Based on the first-gen UX that is currently stirring up a lot of interest, the 2021 Lexus UX hybrid has slightly better power figures and much better fuel economy. It gets the same inline-4 powertrain, but adds a pair of electric motors for a total 181 horsepower. Aside from this, it has a long list of standard features and a superlative safety rating. Add this to the stunning, upscale cabin, and Toyota's inherent reliability, and you have a recipe for success. Chief rivals in the compact crossover segment include the Audi Q3, Mercedes-Benz GLA, and Volvo XC40, all of which are only slightly more premium than the UX crossover, but significantly pricier. Could this be the proverbial foot in the door for Lexus to start stealing away some market share from the German big dogs in the USA?
For the new year, Lexus has shored up one of the weaknesses of the small crossover. The 2021 UX Hybrid adds an adjustable cargo board that increases trunk capacity to 22 cubic feet, helping the vehicle to remain competitive in the fierce segment. The safety suite has also been enhanced with the addition of blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.
See trim levels and configurations:
| Trim | Engine | Transmission | Drivetrain | Price (MSRP) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UX 250h |
2.0L Inline-4 Hybrid
|
Continuously Variable Automatic (CVT)
|
All-Wheel Drive
|
$35,200 |
| UX 250h F Sport |
2.0L Inline-4 Hybrid
|
Continuously Variable Automatic (CVT)
|
All-Wheel Drive
|
$37,200 |
| UX 250h Black Line |
2.0L Inline-4 Hybrid
|
Continuously Variable Automatic (CVT)
|
All-Wheel Drive
|
$39,210 |
| UX 250h Luxury |
2.0L Inline-4 Hybrid
|
Continuously Variable Automatic (CVT)
|
All-Wheel Drive
|
$39,900 |
The UX Hybrid crossover uses the same power plant as the standard model, a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine good for 169 hp and 151 lb-ft of torque. However, Lexus adds an electric motor to boost this to 181 hp combined. This also enables all-wheel drive, since the motor powers the rear wheels. The same continuously variable transmission is used to regulate these meager outputs, simulating a 10-speed auto. Overall, performance is nothing to get excited about, but nor is it so bad we'd complain. The setup works well around town, but high-speed highway maneuvers can be exasperating. No official towing capacity is supplied by Lexus.
The 2021 Lexus UX Hybrid is an excellent example of a premium car designed for a broader market. Sure, it's still more expensive than a regular Toyota, but it won't cost you as much as a Merc or BMW, and it comes equipped as standard with a lot of features that those brands will charge you extra for. This only improves its value proposition and makes it easier for us to overlook its underwhelming engine.
The NHTSA and IIHS reviews of the 2021 Lexus UX Hybrid each returned an excellent safety rating. The 5-door family-hauler is also exceptionally comfortable and poised on the road. The infotainment suite is comprehensive, though a little tricky to use at times, and the list of advanced driver assists is surprisingly long. The extra fuel economy that comes with the hybrid powertrain feels like icing on the cake at this point, but we are more than happy to take those extra miles to the gallon. Yes, there are sportier small crossovers out there, but the UX is a well-rounded, refined offering at a very acceptable price.
To get the best bang your buck, we'd suggest aiming for the middle of the range. The F Sport variant of the UX Hybrid is the best-looking of the lot, and it gets a better-tuned suspension. This doesn't really do much for its handling or performance, though. There are a few standard extras like fog lights and a driver-information display, but we'd still option on the Luxury Package for the larger touchscreen, heated and cooled front seats, driver-seat memory, and a gesture power liftgate. This also requires the addition of the Navigation upgrade. The price of the 2021 Lexus UX Hybrid crossover with all this comes to $41,790 MSRP, excluding delivery fees.
The most popular competitors of 2021 Lexus UX Hybrid:
Acura
Alfa Romeo
Aston Martin
Audi
Bentley
BMW
Bollinger
BrightDrop
Bugatti
Buick
Cadillac
Caterham
Chevrolet
Chrysler
Dodge
Ferrari
Fiat
Fisker
Ford
Genesis
GMC
Gordon Murray Automotive
Hennessey
Honda
Hyundai
Infiniti
Jaguar
Jeep
Karma
Kia
Koenigsegg
Lamborghini
Land Rover
Lexus
Lincoln
Lordstown
Lotus
Lucid Motors
Maserati
Mazda
McLaren
Mercedes-Benz
Mini
Mitsubishi
Nissan
Pagani
Polestar
Porsche
Ram
Rimac
Rivian
Rolls-Royce
Spyker
Subaru
Tesla
Toyota
VinFast
Volkswagen
Volvo