Hey everyone! I’ve been driving my Lexus UX 300e for a few months now, and while I absolutely love the silent EV experience and the handling, I’ve noticed a bit of an issue with the bodywork. Living in an area where the roads aren't always pristine—especially with the recent wet weather—I’m seeing a lot of road grime, mud, and small stones getting kicked up onto the lower side panels and the rear bumper.
Since the UX 300e has those distinct wheel arch moldings, I’m a bit worried about the paint longevity and keeping the car looking sharp. I’ve been looking into mud guards (or splash guards), but I’m finding conflicting information online. I know the 300e shares a lot with the standard hybrid UX 250h, but I’ve heard that the underbody battery casing or the specific trim on the electric version might affect how certain mud guards fit.
I’m trying to decide between the official Lexus OEM parts and some of the aftermarket options I’ve seen on sites like eBay or Amazon. The OEM ones look sleek but are quite a bit more expensive, and I’m not sure if they provide enough coverage. On the other hand, some aftermarket ones look a bit bulky, though they might offer better protection. I’m also a little concerned about the installation process—I’d prefer something that uses existing factory holes so I don’t have to go drilling into my new car!
Has anyone here actually fitted mud guards to their UX 300e? I'd love to know if you went with the genuine Lexus ones or an aftermarket brand, and how the fitment turned out around those plastic arches. Do they actually make a noticeable difference in keeping the side of the car clean, or do they just collect more gunk behind them?
What specific brand or model of mud guards have you found works best for the UX 300e in terms of both fit and aesthetics?
Same setup here, love it
Sooo I totally get the struggle! When I first got my UX 300e, I was literally obsessed with keeping that sonic chrome paint pristine, but the road grime was a nightmare. I actually went through this exact dilemma because the EV's underbody is slightly different due to the battery pack.
IIRC, I decided to pull the trigger on the official Lexus OEM guards. Honestly, they're kind of pricey but the fitment against those plastic wheel arches is basically perfect. I think some aftermarket ones might leave gaps where salt and gunk just sit and rot your paint, which is a HUGE no-go for me. The OEM ones used all the existing factory holes, so zero drilling!
They aren't massive, so they don't look bulky, but they DEFINITELY cut down on the spray hitting the lower doors. I mean, they aren't magic, you'll still get some dirt, but it's way better than nothing. Worth it for the peace of mind imo!! gl!
Be careful with those cheap-o aftermarket options you see on eBay... seriously. I've been working on Lexus models for over a decade and the biggest mistake I see owners make is trying to save a few bucks on universal splash guards. The UX 300e has a very specific aerodynamic profile and those high-voltage battery casings sit pretty low. If you buy something that requires drilling or uses generic clips, you risk compromising the corrosion protection on the inner wheel well or, even worse, nicking a harness. Plus, some of those bulky aftermarket ones actually trap grit and salt against the plastic cladding, which basically grinds your paint away over time.
I would suggest sticking with the genuine Lexus OEM ones, even if they're pricier. I've seen way too many DIY disasters where people try to force a fit and end up with rattling parts at highway speeds. The official ones are designed to use the existing factory mounting points, so there's zero drilling involved—total peace of mind for your warranty. Honestly, they might look 'sleek' (aka small), but they're engineered to deflect the specific spray patterns of the UX without ruining your range with extra drag. Just make sure to clean behind them once a year during a deep wash to prevent any gunk buildup. Tbh, it's the only way to keep that paint looking sharp long-term without risking the safety of the underbody components. Better safe than sorry when dealing with an EV! gl!
> "I’m trying to decide between the official Lexus OEM parts and some of the aftermarket options I’ve seen on sites like eBay or Amazon."
Similar situation here - I went through this exact same headache last year with my 300e. I’m usually pretty stingy and wanted to save a few bucks, so I actually ordered some generic ones off eBay first. Big mistake! When I got under there, I realized the clearance near the battery tray is highkey different from the standard UX. I was so worried about blocking airflow or rubbing against the casing that I just couldn't bring myself to install 'em.
In the end, I bit the bullet and just went with the Lexus ones from the dealer. Honestly, you can't go wrong with the OEM stuff if you care about the long-term paint health. They’re pricey, sure, but they literally just pop into the existing holes. I mean, ur paint job costs way more than a set of guards anyway, right? It's basically a value play. They don't look as beefy as the aftermarket ones, but they've kept my lower panels way cleaner through the winter sludge. Just be careful with the clips, I broke one being too aggressive lol. Hope that helps!
Would love to know this too