Lexus’s littlest offering is nevertheless big on refinement.
As do all new Lexus products, the UX sports the company’s signature spindle grille up front. The rest of the bodywork is a blend of chiseled lines and curves that most of my passengers rated as “nice-looking” or “fresh,” though a few dubbed it “busy.” My test example wore a new paint color, Nori Green Pearl, created especially for the UX. Made with enlarged mica particles, the finish is designed to deliver particularly strong visual contrasts between areas that are directly lit and those in the shade. Photos don’t capture the radiant hue well.
The UX is simply too small to carry the cargo easily swallowed by rival machines like the
Audi Q3 and the
BMW X1—and even Lexus’s own NX. That said, the UX 250h Luxury is better equipped than the Germans, beautifully outfitted, extremely pleasant to drive, and trumps them all with its outstanding fuel efficiency. If size isn’t a priority but a premium driving experience is a must, you’ll likely find the new UX right on target.