Overview

The Lexus UX is the premium Japanese brand’s smallest SUV, and a stylish effort to entice buyers away from the Audi Q3, BMW X1, Jaguar E-Pace and Mercedes-Benz GLA. This review deals with the petrol-electric hybrid UX 250h model, which delivers impressive real-world fuel economy – we have a separate review of the Lexus UX 300e all-electric variant.

It’s the GLA that this Lexus feels closest to in terms of ethos. While it ticks various SUV styling cue boxes, the UX nevertheless feels more like a tall hatchback than a rugged cross-country vehicle. In this respect it’s also similar to the Audi Q2 and BMW X2 – a machine for driving on the road, not off it.

You’re unlikely to mistake the UX for any of those rivals in person, as it looks very distinctive outside and in. The exterior is perhaps a bit hit and miss in terms of beauty, but the interior is outstanding, with a material and build quality that is deeply impressive. This is marred slightly by the unusual track-pad controller for the infotainment system – soon to be replaced by touchscreen control in an update for the 2023 model year.

It comes in three nominal trim levels: UX, F Sport and Takumi. Several of those are divided into further specifications (including UX Premium Pack, UX Premium Plus Pack, UX Premium Sport Edition) – so there should be a UX to suit most buyers. The most basic versions have non-body-coloured wheel-arch cladding, the rest are painted all one shade – unless you opt for one of the ‘bi-tone’ finishes that are also new for the 2023 model year.

Over the next few pages will dive into the Lexus UX in much greater detail, with our verdict based on scores that cover everything from practicality to performance, running costs to interior quality. Keep reading.