Video: Quick Tour of the Lexus UX Subcompact Crossover


With such a long wait between reveal and availability, the new Lexus UX subcompact crossover is not exactly top of mind. This makes Lexus Canada’s refresher video a nice reminder of what’s yet to come:

(The new ES had yet to be announced when the UX was revealed, and the similarities between the interiors are pronounced. Have to think this is Lexus locking down a common cabin design for models below the flagship level.)

Lexus UX: First Generation
Comments
"Single knob ventilation control with wireless lighting

The UX’s air vents have a new single-knob control for air flow direction and volume, illuminated using a new wireless system. By combining the two functions in a single control, the vents could be made larger, improving performance. Each control has an LED light source that is powered wirelessly, using electromagnetic resonance between two coils vibrating at the same frequency. Using the same design principle as the LC’s rear combination lamps, the vent lights use mirror optics to create the effect of floating lighting depth, even though the reflector element is only 3mm thick."

This really is crazy!
"Single knob ventilation control with wireless lighting

The UX’s air vents have a new single-knob control for air flow direction and volume, illuminated using a new wireless system. By combining the two functions in a single control, the vents could be made larger, improving performance. Each control has an LED light source that is powered wirelessly, using electromagnetic resonance between two coils vibrating at the same frequency. Using the same design principle as the LC’s rear combination lamps, the vent lights use mirror optics to create the effect of floating lighting depth, even though the reflector element is only 3mm thick."

This really is crazy!
"Single knob ventilation control with wireless lighting

The UX’s air vents have a new single-knob control for air flow direction and volume, illuminated using a new wireless system. By combining the two functions in a single control, the vents could be made larger, improving performance. Each control has an LED light source that is powered wirelessly, using electromagnetic resonance between two coils vibrating at the same frequency. Using the same design principle as the LC’s rear combination lamps, the vent lights use mirror optics to create the effect of floating lighting depth, even though the reflector element is only 3mm thick."

This really is crazy!
Joaquin Ruhi
For some random, unexplainable reason, I woke up this morning thinking about the 2nd-gen Lexus IS launch. The 2005 Geneva Motor Show saw the world premiere of the IS 220d and IS 250 variants. Barely a month later, at the 2005 New York Auto Show, the larger-engined IS 350 made its world debut. And a number of Lexus lines, such as 6ES, 4GS and 4RX have seen the public unveilings of their numerous engine and F-Sport variants spread among multiple auto shows.

Although it's unlikely (given the "UX 200 and UX 250h will start production this fall and go on sale in the U.S. in December" sentence ending the Lexus USA news release for UX), could Lexus be holding back UX 250 for a New York Auto Show world premiere at the end of this month?
That would mean both 2.0l and 2.5l would be sold, which is unlikely.

NA PR was specific for NA. There were some features not available in Europe and some features not available for NA were not shown there, but were shown in Europe.

I am pretty sure they are trying to keep it cheaper than NX by few k. They always did this.

If we look at X1 vs X3, sales of X1 are up while for X3 are down... Lexus is trying to avoid this.
Joaquin Ruhi
For some random, unexplainable reason, I woke up this morning thinking about the 2nd-gen Lexus IS launch. The 2005 Geneva Motor Show saw the world premiere of the IS 220d and IS 250 variants. Barely a month later, at the 2005 New York Auto Show, the larger-engined IS 350 made its world debut. And a number of Lexus lines, such as 6ES, 4GS and 4RX have seen the public unveilings of their numerous engine and F-Sport variants spread among multiple auto shows.

Although it's unlikely (given the "UX 200 and UX 250h will start production this fall and go on sale in the U.S. in December" sentence ending the Lexus USA news release for UX), could Lexus be holding back UX 250 for a New York Auto Show world premiere at the end of this month?
That would mean both 2.0l and 2.5l would be sold, which is unlikely.

NA PR was specific for NA. There were some features not available in Europe and some features not available for NA were not shown there, but were shown in Europe.

I am pretty sure they are trying to keep it cheaper than NX by few k. They always did this.

If we look at X1 vs X3, sales of X1 are up while for X3 are down... Lexus is trying to avoid this.
Joaquin Ruhi
For some random, unexplainable reason, I woke up this morning thinking about the 2nd-gen Lexus IS launch. The 2005 Geneva Motor Show saw the world premiere of the IS 220d and IS 250 variants. Barely a month later, at the 2005 New York Auto Show, the larger-engined IS 350 made its world debut. And a number of Lexus lines, such as 6ES, 4GS and 4RX have seen the public unveilings of their numerous engine and F-Sport variants spread among multiple auto shows.

Although it's unlikely (given the "UX 200 and UX 250h will start production this fall and go on sale in the U.S. in December" sentence ending the Lexus USA news release for UX), could Lexus be holding back UX 250 for a New York Auto Show world premiere at the end of this month?
That would mean both 2.0l and 2.5l would be sold, which is unlikely.

NA PR was specific for NA. There were some features not available in Europe and some features not available for NA were not shown there, but were shown in Europe.

I am pretty sure they are trying to keep it cheaper than NX by few k. They always did this.

If we look at X1 vs X3, sales of X1 are up while for X3 are down... Lexus is trying to avoid this.
Very well proportioned look to this vehicle should do very well.
When can we expect the new ES and what of the GS now well overdue for replacement and no definite news on this front?
The IS too is just about ready for replacement/update cannot be far away.
Not sure why Toyota chose to utilise a Lexus type grille on the new Avalon/ES ugly in my opinion rather spoils what is essentially a good looking vehicle.
Still believe the Spindle grille needs to be toned down somewhat although in the newer models it does not shout quite as much as it used or maybe I have just got used to it! Not my favourite part of Lexus I must admit.
Very well proportioned look to this vehicle should do very well.
When can we expect the new ES and what of the GS now well overdue for replacement and no definite news on this front?
The IS too is just about ready for replacement/update cannot be far away.
Not sure why Toyota chose to utilise a Lexus type grille on the new Avalon/ES ugly in my opinion rather spoils what is essentially a good looking vehicle.
Still believe the Spindle grille needs to be toned down somewhat although in the newer models it does not shout quite as much as it used or maybe I have just got used to it! Not my favourite part of Lexus I must admit.
Very well proportioned look to this vehicle should do very well.
When can we expect the new ES and what of the GS now well overdue for replacement and no definite news on this front?
The IS too is just about ready for replacement/update cannot be far away.
Not sure why Toyota chose to utilise a Lexus type grille on the new Avalon/ES ugly in my opinion rather spoils what is essentially a good looking vehicle.
Still believe the Spindle grille needs to be toned down somewhat although in the newer models it does not shout quite as much as it used or maybe I have just got used to it! Not my favourite part of Lexus I must admit.
I think this should do very well for Lexus as well. The appearance of the UX has grown on me as I've studied it over the past few days. It has a nice stance and the proportions are good. The interior is very nice looking but of course the quality of materials is hard to judge by photos and the proof will be in touching and seeing it in person.
I think this should do very well for Lexus as well. The appearance of the UX has grown on me as I've studied it over the past few days. It has a nice stance and the proportions are good. The interior is very nice looking but of course the quality of materials is hard to judge by photos and the proof will be in touching and seeing it in person.
I think this should do very well for Lexus as well. The appearance of the UX has grown on me as I've studied it over the past few days. It has a nice stance and the proportions are good. The interior is very nice looking but of course the quality of materials is hard to judge by photos and the proof will be in touching and seeing it in person.
T
I'm looking at making the hybrid version of the UX my first lexus, assuming it's not slow as a slug. I currently have a RAV4 Hybrid, but I'm not really a fan of how big/whale-like in handling it is (my prior vehicle was a Mazda3). When I test drove the CT200h a few years ago, my wife and I noted that it just didn't feel very Lexus-like nor did the vehicle seem to have enough power to be able to go up a bridge/hill without sounding awful. One thing I did like about it was the the handling and body shape. Hopefully the UX doesn't end up being any slower than my RAV4 (it's actually pretty peppy for such a heavy vehicle). I don't really care if it's not sports car fast (there are precious few opportunities to wring out an engine when you live in a big city), but 0-60 > 10sec is painful for every day driving and when trying to perform passing maneuvers on the interstate. There are quite a few unknowns at this point, since the dynamic force 2L + hybrid system has not been put in any other vehicle yet, nor did Lexus state the size of the battery pack (I'm assuming it's similar in size to what's in the regular Prius). The overall look appeals to me, since it kind of looks like a Lexus version of the Mazda3 I owned a few years back. At this point, I'm cautiously optimistic about the vehicle.

Almost forgot: It bugs the crap out of me that the hybrid model is 250h. Why didn't they call it 200h if they're putting the 2L + hybrid system in it?? Car companies are weird.
T
I'm looking at making the hybrid version of the UX my first lexus, assuming it's not slow as a slug. I currently have a RAV4 Hybrid, but I'm not really a fan of how big/whale-like in handling it is (my prior vehicle was a Mazda3). When I test drove the CT200h a few years ago, my wife and I noted that it just didn't feel very Lexus-like nor did the vehicle seem to have enough power to be able to go up a bridge/hill without sounding awful. One thing I did like about it was the the handling and body shape. Hopefully the UX doesn't end up being any slower than my RAV4 (it's actually pretty peppy for such a heavy vehicle). I don't really care if it's not sports car fast (there are precious few opportunities to wring out an engine when you live in a big city), but 0-60 > 10sec is painful for every day driving and when trying to perform passing maneuvers on the interstate. There are quite a few unknowns at this point, since the dynamic force 2L + hybrid system has not been put in any other vehicle yet, nor did Lexus state the size of the battery pack (I'm assuming it's similar in size to what's in the regular Prius). The overall look appeals to me, since it kind of looks like a Lexus version of the Mazda3 I owned a few years back. At this point, I'm cautiously optimistic about the vehicle.

Almost forgot: It bugs the crap out of me that the hybrid model is 250h. Why didn't they call it 200h if they're putting the 2L + hybrid system in it?? Car companies are weird.
T
I'm looking at making the hybrid version of the UX my first lexus, assuming it's not slow as a slug. I currently have a RAV4 Hybrid, but I'm not really a fan of how big/whale-like in handling it is (my prior vehicle was a Mazda3). When I test drove the CT200h a few years ago, my wife and I noted that it just didn't feel very Lexus-like nor did the vehicle seem to have enough power to be able to go up a bridge/hill without sounding awful. One thing I did like about it was the the handling and body shape. Hopefully the UX doesn't end up being any slower than my RAV4 (it's actually pretty peppy for such a heavy vehicle). I don't really care if it's not sports car fast (there are precious few opportunities to wring out an engine when you live in a big city), but 0-60 > 10sec is painful for every day driving and when trying to perform passing maneuvers on the interstate. There are quite a few unknowns at this point, since the dynamic force 2L + hybrid system has not been put in any other vehicle yet, nor did Lexus state the size of the battery pack (I'm assuming it's similar in size to what's in the regular Prius). The overall look appeals to me, since it kind of looks like a Lexus version of the Mazda3 I owned a few years back. At this point, I'm cautiously optimistic about the vehicle.

Almost forgot: It bugs the crap out of me that the hybrid model is 250h. Why didn't they call it 200h if they're putting the 2L + hybrid system in it?? Car companies are weird.
telithos
I'm looking at making the hybrid version of the UX my first lexus, assuming it's not slow as a slug. I currently have a RAV4 Hybrid, but I'm not really a fan of how big/whale-like in handling it is (my prior vehicle was a Mazda3). When I test drove the CT200h a few years ago, my wife and I noted that it just didn't feel very Lexus-like nor did the vehicle seem to have enough power to be able to go up a bridge/hill without sounding awful. One thing I did like about it was the the handling and body shape. Hopefully the UX doesn't end up being any slower than my RAV4 (it's actually pretty peppy for such a heavy vehicle). I don't really care if it's not sports car fast (there are precious few opportunities to wring out an engine when you live in a big city), but 0-60 > 10sec is painful for every day driving and when trying to perform passing maneuvers on the interstate. There are quite a few unknowns at this point, since the dynamic force 2L + hybrid system has not been put in any other vehicle yet, nor did Lexus state the size of the battery pack (I'm assuming it's similar in size to what's in the regular Prius). The overall look appeals to me, since it kind of looks like a Lexus version of the Mazda3 I owned a few years back. At this point, I'm cautiously optimistic about the vehicle.

Almost forgot: It bugs the crap out of me that the hybrid model is 250h. Why didn't they call it 200h if they're putting the 2L + hybrid system in it?? Car companies are weird.
- 250h has bigger battery output compared to Prius. Where Prius has 23 hp max battery output, 250h has 34hp max battery output + 44hp stronger engine.
- 250h has been configured to give more electric power sooner to make revs lower and accelerate faster.
- 250h is estimated to go 0-100kmh in low 7's to mid 8's, depending on the vehicle... thats a lot better than 122hp hybrid in C-HR, but as expected since it has 45hp more overall.
telithos
I'm looking at making the hybrid version of the UX my first lexus, assuming it's not slow as a slug. I currently have a RAV4 Hybrid, but I'm not really a fan of how big/whale-like in handling it is (my prior vehicle was a Mazda3). When I test drove the CT200h a few years ago, my wife and I noted that it just didn't feel very Lexus-like nor did the vehicle seem to have enough power to be able to go up a bridge/hill without sounding awful. One thing I did like about it was the the handling and body shape. Hopefully the UX doesn't end up being any slower than my RAV4 (it's actually pretty peppy for such a heavy vehicle). I don't really care if it's not sports car fast (there are precious few opportunities to wring out an engine when you live in a big city), but 0-60 > 10sec is painful for every day driving and when trying to perform passing maneuvers on the interstate. There are quite a few unknowns at this point, since the dynamic force 2L + hybrid system has not been put in any other vehicle yet, nor did Lexus state the size of the battery pack (I'm assuming it's similar in size to what's in the regular Prius). The overall look appeals to me, since it kind of looks like a Lexus version of the Mazda3 I owned a few years back. At this point, I'm cautiously optimistic about the vehicle.

Almost forgot: It bugs the crap out of me that the hybrid model is 250h. Why didn't they call it 200h if they're putting the 2L + hybrid system in it?? Car companies are weird.
- 250h has bigger battery output compared to Prius. Where Prius has 23 hp max battery output, 250h has 34hp max battery output + 44hp stronger engine.
- 250h has been configured to give more electric power sooner to make revs lower and accelerate faster.
- 250h is estimated to go 0-100kmh in low 7's to mid 8's, depending on the vehicle... thats a lot better than 122hp hybrid in C-HR, but as expected since it has 45hp more overall.
telithos
I'm looking at making the hybrid version of the UX my first lexus, assuming it's not slow as a slug. I currently have a RAV4 Hybrid, but I'm not really a fan of how big/whale-like in handling it is (my prior vehicle was a Mazda3). When I test drove the CT200h a few years ago, my wife and I noted that it just didn't feel very Lexus-like nor did the vehicle seem to have enough power to be able to go up a bridge/hill without sounding awful. One thing I did like about it was the the handling and body shape. Hopefully the UX doesn't end up being any slower than my RAV4 (it's actually pretty peppy for such a heavy vehicle). I don't really care if it's not sports car fast (there are precious few opportunities to wring out an engine when you live in a big city), but 0-60 > 10sec is painful for every day driving and when trying to perform passing maneuvers on the interstate. There are quite a few unknowns at this point, since the dynamic force 2L + hybrid system has not been put in any other vehicle yet, nor did Lexus state the size of the battery pack (I'm assuming it's similar in size to what's in the regular Prius). The overall look appeals to me, since it kind of looks like a Lexus version of the Mazda3 I owned a few years back. At this point, I'm cautiously optimistic about the vehicle.

Almost forgot: It bugs the crap out of me that the hybrid model is 250h. Why didn't they call it 200h if they're putting the 2L + hybrid system in it?? Car companies are weird.
- 250h has bigger battery output compared to Prius. Where Prius has 23 hp max battery output, 250h has 34hp max battery output + 44hp stronger engine.
- 250h has been configured to give more electric power sooner to make revs lower and accelerate faster.
- 250h is estimated to go 0-100kmh in low 7's to mid 8's, depending on the vehicle... thats a lot better than 122hp hybrid in C-HR, but as expected since it has 45hp more overall.
R
  • R
    RAL
  • March 8, 2018
telithos
I'm looking at making the hybrid version of the UX my first lexus, assuming it's not slow as a slug. I currently have a RAV4 Hybrid, but I'm not really a fan of how big/whale-like in handling it is (my prior vehicle was a Mazda3). When I test drove the CT200h a few years ago, my wife and I noted that it just didn't feel very Lexus-like nor did the vehicle seem to have enough power to be able to go up a bridge/hill without sounding awful. One thing I did like about it was the the handling and body shape. Hopefully the UX doesn't end up being any slower than my RAV4 (it's actually pretty peppy for such a heavy vehicle). I don't really care if it's not sports car fast (there are precious few opportunities to wring out an engine when you live in a big city), but 0-60 > 10sec is painful for every day driving and when trying to perform passing maneuvers on the interstate. There are quite a few unknowns at this point, since the dynamic force 2L + hybrid system has not been put in any other vehicle yet, nor did Lexus state the size of the battery pack (I'm assuming it's similar in size to what's in the regular Prius). The overall look appeals to me, since it kind of looks like a Lexus version of the Mazda3 I owned a few years back. At this point, I'm cautiously optimistic about the vehicle.

Almost forgot: It bugs the crap out of me that the hybrid model is 250h. Why didn't they call it 200h if they're putting the 2L + hybrid system in it?? Car companies are weird.
Welcome new member @telithos ... appreciate you sharing your thoughts about possible UX ownership
R
  • R
    RAL
  • March 8, 2018
telithos
I'm looking at making the hybrid version of the UX my first lexus, assuming it's not slow as a slug. I currently have a RAV4 Hybrid, but I'm not really a fan of how big/whale-like in handling it is (my prior vehicle was a Mazda3). When I test drove the CT200h a few years ago, my wife and I noted that it just didn't feel very Lexus-like nor did the vehicle seem to have enough power to be able to go up a bridge/hill without sounding awful. One thing I did like about it was the the handling and body shape. Hopefully the UX doesn't end up being any slower than my RAV4 (it's actually pretty peppy for such a heavy vehicle). I don't really care if it's not sports car fast (there are precious few opportunities to wring out an engine when you live in a big city), but 0-60 > 10sec is painful for every day driving and when trying to perform passing maneuvers on the interstate. There are quite a few unknowns at this point, since the dynamic force 2L + hybrid system has not been put in any other vehicle yet, nor did Lexus state the size of the battery pack (I'm assuming it's similar in size to what's in the regular Prius). The overall look appeals to me, since it kind of looks like a Lexus version of the Mazda3 I owned a few years back. At this point, I'm cautiously optimistic about the vehicle.

Almost forgot: It bugs the crap out of me that the hybrid model is 250h. Why didn't they call it 200h if they're putting the 2L + hybrid system in it?? Car companies are weird.
Welcome new member @telithos ... appreciate you sharing your thoughts about possible UX ownership
R
  • R
    RAL
  • March 8, 2018
telithos
I'm looking at making the hybrid version of the UX my first lexus, assuming it's not slow as a slug. I currently have a RAV4 Hybrid, but I'm not really a fan of how big/whale-like in handling it is (my prior vehicle was a Mazda3). When I test drove the CT200h a few years ago, my wife and I noted that it just didn't feel very Lexus-like nor did the vehicle seem to have enough power to be able to go up a bridge/hill without sounding awful. One thing I did like about it was the the handling and body shape. Hopefully the UX doesn't end up being any slower than my RAV4 (it's actually pretty peppy for such a heavy vehicle). I don't really care if it's not sports car fast (there are precious few opportunities to wring out an engine when you live in a big city), but 0-60 > 10sec is painful for every day driving and when trying to perform passing maneuvers on the interstate. There are quite a few unknowns at this point, since the dynamic force 2L + hybrid system has not been put in any other vehicle yet, nor did Lexus state the size of the battery pack (I'm assuming it's similar in size to what's in the regular Prius). The overall look appeals to me, since it kind of looks like a Lexus version of the Mazda3 I owned a few years back. At this point, I'm cautiously optimistic about the vehicle.

Almost forgot: It bugs the crap out of me that the hybrid model is 250h. Why didn't they call it 200h if they're putting the 2L + hybrid system in it?? Car companies are weird.
Welcome new member @telithos ... appreciate you sharing your thoughts about possible UX ownership
telithos
Almost forgot: It bugs the crap out of me that the hybrid model is 250h. Why didn't they call it 200h if they're putting the 2L + hybrid system in it?? Car companies are weird.
Just like everyone else, Lexus uses the 'displacement equivalency' for the model number. That 178hp 2.0L hybrid drivetrain will behave like/outperform a 2.5L engine in most daily driving scenarios so why not call it '250h'. The CT wasn't called a CT180h either so why are you confused?

Displacement equivalency makes tons of sense from a marketing perspective because consumers think they are buying something bigger and better. Changing the name from 'NX200t' to 'NX300' was all it took for Lexus to make that model from a tough sell to a money printer in China, for example. Lexus USA realized the name '200t' sounds weak and simply used 'IS Turbo' and 'GS Turbo' instead before the official name is changed to '300'.
telithos
Almost forgot: It bugs the crap out of me that the hybrid model is 250h. Why didn't they call it 200h if they're putting the 2L + hybrid system in it?? Car companies are weird.
Just like everyone else, Lexus uses the 'displacement equivalency' for the model number. That 178hp 2.0L hybrid drivetrain will behave like/outperform a 2.5L engine in most daily driving scenarios so why not call it '250h'. The CT wasn't called a CT180h either so why are you confused?

Displacement equivalency makes tons of sense from a marketing perspective because consumers think they are buying something bigger and better. Changing the name from 'NX200t' to 'NX300' was all it took for Lexus to make that model from a tough sell to a money printer in China, for example. Lexus USA realized the name '200t' sounds weak and simply used 'IS Turbo' and 'GS Turbo' instead before the official name is changed to '300'.
telithos
Almost forgot: It bugs the crap out of me that the hybrid model is 250h. Why didn't they call it 200h if they're putting the 2L + hybrid system in it?? Car companies are weird.
Just like everyone else, Lexus uses the 'displacement equivalency' for the model number. That 178hp 2.0L hybrid drivetrain will behave like/outperform a 2.5L engine in most daily driving scenarios so why not call it '250h'. The CT wasn't called a CT180h either so why are you confused?

Displacement equivalency makes tons of sense from a marketing perspective because consumers think they are buying something bigger and better. Changing the name from 'NX200t' to 'NX300' was all it took for Lexus to make that model from a tough sell to a money printer in China, for example. Lexus USA realized the name '200t' sounds weak and simply used 'IS Turbo' and 'GS Turbo' instead before the official name is changed to '300'.
telithos
There are quite a few unknowns at this point, since the dynamic force 2L + hybrid system has not been put in any other vehicle yet...
The Dynamic Force Hybrid system actually debuted with the 2.5-liter A25A-FXS powertrain in the latest 8th-gen (XV70) Toyota Camry on sale since last August, and will also go into the newest 5th-gen (XX50) Toyota Avalon due to go on sale a few months before Lexus UX 250h. The latter will use the 2-liter A20A-FXS, which is just the Camry/Avalon unit described above downsized to 2 liters.
telithos
There are quite a few unknowns at this point, since the dynamic force 2L + hybrid system has not been put in any other vehicle yet...
The Dynamic Force Hybrid system actually debuted with the 2.5-liter A25A-FXS powertrain in the latest 8th-gen (XV70) Toyota Camry on sale since last August, and will also go into the newest 5th-gen (XX50) Toyota Avalon due to go on sale a few months before Lexus UX 250h. The latter will use the 2-liter A20A-FXS, which is just the Camry/Avalon unit described above downsized to 2 liters.
telithos
There are quite a few unknowns at this point, since the dynamic force 2L + hybrid system has not been put in any other vehicle yet...
The Dynamic Force Hybrid system actually debuted with the 2.5-liter A25A-FXS powertrain in the latest 8th-gen (XV70) Toyota Camry on sale since last August, and will also go into the newest 5th-gen (XX50) Toyota Avalon due to go on sale a few months before Lexus UX 250h. The latter will use the 2-liter A20A-FXS, which is just the Camry/Avalon unit described above downsized to 2 liters.

J