Lexus UX review
The hybrid UX from Lexus provides a sophisticated alternative to the other premium brands in the subcompact crossover segment of the market.
There is an all-electric version, but it’s the hybrid UX 250h I drove. It houses a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder petrol unit with a small electric motor offering 184PS.
The Lexus comes with a CVT gearbox, meaning there’s only one variable gear, and it’s available with front and all-wheel drive. The UX is a full hybrid too (self-charging), which helps improve fuel economy, especially as you can drive a short distance without the engine.
Several trims are offered, with the entry-level UX featuring 17-inch alloys, dual-zone climate control and electric windows, plus an eight-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and navigation.
The F-Sport Design adds 18-inch alloys, while the F-Sport gets a 12.3-inch touchscreen, eight-way electrically adjustable front seats and adaptive suspension.
The top-of-the-range Takumi boasts a glass sliding sunroof, a head-up display and a 13-speaker Mark Levinson premium surround sound system.
An optional Premium Plus pack adds a heated steering wheel, rain-sensing wipers, keyless entry, and a wireless phone charger.
It is the Takumi trim reviewed here.
There is an all-wheel drive version, but the model tested is front-wheel drive, getting from 0-62mph in 8.5 seconds.
Inside, the driving position is pretty low, despite the UX’s SUV-leaning credentials as a crossover.
However, the vehicle is pleasant to sit in, and there are plenty of plush surfaces.
In the boot, you get 438 litres of space, increasing to 1,231 litres with the rear seats folded down in a 60/40 split.
The UX earned a top five-star safety rating from Euro NCAP. Kit consists of the Lexus Safety System+ featuring automatic emergency braking, dynamic radar cruise control, lane tracing, and road sign assist.
You also benefit from a blind spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert and auto brake on all but the entry-level model, where it’s available as an optional extra.
Overall, the UX has a lot going for it, and the cherry on the cake is that Lexus’s reliability is excellent.
Words: Tim Barnes-Clay
Follow on Instagram @tbarnesclay and Twitter @carwriteups
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