2020 Lexus UX 200 F Sport – Fun luxo CUV in a compact package

What's New for 2020?

Lexus goes light on updates for the 2020 UX, only adding a couple new features. Lexus’ subscription-based Enform connected services now has a revised trial period. Likewise, a rear cross-traffic alert has been added to its blind-spot monitor.

The UX was introduced at the March 2018 Geneva Motor Show as the smallest crossover model in Lexus' lineup, slotted below the compact NX. It is also the first Lexus model to use the GA-C platform. The "UX" name stands for "Urban Explorer".

Despite its lower ride height and hatchback proportions (as oppose to CUV-like proportions), for all intents and purposes the UX is a subcompact crossover which caters to the luxury buyers. Its interior is nicely appointed and outfitted with numerous standard features. It’s considerably less expensive than more traditional alternatives such as the BMW X1 and Volvo XC40, yet still maintains that Lexus “upscale” aura. The UX may be more efficient, and handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 300 to 350 pounds less than the Cadillac XT4. The UX is 4.1 inches shorter than the XT4, making the UX easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

Although it comes across as a little weird looking for some CUV shoppers, it has more than enough content and style to entice everyone else. What this little Lexus lacks in cargo storage and engine refinement it makes up for with engaging driving characteristics and affordability.

Although the featured tester was the UX 200 F Sport, my recommendation is the hybrid UX250h, which can also be had in F Sport dress. It offers standard all-wheel-drive system as well as a much-improved city fuel economy. The F Sport brings to the table a sportier suspension, more supportive front seats, and a slick-looking gauge cluster - among other enhancements.

Of the two available packages, the Premium option (which was part of the package) adds blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, heated front seats, rain-sensing windshield wipers, better interior materials, and an enlarged (not panoramic) sunroof. Finally, I'd recommend checking the box for the heads-up display, heated steering wheel, power liftgate, and wireless charging.

My Redline (in color) model came with black NewLuxe interior UX 200 F Sport Premium, although a tone on tone red/black and white/black are also available (depending on exterior color). My tester had a base MSRP of $34,300. Add to that the F Sport package ($2,890), Heads-up display ($500), Navigation System ($2,200), Parking Assist ($565), heated seats ($150) and wireless charger ($75) and total window sticker came to $41,702 (including designation charge of $1,025).

The UX is available with either a gas-powered or hybrid powertrain that both pair with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). However, only the hybrid UX200h offers all-wheel drive, which means the gas propelled UX200 is strictly front drive only. The latter uses a 169-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while the UX200h produces 181 horsepower. One would think that both engines are unresponsive when it comes to quick acceleration, but a little pounce of the accelerator projects high revs and somewhat impressive oomph. Thankfully, the UX has inspiring steering response and what we’ve grown to love, Lexus “quiet refinement”, which are endearing to its shortcomings. The F Sport package offers the performance-oriented upgrades we expect, such as a sport-tuned suspension, 18-inch wheels on run-flat tires, special badging and exclusive interior and exterior appointments.

The hybridized UX is better suited to saving fuel when driving around town, with an EPA-estimated 41 mpg city and 38 mpg highway. The gas-only model is rated at 29 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway, still not too shabby. Even though Lexus (and its parent Toyota) does not currently offer an EV (or even a PHEV - at least at this writing), it does offer the UX 300e battery electric for the UK market. It has a claimed range of 400 km (249 mi) on the NEDC test cycle or 299 km (186 mi) on the WLTP test cycle.

Inside, Lexus ensures that passengers know this is a luxury vehicle thanks to an attractive layout and posh materials. Instead of a separate tach and speedo, the gauge cluster includes it all in one., where the mph is plated digitally inside the digital analog-like tach. Switchgear is spot on, though it takes awhile to get use to. Radio controls are located on the console, along what BMW originally coined as the “I-drive” for its 2002 7-Series, and the center tabs for all the rest of the controls (i.e. HVAC, etc.) are easy to use tabs. The sat/nav screen is more horizonal, giving the driver more enhance graphics to find things.

The interior boasts a bunch of standard features which include dual-zone climate control and power-adjustable front seats. The experience can be elevated with options such as heated and ventilated front seats, a head-up display, and snazzier materials. While the back seat is far from spacious, it's also not as cramped as one might expect. Unfortunately, the cargo area behind the seats is fairly small and, it's even smaller on hybrid models.

Again, the 2020 Lexus UX is loaded out with an impressive infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa compatibility, a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot, and four USB ports. The junior Lexus also can be enhanced with numerous options that include a larger 10.3-inch center screen, built-in navigation, wireless charging, and an eight-speaker premium audio system. While we appreciate this amount of content, the infotainment system is often frustrating to operate with its unintuitive touchpad controller and other illogical controls.

The 2020 UX has earned a five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It was also named a Top Safety Pick+ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The UX is also equipped with standard driver-assistance technology . Key safety features include: Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking; available blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert; standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist; warranty and maintenance coverage.

Lexus provides a competitive limited warranty and an even better powertrain warranty. The automaker also includes a short period of complimentary scheduled maintenance, such as a standard powertrain warranty which covers up to 6 years or 70,000 miles, plus a limited warranty which covers up to 4 years or 50,000 miles and complimentary maintenance coverage for 1 year or 10,000 miles.