Lexus UX 200 Luxury 2020 Review

The Lexus UX slipped quietly into the ever expanding compact-luxury-crossover segment late in 2018. It has since proven to be a popular alternative to the likes of the Audi Q3, BMW X1, Mercedes-Benz GLA and Volvo XC40.

Like them, the smallest Lexus SUV is not quite a hatch and not quite an SUV. Lexus suggests the UX – with the ‘U’ standing for urban and X for crossover – is built for discovery and adventure and that it blends the power and practicality of an SUV with the nimble handling of a hatchback.

When I think of discovery and adventure, my mind drifts to a picturesque mountain lake accessible only by 4x4. And looking at the example tested here in entry-level normally aspirated 2.0-litre front-wheel drive form, power doesn’t exactly spring to mind.

However, the UX is also available in higher output hybrid, all-wheel drive and F Sport variants. Market pundits do love to put their spin on things but the nimble hatchback part is actually surprisingly accurate.

The Lexus UX doesn’t feel like an SUV to drive at all, so perhaps limit your adventures to the cityscape and tarmac roads and think of it as a funky looking, luxurious runabout.

The entry-level Lexus UX 200 Luxury retails for a competitive $45,050 plus on-road costs. The example tested here came optioned with a $1500 metallic paint upgrade and 18-inch alloys from the range-topping F Sport.

The wheel option adds a further $1500 and, shod with run-flat Dunlop 225/50 tyres, brings a gain in styling but a slight sacrifice in ride quality.

Sharing Toyota’s global GA-C architecture and drivetrain with the Corolla, the Lexus UX packs a 2.0-litre four-cylinder direct-injected petrol engine, albeit with slightly upgraded outputs of 126kW (up 1kW) and 205Nm (up 5Nm).

That’s modest for a 45K luxury vehicle but the claimed 5.8L/100km fuel economy is an appealing trade off. Power is transmitted to ground through the front wheels via a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and makes light work of a not so light 1553kg kerb weight.

Eight airbags (including driver and passenger knee bags) headline a now pretty much common array of safety features including anti-lock brakes, traction and stability control, low-speed auto-braking (AEB) with pedestrian avoidance, blind spot monitoring, speed sign recognition, forward collision warning, rear cross traffic alert, lane keep assist and adaptive cruise control.

Luxurious leather trim sets the tone in cockpit along with the 10.3-inch multimedia system now incorporating Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Interestingly, wireless phone charging and a hands-free tailgate are only available if you tick the $1550 Enhancement Pack.

The Lexus UX 200 Luxury is definitely a genuine alternative to the plethora of European crossovers available.

Its bold styling is a winner and it’s perfect if you’re after a no-fuss, quiet and luxurious ride. But it is fair to say that it is very much an ‘Urban’ runabout, so look to more hard-core alternatives if you’re chasing off-road adventure.

The Lexus UX 200 comes with a balanced, well handling chassis and the driving position makes you feel part of the car.

Its top five-star ANCAP crash rating gives you peace of mind in respect to safety and the infotainment interface incorporates everything one would expect in a modern prestige vehicle.

The interior is finished off well, highly ergonomic and I couldn’t really find fault with anything in the cabin.

So if you’re not too concerned about rear passenger and boot space, prefer economical running over a powerful engine and can see yourself cruising around in serene comfort, then the Lexus UX 200 Luxury should be on your radar.

Funky styling with a sporty hatch feel are the backbones of the Lexus UX 200’s appeal. Behind the wheel, it is more like a prestige luxury hatch than an SUV and, dare I say it, perhaps even better.

I have read the odd forum describing the Lexus UX as a Corolla on steroids. Yeah, it shares the same DNA and that shines through in its chassis feel and balance, but the quality and luxury feel here is unmistakably Lexus.

The muscular styling is arguably aimed at the millennial market but I’d say the UX is suited to anyone that’s chasing a luxurious small car with a sharp look and a little extra ride height.

The slightly taller seating position does have its advantages in ease of entry and is perhaps a consideration for older buyers.

But fitting three adults across the back just won’t happen easily, rear legroom is on the tight side and boot space of 371 litres not exactly huge, so families should look to the bigger RX in the Lexus line-up.

There is a lot to like about the Lexus UX 200 Luxury. In a move that may raise a few eyebrows, I actually had the opportunity to push the UX to its limits around Norwell Motorplex. Expecting a slightly clumsy experience, I was pleasantly surprised when the UX actually behaved like a sporty hatch.

It did not feel out of place on the track and exhibited the poise and balance equal to, if not better than, the Corolla I tested the week before – but with leather trim!

I think it’s the first CVT I’ve experienced on track and having the engine spinning at a constant 6500rpm redline the entire lap was a weird sensation!

OK, it’s more than likely that this will be the one and only time a UX hits the track, so what’s the point? Well, all drivers have to tackle corners and it’s nice to know you have a competent chassis underneath you when you do.

I was impressed with driving position and the cabin is certainly a luxurious place to be. Other reviews suggest the infotainment interface can be a bit fiddly. Yes, the touch pad is sensitive but, like most things, the longer you live it with, the more in tune with it you become.

On the road the little Lexus high-rider is comfortable and quiet. The run-flat Dunlops didn’t really pose much of a ride quality issue – certainly not on any of the roads I negotiated – but I tend to like a firmer feel.

The Lexus UX 200 Luxury has all the bells and whistles that one would expect of a car in this price range and I’m a fan of its aggressive shape.

Negatives? It could do with more power. The chassis can definitely cope with it and the marketing pundits wouldn’t struggle to put any spin on that!

How much the does the 2020 Lexus UX 200 Luxury cost?
Price: $45,050 plus on-road costs ($48,050 as tested)
Engine: 2.0-litre petrol four-cylinder
Output: 126kW/205Nm
Transmission: Continuously variable automatic
Fuel: 5.8L/100km (ADR Combined (6.8L/100km as tested)
CO2: 132g/km
Safety: Five-star (ANCAP 2019)