Lexus Goes Small With the UX Crossover

With Toyota sliding into the subcompact-crossover segment with the C-HR, it was only a matter if time before its luxury arm followed suit. And Lexus will do just that with the release of the all-new 2019 UX 200 and UX 250h crossovers.

The all-new 2019 Lexus UX crossover will ride on the same Global Architecture Compact platform as the Toyota C-HR and Prius, but it will take on a distinct Lexus personality. And that personality is very clear in its looks as it features the same flared wheel arches and dramatic silhouette of the C-HR with the Lexus LED headlights, spindle grille, and fascia. Around back, the UX boasts full-width taillights, giving it a striking nighttime signature.

Inside, the UX will continue its obviously Lexus ways with the look and feel of a luxury sedan instead of a crossover. Lexus also used creative angles to make the hood seem almost flow into the dashboard. And, of course, there are tons of luxurious features like eight-way power front seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, analog clock, heated and ventilated seats, and NuLuxe leatherette upholstery.

2019 Lexus UX 250h

As for technology, Lexus will fill the UX with plenty of standard goodies, including a 7-inch central screen, a six-speaker audio system, Apple CarPlay, 4G Wi-Fi, SiriusXM, Lexus Safety Sense+ 2.0, and more. There are also plenty of options, including a 10.25-inch navigation system, and an eight-speaker audio system.

Speaking of options, there will be the obligatory UX F Sport. This model will include a sport-tuned suspension, 18-inch wheels, exclusive bumpers, grille, LED fog light bezels, moldings, and more on the outside. Inside the F Sport will gain a digital gauge cluster an F Sport steering wheel, sport seats, aluminum pedals, and a leather-wrapped shift knob.

The Lexus UX will come in two flavors, UX 200 and UX 250h, and neither will be much more impressive than its C-HR cousin. The UX 200 will come with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 169 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque. This engine will pair with a CVT that delivers power to the front wheels.

The UX 250h will use the same 2.0-liter engine but paired to hybrid system that increases the total output to 175 horsepower. The extra power in the UX 250h comes from the 7-horsepower rear motor that powers the rear axle, giving it standard all-wheel drive.

The 2019 Lexus UX 200 will start from $32,000 and the UX 250h will start from $34,000. The UX lineup will hit showrooms in December 2018.