The market is dominated by crossover so it should be no surprise to notice that most vehicle manufacturers out there launch one. This is exactly the case with the 2019 Lexus UX 200, which is a compact crossover with a lot of competition.
The UX is practically the entry-level crossover by Lexus. This is the vehicle that needs to gather attention. At the same time, the competition is made out by options coming from all the major car manufacturers, with options like the Mercedes GLA-Class, Volvo XC40 and Audi Q3.
When looking at the competition, we cannot deny the fact that the value you get for the money you pay is high with the 2019 Lexus UX 200. However, the SUV is just not that compelling.
Design
Compact crossovers often take chances when it comes to design and the 2019 Lexus UX 200 is definitely like that. The color schemes are usually exciting but the results are subtle from the outside.
We are faced with stubby proportions but the UX cannot be defined as great-looking. The NX is big and looks elegant but the small UX is not that. Fortunately for Lexus, the competition in the crossover market is also not best-looking. Even so, we have to say that this Lexus is not as charming as an Audi or a Volvo.
The interior’s layout is tidy and neat, offering numerous ergonomically friendly features. On the whole, everything is attractive but also derivative.
Comfort
Lexus is renowned for the comfort it offers. We are looking at a comfortable SUV in the UX but the cabin is noisy so the experience is not what you might expect. Road noise will be prominent.
Even though we are faced with noise, the ride is composed and the front seats are particularly comfortable. The backseat is comfortable but does not have a lot of space. The legroom available is 33.1 inches. This is less than many competitors, like the 2019 BMW X1. Also, exiting and entering the back row can be tricky since door cutouts are small.
In the cargo department, buyers have access to 21.7 cubic feet. This is enough at first glance but it is only the case when you move the lid present in the lower section. When this divider is in place, you just have 17.1 cubic feet available.
Handling And Performance
If you opt for the 2.0 liter 4 cylinder engine, you gain access to 169 hp. You get a transmission that is rougher than what you see with Subaru or Nissan. The UX has problems reaching rev range when going uphill or when you pass someone else on the highway. Torque is also not as much as many want.
Power is not great but handling is really dynamic, especially around town. Body roll is minimal and you will have an agile experience thanks to the shorter wheelbase. The 2019 Lexus UX 200 is similar to a luxury SUV in terms of performance. Steering is calm and suspension is soft.
You might want to know that AWD is not available with the 2019 Lexus UX. You only get that with the UX 250h, which is hybrid-powered.
Technology
The base price of the 2019 Lexus UX 200 is frugal and there still is enough standard equipment included. The infotainment system that is the default is 7.0 inches and you can go for the 10.3 inch Premium package. If the screen size is not relevant for you, keep in mind that you get standard inclusion of Amazon Alexa and Apple CarPlay.
Other interesting features to be aware of include Google Assistant compatibility, Smartwatch integration and even 4G WiFi hotspot creation that can accommodate 5 devices.
Safety & Fuel Economy
As always, when you buy an SUV, you have to think about safety. In the UX you have Lexus Safety System 2.0 as standard. This includes numerous interesting safety features, like pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control. The Premium package includes even more interesting features, like blind-spot monitoring.
The IIHS rated the 2019 Lexus UX 200 as “Top Safety Pick” and the NHTSA gave it a 5-star rating.
When it comes to fuel economy, you get 29 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway. This is better than the BMW X1 and the Audi Q3.
Conclusions
On the whole, the 2019 Lexus UX 200 is not what you would expect from Lexus but it is definitely a good crossover in the market, at the entry-level. There are clear advantages and disadvantages that are visible but we are looking at an SUV that is a Lexus after all and you will feel it when you drive it.
