- The Lexus UX is the brand’s smallest, most affordable vehicle
- Pricing starts at $37,690 | Price it your way
- On sale now | See Lexus UX models for sale near you
The Lexus UX is the brand’s entry point to its range of luxury vehicles. The UX is also the most efficient luxury SUV on the market. That’s the kind of combination that anyone shopping for a high-value, high-quality subcompact luxury SUV can get behind.
First introduced for the 2019 model year, the Lexus UX is approaching the end of its first generation. It has evolved considerably over that time, with updated design, technology, and powertrains. For the 2025 model year, the Lexus UX gets updates to its hybrid drivetrain aimed at improving acceleration and increasing refinement.
The UX is available in four grades: the base 300h, Premium, F Sport Design, and F Sport Handling. All versions use the same 196-horsepower hybrid powertrain. Front-wheel drive (FWD) is standard, but all-wheel drive (AWD) is available on all trims.
Passenger Room and Comfort
Despite being Lexus’ most affordable vehicle, the UX’s cabin is a nice, comfortable environment, even in the base models. Sure, there’s less leather and more rubber or plastic than you’ll find in Lexus’ higher-end models, but there’s very little to mark the UX as anything but a proper luxury vehicle, at least in terms of materials, fit, and finish.
The front seats, especially, are spacious and comfortable, even for extended periods. The rear seats are usable by taller adults, but entry and exit can be trickier for larger folks. Specifically, the UX offers 33 inches of rear legroom, several inches less than its competitors, and about the same as some larger SUVs’ third rows.
Unlike many Lexus vehicles, the UX’s cabin isn’t whisper-quiet, but it’s still quieter than the mainstream vehicles in its class.
Features and Tech
Even the base UX is well-equipped, coming with blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, Lexus’ touchscreen interface on an 8.0-inch display, 8-way power-adjustable seats, dual-zone climate control, leather-trimmed steering wheel and shift knob, and more.
Step up to the Premium and you’ll add an auto-dimming rearview mirror, heated and ventilated front seats, and an available cold-weather upgrade package.
The F Sport Design focuses on sporty style. It offers the same features as the Premium, plus unique F Sport exterior elements and an available black contrast roof.
The F Sport Handling sits at the top of the range, offering all Premium features plus F Sport bolstered front seats, perforated leather-trimmed shift knob and steering wheel, unique interior design details like aluminum pedals and door sill scuff plates, black interior trim (instead of the washi trim), memory seats and mirrors, and more.
Wireless smartphone integration is standard in all models for both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and wireless device charging is available to enable a completely wire-free phone experience. There’s even an available full-color head-up display.
Materials and Design
The standard UX cabin features NuLuxe simulated leather and washi dash trim, which exudes a premium feel despite the UX’s relatively affordable starting price. For those seeking even more visual stimulus, the F Sport Handling adds aggressively bolstered seats available in bright Circuit Red.
The standard NuLuxe material looks and feels as good as most genuine automotive leather, and the UX’s dash layout is exactly what you’d expect from Lexus: attractive, ergonomic, and sensible.
The UX’s cabin clearly focuses on the driving experience, with all of the controls and screens oriented for maximum visibility and ease of use.
Cargo Room and Flexibility
Because the UX is a subcompact crossover SUV, it’s not going to win any contests for greatest cargo capacity. That said, it’s one of the smallest luxury SUVs you can buy, even compared to rivals like the Audi Q3, BMW X1, and Mercedes-Benz GLA.
Most competitors offer several inches more rear legroom and substantially more cargo room than the UX. The UX’s maximum cargo area behind the second row is 17.2 cubic feet. A 60/40-split folding second row makes it easier to carry larger or longer items while still offering some second-row seating.
Build and price your own version of the 2025 Lexus UX to see this week’s Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price, 5-Year Cost to Own, and more, or check out UX models for sale near you
