Lexus’ subcompact-sized UX crossover SUV arrived for the 2019 model year and received a few tech upgrades for the 2020 session. The 2021 Lexus UX is expected with minimal changes in the US market while a new all-electric variant called UX 300e goes on sale in China and on the Old Continent.
The expressively styled and well-equipped UX returns to the States in the petrol-powered version and more frugal hybrid variant. There will again be the F Sport trim with more sports bits and sharper handling. The model will also be available with the Premium package which adds more premium comfort features. Above that buyers can get the Luxury trim that packs most tech and comfort features by default with a few extras.
The Lexus UX is the brand’s rival in the arena where are the names such as the BMW X1, Audi Q3, Mercedes GLA and Volvo XC40.
2021 Lexus UX: Design
The Lexus UX is a recent addition to the brand’s lineup and it sports the latest design langue. The model is based on Toyota’s TNGA platform that is a foundation of the Toyota C-HR and Corolla as well.
The 2021 Lexus UX returns in the US with the same expressive styling with a few new colors and wheel patterns. The fully electrified version intended for the Chinese and European buyers features also minimal styling revisions compared to the current UX version.
The subcompact UX wears the brand’s newest version of the signature spindle grille mixed with the sharp LED headlights. The model gets also attention with the bold body lines all around. The profile sports a rising character line and flared rear wheel arches.
The rear has edgy contours, full-width taillights and sports-style rear bumper.
The F Sport version adds more sports bits including mesh spindle grille, 18-inch dark wheels and sport-turned suspension.
Interior:
The cabin of the next 2021 Lexus UX will also return in the form.
The UX has a comfortable cabin treated with high-quality materials and well-equipped from the entry-level version.
The model has a driver-focused dash design with specific controls setup and swoopy lines. There are large screens in front of the driver and the middle of the dash.
The US comes with supportive and power-adjustable front seats from the base version, The F Sport model gets specific sports seats.
The model offers 21.7 cubic feet for the cargo behind the rear seats.
Equipment:
The Lexus UX comes with a long list of standard equipment. The base version includes simulated leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, power-adjustable front seats, a 7-inch instrument display, a 10.3-inch center screen with navigation, Apple Car Play and Android Auto compatibility, six speakers and more.
The base equipment covers also active safety systems such as adaptive cruise control, active lane control, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert is optional.
The premium package adds heated and ventilated front seats, a sunroof, etc.
The F Sport version switches to the sport-tuned suspension and sports seats and adds also paddle shifters and larger digital instrument cluster.
2021 Lexus UX: Powertrains, MPG
When it comes to powertrains, the 2021 Lexus UX returns in the US in two flavors.
With the 2.0-liter inline-4 engine under the hood, the model can be had with the two-wheel drive. The engine is good for 169 hp and torque of 151 lb-ft. The transmission of choice is a continuously variable unit.
The hybrid version employs a different 2.0-liter inline-4 engine and hybrid setup for the total output of 176 hp. The hybridized version is the all-wheel drive by default. The UX 250h manages 41 mpg city and 38 highways. The non-hybrid UX returns 29 mpg city and 37 highways.
The new all-electric UX 300e version has a front axle-mounted electric motor good for 201 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque. The power comes from the 54.3-kWh battery that should provide 260 miles of range under the NEDC standard. This version won’t go on sale in the US.
2021 Lexus UX: Release, Price
The 2021 Lexus UX should reach dealers this fall with similar pricing. The current version starts from $32, 300 while the UX hybrid costs from $34, 500. Loaded with features, the model goes slightly above $40,000.