2021 Lexus UX Review: A New Entry-point To Luxury
Lexus has really taken advantage of the booming crossover segment in the US to breathe new life into its range of affordable luxury cars. The 2021 Lexus UX is still in its first generation, having replaced the CT200h a few years back, and it's going strong. It has bold styling, an upscale interior, and loads of standard tech. The naturally aspirated 4-cylinder engine isn't all that impressive, though, focusing heavily on fuel economy with only 169 horsepower, which is nothing compared to performance crossovers. Since it competes in the premium market, the UX has some heavy-hitting rivals like the Audi Q3, Volvo XC40, and Mercedes-Benz GLA. Offering a hybrid model, which is reviewed separately, helps the 2021 UX stand out a little, but such stiff competition will likely keep hogging all the subcompact market share. Will this be the year that Lexus sits beside the German royalty on the premium subcompact crossover podium?
2021 UX Exterior
Dimensions
| Length | Wheelbase | Height | Max Width | Front Width | Rear Width | Curb Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 177.0 in | 103.9 in | 60.6 in | 72.4 in | 61.0 in | 61.0 in | 3,307.0 lbs |
2021 UX Performance
2021 UX Interior
2021 UX Trunk and Cargo Space
Warranty
| Basic | Drivetrain | Corrosion | Roadside Assistance | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 Years / 50,000 Miles | 6 Years / 70,000 Miles | 6 Years / Unlimited Miles | 4 Years / Unlimited Miles | 1 Years / 10,000 Miles |
US NHTSA Crash Test Result
| Overall Rating | Frontal Barrier Crash Rating | Side Crash Rating | Rollover Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 |
Verdict: Is the 2021 Lexus UX A Good SUV?
Though it may have its faults, the UX crossover is a perfectly fine vehicle. It presents motorists with a premium-level interior at a much lower cost than its European rivals, and it looks appealing from the outside, too. The safety suite is extensive and contributes towards the car's high safety rating. This is confirmed by the near-perfect review of the 2021 Lexus UX by both the NHTSA and IIHS. Reliability is unquestioned, either, as there have been no recalls for this year.
When it comes to 5-door family SUVs, the UX ticks all the right boxes. It doesn't need more power than it supplies, and the ride comfort is excellent. The savings on the fuel bill stacked on top of the lower asking price will likely bring a smile to buyers' faces, though. It's definitely worth consideration if you don't mind a boring but compliant daily driver.
What Lexus UX Model Should I Buy?
Every trim in the standard UX range is quite affordable, but we'd opt for the mid-tier F Sport. Sure, it doesn't live up to the name, even with the additional an F Sport-tuned suspension, but it looks great and gets some additional features over the base model. These include an eight-inch multi-information display and access to the Luxury Package, which adds a larger touchscreen, driver-seat memory, and climate controlled front seats. The total price of a 2021 Lexus UX crossover with these specs is $39,590 MSRP.