Lexus UX

The UX200 with 17-inch alloy wheels has a boot capacity of 419L, whereas with 18-inch alloy wheels it has a boot capacity of 424L. The UX250h has a boot capacity of 368L.

The Lexus UX has a five-star ANCAP safety rating based on testing conducted in 2019.

All models received an adult occupant protection score of 96 per cent, child occupant protection score of 88 per cent, vulnerable road user protection score of 82 per cent and a safety assist score of 83 per cent.

Standard safety features include:

• AEB with pedestrian and daytime cyclist detection
• Lane departure warning
• Lane Tracing Assist
• Traffic sign recognition
• Adaptive cruise control with stop/go
• Automatic high-beam
• Parking assist monitor
• Eight airbags

All bar the base UX200 also feature blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

All 2023 Lexus UX models now receive a three-year complimentary Lexus Connected Services subscription which offers the following features:

• Automatic collision notification
• SOS emergency calling
• Stolen vehicle tracking
• Last known vehicle location
• Recent trip information
• Diagnostics data
• Door lock status
• Doors, windows, bonnet and boot status
• Tyre pressures
• Hazard light status

The UX also has Lexus Remote Connect which allows owners to remotely start the engine, unlock or lock the boot, and activate the hazard lights and a buzzer.

The 2023 Lexus UX range has the following claimed combined fuel economy figures:

• UX200: 5.8L/100km
• UX250h: 4.5L/100km
• UX250h AWD: 4.7L/100km

Lexus has added an idle stop/start function to the UX200’s 2.0-litre petrol engine for the 2023 model year that’s able to interact with Lexus Safety System+ features, such as adaptive cruise control.

The UX200 has a 47L fuel tank and the UX250 has a 43L fuel tank.

The Lexus UX has a recommended service interval of 12 months or 15,000 km, whichever comes first.

2023 Lexus UX200 models are powered by a 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine producing 126kW of power and 205Nm of torque, which now gets fuel-saving idle stop/start technology.

It’s mated exclusively to a continuously-variable transmission (CVT) with drive sent to the front wheels only.

UX250h models also use a 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine with either one or two electric motors, and a 216V nickel-metal hydride battery pack. It’s also mated exclusively to a CVT.

The petrol engine in the hybrid powertrain produces 107kW and 188Nm, with the front electric motor producing 80kW and 202Nm. The rear electric motor in E-Four all-wheel drive models produces an additional 5.3kW and 55Nm.

Total system outputs for the hybrid powertrain, regardless of whether it has one or two electric motors, is 135kW.

The 2023 Lexus UX is available in the following exterior finishes:

• Sonic Quartz
• Titanium
• Sonic Chrome
• Onyx
• Graphite Black
• Caliente
• Khaki Metal
• Celestial Blue (Luxury and Sports Luxury only)
• Sonic Iridium (Luxury and Sports Luxury only) (NEW)
• Carnelian (F Sport only)
• White Nova (F Sport only)
• Cobalt Mica (F Sport only)

The UX is also available in the following interior colour schemes, depending on the variant.

• Black
• White Ash
• Rich Cream
• Hazel
• F Sport Black
• F Sport White
• F Sport Flare Red

The two-tone Cobalt interior from the pre-update range has been discontinued.

The 2023 Lexus UX is covered by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, like all new Lexus models.

Servicing is required every 12 months or 15,000km, whichever comes first.

The Lexus UX is a lovely little SUV, with the emphasis on little.

It’s the quietest, most comfortable compact crossover on the market, and has a properly upmarket feel when you get inside.

The sense of luxury in some small SUVs is watered-down compared to their bigger siblings, but the UX feels like the real deal – a full-sized Lexus that’s been hit with a shrink ray.

Points also go to the UX for offering an efficient, refined hybrid powertrain. If you live in the city, it’s hard to argue with the benefits of going hybrid.

It’s just hard to recommend the model we tested, given it costs more than $60,000 before on-road costs. That money will buy you a base model NX, for example, or a mid-range BMW X1 with more space in the rear.

Love the unique brand of luxury for which Lexus is known, but have a small garage? The UX is perfect.

Want the most metal for your money? Best look elsewhere.