Used 2021 Lexus UX

The 2021 Lexus UX is the least expensive way of getting into a brand-new Lexus. As an added bonus, it’s also a crossover SUV, that most desired of vehicles. But it’s a small crossover.

It enjoys the distinct Lexus styling language, however, along with the usual high levels of build quality and standard equipment. The UX is now only two years old, so there’s still not a great amount of data, but we’re willing to bet that reliability and resale values are also going to be impressive.

The UX comes with a regular drivetrain in the UX 200, or a hybrid setup in the UX 250h, which also features a limited form of all-wheel drive as standard. Neither version is as lively as, say, the BMW X1 or Volvo XC40, but a dearth of driving thrills has never stopped any Lexus from being popular.

Lexus vehicles rarely have the enthusiast edge that always seems apparent in BMW’s efforts. Neither the UX 200 nor the UX 250h will get pulses racing (8.9 seconds from standstill to 60 mph for the UX 200) or encourage owners to go rock-crawling at the weekends.

Instead, the UX puts its eggs in the comfort basket. The ride quality is supple, and the seats are well cushioned. The driving position is the usual raised affair in crossover SUVs, and forward vision is excellent. The tight turning circle and modest dimensions make this a smart choice for running around town, then squeezing into parking spaces that bigger vehicles would drive past.

After testing the UX 200 and UX 250h back-to-back, we prefer the hybrid. It has a little more power — 181 total horsepower compared with 169 — and has the benefit of driving the rear wheels as well as the fronts, at least until 43 mph.

Technically, the Lexus UX is a 5-seater. But since this is a subcompact-crossover SUV, it’s probably better for four persons if they’re adult-sized. And not too tall, since rear legroom is only 33.1 inches.

The UX isn’t going to be a cargo carrier’s dream, either. The UX 200 has 21.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats. The BMW X1 fares better with 27.1 cubic feet.

Because the UX 250h has to accommodate its hybrid hardware, luggage area is 17.1 cubic feet — barely adequate for a couple of suitcases.

The situation up front is far more amenable, with comfortable and supportive seats, along with a dash canted toward the driver. Infotainment systems in Lexus vehicles are not particularly well regarded, but this one at least has some extra controls to accompany the touchpad.

For 2021, the entire UX range has its rear console changed to house USB-C ports, as opposed to last year’s USB-A connections.

Yes, there’s that distinct Lexus grille again, just like with the NX and RX crossover SUVs. It’s not subtle, but it goes arguably well with the rest of the shapes, lines, and portions of the NX.

To complement this styling are some vivid colors like Cadmium Orange and Redline. The UX has 18-inch alloy wheels as standard.

The 2021 UX 250h doesn’t shout about its hybrid character, but rather whispers it with that lower-case “h” on its rear badge. Otherwise, it’s virtually indistinguishable in regular guise from the UX 200.

The Black Line Special Edition of the UX 250h has darkened headlights and various exterior elements (grille, side mirrors, roof rails, wheels) all finished in black.

LEXUS UX 250H HYBRID
It’s a $2,200 premium over the regular UX 200, but it’s a better call. Not just because of the extra muscle and partial all-wheel drive. It also adds greater fuel efficiency to the mix. The UX 250h averages 39 mph; the UX 200 manages 33 mpg, which is still respectable, but why buy something that uses more gas and makes more emissions?

LEXUS SAFETY SYSTEM+ 2.0
Every new UX has a full array of active assistance and safety features, referred to under the overall term of Lexus Safety System+ 2.0. This includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, radar-based adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning with steering assistance, and road sign recognition.

The 2021 Lexus UX comes in base, F Sport, and Luxury trim levels. The base version is nice enough, with LED headlights, 18-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, selectable driving modes (Eco, Normal, and Sport), 8-way power-adjustable front seats, and a comprehensive set of driver aids in the Lexus Safety System+ 2.0.

The infotainment system includes a 7-inch display, Dynamic Navigation, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto/Amazon Alexa compatibility, four USB ports, and Wi-Fi with a 4GB/3-month trial.

F-Sport variants aren’t more powerful, but have a sport-tuned suspension, bolstered front seats, paddle shifters, and an 8-inch display. Considering the UX isn’t inherently sporty, we would probably give this version a miss.

The base 2021 UX is eligible for a powered tilt/slide moonroof, heated/ventilated front seats, and rain-sensing wipers.

Top-line Luxury versions of the 2021 UX 200 and UX 250h come with a hands-free powered tailgate, acoustic front glass for a quieter cabin, and the above-mentioned features.

Other options include a 10.3-inch display (standard in Luxury trim), an 8-speaker premium audio system, a head-up display, a self-dimming rearview mirror with universal garage remote, wireless charging, rear parking sensors with automatic reverse braking, and a heated steering wheel. The Black Line Special Edition also has a 2-piece luggage set from Zero Halliburton.

The 2021 UX 200 has a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that makes 169 horsepower and drives the front wheels (FWD) through a continuously variable transmission (CVT). This latter item has a traditional first gear before clicking over automatically to CVT mode. It counteracts the much-despised “rubber-band” feel that typically plagues this kind of transmission. Drive goes to the front wheels (FWD).

The UX 250h hybrid augments its 2.0-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine with two electric motors running off a nickel-metal hydride battery pack. One electric motor drives the rear axle up to 43 mph. Total output is 181 horsepower, and this drivetrain has a conventional CVT. The UX 250h has a limited all-wheel drive (AWD) system as standard.

2.0-liter inline-4 (UX 200)
169 horsepower @ 6,600 rpm
151 lb-ft of torque @ 4,800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 29/37 mpg

2.0-liter inline-4 + 2 electric motors & 24-kW battery (UX 250h)
181 total horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 43/41 mpg