Lexus UX Review 2024
Lexus UX At A Glance
Insurance Group 39
On average it achieves 51% of the official MPG figure
The Lexus UX promises it all: a premium cabin, an incredibly efficient petrol-electric hybrid powertrain and a reputation for excellent reliability. But is it a convincing enough package to rival desirable premium SUVs like the Mercedes GLA, Volvo XC40 and BMW X1? Read our full Lexus UX review to find out.
While other manufacturers are only just offering hybrid versions of their best-selling SUVs, Lexus has been mastering this market for decades. The first hybrid Lexus RX went on sale as far back as 2005 – at a time when everyone else was getting giddy over diesel power and electric cars were something you might have heard about on Tomorrow's World.
The Lexus UX is a small SUV that's only been around since 2019, yet it shares its mechanicals with the Toyota Corolla and C-HR – two of the most dependable cars money can buy. Indeed, it's the brand's untouchable reliability record and attentive dealer network which means owners consistently rate Lexus highly in the annual HonestJohn.co.uk Satisfaction Index.
The Lexus UX line-up is a pretty limited one. Unless you look at the all-electric UX 300e, the only engine offering is a 2.0-litre 'self-charging' hybrid badged the UX 250h. That means you don't have to bother plugging in to extract the best out of it, but you're not going to bimble around town under electric power for any extensive period of time like you might in a Mercedes GLA 250e.
It's still impressively refined, though, and Lexus does suggest it'll still kick into electric-only mode at up to 71mph. We're not light-footed enough for that, but its hybrid running does make stop-start traffic a more relaxed affair than it would be in a clattery diesel.
With 180PS available, the Lexus UX isn't short on power, with a surprising turn of pace when required. A BMW X1 is more fun to drive, if that's what you're after, but the light steering and plethora of standard safety equipment means negotiating city traffic won't leave you in a fluster. It's likely to be very efficient, too – Lexus quotes an official figure of up to 53.3mpg. Our experience suggests that should be surprisingly attainable in reality.
Prices start from a smidgen over £30,000 for an entry-level Lexus UX. This isn't exactly basic, but most buyers will hunt out pricier models – the sporty UX F Sport is a desirable choice with its 18-inch alloy wheels, Tahara leather seats and bespoke exterior styling. We favour the posh Lexus UX Takumi (standard kit includes a bigger nav system, heated and ventilated front seats and a posh Mark Levinson sound system) – but it's not cheap, starting at more than £43,000.
Of course, the sensible choice for buyers in the market for a hybrid SUV would be a Toyota RAV4. Not only is the RAV4 cheaper, it's also bigger and more practical – quite an easy feat, considering the Lexus UX's relatively compact cabin and tiny boot. If you want a premium badge there's no shortage of excellent alternatives, too, although none match the Lexus's impeccable reliability record.
Lexus UX handling and engines
- Engines range from 250h to 300h
- Readers report Real MPG to be between 39–62 mpg
Lexus UX 2024: Handling and ride quality
You might expect the Lexus UX to be a fairly wafty, soft car to drive. But it actually feels quite firm – the suspension has to work pretty hard to counter those heavy hybrid batteries, after all. That doesn't necessarily mean it's uncomfortable but, if you're looking for a floaty ride, you might want to avoid the Lexus UX F Sport with its bespoke suspension tuning.
Most Lexus UX models come with 18-inch alloy wheels as standard which, although they're not overly huge, are combined with run-flat tyres and do create a surprising amount of road noise at higher speeds.
The steering is quite direct, which means it feels pretty agile on the open road, but it's not as fun to drive as a BMW X2. It does lean quite a lot in bends, but no more so than a Volvo XC40.
It's an easy car to drive, though, even if rearward visibility isn't all that. All but the most basic Lexus UX models come with front and rear parking sensors as well as a reversing camera, which come in very useful when tackling congested city streets.
Lexus UX 2024: Engines
Lexus keeps things simple with the UX's engine line-up: there's just one, not including the all-electric Lexus UX 300e.
Badged the Lexus UX 250h, the sole offering uses the same 2.0-litre petrol engine as the Toyota Corolla, combined with an electric motor. That means it produces 184PS, enough to accelerate to 62mph in a brisk-enough 8.5 seconds. You can also get the Lexus UX as a four-wheel-drive E-Four model, which takes an extra 0.2 seconds to sprint to 62mph. We wouldn't bother unless you really need a four-wheel drive (in which case there are more capable SUVs).
The Lexus UX is best around town where the electric motor means it feels rather sprightly off the line. Performance tails off at higher speeds, while the E-CVT transmission makes the engine drone a bit during heavy acceleration. It's the kind of car that suits more relaxed driving.
Lexus UX 2024: Safety
All Lexus UX trim levels come with the brand's Safety System+ package. This uses cameras and radars to minimise the chance of a collision. Highlights of the pack include a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, which can apply the brakes if necessary to reduce the impact of a crash. The lane tracing assist, meanwhile, works with the adaptive cruise control to monitor lane markings and the path of the vehicle ahead to keep the car centred in the lane.
The Lexus UX was awarded a maximum five stars when it was crash tested by Euro NCAP in 2019. That includes an impressive 96 per cent score for adult occupants and 85 per cent for children.
Lexus UX 2024: Towing
The towing capacity of the Lexus UX is pretty limited – it can manage just 750kg. If you're looking to tow anything significant, you'd be better looking at a Range Rover Evoque instead.
Engine | MPG | 0-62 | CO2 |
---|---|---|---|
250h | 97–103 mpg | 8.5 s | 94–120 g/km |
250h E4 | 103 mpg | 8.5 s | 103 g/km |
300e | - | 7.5 s | - |
300h | - | - | 119–129 g/km |
Real MPG average for the Lexus UX
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.
Average performance
51%
Real MPG
39–62 mpg
MPGs submitted
122
Lexus UX interior
- Boot space is 367–1231 litres
- Euro NCAP rating of five stars
Dimensions | |
---|---|
Length | 4495 mm |
Width | 2078–2080 mm |
Height | 1520–1545 mm |
Wheelbase | 2640 mm |
Lexus UX 2024: Practicality
While the Lexus UX might be classed as a small SUV (the bigger Lexus NX and RX cater for family buyers), rivals like the BMW X1 are significantly roomier inside. You get a higher-than-a-hatchback driving position, but the cocoon effect of the dashboard means it feels a bit claustrophobic in the front.
Rear seat passengers will be even less happy. Access is tight, which will be frustrating for anyone with limited mobility (or parents trying to wrestle child seats into place). Once there, those in the back will find their knees touching the seats in front. And, although you can fit three adults side-by-side, it's not something you'll want to do on a regular basis.
The boot is tiny, too. Like, the smallest in its class. That's because the hybrid batteries eat into boot space, while the four-wheel-drive system of the Lexus UX E-Four shrinks the boot even further. You can fit 320 litres of luggage in the two-wheel-drive Lexus UX 250h (up to the boot cover), while the E-Four manages just 283 litres. That's less than a Ford Fiesta.
It's a neatly square boot, while there's space under the floor for a tyre repair kit (and not a lot else). The rear seats drop for those occasions when you need more space for things than passengers.
Lexus UX 2024: Quality and finish
While the Lexus UX lacks space, it makes up for it in terms of quality. It feels noticeably plusher than the Toyota C-HR, with fine materials used throughout – especially on top-spec UX Takumi models, with their leather trim as standard. We'd be surprised if you noticed any squeaks or rattles in the Lexus UX, while the cabin feels like it should last the test of time (and family life) very well indeed.
Lexus UX 2024: Infotainment
Unlike the latest NX, the Lexus UX snubs an all-encompassing touchscreen display in favour of a small unit positioned high up on the dashboard. It's a very small unit as standard, actually, measuring just seven inches from corner to corner. We'd recommend looking for a UX with the 10.3-inch display (standard on Takumi models and available as part of the Premium Plus Pack on the F Sport). It's still not got the highest-resolution display but it looks a bit more acceptable for a premium SUV.
We quite like infotainment systems that don't rely on touchscreen operation (Mazda's nav system springs to mind, as does the iDrive unit in a BMW X2). The Lexus UX uses a slightly peculiar touchpad positioned on the centre console. It's a good idea in theory – you can double tap or flick like you're using a smartphone – but it's not particularly intuitive to use.
Fortunately, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across the range, so you can connect your phone for easy access to apps on the move. The 13-speaker Mark Levinson sound system (standard on the UX Takumi) is worth a shout, too – it really is excellent and up there with the very best premium audio systems.
Lexus UX value for money
Lexus UX 2024: Prices
Prices start from around £30,000 for the entry-level Lexus UX 250h, while the desirable Lexus UX F Sport is more than £36,000. The ultra fancy Lexus UX Takumi is nearer £44,000. The E-Four four-wheel-drive model is roughly an extra £1500, depending on model.
While you can buy cheaper versions of the Volvo XC40 and BMW X2, the standard-fit hybrid powertrain in the Lexus UX means it stacks up well like-for-like. Unless you're watching the pennies closely, it's worth speccing an option pack or two – the Premium Plus Pack comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, leather seats, power tailgate and some desirable driver-assist features like a blind spot monitor and rear cross traffic alert.
Lexus UX 2024: Running Costs
The Lexus UX 250h officially returns up to 53.3mpg according to WLTP fuel economy tests and, based on our experience (as well as our Real MPG figures), you should get relatively close to this in the real world. That's without the hassle of plugging in, either, something you'd need to do regularly to get the best efficiency out of plug-in hybrid alternatives like the Volvo XC40 plug-in hybrid.
Tax will be £155/year (that's £10 less than petrol or diesel rivals) provided you avoid models with a list price when new of more than £40,000. These will be hit by the premium car levy, which adds an extra £355 a year for five years (from the second time the car is taxed). If you're looking for free road tax, you'll need to look at the all-electric Lexus UX 300e instead.
Insurance groups range from 22E to 26E. As ever, we'd recommend shopping around for quotes, particularly if you're a new driver.
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Help us with the Honest John Satisfaction Index nowLexus UX models and specs
The entry-level Lexus UX comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, fabric upholstery, Lexus Safety System+, a seven-inch infotainment display (with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), and bi-LED headlights with automatic high beam.
The Lexus UX Premium Sports Edition adds 18-inch alloy wheels, Tahara faux-leather trim, a reversing camera, front/rear parking sensors, Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Auto-Brake, heated front seats and rear privacy glass. The Premium Sports Edition also comes with Sports Pack Exterior Styling (includes black roof rails, black grille, smoked headlights and black door mirrors).
The Lexus UX F Sport comes with 18-inch F Sport alloy wheels, F Sport Tahara upholstery, front/rear parking sensors, F Sport suspension tuning, F Sport exterior styling, heated front seats and electrically adjustable front seats.
Topping the range, the Lexus UX Takumi comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, smooth leather upholstery, a 10.3-inch navigation display, 13-speaker Mark Levinson premium surround sound system, front/rear parking sensors, head-up display, Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert and heated/ventilated front seats.
Dimensions | |
---|---|
Length | 4495 mm |
Width | 2078–2080 mm |
Height | 1520–1545 mm |
Wheelbase | 2640 mm |
Miscellaneous | |
---|---|
Kerb Weight | 1620–1840 kg |
Boot Space | 367–1231 L |
Warranty | 3 years / 60000 miles |
Servicing | 10000 miles |
Costs | |
---|---|
List Price | £33,000–£42,265 |
Insurance Groups | 39 |
Road Tax Bands | A–Exempt |
Official MPG | 97.0–103.0 mpg |
Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
---|---|
Adult | - |
Child | - |
Pedestrian | - |
Overall | 5 |
Currently on sale
On sale until April 2023
SUV | |||
---|---|---|---|
Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
Entry 204 Electric 54.3kWh E-CVT Auto 5dr | £41,745 | - | 7.5 s |
Premium Plus 204 Electric 54.3kWh E-CVT Auto 5dr | £45,245 | - | 7.5 s |
Takumi Pack 204 Electric 54.3kWh E-CVT Auto 5dr | £51,345 | - | 7.5 s |
On sale until December 2022
SUV | |||
---|---|---|---|
Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
Premium Sport Edition 184 VVT-i S/C 152 + 10/hp/80kw E-Cvt Auto Start/Stop 5dr | £33,555 | - | 8.5 s |
Model History
- March 2018: Lexus UX hybrid revealed
- December 2020: Lexus UX updated with new Premium Sport Edition
- May 2022: Updated Lexus UX priced from £33,500
- November 2022: Lexus UX updated for 2023
March 2018
Lexus UX hybrid revealed
In real-world city driving, the UX can run purely on electric power, with zero emissions and fuel consumption and near-silent operation, for up to 50 per cent of average European urban journeys.
The hybrid system offers a seamless blend of power from the highly efficient 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and the compact yet powerful electric motor(s). The UX250h is available with front-wheel drive, or with Lexus’s E-Four electric all-wheel drive system.
4,495mm long x 2,080mm wide (inc mirrors) x 1,540mm high on 2,640mm wheelbase.
Wheel and tyre sizes are 18-inch with 225/50 R18 tyres; 18-inch with 235/50 R18 tyres; 19-inch with 235/45 ZR19 tyres.
There's a new CVT, which is the world’s first to feature a launch gear that significantly improves transmission efficiency at low speeds. It delivers direct and smooth response to the driver’s use of the accelerator pedal, and improves fuel efficiency by 6% compared to its predecessor.
Toyota’s new 2.0 litre 180PS Dynamic Force Engine uses high-speed combustion technologies and a variable control system. It has been engineered to achieve higher thermal efficiency, with a reduction in the losses associated with exhaust and cooling systems, the friction between moving parts and other operating aspects.
For the 2.0 litre Dynamic Force Engines Toyota has developed a new hybrid electric system, using the same size, weight and loss-reducing technologies applied in the current, fourth generation Prius. The new system gives improved driving performance while maintaining superior fuel efficiency. Under acceleration, the hybrid system reduces engine revs while drawing increased electric power from the battery.
For All Wheel Drive models, Toyota has developed two new all-wheel drive systems with the aim of improving fuel efficiency and achieving high levels of AWD handling, stability and off-road performance.
The new Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD system is designed for use in petrol-powered vehicles. It uses a torque vectoring mechanism, which independently distributes torque to the left and right wheels according driving conditions, allowing the driver to steer the vehicle exactly as intended.
The all-new Lexus UX 250h achieves class-leading fuel efficiency and emissions levels, with none of the inhibitions of plug-in charging or range limitations. It can deliver significant cost of ownership savings compared to its key competitors.
For business/company car drivers in particular, a first-year benefit-in-kind tax rate of 23 per cent places the UX250h well below rival diesel-powered models from BMW, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar and Volvo; in the first three years of ownership, the tax saving can be almost £5,000. Factoring in depreciation, fuel costs, servicing, maintenance and repairs, car tax (VED) and employer National Insurance costs, the UX driver can enjoy savings of up to around £8,000 compared to key competitor models over a period of three years/60,000 miles (total ownership cost data from CAP; model quoted UX 250h Premium Pack).
The UX has no clutch, and the starter motor and alternator are integral to the hybrid system and require no servicing or replacement. In place of a conventional timing belt there is a maintenance-free timing chain. This simpler arrangement makes for savings in routine servicing and maintenance.
The regenerative braking system, which delivers the first half of all braking force, significantly reduces pad and disc wear. Over the course of 56,000 miles, a Lexus hybrid will usually require no disc replacement and just one set of replacement brake pads. Additionally, the higher tyre pressure of hybrid vehicles helps to decrease shoulder wear on tyres, while linear power delivery and the car’s balanced weight distribution reduce tyre wear even further.
December 2020
Lexus UX updated with new Premium Sport Edition
Lexus is strengthening its UX 250h full hybrid compact SUV range for 2021 with the addition of a new Premium Sport Edition model.
The new model adds extra emphasis to the UX’s distinctive, sharply styled bodywork with an all-black theme for the spindle grille mesh and frame, five-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels, door mirror casings, roof rails and headlight units.
There’s a similarly bold treatment for the interior, with the seats upholstered in black Tahara – Lexus’s supple alternative to leather. The equipment manifest builds on the existing UX specification to include a Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert, plus Lexus Navigation.
Together these features are provided at a price premium of just £850 to the UX Premium Pack model on which the new Premium Sport Edition is based. The on-the-road price is £33,150.
Heated seats, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, rear privacy glass and, for easier parking manoeuvres, a reversing camera and Intelligent Clearance Sonar system are also provided. The multimedia system includes smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto so owners can access and control their favourite phone apps with ease using the UX’s seven-inch display screen.
The Lexus Safety System+ equips the UX Premium Sport Edition with a Pre-Collision System that additionally detects pedestrians and, in daylight driving, cyclists, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Trace Assist, Road Sign Assist and Automatic High Beam.
The new model is expected to be the focus for UX sales in 2021, with its value profile heightened for business/company car drivers. Thanks to the exceptional efficiency of its 181bhp self-charging hybrid electric powertrain, it achieves 124g/km CO 2 emissions (WLTP combined cycle data), securing a 27 per cent benefit-in-kind rating for company car tax – lower than any of its conventionally powered competitors. The on-the-road price also keeps the UX Premium Sport Edition comfortably below the threshold for an additional Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) charge. The new model and the 2021 UX range are on sale now.
May 2022
Updated Lexus UX priced from £33,500
Lexus is introducing a package of upgrades for its popular UX 250h compact luxury SUV this summer, focusing on more style choices, improved multimedia and connectivity and a sporty new model grade, F Sport Design.
The revised UX 250h benefits from Lexus’s new multimedia systems, giving faster response, more intuitive, human-centred operation and increased functionality.
According to equipment grade, models are fitted with either eight or 12-inch displays, with touchscreen technology replacing the previous trackpad control. The new displays have been moved forward on the instrument panel, bringing them closer to the driver for comfortable operation. They present crisper graphics – in high definition on the 12-inch screen. Significantly increased computing power means command responses are quicker, while “always connected” cloud-based navigation is provided as standard, giving access to real time road and traffic information for easier journey planning. The 12-inch system has embedded navigation, so operation is available in areas where cloud connection is not available.
The system’s new voice recognition system includes the option of using the “Hey Lexus” on-board assistant. This makes for easier use of voice commands to make phone calls, operate the audio and climate control and search the net. It can link to cloud-based information, so, for example, it can be asked about nearby fuel prices and other local information. It is programmed to understand more conversational terms and is better able to recognise commands when there is background noise – the audio doesn’t have be muted and the microphones can recognise whether it is the driver or front passenger speaking.
Smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay (wireless connection) or Android Auto (wired connection) is provided as standard and, for complete convenience, updates to the multimedia system software can be delivered over-the-air using the car’s DCM (data communication module). Connectivity options include a USB-A port in the centre console box for playback of high-resolution sound sources and two USB-C ports for device charging on the console. The multimedia system can save the personal preference profiles of up to three people, customising the multimedia, audio and navigation settings.
The space on the centre console where the multimedia trackpad was located is now home to controls for the heated front seats or, where these are not specified, a handy small storage cubby. The console also features an illuminated tray in front of the air conditioning control panel, with space to hold a large smartphone.
True to Lexus’s famous omotenashi hospitality, owners will be able to use the Lexus Link smartphone app to lock or unlock the doors or operate the air conditioning system remotely, so that the cabin can be cooled or warmed before they set off on a journey.
New F Sport Design grade
The F Sport Design grade is a new addition to the UX 250h range, making powerful F Sport exterior styling accessible to more customers.
Its road presence is enhanced with the F Sport spindle grille, featuring a Lexus L-motif mesh pattern, finished in black with a chrome surround for the lower section that accentuates the car’s planted stance. The same pattern is featured in the enlarged bezels housing the fog lights and cornering lights in the F Sport front bumper, with contrasting chrome L-shaped surrounds. The rear bumper also has an F Sport-specific design, with jet black roof spoiler and moulding details around the light clusters. The 18-inch F Sport alloy wheels have a 10-spoke design and a dark metallic finish.
Other F Sport Design standard specification details include synthetic leather seat upholstery, heated front seats, dual-zone automatic air conditioning with Lexus’ Nanoe-X air quality system, reversing camera, automatic wipers, LED headlights with Automatic High Beam, chrome roof rails, black wheel arch mouldings and Lexus “F” badging.
UX 250h F Sport
The revised F Sport specification makes Adaptive Variable Suspension and front and rear performance rods standard features, elements that contribute to the model’s sharper handling and chassis response and smoother ride quality on all road surfaces. The AVS’s control system has been adjusted so there is a seamless shift to high damping force when conditions require, so there is a less abrupt change in vehicle behaviour. Tuning of the system has also reduced high and mid-frequency vibration.
Steering feel has been improved with a new rigid joint between the top of the steering gearbox mount and the suspension member. In line with this extra rigidity, the shock absorber damping force has been appropriately adjusted for optimum performance.
Rigidity
Improvements to the 2023 model include measures to further increase body rigidity with additional spot welds on the bottom edge of the side member opening and the lower back panel opening, and a more rigid steel back door reinforcement.
Colour choices
The UX is available with new exterior paintwork option, Sonic Platinum. This special finish uses Lexus’s advanced sonic paint technology in which a layer just a few microns thick brings the metallic flakes in the paint into closer, uniform alignment, creating an extra brilliance and deeper shading across the car’s bodywork.
The revised range also provides a wider choice of bi-tone finishes, with six colours available in combination with a contrast black roof on the F Sport and F Sport Design models.
In the cabin, there is a new Hazel colour option available for all the upholstery options – fabric and synthetic and genuine leather – for all UX versions apart from the F Sport. The perforated leather upholstery has a fresh look with a new kagome stitchwork pattern, inspired by a traditional Japanese basket weave. The synthetic leather upholstery has a new sashiko pleating effect.
Lexus Safety System+
Revisions to the UX 250h’s Lexus Safety System+ bring improved performance in the Pre-Collision System, equipping the car with Intersection Turning Assist for safer left and right turns across traffic at intersections and Emergency Steering Assist, which helps the driver steer to avoid obstacles without departing from their traffic lane. The Dynamic Radar Cruise Control adopts Curve Speed Reduction, which automatically adjusts the vehicle’s speed to suit the radius of a bend in the road.
Efficient powertrain
The UX 250h’s powertrain is unchanged, delivering excellent efficiency and refined performance with fourth generation Lexus hybrid electric technology; the 2.0-litre system develops 181bhp/135kW.
November 2022
Lexus UX updated for 2023
Lexus has strengthened the appeal of its UX compact urban SUV, its best-selling model in the UK, with upgrades for both the self-charging hybrid electric UX 250h and battery electric UX 300e.
Both adopt a new multimedia system that provides improved connectivity, faster performance and easier operation. New features include eight or 12-inch touchscreens, cloud navigation and the introduction of new “Hey Lexus” onboard voice assistant.
The principal technical change for the UX 300e is the introduction of a new, more powerful battery which helps increase the car’s driving range by around 40 per cent, up to 280 miles*. Other tweaks to the body and chassis contribute to an even more engaging and refined driving experience.
Other changes include enhanced and additional Lexus Safety System+ functions, a new F Sport Design grade and a bi-tone paintwork option for the UX 250h.
The new UX 250h is available to buy now; the new UX 300e will be launched in the UK during the second half of 2023.