The Lexus UX crossover has received some running upgrades across the line-up, ahead of an Australian introduction during the second half of 2022.
Full pricing and specifications are still to be confirmed for our market, but Lexus Australia has confirmed a suite of upgrades for the entry-level UX200 Luxury, technical upgrades across the range for an enhanced driving experience, as well as aesthetic changes and steering system enhancements for F Sport models.
The UX200 Luxury’s 2.0-litre petrol engine now features fuel-saving idle stop/start technology, while inside there’s an upgraded 12.3-inch touchscreen (up from 10.3-inches) with satellite navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as DAB digital radio.
Overseas model shown 
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While not explicitly stated in the media release, it appears from the supplied imagery that the UX’s updated infotainment system is running the company’s latest interface already seen in the new NX and LX SUVs.
New features of the larger infotainment unit include a “Hey Lexus” voice assistant, which “is set up to recognise prescribed standard phrases through conversational language”, and the UX now features Lexus Connected Services which allows owners to access various safety, security and vehicle information functions via a smartphone app.
Said app can also turn the owner’s smartphone into a digital key which communicates with an on-board Data Communication Module (DCM). The UX200 Luxury’s audio system ups the speaker count to 10 as well, compared to the previous model’s eight-speaker system.
According to Lexus, all versions of the UX200 and UX250h will now feature the larger 12.3-inch infotainment system with Lexus Connected Services functionality.
UX250h F Sport
UX200 and UX250h F Sport models, meanwhile, get new body-coloured wheel arches and aluminium trim for the driver’s footrest, which Lexus says “add to the sporty aesthetics”.
There’s a new brace in the steering gear, which together with the standard Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) system and rear performance dampers “quickly absorb body flex and minor vibrations to further sharpen handling and improve overall ride comfort and quietness,” according to Lexus.
Further to the F Sport’s technical developments, all UX models now have 20 additional spot-welding points on the body for greater stiffness, which is also claimed to improve road-holding and driver feedback.
Lexus says it has also retuned the UX’s electric power steering system and shock absorbers “to help provide a seamless transition between braking, steering and acceleration through bends and on a variety of road surfaces”.
Overseas model shown 
Finally, the Lexus Safety System+ suite of active driver assists has also seen upgrades for the 2023 model-year, with an “expanded response range” for the autonomous emergency braking system’s camera and radar sensors. The system offers vehicle-to-vehicle, day/night pedestrian detection, daytime cyclist detection, and oncoming vehicle (junction assist) functions.
The UX now employs artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to expand the Lane Tracing Assist system (active lane centring), which the company claims now offers “smoother and more-continuous steering assist”.
Lexus has also added a curve speed control function to the adaptive cruise control feature – already seen across various Lexus and Toyota models – which decelerates the vehicle ahead of approaching turns or curves.
UX250h F Sport
Finally, the UX’s standard Panoramic View Monitor, or 360-degree camera system, now offers an “underbody transparent display function” using the various camera sensors.
“This combines images of road surface conditions taken in the past with an image of the vehicle underbody, helping the driver to fully recognise vehicle position in relation to road surface conditions below,” the company says.
Lexus Australia has confirmed it expects the upgraded UX range, including UX200 and UX250h variants, to arrive in showrooms during the second half of 2022.
Pricing and specifications for our market will be detailed closer to launch. Stay tuned to CarExpert for the latest.
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