The angular Lexus UX compact crossover has acquired a mid-life replace – not that you could possibly actually inform.
For 2023 there’s been a range of enhancements to the spec sheet and below the pores and skin, although solely the F Sport variations obtain any distinguishable exterior options within the type of body-coloured bumpers.
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Highlights embrace a brand new, bigger infotainment unit with wi-fi smartphone mirroring and linked capabilities, a beefier commonplace sound system, a stiffer chassis, in addition to retuned steering and shocks for higher dealing with.
These upgrades have include value rises. On check we’ve got probably the most inexpensive hybrid variant, the 2023 Lexus UX250h Luxurious + Enhancement Pack 2 – priced from $53,820 earlier than on-road prices, or $1795 greater than earlier than.
Lexus nonetheless has a reasonably distinctive place within the premium phase, in that it provides a hybrid choice domestically – although most supply mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid energy abroad.
With its edgy styling and miserly hybrid drivetrain, does the Lexus UX deserve your consideration?
How a lot does the Lexus UX250h Luxurious value?
As famous earlier, the car you see right here retails from $53,820 earlier than on-road prices.
That’s a bit of dearer than the pre-update mannequin (up $1795) but it surely’s nonetheless positioned on the decrease finish of the vary and certainly the decrease finish of the premium small SUV phase.
With the Enhancement Pack 2 specification, the Lexus UX manages to cram in numerous equipment that will normally be elective in rivals, whereas electrification is a rarity at this finish of the market.
Volvo’s mild-hybrid XC40 Plus B4 prices related cash ($53,490), whereas equivalently-priced Audi Q3 (from $50,600) is at the moment turbo petrol-only throughout the vary.
The BMW X1 (from $60,400) and Mercedes-Benz GLA (from $63,200) are priced considerably greater than the Lexus on this specification, whereas probably the most inexpensive Mini Countryman SE plug-in hybrid ($64,000) provides usable electrical vary however once more is costlier.
Maybe the Lexus’s closest like-for-like rival from past the Toyota secure is the Kia Niro HEV, which in top-spec GT-Line guise is a stone’s throw from the Lexus on check at $50,030 plus on-road prices.
2023 Lexus UX pricing:
- Lexus UX200 Luxurious: $46,085 (+$1640)
- Lexus UX250h Luxurious + Enhancement Pack 2: $53,820 (+$1795)
- Lexus UX200 Sports activities Luxurious: $56,850 (+$1600)
- Lexus UX200 F Sport: $57,495 (+$1745)
- Lexus UX250h Sports activities Luxurious: $60,850 (+$1750)
- Lexus UX250h F Sport: $61,495 (+$1895)
- Lexus UX250h Sports activities Luxurious AWD: $65,350 (+$1750)
- Lexus UX250h F Sport AWD: $65,995 (+$1895)
Costs exclude on-road prices
MORE: 2023 Lexus UX price and specs
What’s the Lexus UX250h Luxurious like on the within?
Whereas the updates in and out are comparatively minor, the inside tech improve could be very welcome.
Key to the replace is a brand new 12.3-inch central touchscreen that’s a growth over the outdated 10-inch show by way of display screen actual property, but in addition by way of software program and connectivity.
The newest technology software program is current right here with sooner response and cargo instances, up to date mapping, enhanced decision and graphics, in addition to new linked companies – together with an clever voice assistant and on-line navigation.
In contrast to Toyota – which normally provides only a yr’s value of linked companies earlier than charging prospects for the complete function set – Lexus Related is complementary for the primary three years of possession.
Lexus has additionally introduced the touchscreen nearer to the motive force to enhance usability, and the outdated mousepad-style contact controller is gone to liberate extra space on the centre console.
Inputs on such a big display screen generally is a little difficult on the transfer, so some might favor having a rotary controller like BMW iDrive, for instance. Nevertheless, I can affirm this can be a welcome improve in comparison with Lexuses of outdated.
Our Luxurious-spec tester isn’t out there with the 13-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system of upper grades, however even the usual 10-speaker audio examined right here is fairly good for the category with clear and deep sound.
Rounding out the spec sheet are DAB radio, wi-fi Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto. Wi-fi CarPlay labored faultlessly throughout our time with the UX, and the wi-fi telephone charger ensured I didn’t run out of juice on longer journeys.
The entrance seats are among the most comfy at school, with good bolstering and help all-round. Props to Lexus for giving its most inexpensive mannequin an identical expertise to its greater finish choices on this regard.
Likewise the steering will is a well-known unit plucked from greater up within the vary, providing a pleasant stable really feel and a comfortable, easy end for the rim. It’s fairly good to carry, if not fairly as attractive because the F Sport wheel.
Luxurious and Sports activities Luxurious variations of the UX get a extra fundamental digital instrument cluster in comparison with the F Sport, with a set ring define that serves as a border for the digital dial. It’s a clear however uninspiring structure that doesn’t have the identical wow issue because the models changing into more and more frequent within the phase – each mainstream and premium.
The Luxurious will get handbook attain and rake adjustment for the steering wheel, although there may be energy adjustment additional up within the vary which is exclusive at this finish of the market. The entrance seats are 10-way energy adjustable for the motive force and eight-way for the entrance passenger, in addition to heated – not unhealthy for a base mannequin.
Much less spectacular is the again seat, which makes even a Toyota Corolla really feel spacious – humorous that, they’re mainly the identical automotive beneath.
Knee and legroom are tight, particularly when you’re over 6’Zero like me, and the rising window line means it might probably get a bit of darkish within the again. Keep in mind, the UX is Lexus’s tackle the Toyota C-HR, which explains the coupe-ish rear packaging.
You do get first rate facilities, although. There are air vents and USB charging ports, map pockets and a fold-down centre armrest with cupholders. In an odd transfer for Lexus, the rear door trims are laborious scratchy plastic up prime, a transparent cost-saving measure.
Anybody with a small or younger household considering of utilizing the UX as a household automotive, I’d recommend getting a really feel for the second row and boot. There are ISOFIX and top-tether factors, however I think you may outgrow this gorgeous shortly. An X1, Q3 or XC40 could be higher geared up for a rising household.
The bags space is equally tight at 368L for the UX250h. It’s one of many smallest boots at school.
It’s virtually 60L lower than the UX200 petrol model, and effectively below the likes of the Audi Q3 and BMW X1, not to mention the Volvo XC40.
The Lexus UX solely will get a tyre restore equipment in entry-level Luxurious guise, not even a space-saver spare. Larger variants with bigger wheels get run-flat tyres as a substitute.
What’s below the bonnet?
The UX250h pairs a 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine working the environment friendly Atkinson cycle with an electrical motor and nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) battery pack.
By itself the petrol engine develops 107kW (6000rpm) and 188Nm (4400-5200rpm), whereas the e-motor contributes 80kW and 202Nm.
System energy output is quoted at 131kW, although in typical Toyota/Lexus style there’s no system torque determine as the facility sources peak at completely different instances.
Drive is shipped to the entrance wheels on this model through an digital constantly variable transmission (e-CVT), although an all-wheel drive mannequin with an extra electrical motor on the rear axle can be out there greater up within the vary.
Lexus claims the UX250h 2WD can speed up from 0-100km/h in 8.5 seconds on its approach to a prime pace of 177km/h.
As for gas consumption – arguably the extra essential metric for a hybrid – the UX250h 2WD quotes mixed effectivity of simply 4.5L per 100km, with CO2 emissions rated at 103g/km.
The gas tank in hybrid variations measures 43 litres in capability, and it’s capable of take cheaper 91 RON common unleaded. Value noting is the UX’s Euro 6 emissions certification.
How does the Lexus UX250h Luxurious drive?
Very like most TNGA-based hybrids.
Nevertheless, one key distinction between the UX250h and Corolla and C-HR relations, no less than in Australia, is that it comes with the model’s beefier 2.0-litre petrol-electric hybrid system as a substitute of the lesser 1.8-litre unit.
How does that translate in the true world? The UX feels smoother and extra muscular, with a better ceiling than the lower-spec system of its siblings – although the newest Corolla’s up to date battery permits it to lean extra on the electrified bits for higher gas consumption.
Whereas on paper the UX250h’s 131kW mixed energy output appears to be like good in comparison with the 100-110kW base models within the Audi Q3 and BMW X1, the Atkinson-cycle petrol engine must be labored to get into its candy spot, and the electrical motor whereas fairly speedy in response palms off to the petrol engine fairly shortly.
Briefly, it doesn’t really feel fairly as punchy or resolved as equal turbocharged rivals, and even much less so in opposition to the 145kW/300Nm 2.0-litre turbo within the base Volvo XC40 B4 Plus.
The place the hybrid does shine, nevertheless, is in city environments, the place you’ll be able to glide alongside in EV mode commonly and the petrol engine doesn’t should be labored too laborious to achieve the pace restrict.
Usually you’ll get to 10-20km/h with out firing the petrol engine, with the two.0-litre motor coming on-line to maintain up with site visitors and shortly shutting off once more whenever you launch the accelerator and coast.
Toyota and Lexus have been doing this hybrid factor for some 20 years already, and that reveals within the simplicity and refinement of the drivetrain’s operation.
Whereas I achieved an general determine of 4.9L/100km after per week of blended driving, I commonly noticed higher than that when the UX250h spent extra time in metropolis and concrete areas with pace limits of 40-60km/h. It’s really easy.
The e-CVT does an amazing job at shuffling between energy sources, although it can flare revs below more durable throttle inputs and like Toyota’s different Atkinson cycle petrol engines the UX250h’s mill sounds extra like a failed X Issue audition than a Mariah Carey observe…
When it comes to trip and dealing with the UX’s TNGA underpinnings strike a beautiful stability between consolation and engagement, particularly on the Luxurious’s smaller 17-inch wheels and chubby 215/60 tyres.
The UX irons out pimpled metropolis streets and imperfections like tram tracks with aplomb, whereas the fluid steering and pure ranges of physique lean make it a chuckable little factor. Its compact dimensions additionally make it a cinch to position in site visitors or tight streets.
Insulation from street and wind noise is first rate if not fairly on the ranges anticipated of a Lexus; with a good degree of tyre roar permeating the cabin at freeway speeds, if much less so than higher-spec fashions on run-flat tyres.
Like I discussed earlier, the drivetrain can get a bit gruff below laborious acceleration. It doesn’t have the attraction of the brand new BMW X1 sDrive18i’s 1.5-litre three-cylinder unit, for instance.
Value commending although is Lexus’s inclusion of the complete suite of driver help programs from the bottom degree (no less than for hybrids), below the Lexus Security System+ banner.
The adaptive cruise management and Lane Hint Help (centring) programs mix to supply semi-autonomous freeway driving functionality, even when the latter might come off a bit of overbearing for some, whereas blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert show useful in on a regular basis driving as a result of UX’s rising beltline and slim rear glasshouse.
Colors
- Sonic Quartz
- Titanium
- Sonic Chrome
- Sonic Iridium
- Onyx
- Graphite Black
- Caliente
- Khaki Steel
- Celestial Blue
What do you get?
UX200 Luxurious highlights:
- 17-inch alloy wheel
- LED headlights
- LED daytime working lights
- Shark fin roof-mounted antenna (NEW)
- Energy-folding, heated door mirrors
- Rain-sensing window wipers
- 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment show (NEW)
- Wi-fi Apple CarPlay (NEW)
- Wired Android Auto
- DAB+ digital radio (NEW)
- Satellite tv for pc navigation
- 10-speaker sound system (NEW)
- Twin-zone local weather management
- Push-button begin
- Washi instrument panel paper trim and stitching (NEW)
- Synthetic leather-based upholstery
- Heated entrance seats
- 10-way energy driver’s seat
- 8-way energy entrance passenger’s seat
Enhancement Bundle 1 provides:
- LED fog lights
- Parking help alert
- Parking help brake
- Blind-spot monitor
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Keyless entry
UX200 Luxurious and UX250h Luxurious with EP2 add:
- Enhancement Bundle 1
- Energy tailgate (kick sensor for UX250h)
- Wi-fi telephone charging
- Cornering lights
- Headlight washers
- Privateness glass
- Alloy scuff plates
Enhancement Pack Three provides:
Bigger 18-inch alloy wheels with run-flat tyres are additionally elective on Luxurious fashions.
Is the Lexus UX250h Luxurious secure?
All variations of the Lexus UX put on a five-star ANCAP security score primarily based on 2019 Euro NCAP checks.
Lexus’s child crossover scored 96 per cent for grownup occupant safety, 88 per cent for little one occupant safety, 82 per cent for susceptible street consumer safety, and 83 per cent for security help.
Normal security options embrace:
- Eight airbags incl. driver, passenger knee
- Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
- Adaptive cruise management with cease/go
- Auto high-beam
- Lane departure warning
- Lane preserve help
- Lane Tracing Help (centring)
- Site visitors signal recognition
- Parking help monitor
UX Luxurious + EP 1 add:
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic help
All 2023 Lexus UX fashions now obtain a three-year complimentary Lexus Related Companies subscription.
Lexus Related Companies:
- Computerized collision notification
- SOS emergency calling
- Stolen car monitoring
- Final recognized car location
- Latest journey data
- Diagnostics information
- Door lock standing
- Doorways, home windows, bonnet and boot standing
- Tyre pressures
- Hazard mild standing
- Lexus Distant Join
How a lot does the Lexus UX250h Luxurious value to run?
The Lexus vary is roofed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee.
Hybrid fashions have their high-voltage batteries warranted in opposition to degradation for as much as 10 years (limitless kilometres) topic to annual Hybrid/EV system well being checks after the fifth yr.
You additionally get entry to the Lexus Encore ownership program, which supplies homeowners entry to Caltex gas reductions, invites to luxurious dinners and occasions, in addition to luxurious resort partnership advantages. Lexus Australia is rolling out a new smartphone app that lets homeowners observe and inspect or management features of their car from the sofa.
Scheduled upkeep is required each 12 months or 15,000 kilometres – whichever comes first.
Lexus provides three years of capped-price servicing for the UX petrol and hybrid vary, with the primary three visits costing $495 apiece – amounting to $1485 for mentioned interval.
Actual-world gas economic system was fairly darn spectacular, as is anticipated of a Toyota or Lexus hybrid. Our check automotive was exhibiting an indicated 4.9L/100km on the finish of our week of testing, which included a mixture of peak-hour commuting thrown in with some off-peak city and freeway stints.
It’s additionally very constructive that the UX was capable of come inside 0.5L/100km of its mixed declare with out a lot effort.
CarExpert’s Tackle the Lexus UX250h Luxurious
The bottom Lexus UX250h shapes up as a fairly stable city crossover.
Whereas it lacks the good packaging of its German and Swedish rivals, it’s considered one of only a few electrified choices within the premium compact SUV area, and is priced inside attain of one thing like a supply-constrained high-spec Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid or RAV4 Hybrid.
It drives effectively, is environment friendly with out a lot effort, and is fairly effectively specified from the bottom degree. The Luxurious + EP2 spec that serves because the entry-level hybrid variant might arguably be the choose of the vary.
That mentioned, whereas worth is a robust promoting level for the UX relative to its rivals, the Volvo XC40 B4 Plus boasts far extra space and extra efficiency for related cash whereas packing a aggressive degree of spec, although its mild-hybrid turbocharged 4 gained’t come near the Lexus in real-world effectivity.
Sure the appears to be like might polarise, and sure it gained’t be a sensible choice for individuals who commonly carry adults within the again, however if you need an environment friendly every day runabout that’s a bit of posh, the UX250h is value a glance.
MORE: Everything Lexus UX
Professionals
- Wonderful real-world economic system
- Charming trip and dealing with stability
- Robust worth equation relative to rivals
Cons
- Tight again seat and boot
- The appears to be like will not enchantment to everybody
- 2.0L engine will get gruff below load
High Line Specs
- Energy: 107kW
- Gas Sort: Unleaded Petrol/Electrical
- Economic system: 4.5L/100km
- CO2 Emissions: 103g/km
- ANCAP Security Ranking: 5
