Flash Drive

2019 Lexus UX 200

August 28, 2019 - Behind The Wheel - Comments: 

Model Tested: 2019 Lexus UX 200 F Sport

The 2019 Lexus UX 200 is a crisply styled subcompact luxury SUV that’s designed for paved roads, not dirt.

Engine:2.0-liter I-4, 169-horsepower 151 lb-ft torque

Transmission: CVT automatic transmission, front-wheel-drive

EPA Rating: 29-mpg city, 37-mpg highway, 33-mpg combined

Base Price: $34,000

As Tested: $41,285

Performance:

Acceleration on the leisurely side

Smooth transmission

Outstanding fuel economy: our best was 38.1-mpg highway

F Sport option adds sport-tuned suspension, 18-inch wheels, paddle shifters

The Lexus UX 200 is available with all-wheel-drive, but only in the hybrid model.

Sport, Normal, and Eco drive modes

Traction control

Great optional head-up display

Good city size for maneuvering/parking

Comfort:

Quality interior materials

Supportive seats

Soft headrests

Spacious, stretch-out front legroom

Driver power lumbar support

F Package heated steering wheel

Ample headroom

Slick audio controls at front of center armrest

Good steering wheel auxiliary controls

Cargo capacity takes second place to style as the sloped rear hatch affects space and versatility.

Power tilt/telescopic column

Hard to master touchpad HVAC controls

Tight rear seat even with fronts up substantially

Utility:

Roofline slope hampers cargo space and versatility

Small front door bins

Small to medium console bin

Small locking glovebox

No rear door bins

One seatback pouch

Split folding rear seats, but big height difference from cargo area

The F Sport option adds comfort and handling upgrades.

Flat cargo deck

Extra storage nooks under floor

WOW Factors:

Excellent head-up display

Impressive fuel economy for a non-hybrid

Unique, chiseled styling

Easy to use media/music control at front of center armrest

Foot motion activated power liftgate

Whines:

AWD only available on hybrid model

The Lexus UX 200 is a fine driving country and city car.

Cramped backseat

Small cargo space

Non-intuitive touchpad HVAC controls

Limited interior small items storage

Bottom Line:

The 2019 Lexus UX 200 is a unique new entrant in the crowded and segmented crossover SUV market. The Lexus UX 200 can be described as a subcompact luxury SUV, but the standard UX 200 is only available in front-wheel-drive. That greatly diminishes our idea of an SUV. The hybrid UX 200 has standard all-wheel-drive. The 2019 Lexus UX 200 is a comfortable, pleasant driving, very economical small luxury hatchback cloaked in SUV style.