Flash Drive

2021 Lexus UX 200

January 27, 2021 - Behind The Wheel - Comments: 

Model Tested: 2021 Lexus UX 200 F Sport

The 2021 Lexus UX 200 is the smallest example of the excellent Lexus SUV family.

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

Transmission: 10-speed CVT automatic, front-wheel-drive

EPA Rating: 29-mpg city, 37-mpg highway, 32-mpg combined

Base Price: $34,900

As Tested: $41,905

Performance:

Good off-the-line acceleration, but slower after that

Standard blind spot monitoring

F Sport suspension stiffer than non-F Sport versions

The radically sloped rear roofline looks great, but hampers cargo capacity.

Reasonably athletic, but not harsh

Good size for city commuter battles

Comprehensive safety features

Pleasant, smooth highway ride

Comfort:

F Sport front seats are very supportive and comfortable

Stretch-out front legroom

Supportive power lumbar

Snug rear seat unless fronts are moved up

Nicely contoured steering wheel

The Lexus UX 200 interior is well appointed and comfortable for front seat occupants, but a little snug for rear seat passengers.

Ample auxiliary controls

An adult can fit in rear middle position

Good headroom

Utility:

Power liftgate has clearance to spare

Wide cargo area opening

Approximately 5-inches lift-over sill

Overall size and sleek styling impact cargo capacity

Flat cargo deck

Split, 60/40 folding rear seats

The F Sport package adds desirable features and a little more sportiness.

Seats fold flat, but higher than cargo deck

Medium size sunroof

Head Up Display a very worthwhile option ($500)

WOW Factors:

Excellent front seats, luxury interior

Lexus quality fit and materials

Nimble handling

Welcome under floor storage nooks

Whines:

Black wheel arches unnecessary on a

The Lexus UX 200 is quick and nimble in city traffic and easy to park.

front-wheel-drive hatchback

Tries to look off-road tough, but isn’t

Still getting comfortable with the Lexus touchpad infotainment system

No rear door bins or bottle notches

Bottom Line:

The 2021 Lexus UX 200 is largely unchanged from the 2020 iteration. The UX series is the entry point for Lexus SUVs and crossovers. The front-wheel-drive UX 200 is more of a compact hatchback than a true SUV, but it has SUV styling, which matters as much to city drivers as actual off-road chops. The 2021 Lexus UX 200 is a comfortable, fun to drive subcompact

The black wheel arches don’t stand out on this green UX 200, but they’re supposed to impart an SUV vibe to this primarily on-road car.

luxury hatchback/sedan and an affordable way to enjoy the Lexus experience.