An introduction
The Lexus UX compact crossover has a stylish look, superior fuel economy, and good safety equipment, not to mention Lexus' luxury cachet. It's front-wheel drive with available all-wheel drive, with an available hybrid model delivering 40 miles per gallon.
For 2022, the UX gets only a few new color and cabin trim choices.
The base engine is a 2.0-liter inline-4 making 169 horsepower. The hybrid drivetrain in the UX 250h is not only more efficient, but it's also quieter and smoother. Hybrids are rated by the EPA at 41/38/39 mpg on regular fuel. The base front-drive UX 200, 29 mpg city, 37 highway, 32 combined.
Both versions receive excellent safety ratings, with five stars from NHTSA and a top safety pick from IIHS. Standard safety equipment is more than most compact crossovers offer, including automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitor, active lane control, and adaptive cruise control.
line up
Built in Japan, the base UX with FWD is $35,000, and it comes with synthetic leather, power front seats, and infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. All-wheel drive adds another $2,000.
For another $2,000 there's an F Sport package that adds some flashy exterior bits, including bigger wheels, and more bolstered seats. The Luxury Package is priced at $5,000, and adds a hands-free liftgate, 10.3-inch touchscreen, and navigation.
For value, go for the hybrid. The UX 250h with Luxury trim costs just under $45,000, and not only does it get 40 mpg and a smooth engine with all-wheel drive, but it also gets LED headlights, a heads-up display, a heated steering wheel, wireless phone charging, and more. Is. More.
The standard Lexus warranty is excellent: 4 years or 50,000 miles free with two maintenance visits.
The walkaround
With sharp lines and a squat stance, the UX's styling is contemporary, not as traditional as the German compact crossover, though it does feature a version of the traditional Lexus spindle grille. From. The headlights, down from the sharp sides, to the angular hips, followed by a sharp stop at the tail. Even the vertical taillights are like wings, with a thin red band between them.
Internal
The instrument panel continues with the contemporary theme, with the touchscreen centered high and lined with gauges and secondary controls. An infotainment touchpad interface can create a major learning curve for its users.
Attention to detail shines through, with cabin materials of high quality and excellent fit and finish.
The faux-leather front seats look good, with the F Sport's extra firmness unnecessary, especially since they push the seating position toward the headliner.
Interior space is well-utilized on the compact footprint, though there's still only 33.1 inches of legroom in the rear, so the UX is a little small for what's considered a family SUV. Two mid-sized passengers will fit in the back, and will find the UX's standard USB ports handy.
Cargo space checks in at around 17 useful cubic feet, but cabin noise and rearward vision are less helpful on long drives.
Driving Impressions
The UX 200's 2.0-liter inline-4 makes an ample 169 horsepower. The hybrid features a different 2.0-liter inline-4, with two electric motors and a larger battery pack to reach a combined 181 horsepower. It's somewhat sharp, but noticeably smooth.
The UX transmission is unique, with a fixed first gear and continuously variable transmission trading off shifting duty. It's almost invisible in its operation, and a driver will hardly notice the difference from a traditional automatic.
The UX's ride is comfortable and its steering is decent. It has a front strut and multi-link rear suspension designed for a comfortable ride, which it delivers on most versions. F Sport UXs have larger wheels which can make the ride a little choppy. Its electric power steering is tuned for quick response, the UX picks and finds its way through traffic with ease, and the Sport drivetrain mode shifts with more eagerness.
The UX driving experience isn't about cornering precisely, though: it's about a pain-free commute, from its superior fuel economy to its compact, city-friendly size.
Summary
Quirky yet stylish, the 2022 Lexus UX has an urban appeal, with a high-tech interior and the sky-high fuel economy of the hybrid model—our pick of the lineup.