Lexus UX

Lexus UX: motoring sweet dreams are made of this

Andrew Walker runs a rule over Lexus’ premium SUV

The smallest Lexus crossover, the UX, landed in 2019 and went head-to-head with the likes of the BMW X1, Audi Q3, Volvo XC40, Mercedes GLA and BMW X2. It follows sister brands the Prius and C-HR on Toyota’s TNGA platform.

There’s just the one powertrain for UK customers, a 2.0-litre petrol-electric hybrid, although it is offered with both 2WD and 4WD

Lexus has thus far steadfastly avoided the EV sector, preferring to continue with selfcharging hybrids, and the latest Lexus is no different. The good news is that it offers impressive fuel economy, which on the model we were testing, the UX 250 2WD, comes with a combined WLTP fuel economy of 49.5mpg: that’s impressive for a petrol driven car under the new regulations.

It also makes a fine fist of standing out. Up front, the familiar Lexus spindle grille features a new mesh pattern and there’s narrow LED headlights on the front corners, which are standard across the range. It also features large wheel arches and rear lights that span the full width of the hatch back, ending with a bulbous finish at either side.

The UX 250h comes very well equipped, with 18″alloys, auto folding heated door mirrors, an acoustic windscreen, rear privacy glass and chrome roof rails. Standard kit includes dual zone climate control, a push button start button, A reversing camera, a heated steering wheel and rain sensing wipers.

Our test car also included the Premium Plus Pack, featuring the Japanese Paper dash top, power backdoor, key less entry, and cornering lights, an additional £2,300 as well as the Tech and Safety Pack, with a heads up display, wireless charger, three-eye LED and AHS headlamps, an extra £1,400.

The interior oozes quality: the steering wheel and clock are straight out of the £50,000 LS saloon, the top of the dash is finished to the highest quality in Japanese Paper and all of the switchgear is top notch, too.

Even the seats are available in three finishes: fabric, leather, or a combination of the two. There are also five colours to choose from on the standard UX, with our test car fitted with cream leather.

The Lexus 7” infotainment screen sits in the centre top of the dashboard and allows access to all of the cars main functions. The UX features a touchpad control system, which can prove a little fiddly, especially when you’re moving. Design details include two cylindrical buttons above the steering wheel which jut out like horns from the dash, one of which controls the driving functions, Normal, Eco and Sport; the EV function is selected by pressing a button between the front seats.

The Lexus SatNav is pretty good and the option of Bluetooth and USB mean that accessing music or podcasts from your phone is easy – but even better is the addition of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, allowing you to access Google Maps and making hands-free phone use easier.

Interior space up front is great, with the wraparound dashboard still leaving plenty of knee and legroom. You don’t actually sit as high up in the UX as many competitors and it doesn’t feel like you’re in an SUV. Rear passengers are a little compromised, especially if you’re sat behind a tall front passenger. The centre rear seat suffers the most, as it’s higher than the outer seats and is only large enough for a small teen or younger.

Cabin storage is also average. There’s a smallish glovebox, twin front door bins, a decent cubby under the central armrest which cleverly opens both ways and hides the USB connection plus a couple of cup holders. But the rear seats split 60:40 and there’s a useful removable flat boot floor enabling easy loading/ unloading. With this removed, the UX offers 320 litres of space which, when you look around, isn’t great; the similar-sized VW T-Roc offers 445 litres, for example.

The best thing about the UX is its handling. The CVT gear box can be a little frustrating on other models but here works well. The UX, although a crossover/SUV, sits quite low to the ground and is a lot of fun to drive when you’re lucky enough to find some winding B roads. It hugs corners tightly and springs out of them

quickly, putting a smile on your face. In the confines of metropolitan driving it’s also a hit. The cabin is well insulated from outside noise and in the city, especially at lower speeds or stuck in traffic, the EV function can be utilised. At anything under 20mph progress is serene and the UX’s smallish size makes it easy to park as well.

For company car drivers looking at saving a few quid, the UX 250d comes with CO2 emissions of 95g/km and a BIK in year one of 22%, with a 23% rate in years two and three. In comparison, an Audi Q2 with 150bhp is 29% in year one, rising to 30% in years two and three. That’s a big saving. Add in the combined fuel economy of 49.5mpg – we averaged 43.6mpg – which is at least 10-15mpg better in our experience than a non petrol-hybrid and for fleet customers, the news just gets better and better.

It’s also great to drive, is brilliantly put together and with connected apps now offered, ticks all the boxes. Our only minor criticism is that the boot is on the small side.

VERDICT Up against the Audi Q2, BMW X2, Mercedes GLA & Volvo XC40, the UX competes well, offering bulletproof reliability and top-notch build quality. The addition of the UX300e in 2021 will give Lexus its first all-electric car.