Lexus UX250H vs Suzuki Fronx
What's the difference?

Lexus UX250H

$45,895 - $57,881

2023 price

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Suzuki Fronx

$28,990 - $29,990

2026 price

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Summary

2023 Lexus UX250H

2026 Suzuki Fronx

By Byron Mathioudakis

By Chris Thompson

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Inline 4, 2.0L

Fuel Type

Unleaded Petrol/Electric

Fuel Efficiency

4.5L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Noticeably improved ride and refinement
High-quality interior presentation
Strong performance combined with good economy

Simple and easy
Light weight dynamics
Convincing value

Dislikes

Tight rear-seat and luggage space
Poor side/rear vision
Grabby brakes

Interior looks outdated
Unimpressive mild-hybrid
It’s called 'Fronx'

2023 Lexus UX250H Summary

Most cars get secretly cheapened as they travel through their model lifecycles.

Yes, while facelifts often usher in headline advances like updated electronics and more equipment to boost attention, in too many cases, engineers are forced to cut costs, especially where they cannot be very easily detected, such as with removed sound-deadening, inferior carpet quality and deleted minor items, like bonnet struts. Hello, latest Ford Ranger!

Every cent saved is extra profit made.

Now, we cannot tell at what level – if any – the penny-pinchers pilfered the Lexus UX for its Series II update last year, but the completely unexpected result is a small SUV/crossover that feels and drives noticeably better than before.

Keep reading to find out how and why.

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Interested in a Lexus UX250H?

2026 Suzuki Fronx Summary

If there’s one brand that can lay claim to be the best in the ‘cheap and cheerful’ category, it’s probably Suzuki. Not only have its cars been consistently affordable and basic, but also broadly loved by owners.

Now, with small SUVs becoming more and more prominent, Suzuki is bringing a new sub-$30K hybrid light SUV to the market - the Fronx.

Weird name aside, the Fronx promises a fair bit on paper. But can it deliver on the road? We jumped in for a quick spin at its Australian launch to find out.

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Deep dive comparison

2023 Lexus UX250H 2026 Suzuki Fronx

Verdict

Most cars get worse as they age as their makers try and save pennies by scrimping on quality and features. But the reverse seems to be true for the Lexus UX.

The 250h Luxury 2WD we tested is the car that the brand should have launched with back in 2018, with an appealing balance of performance and economy, comfort and sporty handling, as well as refinement and features. The UX has finally come of age.

Verdict

If you’re considering a small car, particularly if an SUV is the goal, a Suzuki should in most cases be on the shopping list. Back-to-basics motoring is key to the brand’s identity. Its most popular model is a tiny ladder-frame 4X4, for example. Hi Jimny.

The Fronx doesn’t break new ground in any practical sense, but it does come in with a decent price and list of features that should sway plenty of small-car fans in the showroom.

It’s decent to look at, comfortable for the segment, and easy to get used to and drive. The numerical rating on this review betrays just how likeable the car is.

It’s not extremely refined and it starts to lose its dynamic shine on rough roads, but in an urban setting the Fronx should excel.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with meals provided.

Lexus UX250H vs Suzuki Fronx What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Lexus UX250H vs Suzuki Fronx
What's the difference?