What's New
The 2021 Lexus UX enters its third year on the market with standard blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The hybrid version gains an adjustable cargo shelf, allowing for two tiers of storage.
Choosing Your Lexus UX
The UX is offered in three trims: Base, F Sport, and Luxury. Pricing starts at $33,925 including destination and goes to $38,625 for the Luxury trim.
The hybrid-powered UX 250h is available in the same three trim levels, ranging from $36,125 to $40,825.
Engine Choices
All gas models are powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. The hybrid uses the same engine, supplemented by a pair of electric motors.
Engine Type | Horsepower | Torque | Fuel Economy (Combined) |
2.0L 4-Cylinder | 169 hp | 151 lb-ft | 32 mpg |
2.0L 4-Cylinder Hybrid | 181 hp | Not Rated | 39 mpg |
The gas models come with front-wheel drive and a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). All-wheel drive is exclusive to the hybrid, where it's standard.
Passenger and Cargo Capacity
The UX is a subcompact crossover with seating for five, although four is the limit for comfortable travel. The gas model offers 21.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat, and about twice that with the seat folded.
The hybrid's cargo area measures just 17.1 cubic feet due to the intrusion of the battery pack. With the new cargo shelf in use, buyers have up to 22 cubic feet to work with.
In all forms, the UX is more like a hatchback than a crossover when it comes to utility.
Safety Features
Lexus spares nothing on the UX in terms of driver assistance technology. Nearly every worthwhile feature is standard, including adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, automatic high beams, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.
A head-up display is available on all models for $500. The optional Intuitive Parking Assist ($565) furnishes rear automatic braking and front and rear parking sensors.
Connectivity
The standard infotainment system consists of a 7-inch touchscreen, six speakers, HD and satellite radio, four USB ports, wi-fi capability, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
The Luxury gets navigation, eight speakers, and a 10.3-inch touchscreen. These items are available on the lower trims in a $2,200 bundle.
Wireless device charging is a $75 standalone option on all trims.
The UX 200 comes with NuLuxe imitation leather upholstery, power eight-way front seats, dual automatic climate control, LED headlights and taillights, and 18-inch alloy wheels. The $1,175 Premium Package adds heated and ventilated front seats, automatic wipers, a sunroof, and textured dashboard trim. Individual options include a handsfree power liftgate ($600), a heated steering wheel ($150), and wiper de-icers ($100). An adaptive front lighting package with headlight washers and LED fog light and corning lights costs $1,660.
The F-Sport features more aggressive exterior trim, front sport seats, a firmer suspension, upgraded instrumentation, paddle shifters, and standard LED fog and corning lights. The Premium Package for the F-Sport ($975) provides the sunroof, automatic wipers, and heated front seats. Those feature also come in the $2,390 Luxury Package, along with ventilated front seats, driver memory, the handsfree liftgate, and power-folding side mirrors.
The Luxury comes standard with the contents of the Premium and Luxury packages, plus genuine leather seating and illuminated air vent controls.
Buyers expecting a Lexus level of luxury will probably be disappointed by the first two trims. As the name implies, the Luxury model is the choice for those who want a plusher driving experience.