combined power output for the PHEV Tonale rated at 285 horsepower and 347 lb-ft of torque! You can drive the Tonale on all-electric power up to 33 miles and have no problem keeping up with traffic. After that, it’s rated at 29 MPG on gasoline.
There are two main trim levels for Tonale. A base trim is available with either powertrain. Gas-only Tonales start in the mid $30s; the PHEV base model inches up to the mid $40s range. Our tester was the special edition Tributo Italiano exclusively offered as a PHEV with a base price of $51,995.
Another reason to buy a Tonale is fashion.
Our tester was the uplevel Tributo Italiano Special Edition. It added on body-color exterior bits, a unique grille, 20-inch wheels, red Brembo brake calipers, paddle shifters, dual-mode adaptive suspension and a hands-free power liftgate. Inside, the quintessential Italian design is stylish and modern with high-quality materials and a range of technologies aimed at enhancing the driving experience. Harman Kardon premium audio, perforated leather seats with red accents, interior ambient lighting and driver’s seat memory function were other included features on the Special Edition.
Its Verde metallic paint added $2,200. The Active Assist Advanced package added another $2,000 to include automated parking system, Active Driving Assist, a 360-degree parking camera system, and auto-dimming exterior rearview mirrors. A power moonroof added another $1,400. In all, the total price with destination charges was just shy of $60k.
Mazda CX-50 Embodies the Brand’s Commitment to Performance And Style
While not officially a luxury compact crossover, the Mazda CX-50 offers a premium feel and features that make it a unique choice within the highly competitive compact crossover SUV segment. Though the CX-50 is often criticized as being one of the most expensive vehicles among the standard (non-luxury) choices, Mazda’s price does include all-wheel drive as standard on the CX-50, and its interiors continue to raise the bar.
The CX-50 boasts a rugged and sleek design that’s a little longer, lower and wider than its CX-5 cousin. Its black lower-body plastic gives it a more off-road-ready look. And indeed CX-50 is better than average in the segment when you take it off-road. Standard Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive) allows you to choose different drive modes to best suit your driving situation. Combined with i-Activ AWD®, it provides Mazda signature driving dynamics for nearly any terrain or road you’re on. Available on CX-50 2.5 Turbo models, Towing Mode helps keep the CX-50 stable while hauling up to 3,500 lbs.
The standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder gas engine produces 187 horsepower. Pricing starts at $31,720. And $35,420 is the starting point for the upgraded CX-50 with turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. It will get you 227 horsepower with regular gas or 256 horsepower with premium fuel.
Our tester with the 2.5 Turbo engine with top-shelf Premium Plus was $44,720 with delivery charges. Adding to the list of already-impressive features, that included 20-inch alloy wheels, power-folding mirrors, leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, memory for the driver’s settings, power-adjustable front passenger’s seat and a head-up display.
Just introduced for the 2025 model year…
The hybrid version of the CX-50 means few sacrifices compared with the standard model. The CX-50 Hybrid borrows its 219-hp electrified powertrain from the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, and it comes standard with all-wheel drive and a 38-mpg combined fuel economy rating and an average price tag around $40k.
The Bottom Line
The Lexus UX300, Alfa Romeo Tonale, and Mazda CX-50 each bring unique strengths to the compact SUV segment. Whether you prioritize luxury, style, or performance, one of these choices may be just the right one catering to your preferences.
