Lexus UX upgraded

The Lexus UX has received a raft of minor upgrades and the entry point to the small SUV range has been cut by more than $2000 as equipment is moved to new optional packages.

The premium crossover is now claimed to be more practical as well as more engaging to drive, with extra luggage space liberated from a floor height adjustment and refinements introduced that aim to produce more responsive acceleration, smoother gear shifts and reduced cabin noise.

The Lexus UX 200 Luxury now opens the account for the Japanese crossover at $44,445 plus on-road costs – a $2055 reduction – while the Sports Luxury and F Sport are now $250 cheaper at $55,250 and $55,750 plus ORCs respectively.

The lower entry-level pricing reflects the removal of equipment which was previously standard, such as LED fog lights, roof rails, a park support brake, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, smart entry and digital radio.

Lexus UX 200 Luxury buyers will now need to pay an extra $1980 for an Enhancement Pack to get those features back.

Confusingly, there are three Enhancement Pack levels, some of which are grafted onto specific model lines whether you ask for them or not (the UX 250h Luxury 2WD, for example, comes only with EP2 and EP3), which takes the total number of variants out to 21.

The range tops out with the Lexus UX 250h F Sport AWD, priced from $69,700 plus on-road costs.

As before, the three main model grades are Luxury, Sports Luxury and F Sport, with two powertrain options – petrol (200) or hybrid (250h), the latter also with the option of front- or all-wheel drive.

Hybrid-powered models have received a modest price increase of around $100 each, now starting from $52,025 plus ORCs for the UX 250h Luxury 2WD with EP2.

The UX 250h Luxury all-wheel drive variant has been deleted from the range, with Lexus now offering only Sports Luxury and F Sport grades in AWD, priced from $63,600 and $64,100 respectively.

Standard features on UX 200 Luxury variants include LED headlights, 17-inch alloy wheels, navigation, heated seats, autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, a 10.3-inch infotainment unit and more.

Optional extras can be added with Enhancement Pack 2 or 3 to include features such as an electric tailgate, wireless phone charging, cornering lamps, tinted windows, larger 18-inch alloy wheels, a moonroof and headlight washers.

Sports Luxury models come standard with 18-inch alloy wheels, tinted windows, electric tailgate, 13-speaker Mark Levinson sound system, Bi-Beam LED headlights, heated and ventilated front seats and wireless phone charging. A moonroof, head-up display and smart key card are cost options.

F Sport variants up the ante further with an exclusive grille and front and rear bumpers, 18-inch F Sport wheels, adaptive variable suspension, an 8.0-inch instrument cluster display and more.

Again, a moonroof, smart key card, head-up display, panoramic view monitor and 13-speaker sound system are cost options for F Sport variants.

Lexus claims improvements to the UX’s driving experience are due to refinements to the CVT auto, with a revised control of clutch oil pressure improving the shift between the mechanical first gear and belt transfer mechanisms.

Powertrain control electronics have also been tweaked, making acceleration more responsive.

Meanwhile, Lexus says more sound-deadening and thicker insulation contribute to a quieter cabin.

Luggage capacity in petrol UX models has been increased by either 50 litres or 90L (dependent on wheel size), now totalling 419L (17-inch wheels) and 424L (18-inch wheels).

Hybrid UXs also get more boot space, with an extra 4L for front-wheel drive UX 250h F Sport and Sports Luxury variants, and another 44L for the UX 250h Luxury.

Updated models will also come with two illuminated USB-C ports for rear seat passengers, replacing the more common Type-A USB ports.

Other tech enhancements for the UX range include the ability to detect school-zone speed limits as part of the road sign assist feature.

How much does the 2020 Lexus UX cost?
UX 200 Luxury – $44,445
UX 200 Luxury + EP1– $46,425
UX 200 Luxury + EP2 – $48,175
UX 200 Luxury + EP3 – $50,225
UX 200 F Sport – $55,750
UX 200 F Sport + EP1 – $58,250
UX 200 F Sport + EP2 – $61,350
UX 200 Sports Luxury – $55,250
UX 200 Sports Luxury + EP (not numbered) – $58,750

UX 250h 2WD Luxury + EP2 – $52,025
UX 250h 2WD Luxury + EP3 – $54,075
UX 250h 2WD F Sport – $59,600
UX 250h 2WD F Sport + EP1 – $62,100
UX 250h 2WD F Sport + EP2 – $65,200
UX 250h 2WD Sports Luxury – $59,100
UX 250h 2WD Sports Luxury + EP (not numbered) – $62,600

UX 250h AWD F Sport – $64,100
UX 250h AWD F Sport + EP1 – $66,600
UX 250h AWD F Sport + EP2 – $69,700
UX 250h AWD Sports Luxury – $63,600
UX 250h AWD Sports Luxury + EP (not numbered) – $67,100
*Prices exclude on-road costs