2020 Lexus UX 250h AWD: Is the brand new small crossover hybrid price a re-assessment?
Value: $41,975 as examined. Parking help, $565; energy rear door with kick sensor, $600; heated steering wheel, $150. Extra choices famous under.
Standard knowledge: Automobile and Driver likes that it’s “satisfying to drive” and has a “convincingly upscale inside, beneficiant customary options,” however not the “unrefined engine noises, annoying infotainment touchpad, small cargo space.”
Marketer’s pitch: “Class-leading. Class-defying.”
Actuality: It’s higher in the event you don’t have a look at it, not less than the surface. However the UX is good in all different regards.
What’s new: The entire thing. The UX line is Lexus’ foray into the smallest crossover class, beginning with the 2019 mannequin 12 months.
From the surface, sadly, it appears as if it’s proper out of the Toyota secure, with nondescript angles and the looks of one thing I might need hammered collectively in my dad’s store once I was 4.
However, take a second to step inside. Lexus has made a fortune by permitting individuals to step into luxurious — regardless of how a lot the surface appears like a Camry or a Norelco Microscreen — and the UX doesn’t fail on this depend.
Beneath, the UX250 presents front-wheel drive with solely a hybrid powertrain, whereas the front-drive UX200 is only a four-cylinder engine.
Driver’s Seat: The UX comes with in all probability essentially the most comfy Driver’s Seat I’ve parked in ever. It’s a small crossover, so giant individuals could be a little bit squeezed, however the seat is cushioned with magic and cuddles, as most Lexuses are.
Play some tunes: The UX with the 8-speaker Lexus Premium sound system is unquestionably for audiophiles. I heard items of songs that I haven’t heard since … the final time I drove a Lexus. It got here as a part of a $2,200 package deal that supplied a 10.3-inch navigation display and tilt/telescoping wheel (which didn’t slide out as far or as excessive as I’d have preferred).
It’s nonetheless connected to the Lexus touchpad, and I have to be getting higher at it. I by no means pounded angrily on this one.
Quantity and tuning are managed by curler dials within the armrest, an uncommon setup. It really works, not splendidly, however it’s simpler than the touchpad.
Altering lanes: Look actually onerous and regulate the sideview mirrors rigorously. I virtually sideswiped a automotive on my proper though I’d checked the mirror and turned my head. The blind-spot monitor ($500) activated solely after honking commenced. The rear home windows develop brief shortly, and a big pillar obscures a complete lot of street.
On top of things: The hybrid powertrain system creates 181 horses, and the car will get to 60 mph in a torpid 8.6 seconds, based on Toyota. The UX250 is all-wheel drive solely; the two.0-liter 4 powers the entrance wheels and a 24-kw motor powers the rear and provides stability management.
On the street: The UX handles properly on curves and highways each. The Sport mode makes the curves further enjoyable however generally is a hair sensitive for freeway driving. Regular mode really handles acceptably on winding roads as properly.
Shiftless: The particular hybrid setup within the check car was not optimized for acceleration, however it labored pretty properly nonetheless. The powertrain emits an enormous whine beneath onerous acceleration, however the really feel is crisp and clear.
The front-wheel-drive model includes a 10-speed computerized.
Mates and stuff: All of the consolation I gushed about above is for front-seat passengers solely. Individuals within the rear have zero legroom, even behind a 5-10 Mr. Driver’s Seat like myself.
The UX is surprisingly small. Foot room behind the driving force’s seat can also be virtually nonexistent. Headroom is ok, although. Observe: No Sturgis children had been harmed within the making of this overview.
Cargo house is 21.7 cubic toes, based on Lexus, and I can solely assume that’s behind the second row.
Preserving heat — and funky: Heated and cooled seats (a part of the $1,175 Premium Package deal, which additionally provides moonroof and rain-sensing wipers) maintain issues feeling good.
HVAC system operation entails dials for temperature management and buttons for every little thing else.
Night time shift: Triple Beam LED headlights ($1,600) make seeing the street clear and sit good. Inside lights are delicate and received’t get in the best way.
Sustaining velocity: The cruise management has moved off the Toyota-Lexus stalk to the steering wheel. I’d virtually gotten over this, however the stereo management buttons are too small and fussy to be helpful. I can consider a approach to make them larger, guys.
Gas financial system: I averaged just below 42 mpg within the common Mr. Driver’s Seat rush from place to position. Feed the UX no matter.
The place it’s constructed: Miyawaka, Japan.
The way it’s constructed: Client Reviews offers the UX a 5 out of 5 for reliability.
Ultimately: It’s no Mini Clubman on the enjoyable scale, however the UX most jogged my memory of an expensive Toyota C-HR Hybrid (no, severely) that we examined in France and is unavailable within the States. And that car was a delight to dwell with as properly.
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