History/Overview
The Lexus UX is back for its second year on the market as the brand's entry-level crossover model. This subcompact shares its underpinnings with the Toyota C-HR.
What's New / Key Changes from Last Year
Updates for 2020 are minor, but bring new features that promise to improve the user experience. Lexus has added Android Auto smartphone integration to the car's existing Apple CarPlay capability, and new to the options list is a wallet-sized smart key that works with the car's passive keyless entry system.
Available Trims
Lexus offers the UX with two powertrains and in three distinct trim levels. The UX 200 uses a 2.0L four-cylinder engine, continuously variable transmission and front-wheel drive, while UX250h is a gas-electric hybrid that adds all-wheel drive traction.
UX 200 comes in Premium and F Sport Series 1 trims. The UX 250h offers more variety, also starting in Premium trim and the option of Luxury, F Sport Series 1 and F Sport Series 2 packages.
Standard Features
To start, all UX models are standard with the Lexus Safety System + 2.0, which comprises forward collision, pedestrian and cyclist detection with automatic braking; automatic high beam headlights; radar cruise control, and lane tracing assist. Blind spot monitoring is also standard across the line.
Standard tech items include passive keyless entry, a six-speaker stereo with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, satellite radio, and a 7.0-inch infotainment display.
Outside, the UX 200 is fitted with 17-inch wheels, LED headlights with washers, roof rails, a sunroof, rain-sensing wipers, and heated side mirrors. UX 250h adds 18-inch wheels.
All UX models get eight-way power front seats with heat and ventilation, a leather-trimmed steering wheel, auto-dimming rearview mirror, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a cargo privacy cover. UX 250h adds a heated steering wheel and a leather-trimmed shift lever.
Key Options
The UX 200 F Sport Series 1 package adds active sound control, LED fog lights, 18-inch wheels and tires, a heated steering wheel, LED cornering lights, and trim-specific interior and exterior trim pieces. It also removes the ventilated seats.
To UX 250h, the F Sport Series 1 pack brings the same changes, plus a fully digital gauge cluster, and trim-specific wheels. The Luxury package piles on navigation, a 10.3-inch display, an eight-speaker stereo, wallet-sized smart key, wireless smartphone charging, a head-up display, integrated garage door opener, hands-free power tailgate, driver's seat memory, and intuitive parking assist with automatic braking. F Sport Series 2 is essentially a combination of the F Sport Series 1 and Luxury packages.
Fuel Economy
Lexus's fuel consumption estimates for the UX 200 are 8.0/6.3 L/100 km (city/highway), and 5.7/6.2 for the UX 250h.
Competition
The upscale subcompact crossover class is a fast-growing one. The Lexus UX competes for buyers with the Cadillac XT4, Volvo's XC40, the BMW X2, Audi's Q3, and the Buick Encore and Encore GX.
