Luxury 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
Luxury 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
Luxury 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
Luxury 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
Luxury 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
Luxury 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
The UX200 is contested by the Jaguar E-Pace, the Range Rover Evoque, and the Volvo XC40 among numerous cars in this segment.
A little late to the party but Lexus has finally arrived in the compact luxury crossover segment. Of course it had to. The 2019 Lexus UX200 is a brand new car for Lexus and their attempt to take on the likes of the BMW X1, Mercedes GLA and numerous other luxury compact SUVs we have seen over the years.
The UX200 is powered by a 2.0L, naturally aspirated, 4-cylinder engine producing 169 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque. The engine comes mated to an 8-speed automatic gearbox. While it may seem a little underpowered on paper, the UX200 is a base variant in the UX range and there's even a hybrid - the UX250h which is more powerful and the only hybrid in this segment.
The UX 200 comes in three trim levels - Base, F Sport and Luxury. All cars are mechanically the same except that each higher trim adds some more features in the car. The F Sport also gets some visual updates with a sportier look. There's also a hybrid version of the UX available which is more powerful and even comes with AWD.
Trim |
Base |
Luxury |
F-Sport |
---|---|---|---|
MSRP |
$32,000 |
$37,200 |
$34,000 |
Key Features |
18-inch wheels |
Sound-damping front side windows |
Unique 18-inch wheels |
LED headlights |
Auto-dimming side mirrors |
Sport-tuned suspension |
|
Heated side mirrors |
Hands-free liftgate |
LED foglights |
|
Proximity entry and push-button start |
Driver-seat memory functions |
Augmented engine sound generator |
|
Selectable drive modes |
Blind-spot monitoring |
Steering wheel paddle shifters |
|
Dual-zone automatic climate control |
10.3-inch central display |
Sport front seats |
|
Simulated-leather upholstery |
Eight-speaker sound system |
Upgraded digital gauge cluster |
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Power-adjustable front seats |
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60/40-split folding rear seat |
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Rearview camera |
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Infotainment system with 7-inch touchscreen display |
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Smartphone app-based navigation |
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Apple CarPlay smartphone integration |
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Six-speaker audio system and satellite radio |
We'd Recommend
The UX is a lot about its features and its luxury quotient. For that matter, picking the top of the line Luxury trim is a very good choice. You could also pick the F Sport trim if sporty looks are your priority. However, the best pick in the UX range is the UX 250h which is the hybrid version of the UX. It comes with more power and torque from the electric motors and also has the benefit of AWD.
The Lexus US 200 is powered by a 2.0L, naturally aspirated, 4-cylinder engine producing 169 hp and 151 lb-ft of torque The engine is adequately powerful for the car but by no means is it sporty. It has good pulling power with a linear acceleration but it never feels underpowered. Yes, the rivals are quite more powerful than the UX 200 but the UX has been optimized for fuel economy and in that, it really excels.
The engine is mated to a CVT gearbox but with a trick up its sleeve. The first gear is a conventional mechanical gear from where the CVT takes over. It has been made so to remove the sluggishness and unresponsiveness of a CVT gearbox and give better off the line performance and it indeed does work well. The first gear blends into the CVT seamlessly and then on, the CVT can simulate 10 gears if you tap at the paddles. However, the CVT isn't an exceptional one and behaves quite like all other CVTs.
Models |
Lexus UX 200 |
Volvo XC40 |
Land Rover Range Rover Evoque |
Jaguar E-Pace |
---|---|---|---|---|
MSRP |
$32,000 |
$34,195 |
$42,795 |
$39,595 |
Engine |
2.0L i4 |
2.0L i4 |
2.0L i4 |
2.0L i4 |
Transmission |
Continuously variable transmission |
8 speed automatic |
9 speed automatic |
9 speed automatic |
Horsepower |
169 hp@ 6600rpm |
248 hp@ 5500rpm |
237 hp@ 5500rpm |
246 hp@ 5500rpm |
Torque |
151 ft-lbs@ 4800rpm |
258 ft-lbs@ 1800rpm |
251 ft-lbs@ 1250 rpm |
269 ft-lbs@ 1200rpm |
The engine is mated to a CVT gearbox but with a trick up its sleeve. The first gear is a conventional mechanical gear from where the CVT takes over. It has been made so to remove the sluggishness and unresponsiveness of a CVT gearbox and give better off the line performance and it indeed does work well. The first gear blends into the CVT seamlessly and then on, the CVT can simulate 10 gears if you tap at the paddles. However, the CVT isn't an exceptional one and behaves quite like all other CVTs.
The UX 200 takes 8.9 seconds to accelerate from standstill to 60 mph which is a pretty decent number but slowest in the competition.
That of course is no surprise as the Lexus is quite underpowered but intentionally so as it prioritizes fuel economy over performance. The Range Rover Evoque is the fastest car to 60 mph at just 6.0 seconds which is quite good for a compact SUV.
Models |
Lexus UX 200 |
Volvo XC40 |
Land Rover Range Rover Evoque |
Jaguar E-Pace |
---|---|---|---|---|
0-60 MPH |
8.9 sec |
6.7 sec |
6.0 sec |
7.2 |
Quarter mile |
16.6 |
15.1 |
15.5 |
15.6 |
Engine |
2.0L i4 |
2.0L i4 |
2.0L i4 |
2.0L i4 |
In comparison, all its competitors are way more powerful with similar 2.0L, 4-cylinders but they are all turbocharged. The Volvo XC40 is the most powerful with 248 horsepower. The competition also uses conventional automatics whereas the Lexus is the only one to be using a CVT gearbox.
The ride quality is one of the biggest highlights of the UX 200. It has a really comfortable ride, perhaps one of the best in the segment. It soaks up bumps and potholes very well, even at highway speeds. What's also impressive is that in spite of having a soft ride quality, it remains quite stable and composed around corners as well. Body roll is very well managed and it really inspires confidence even if you are pushing it hard.
The steering is sharp and precise with a nice hefty feeling to it. It's not too light, it's not too harsh, just the perfect amount of weight to get some feeling out of it. The UX 200 is based on the same platform as the Toyota CH-R which is quite a fun car to drive. The UX naturally inherited the fun and nimble nature of the CH-R and then the dynamics have been really well engineered.
The brakes are something that Lexus couldn't get right with the UX 200. The brakes are too sensitive and a little jab at the pedal brakes the car with a hard jerk. It's really difficult to bring the car to a smooth stop with a steady pressure on the pedal.
Model |
Lexus UX 200 |
Volvo XC40 |
Land Rover Range Rover Evoque |
Jaguar E-Pace |
---|---|---|---|---|
Brake Front (in.) |
12 |
13.6 |
12.8 |
12.8 |
Brake Rear (in.) |
11.1 |
11.9 |
12.5 |
11.8 |
Curb Weight (lbs.) |
3307 |
3629 |
3865 |
4035 |
60-0 MPH (ft.) |
118 |
125 |
128 |
130 |
That said, the brakes are really strong and provide great biting force. We do not have the braking figures yet, but we can tell you that they are pretty strong.
Where the Lexus really beats the competition is with its fuel economy. The engine was optimized to return great fuel economy figures and it really does. It returns 33 miles to the gallon combined which is a very good figure in the segment. The Volvo XC40 follows next but returns only 26 miles to the gallon combined.
Model |
Lexus UX 200 |
Volvo XC40 |
Land Rover Range Rover Evoque |
Jaguar E-Pace |
---|---|---|---|---|
MPG (city) |
29 |
23 |
22 |
21 |
MPG (highway) |
37 |
31 |
29 |
28 |
MPG (combined) |
33 |
26 |
25 |
24 |
Lexus has smartly positioned the UX as a very economical daily driver that’s as reliable as a much cheaper Toyota. For them, the UX is an entry into the compact luxury crossover segment wherein, reliability and economy play a significant role.
The interiors are busy but still quite aesthetic. What catches your eyes first are the 10.3-inch infotainment screen set deep inside the dashboard. The AC vents that sit below are sleek and stylish. The piano style switches for the climate controls feel really good to use as well. The layout is typically Lexus and it really looks good. There's also a unique dashboard trim in blue fabric-like material which is also really cool.
What catches your eye next is the 7-inch or an 8-inch (on the higher trims) screen in the instrument cluster. There is a physical gauge cluster within the digital screen and it houses the speedometer which is a really cool touch. Fit and finish of the materials are really nice and there are soft touch panels at most places you would touch. The analog clock beside the infotainment screen is another very good touch.
Model |
Lexus UX 200 |
Volvo XC40 |
Land Rover Range Rover Evoque |
Jaguar E-Pace |
---|---|---|---|---|
Passenger capacity |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.) |
35.7/55.1/42.1 |
39.0/56.7/40.9 |
39.0/NA/40.2 |
39.2/NA/40.0 |
Second (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.) |
36.4/52.9/33.1 |
39.1/56.3/36.1 |
38.0/NA/34.8 |
38.2/NA/35.1 |
The Lexus does not have the most spacious interiors as its rivals are a bit roomier. Having said that, there still is plenty of space inside with good legroom and headroom. The seats are quite comfortable and can be heated or cooled. There are AC vents for the rear passengers as well. The cabin is very well built and long hours would be very happily spent in this car.
Infotainment system is not something Lexus seems to be getting right. While the system itself is good and packs in all the features you'd need, the way to control the system is just not good enough. The track pad that Lexus uses to operate the infotainment system requires you to take your eyes off the road and quite some time getting used to. There are much better ways to operate an infotainment system and Lexus should definitely consider that.
Apart from the inconveniences of the track pad, the system itself is quite good. The graphics are nice, the system is intuitive and feature loaded and certainly an improvement over what Lexus has been doing before. Also, the music controls are via some buttons and dials placed under the central armrest and is quite convenient to use.
While badged as a utilitarian, the Lexus UX along with the rest of the competitors rarely come across being effectively useful. To be more specific, All of them are offered decent luggage space, however, don’t expect a lot of room for maybe a St. Bernard or something similar.
Model |
Lexus UX 200 |
Volvo XC40 |
Land Rover Range Rover Evoque |
Jaguar E-Pace |
---|---|---|---|---|
Cargo Volume (ft.3) |
21.7 |
20.7 |
20.3 |
24.2 |
The Lexus has pretty good cargo capacity for the class. It's not the best in class as that is taken away by the Jaguar E-pace but it comes second with 21.7 cu.ft of space. The Jaguar has 24.2 cu.ft of space. The boot is big enough to pack in at least four large bags and maybe some more.
The UX 200 is a very handsome looking car. It has very good proportions and looks distinctly Lexus. The front is dominated by the large spindle grille. It looks aggressive and bold with a chrome garnish at the lower lip of the bumper. The headlamps are extremely stylish and the detailing with the DRLs looks stunning. The fog lamp housings run vertically down from the headlights, all the way to the bottom to give it a really sharp and mean look.
Move over to the sides and you are met with a multitude of lines and creases that beautifully bring out the muscular haunches of the cart. The squared wheel arches with black claddings all around add some ruggedness to the design. The dual tone wing mirrors also are very stylishly designed.
Model |
Lexus UX 200 |
Volvo XC40 |
Land Rover Range Rover Evoque |
Jaguar E-Pace |
---|---|---|---|---|
Curb weight (lbs.) |
3307 |
3629 |
3865 |
4035 |
Length(in) |
177 |
174.2 |
172.0 |
173.0 |
Width(in) |
72.4 |
73.3 |
78.1 |
78.1 |
Height(in) |
60.6 |
65.3 |
64.4 |
64.9 |
Ground clearance (in) |
N/A |
8.3 |
8.3 |
8.8 |
Wheelbase (in) |
103.9 |
106.4 |
104.7 |
105.6 |
Track width (in) F/R |
61/61 |
63/64 |
63.8/64.1 |
64/65.1 |
The rear is probably the most pleasing angle of the UX 200. There's nothing very fancy going on, just a light band connecting the brake lights on either side to make one seamless tail light. Some more lines and creases, a Lexus logo and black and silver claddings on the bumper finish off the rear design. The design is very distinctive and would easily catch eyes.
If we talk about dimensions, the UX 200 is not the biggest. It has the maximum length but the least width, least height and the least wheelbase too. The compact dimensions also makes it the lightest. The dimensions and weight greatly contribute to the nimble nature of the car. Also, its wheelbase is not much smaller than the competition which means interior space is not much compromised.
Lexus has always been known to deliver both in terms of reliability and reassurance. Although safety across the board has been changing every year, Lexus has done their partloading the UX with a lot of industry-leading features. It comes packed with pretty good safety features as you would expect from a Lexus.
The Lexus UX200 may be quite underpowered in comparison to the XC40 but it does pretty well what it does. It has good body control and a good ride quality as well. It looks very stylish and quite apart. The interiors are good but the infotainment system could have been better.
It has way better fuel economy than any of its competitors. The XC40 does all the good things that the Lexus does but with way more power and performance. Also, the interiors in the Volvo are way nicer too. What really works for the Volvo is that it's just around $2000 more expensive than the Lexus and for that, it's clearly the better choice amongst the two.
The Range Rover Evoque just received a fresh update this year and it looks smarter and sleeker than before. The Evoque has best in class interiors and technology with this new update. It's also the fastest to 60 mph and is expected to ride and drive much better than before.
Being a range rover, the Evoque has proper off road capabilities and there's no beating the Evoque at that. The Range Rover is far better than the UX200 is every respect but it's quite more expensive as well. If money is not a concern, the Evoque is easily the better car but if you want a competitive car in this segment at a very reasonable price, the UX200 fits the bill quite well.
Not quite as powerful as the Jaguar E-Pace but it does pretty well for what it's meant to do. It has a good balance between ride quality and body control. It certainly has the visual appeal which is quite distinctive and though not very special with the interiors, it is good enough to challenge Jaguar with its materials and technology.
It has way better fuel economy than any of its competitors. On the other hand, the Jaguar is quite more powerful and much faster. If horsepower is not your concern, then the UX200 is the most sensible buy at a reasonable price but the E-Pace seems worth it for the extra power and performance it comes with.
The Lexus UX200 is a pretty nice car. Yes, it's not quite as powerful as some of its competitors but once you look beyond that, it's a great car for what it has been designed to be. You do feel underpowered sometimes when you have to do quick overtakes on the highways but on the contrary, it gives fuel economy which is unheard of in this segment.
The engine is refined, it has good ride quality and good body control. It looks very stylish and very different from the numerous other Jaguars, Range Rovers and Volvos in this segment. When you consider the price at which you get the UX200, it seems great value for its money and it opens the segment of compact luxury to a whole new audience.