Lexus UX (2019) Review

Lexus UX (2019) At A Glance

Smooth and rapid performance from impressive hybrid system. Genuinely economical.

Tiny boot and cramped rear seats. Ride can be on the unsettled side. Poor infotainment system.

Real MPG average for a Lexus UX (2019)

Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.

Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.

Diesel or petrol? If you're unsure whether to go for a petrol or diesel (or even an electric model if it's available), then you need our Petrol or Diesel? calculator. It does the maths on petrols, diesels and electric cars to show which is best suited to you.

Satisfaction Index

Reviews for Lexus UX (2019)'s top 3 rivals

Audi Q5

Even more refined and upmarket than original Q5. Lovely quality interior. Electric tailgate as standard....

Lexus NX

High quality and impressively refined. Luxurious feel to interior. Usefully large boot. Cheaper entry-level...

Mercedes-Benz GLC

Coupe styling has only a minimal effect on boot space, high quality cabin is packed with technology,...

Ask Honest John

Can you suggest a small, premium hybrid?

"I drive a 4-year-old Mercedes C-Class - which I love. But even before lockdown, I thought it was time to get a smaller car and venture into the world of hybrids. I'm looking for a high-spec, small, self-charging hybrid - either a hatchback or small SUV. I do mostly local journeys but some longer ones so I don’t want to go fully electric yet. On the Mercedes, I'm used to a high spec and lots of gizmos so I am looking for the most luxurious small car - this time with 5 doors, that is easy to park. I realise performance will not be as good as I'm used to but would like to get the best I can. My car is my luxury item in life so cost is not a big issue. I would be very grateful for your recommendations."

We'd recommend a Lexus UX 250h. It's a small hybrid crossover SUV with a premium cabin. Lexus is Toyota's premium brand and owners are generally a very satisfied bunch: https://www.honestjohn.co.uk/honest-john-satisfaction-index-2020/honest-john-satisfaction-index-2020-the-results/ You could also consider the CT 200h hatchback although it's been around for a number of years and is showing its age a bit now. Alternatively, look at a Toyota C-HR or the excellent new Yaris – they won't feel as classy as your Mercedes, but they're very dependable and efficient cars.

Answered by Andrew Brady

Can you recommend some all-season run-flat tyres?

"My wife hit a rock in the dark and totally destroyed two tyres. I was going to switch to all-season tyres on replacement anyway, so this might be a good time. The car is a Lexus UX 250H TAKUMI, tyre size 225/50 RF 18 95V. Is it possible to get run-flats in this size for all-season use and, if so, which would you recommend? I need run-flats as they are original equipment on this car and they tonight have allowed her to limp home 50 miles on a puncture. Thanks Bill"

With regards to the tyre size you mention, I'd suggest Goodyear Eagle Sport All Season, Pirelli P7 Cinturato All Season or Bridgestone Turanza EL450. I can't suggest one of the three as better than the others as I haven't personally tested any of them. There's very little between the pricing, though you'll see there's an offer at Black Circles for the Goodyear tyres (I'll attach the link here too). If I were you, I'd have a look at each tyre at the link I've attached and see which ones offer what you want. For example, the Bridgestone have a B rating for wet weather grip, compared to a C rating for the other two. But the Goodyear are the quietest and are part of a multibuy offer currently: https://www.blackcircles.com/order/tyres/search?width=225&profile=50&rim=18&runflat=1

Answered by Georgia Petrie

Could you suggest a small, comfortable crossover?

"I’m 72 and have a 2013 Honda CR-V petrol automatic. I love the car, especially the fully adjustable driver’s seat as I have a bad back. However, I have to park on the road and I really need a smaller SUV with the same amount of tech and comfort as my CR-V. I would appreciate any suggestions."

If budget allows, you could look at something smaller but more premium like a Volvo XC40, Lexus UX or Range Rover Evoque. Alternatively, we'd recommend a Volkswagen T-Cross or Honda HR-V.

Answered by Andrew Brady

Can you help me decide which car to go for on PCP?

"I'm buying a vehicle on PCP with a choice of a Lexus UX with premium and tech safety pack or a Vauxhall Grandland X Ultimate - which is £100 cheaper per month. Servicing on the Lexus is 10,000 or one year, while it's 16,000 or one year with Vauxhall. Insurance wise they're similar but I'm not sure which one to go for."

The Lexus is a much more premium choice. If you're happy to spend an extra £100 a month, it's where my money would go. I'd also look at the Volvo XC40 or Volkswagen Tiguan.

Answered by Andrew Brady

On the inside of an Lexus UX (2019)

• Boot space is 401–1231 litres
• Euro NCAP rating of five stars

While this may be a crossover, the driving position in the UX is a lot lower than you may expect. Those wanting a high driving position and a car that's easy to get in and out of may want to look elsewhere.

The driving position overall could be better, mainly due to the fact the steering wheel doesn't adjust for reach enough, something taller drivers will notice. Entry-level models have six-way manual seat adjustment while there's the Tech and Sound Pack as an option which adds electric eight-way seat adjustment with lumbar support.

The build quality is as high as you'd expect of a Lexus but while it's all very good, it doesn't have the style or cutting edge of rivals. There are too many scratchy plastics for a car intending to take on the premium cars of this world. Compare this to the interior of an Audi Q3 and it feels a generation behind in that respect. Nothing stands out as innovative here.

The infotainment is one of the worst offenders. The rather uninspiring menus and small screen we could forgive but the touchpad system and strange volume and radio controls are awkward. It makes the whole thing annoying and often distracting to use.

The simple system used in the Corolla is much better. Although like that, there's still no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto in the Lexus, something we think should certainly be standard on a £30k car.

Similarly, the standard 7.0-inch display is small compared to rivals and even if you go for the larger 10.3-inch screen, it's display is low res compared to the bright and sharp screens that have become the norm, even on cheaper cars.

It's as you move back that the UX's real weakness quickly become apparent. The rear seats are cramped - even when compared to other small crossovers. It's hard to get in and out of - the tight footwells and lack of knee room mean even children can struggle, especially with a taller driver or front passenger. You'd struggle to get four adults in the UX. There aren't even any rear door pockets.

But worse still is the tiny boot. It's just 320 litres which is terrible for a small crossover and by far the smallest in its class. Go for an E-Four model and this drops to just 283 litres - less than a Ford Fiesta. Meanwhile the odd flimsy luggage 'cover' is hardly what you'd expect in a premium car.

Lexus says that because there’s no room under the bonnet for the standard 12v car battery, it has been located under the boot floor, along with the power control unit for the second electric motor in four-wheel-drive versions. Unsurprisingly, there’s no room for a spare wheel, space-saver or otherwise.

Standard Equipment from launch: 

UX grade features the second generation Lexus Safety System+, seven-inch Lexus Navigation and multimedia system with DAB, dual-zone air conditioning, heated front seats, roof rails and 17-inch alloys.

F Sport includes F Sport interior and exterior styling features, including F Sport 18-inch alloy wheels, black front spindle grille and black door mirror housings. In the cabin there are F Sport front seats with fabric and Tahara upholstery and F Sport pedals and steering wheel. The specification also includes rear privacy glass, LED front fog lights, heated, power-adjustable front seats, heated steering wheel and a memory setting for the door mirrors.

Takumi, named in celebration of Lexus’s skilled takumi craftsmen, offers smooth leather upholstery, washi paper-grain trim inlays, integrated front seat heating and ventilation, a bespoke Mark Levinson 13-speaker Premium Surround Sound system, 10.3-inch Lexus Navigation and multimedia display, 360-degree camera, colour head-up display, sunroof, power tailgate, auto-folding function for the door mirrors, smart entry system, 18-inch alloy wheels, Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert with braking function.

Child seats that fit a Lexus UX (2019)

Our unique Car Seat Chooser shows you which child car seats will fit this car and which seat positions that they will fit, so that you don't have to check every car seat manufacturer's website for compatibility.

Which car seat will suit you?

Driving Lexus UX (2019)

• Engines range from 250h to 250h E4
• Readers report Real MPG to be between 39–59 mpg

There's only one engine in the UX range - a self charging hybrid. As it's not a PHEV, you don't have to plug-in the UX to charge. Instead the battery is continually recharged whenever you brake or coast - there's a handy graphic on the dash to show you what's powering and recharging as you go.

Despite the 250h badge, the UX actually uses the same 2.0-litre self charging system as found in the Toyota Corolla and not the 2.5-litre from the RAV4. Not that it's any poorer for using the smaller engine. In fact, we think the 2.0-litre is the better hybrid. 

When it comes to hybrids, Toyota has more experience than any other manufacturer and it shows. The UX is incredibly smooth. You pull away in electric power and the engine kicks in when need. However, the transition is so polished, you will hardly notice.

That's down to the fact the UX is well insulated from noise. Indeed, refinement is a big plus for the Lexus and around town it's wonderfully quiet and effortless. In fact, it will go up to 71mph on electric power alone if you want, although at leisurely pace.

There are no problems with performance when the UX is driven in standard hybrid mode. It's never short on power and accelerates with plenty of gusto if required. The issue that you'll find here is the CVT gearbox.

Yes it's a recurring complaint, but we can't ignore the fact that the single variable gear CVT set-up means hard acceleration is met with a continual engine drone. However, what we wil say is that it's far less noticeable in the UX than other Lexus models - the ES for instance.

Plus, in everyday driving it's something you're unlikely to experience unless you really plant your right foot for a prolonged period. It means you can still drive the UX quickly without having to endure the resultant noise created by the CVT gearbox.

The brakes are good too with little of the on/off nature you often find with hybrids due to the regenerative braking. Instead the UX slows down and stops smoothly, although it's still not quite as natural as a petrol or diesel crossover.

Our experience of the ride is a bit of a mixed bag. Initially it seems very smooth and forgiving, but it's soon caught out on uneven roads and the suspension tends to feel busy and quite firm over rough surfaces.

Go for an F Sport model and you can go for the optional Adaptive Variable Suspension as part of the Tech & Safety Pack. This is designed to decrease body roll when cornering and improve ride comfort.

Rear visibility isn't the best but the compact  dimensions of the UX make it easy to park in the average space and all models get a rearview camera, although strangely, front and rear parking sensors are available as an option on lower trims.

The light and responsive steering is great around town but it's artificial feel means the UX isn't especially enjoyable or agile on a more challenging road. And at motorway speeds you can find yourself constantly correcting the steering.

Lexus UX (2019) Models and Specs

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Recalls

Model History