The Lexus UX is a premium compact SUV/crossover and the first model in this sector for Lexus. The UX shares its underpinnings with several Toyota models and is only available in the UK as a petrol-electric hybrid.
An electric version of the Lexus UX called the UX 300e will be joining the range in 2020. We will build a separate page for that model, so be sure to check back soon.
The UX has received mostly average to good scores from the UK motoring media. Reviewers have praised its urban fuel economy and driving dynamics, which are greatly helped by its hybrid drivetrain, but have criticised its poor infotainment system and cramped interior dimensions.
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Body style: Compact SUV/crossover
Power unit: petrol-electric hybrid
Price: From £29,905 on-road
Launched: Spring 2019
Last updated: –
Replacement due: TBA
MEDIA REVIEWS
Reviews, road tests and comparisons from across the UK automotive media

The Car Expert
“Those who spend most of their driving time around towns and villages will no doubt find the Lexus UX suits them down to the ground.”
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Auto Express
Model reviewed: UX 250h
Score: 7 / 10
“The UX is a likeable compact SUV and arguably the best car Lexus makes. However, few UK buyers will see the benefit in the four-wheel drive version, especially when it costs more to buy, fuel and tax than the front-wheel-drive UX – some of the main draws of owning the hybrid Lexus.”
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Score: 7 / 10
“The Lexus UX hybrid is good to drive, economical and should be easy to live with, too.”
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Auto Trader
Score: 6 / 10
“Dynamically speaking, the UX is the most competitive car Lexus makes, blending a comfortable ride with neat, controlled handling. However, if you’re looking for family-friendly practicality, you’ll need to look elsewhere, due to the UX’s cramped rear seats and tiny boot.”
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Autocar
Model reviewed: UX 250h Premium Plus Pack
Score: 7 / 10
“A Volvo XC40 is a more complete, well-rounded package, while the Audi Q3’s cabin offers even greater levels of premium appeal. But for those after something a little different, that’ll stand out from the rest of the compact SUV field, the Lexus UX is easy enough to recommend.”
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Score: 7 / 10
“Refreshingly different, cost-effective premium SUV is a credible, if not class-leading, alternative.”
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Car
Model reviewed: 250h Luxury
Score: 6 / 10
“There’s no doubting that if you’re in the front, at least, the Lexus UX is a cocooningly pleasurable place in which to spend time. It soothes with its comfort, quietness and air of refinement, particularly if you stick with the standard 17-inch wheels and go for a Luxury specification model.”
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Carbuyer
Score: 7.8 / 10
“The economical Lexus UX looks and feels great, but falls short on versatility.”
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Carwow
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“The Lexus UX is a striking small SUV with a classy, well-equipped interior, but those looks won’t be to everyone’s taste and the infotainment system is about the fiddliest there is.”
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Company Car Today
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol hybrid automatic 250h Takumi
Score: 7.8 / 10
“The Lexus UX stacks up brilliantly for business drivers, but has practicality issues and some styling and especially usability nuances that would improve the car if ironed out.”
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Daily Mirror
Model reviewed: UX 250h F Sport
Score: 8 / 10
“The Lexus UX F Sport with Takumi Pack may be difficult to get to grips with at first – but once you do you’ll find it’s beautifully complicated.”
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Green Car Guide
Model reviewed: UX 250h
Score: 8 / 10
“The Lexus UX 250h is a compact SUV, it has an efficient petrol-electric hybrid powertrain, and a premium badge, so it ticks lots of boxes with potential buyers – and it’s also good to drive.”
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Honest John
“It’s frustrating that more effort hasn’t been concentrated on giving the UX an extra sprinkling of showroom appeal, but the budget has clearly been spent on producing a car that’s well built and will be cheap to run.”
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Parkers
Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 8 / 10
“Compact crossover is an intriguing, leftfield choice”
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The Sun
“Is the UX enough to compete with the XC40? For me, not quite. But it’s the first Lexus which knows exactly what customers want, rather than persuading them to break the norm and take a gamble.”
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The Sunday Times
Model reviewed: UX 250h SE (FWD)
Score: 7 / 10
“Everything we’ve come to expect from the bigger Lexus SUVs, but in a tighter package.”
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The Telegraph
Model reviewed: UX 200h F Sport
Score: 6 / 10
“The family SUV market really needs hybrid cars like this to reduce CO2 emissions and provide an alternative to diesel. Unfortunately the UX, while providing a serviceable hybrid drivetrain, misses the mark with its poor internal packaging, connectivity options and screen graphics.”
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Top Gear
Model reviewed: 250h
Score: 7 / 10
“It’s more interesting, and more town-friendly, than most of its immediate rivals.”
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Score: 7 / 10
“In a tax (and social) environment increasingly turning against diesel, the UX hybrid offers a unique solution and silhouette in a crowded segment”
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What Car?
Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 4 / 10
“The driving experience is so-so, the infotainment system is poor, while practicality is shocking for a family SUV when it comes to rear-seat and boot space. If you want a hybrid SUV you’d be better off with a larger Toyota RAV4 for the same money.”
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Which?
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7.5 / 10
“In the popular compact SUV market, the Lexus UX stands out not only because of how it looks, but also how well it performs in pretty much all respects. It’s easy and relaxing to drive, is comfortable and feels very well built. If you can live with the small boot, it’s a great choice.”
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SAFETY RATING
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall rating: 5 stars
Date tested: May 2019
Eco rating
Independent emissions and efficiency ratings from Green NCAP
The Lexus UX has not yet been lab-tested by Green NCAP. Check back soon.
Security Rating
Independent vehicle theft and security ratings from Thatcham Research
Similar cars
If you’re interested in the Lexus UX, you might also like to consider these alternatives
Audi Q3 | BMW X1 | BMW X2 | DS 3 Crossback | Jaguar E-Pace | Mercedes-Benz GLA | Range Rover Evoque | Volvo XC40