Lexus UX 2019 Review

The Lexus UX is the Japanese luxury brand’s first foray into the booming compact-luxury-crossover segment.

It’s one of the least expensive models in the sprawling Lexus catalogue, sitting just above the CT 200h hatchback in the brand’s pricing structure.

The UX’s unconventional exterior styling is surprisingly true to the 2016 concept on which the production car is based, featuring intricately-sculpted bodywork, a coupé-like roofline and dramatically flared 4x4-style wheel arches.

Up front, there’s the signature Lexus spindle grille, flanked by distinctive headlamps topped with daytime running lights that look like the brooding brow of a Samurai warrior.

At the rear a sequence of LEDs run the full-width of the car to create a distinctive night-time signature.

There are three core UX models and eight trim grades, starting with a conventional 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol in the 126kW UX 200 2WD ($44,450 to $53,450), rising to a 131kW self-charging hybrid in the UX 250h 2WD ($47,950 to $56,950), and onto same hybrid system driving all four wheels in the UX 250h AWD UX ($61,000 to $61,450).

The F Sport package we’re testing here on the UX 250h 2WD adds 18-inch alloys, an exclusive grille treatment plus unique front and rear bumpers.

Our review car also boasted a moon roof costing $2500, and Khaki Metal-coloured premium paint costing $1500, for an all up retail price of $60,950.

Lexus offers one of the better warranties in the prestige car field, at four years/100,000km, although this is still a year less than you get with cars from its parent company Toyota.

Lexus also offers its customers a loan car during servicing.

Under the bonnet is a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering respectable outputs of 126kW and 205Nm. The engine is designed to meet Euro 6 emissions standards and requires only 91RON fuel to do so.

In the case of this hybrid UX models, it’s mated with two electric motor-generators that help boost power to 131kW.

The switch between battery electric and petrol power is automatic and largely seamless, with drive channeled through an electronic continuously variable transmission (CVT) equipped with new software that helps avoid much of the flare and drone of older CVTs.

Underneath its striking body the UX rides on a high-quality MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension. An upper strut brace is included in the engine bay for increased torsional rigidity and all F Sport grades get specific springs and stabilizer bars, while riding on 18-inch alloy wheels, clad with 225/50 run-flat rubber.

Curiously, for a brand that usually makes quite a fuss about new additions, entry level UX 200 variants slipped in quietly under the radar in late 2018 without much fuss or fanfare.

The hybrid UX 250h variants arrived just as quietly in mid-January of this year, giving punters the choice of conventional petrol power, or the brand’s well-proven petrol plus battery-electric hybrid system.

Interestingly, while it’s not the most expensive model in the range, the UX 250h tested here is both the performance and the fuel-efficiency leader of the lineup, with a claimed 0-100km/h sprint of 8.5sec and combined cycle economy from 4.5L/100km.

The name UX is a derivation of the concept keywords “Urban + X-over (crossover)”, and it’s designed to connect with the new breed of younger buyers Lexus hopes to attract to the brand.

Like many prestige brands, Lexus faces the challenge of how to attract a younger demographic to its high-end products and the UX is a targeted effort in this regard.

If the edgy exterior doesn’t hook then, then the busy interior just might, with a riotous mix of angles that shouts “edgy and modern,” if not altogether fluid and cohesive.

The layout is nonetheless ergonomically sound and, with the exception of an annoyingly fiddly infotainment system, is easy to get to grips with.

There’s an 8.0-inch display screen for the sat nav and audio, all controlled by that less-than-intuitive touch pad system, which Lexus says is designed to mimic common mobile phone operations, such as double tapping and flicking. Hmm…

Interior ergonomics are generally sound and space is on par for the class, which means good front-seat accommodation but limited legroom for anyone other than kids in the rear, plus a 371-litre boot which is good enough for a weekend away.

The sports-oriented UX feels more like a hatch than an SUV and that’s very deliberate in terms of its target audience, who are predominantly young and urban.

While there’s enough rear seat and luggage space to accommodate a young family, it’s better suited to young couples and singles who don’t need the rear seats every day.
Prestige car buyers looking at this size vehicle and price point should also be considering rival offerings such as the Audi Q2, BMW X1, Mercedes-Benz GLA and the Infiniti QX30.
Versus these rivals the Lexus stands out for its high levels of standard equipment and strong value for money, as well as its impressive all-round performance.

The UX 250h 2WD F Sport it’s a competent, well-rounded machine with great tech, excellent fuel efficiency and a comprehensive suite of standard safety features.

In the Lexus tradition it’s very well built, nicely finished and positioned at a price point that should open the brand up to younger buyers.

We’re not huge fans of the fiddly touch-pad system, but that’s a small criticism of an otherwise impressive machine.

How much does the 2019 Lexus UX250h F Sport 2WD cost?
Price: $56,950 (plus ORCs); $60,950 (as tested, plus ORCs)
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol-electric hybrid
Output: 131kW
Transmission: Continuously variable
Fuel: 4.5L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 103g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: Five Star ANCAP