The Lexus UX has carried over to the 2024 model year practically unchanged from 2023. Customers interested in the 2024 Lexus UX Hybrid can now order a power trunk with a kick sensor. This new optional extra costs $550, and it's the only thing that's new. Even the pricing is carried over from the previous model year, and that's a refreshing change considering the crazy state of the new car market.
To be fair, Lexus made several significant improvements to the car last year, following its debut in 2019. Still, the lackluster attempt feels like Lexus is hardly trying, which would make sense, looking at the sales figures.
Last year, the Japanese brand only sold 10,237, a 42% drop compared to the previous year. Toyota C-HR (the car on which the UX is based) dropped to 35,707 units in 2021 before it ultimately got the ax. Perhaps the upcoming sportier model will increase sales slightly?
At least we know the UX will soldier on for another year, albeit with no changes to the standard car. The all-new C-HR will not be coming to the US, with the Corolla Cross plugging that specific gap.
The eight existing trims are carried over, all powered by the same 2.0-liter hybrid powertrain with two electric motors mated to a Continuously Variable Automatic (CVT) gearbox. Front-wheel-drive is standard, while all-wheel-drive remains an option.
The 181-horsepower output is mediocre at best in this particular segment, though you can improve the ride and handling by opting for the F Sport Handling trim, which adds Active Variable Suspension (AVS). In addition to several design changes (see F Sport Design), this trim also has sportier seats, steering wheel, shift knob, dials, and aluminum pedals.
In our experience, the UX is at its best when you treat it like a luxury car, but you can get the aggressive styling without the handling upgrades. The F Sport Design trim comes standard with F Sport wheels, grille, black roof, a tilt-and-slide sunroof, fog and cornering lights, painted wheel arch moldings, and dark roof rails.
As the UX is one of the most luxurious compact crossovers available, it's worth looking at the standard features again. All models get an eight-inch touchscreen display with all the latest connectivity features, five USB ports, eight-way power-adjustable front seats, and high-end dash trim inspired by the grain of Japanese paper.
Lexus' Safety System+ 2.5 is standard across the range and includes pre-collision with pedestrian detection, low-light pedestrian and cyclist detection, left-turn intersection support, lane departure alert with steering assist, dynamic cruise control, lane tracing, road sign assist, and intelligent high beams. Toyota and Lexus' Safety Connect and Service Connect systems are also standard.
Pricing starts at $36,490 for the base UX 250h, while the Premium model sells for $38,950. Oddly, the F Sport Design sells for the same price as the Premium, but we're guessing the latter is aimed at folks who want to fly under the radar. An F Sport Handling comes with an MSRP of $43,920. Adding AWD adds $1,400 across the board. All prices mentioned include the $1,150 destination charge.