LEXUS UX HATCHBACK

The Lexus UX still represents Lexus in the compact part of the mid-sized premium brand SUV sector. Jonathan Crouch takes a look at the revised version

Ten Second Review

One of the market's most profitable segments is that for premium-branded lower-mid-sized SUVs of the more compact sort. Lexus tries to bring something different to it in the form of this UX model. Here, we look at this car's latest updates.

Background

The UX was launched back in 2018 to compete directly against cars like the Volvo XC40, the Audi Q3, the BMW X1 and the Mercedes GLA. These days, it sits between the smaller LBX and the larger NX in the company's line-up. So, does the UX stand a chance against such an army of fiercely talented competitors? Well the looks are certainly a little different to what's on offer elsewhere in this sector - and so is the core powertrain, a non-Plug-in petrol/electric hybrid. There's also an alternative UX 300e battery full-electric version available if you want it. Lexus believes that over 80% of buyers will never have owned one of the company's products before. Will they like this one? Let's find out.

Driving Experience

You can only now get a combustion UX with front wheel drive. Power comes from the brand's usual 2.0-litre self-charging full-Hybrid petrol engine, with fourth generation Lexus Hybrid technology. So you can't plug it in but you will get exemplary fuel returns, even though this unit has to be had mated to electronic continuously variable transmission CVT auto transmission. There's 196bhp on tap, so performance is good enough to take the car to 62mph in 8.3s en route to 110mph. The 'F Sport' model gets standard Adaptive Variable Suspension too. As part of a package of 2024 updates, the steering feel was improved with a redesigned rigid joint between the top of the steering gearbox mount and the suspension member, plus shock absorber damping force was re-tuned. Lexus says that particular efforts have been made to reduce any "rubber band" effect in the operation of the hybrid system and transmission, by optimising the level of electric motor assistance and engine rpm to generate a sense of linear acceleration without the engine running at high revs. You'll still feel this issue a little though if you stab your right foot down. Handling's better than you might expect thanks to the impressively stiff GA-C global architecture platform. This model's surprisingly light for a Hybrid too, thanks to weight-saving measures in the body construction, including the use of lightweight aluminium for the side doors, wings and bonnet, as well as a resin material for the back door. The alternative version of this model is the all-electric UX 300e. This derivative gets a large 72.8kWh lithium-ion battery which powers a motor generating 201bhp, with 300Nm of almost instantly available torque which spears you away from rest like a hot hatch. 62mph from rest occupies 7.5s but top speed is limited to 100mph and you can use steering wheel paddleshifters to alter the level of braking regeneration. Driving range is much improved over the original old 54.3kWh battery model, rated 84 miles higher at up to 280 miles.

Design and Build

Does this look like an SUV to you? For us, it's more of a family hatch than it is any kind of crossover - but maybe that's just the point. Lexus is trying to blur the boundaries here to make movement into this car from, say, a BMW 1 Series or an Audi A3 that much easier. From a stylistic point of view, the Japanese brand says that its aim with the UX wasn't to conform to the established, solid crossover look, but to achieve a strong and stylish silhouette that was more distinctive and dynamic. This design approach can be seen in the way the front and rear wings flare strongly outwards in relation to the car's basic form, which flows out from the lines of the spindle grille to envelop the cabin. At the front, the arrangement of the headlights and the spindle grille are incorporated into a deep, strong shape created by the hood and bumper to try and generate a sense of security. At the rear, a condensed styling treatment contrasts sharply with the flared wings to try and emphasise the UX's crossover qualifications. The UX measures 4,495mm long, 1,520mm high and 1,840mm wide and has a 2,640mm wheelbase. An 870mm couple distance ensures ample space for rear seat passengers in the surprisingly roomy cabin. The instrument panel has a low, unobtrusive design and the slim A-pillar mouldings have been shaped to improve visibility and give the kind of commanding outward view that is expected of a crossover. The key change made since this model's original launch lies with the adoption of Lexus' latest multimedia systems, which dispense with the previous much-criticised trackpad for control, using a touchscreen format instead; 8 or 12-inch monitors are fitted, size depending on chosen trim. All have sharp graphics, 'Apple CarPlay' and 'Adroid Auto' connectivity and "Hey Lexus" voice recognition, plus the large display has built-in navigation. There's not a massive amount of rear seat room, but a couple of adults will be OK. Out back, the load area isn't huge - it's 791mm long - which means the front-driven version can take up to 320-litres loaded up to the tonneau cover; it's 367-litres with the UX 300e.

Market and Model

UX prices start at around £38,000 for the base 'Premium' model. The other trim levels are 'F Sport Design', 'F Sport Design Tech', 'F Sport' and 'Takumi'. Even base 'Premium' specification comes with plenty, including powered heated door mirrors with an integrated Blind Spot Monitor. Inside, the steering wheel and shift lever have leather trim and a wireless phone charger is provided as standard. Other standard equipment on the 'Premium' model includes chrome roof rails, LED front fog lights, 17-inch alloy wheels, smart entry and start, heated front seats, parking sensors, automatic headlight levelling and the Lexus Link Connect multimedia system with 9.8-inch touchscreen. The Lexus Safety System+ safety and driver assistance features are also included and incorporate a Driver Monitor. The system is linked to the car's active safety systems, so that should the driver fail to respond, the car can be brought smoothly to a controlled halt with the hazard lights activated. 'F Sport Design' spec adds 18-inch alloys, a heated steering wheel, rear privacy glass and Tahara high-quality synthetic leather upholstery and steering wheel trim. The 'Design Tech' version adds a power-operated back door, Lexus Link Pro multimedia with an embedded navigation system and 12.3-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch driver's combimeter/multi-information display. The full 'F Sport' model features a multi-illumination entry welcome system and has an F Sport-dedicated steering wheel with paddle shifts, aluminium scuff plates, front seats and leather upholstery. Other details include power front seat adjustment, Adaptive Variable Suspension, Active Sound Control and an additional Sport Plus drive mode. An entry lighting system is part of the top 'Takumi' specification. As befits the luxury flagship of the range, this model comes with a wealth of comfort and convenience features, including a memory setting for the door mirrors, heated steering wheel, smooth leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, head-up display and 13-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system.

Cost of Ownership

You might be approaching this UX wanting diesel-style returns from petrol power - and that's pretty much what you get. Let's look at the WLTP figures. Mated to front wheel drive, the Hybrid engine with the front-driven model delivers up to 56.4mpg on the combined cycle and up to 113g/km of CO2. As you'd expect, to get the full benefit of the potential efficiency of this Lexus, you've got to do your part as a driver - and that means proactive use of the various modes and systems provided. You'll need to keep a very careful eye on the Hybrid system gauge that replaces the usual rev counter on the dash, making sure that the needle stays as often as possible in either of the blue 'Eco' or 'Charge' zones. Those in a frugal frame of mind will also want to keep an eye on the various graphical screens provided by the fascia's centre-dash colour monitor. Go to the 'Trip Information' part of its 'Vehicle' section and you'll find under 'Past Record' a screen that graphically shows your success - or otherwise - in terms of recently achieved frugality. Another option on this screen is the useful 'Energy Monitor', there to show at a glance at any time what's charging or being driven by what. The graphics for this are provided in simpler form as one of the selectable settings provided by the central instrument binnacle display screen. The alternative version of this car is the all-electric UX 300e, which has a large 72.8kWh battery offering a WLTP driving range of 279 miles and can be recharged from a 7kW garage wallbox in 7 hours.

Summary

With so many Plug-in Hybrid lower mid-sized family SUVs available for much the same money as Lexus is asking for this non-plug-in UX 300h, you might wonder where sales are going to come from for this model. But not everyone wants to plug a crossover of this kind in and most of the similarly-sized PHEV SUVs don't have premium badges - or the kind of premium feel this UX has. It's a pity you can no longer have it with 4WD. And the all-electric UX 300e version's certainly an acquired taste. But if you're happy with this UX as a front-driven Hybrid, there's still plenty to like here for the money. Especially with the better equipment and safety levels now being offered. You might be siurprised by how much this Lexus could still charm you.