Lexus

Hybrid electric vehicles play an important role in delivering fuel-efficient and emissions-lowering transportation. Toyota is a leader in this field as it supplies more than a dozen such models across its Toyota and Lexus brands.

But hybrids aren’t enjoying the consumer attraction needed to keep these vehicles a part of most manufacturer’s product lines. Fortunately, Toyota Motors hasn’t let up on the segment with the Lexus UX Hybrid its latest model.

2019 Lexus UX Hybrid Overview

Based on a gas-powered model with the same name, the UX Hybrid is available in 250h ($35,175), 250h F Sport ($37,175), and 250h Luxury ($40,375) trims. These prices include the $1,025 destination fee. The UX Hybrid reflects a $2,000 price increase over the gas model.

Lexus takes a 2.0-liter four-cylinder gas engine and marries that to a continuously variable transmission. A pair of electric motors are also utilized, with one tasked with sending power to the rear wheels. Thus, the Lexus UX Hybrid is an all-wheel-drive model, while the standard UX is exclusively front-wheel drive.

The UX line shares its platform with the Toyota C-HR, but these models are nothing alike. Other models in this segment to consider include the BMW X2, Cadillac XT4, Audi Q3, Volvo XC40, Mercedes-Benz GLA, and the Buick Encore. Notably, each of these models offer available all-wheel drive.

Design Highlights

The 2019 UX doesn’t offer many design surprises, at least not from a Lexus perspective. The dominating spindle grille is something we’re used to, although we acknowledge some consumers do not like the look. Side sculpting and character lines add visual interest; the squared wheel wells are a nice departure from the usual round design.

From the rear, quite a lot is going on, including geometric shapes. The wraparound tail lamps are connected by a thick, narrow light strip that looks especially cool and sporty at night.

Standard exterior features include Bi-LED headlamps, daytime running lights, LED tail lamps, 18-inch wheels, and heated side mirrors. Upgrades include F Sport trim, a sport-tuned suspension, and triple-beam auto-leveling LED headlamps with fog lamps and headlamp washers.

Inside, the UX offers room for five, although it is most useful for two adults and two children. The front seat provides generous space, the rear seat not so much. Tight legroom makes it a difficult place to sit, especially if the front seat positioned before you is pushed way back. Your tweens should be okay, but perhaps not your teens.

The UX’s dashboard is layered, curved, and uncluttered. A rectangular display panel sits on top of the dashboard above the center console. Soft-touch materials, imitation leather, and chrome-like trim grace the interior. All switches and knobs are where you expect them. The Lexus “scratch pad” controller sits between the seats ahead of the armrest/storage compartment.

Standard interior features include heated and ventilated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and an imitation leather interior. Individual options include a power tilt-and-slide moonroof, windshield de-icer, and a heated steering wheel.

Technology & Safety

Lexus equips the UX with a six-speaker audio system, Bluetooth, four USB ports, Siri Eyes Free, and Apple CarPlay smartphone compatibility. A seven-inch color display, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and a one-year Wi-Fi subscription are also included. Upgrades include a wireless charger and a navigation system.

On the safety front, the UX excels with its standard Lexus Safety System+ 2.0 system. Here, Lexus bundles automatic high beams, a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane tracing assist, lane departure alert with steering assist, road sign assist, and all-speed adaptive cruise control. The system is standard equipment. Typically, you’ll find these features available as an extra-cost package on limited trims from competing luxury brands. Options include a blind-spot monitor ($500), color head-up display ($500), and parking assist with automatic braking and rear cross-traffic braking ($565).

On the Road

You sit low behind the wheel of the UX Hybrid. Well, not as low as some cars, but lower than almost any other utility vehicle. It seems difficult to believe that this vehicle is not a car when operating it.

One of the other surprises is how well this model performs. Step-off acceleration is quite reasonable, quickly bringing this model up to speed. Press hard on the gas pedal and its full 181 horsepower is brought to bear. The steering is weighted, handling is surprisingly engaging, and the ride is comfortable. Lexus also supplies a “drive mode select” switch with three settings: normal, eco, and sport.

The hybrid’s all-wheel-drive system works at speeds up to 44 mph, sending power to the rear wheels. Power comes from an electric motor sitting on the rear axle, but it is not connected to the front. It supplies an extra measure of handling precision on slick roads and would likely prove most handy when driving in a snowstorm.

But the UX Hybrid is also an efficient model, delivering an EPA-estimated 39 mpg combined. This number is doable if you ease up on the gas pedal, avoid heavy braking, and otherwise show kindness to the UX. With this in mind, it becomes a challenging game to achieve optimum fuel economy. After a week of driving, the EPA estimates were successfully achieved.

Auto Trends Recommends

If you’re considering the UX line, we can easily recommend the hybrid over the standard model and for two reasons:

1), the part-time all-wheel-drive system comes in handy under certain circumstances. For a $2,000 upgrade, the price may seem steep, except for

2), the UX Hybrid is very efficient. Indeed, the hybrid supplies upwards of a 9 mpg edge over the standard model. That fact alone means you’ll eventually recover the cost of your investment over the long haul.

In all, Lexus’ conservative approach to the market ensures that the UX and other models are well-engineered, luxurious, and reliable. Its sharp styling completes its key attributes.

2019 Lexus UX Hybrid Specifications

Lexus	2019 UX Hybrid
Segment	Small crossover
Base Sticker Price	$35,175 (including a $1,025 destination charge)
Price as tested (estimated)	$42,415
Engine	2.0-liter, inline-four
Horsepower	181 total system @ 6,000 RPMs
Torque (lb.-ft.)	NR
Transmission	Two motor-generator hybrid
Seating	5
Curb Weight (pounds)	3,605
Wheelbase (inches)	103.9
Length (inches)	177.0
Width (inches)	72.4
Height (inches)	59.8
Headroom (f,r…inches)	36.3, 36.4
Legroom (f,r…inches)	42.1, 33.1
Shoulder room (f,r…inches)	55.1, 52.9
Hip room (f,r…inches)	53.8, 52.3
Storage (cubic feet)	17.1
Gross vehicle weight (pounds)	4,650
Towing (pounds)	NR
Payload (pounds)	1,045
Fuel	Regular
Fuel Tank (gallons)	10.6
EPA Fuel MPG (city/highway)	41/38/39 city/highway/combined
Manufacturing Plant	Miyawaka, Fukuoka Japan

See Also — Compact Luxury and the Lexus NX

Ever since its 1999 model year introduction, the Lexus RX has played a significant role in the luxury utility vehicle segment. In fact, it was a groundbreaking vehicle, as it brought the first luxury crossover SUV to the market.

Since then, the RX has evolved significantly, as Lexus increased its size, rolled out a hybrid variant, and eventually added a third-row option. The current model is now in its fourth generation and for 2020 it receives a mid-product-cycle upgrade, featuring styling changes and both tech and safety updates.

The 2020 Lexus RX includes this F Sport model.

2020 Lexus RX Overview

The 2020 Lexus RX is a midsize crossover utility vehicle with room for five or seven. We’re not smitten with the third row (RXL) as evidenced by our review of the 2019 model. Nevertheless, that option may come in handy with families with small children. Otherwise, the Lexus GX is better suited for large families.

All models come with a 3.5-liter V6 engine. The gas model offers standard front-wheel drive and available all-wheel drive, and has an 8-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid models come with standard all-wheel drive and a 6-speed automatic transmission.

The following are the key updates with the 2020 Lexus RX and RXL:

1. Updated front and rear fascias. The 2020 RX receives updates to its front and rear ends. The front fascia has a slightly more relaxed, yet elegant look with slimmer headlamps and tweaked grille angles. From the rear, the fascia offers lights with an “L” design. Furthermore, all edges are sharpened and accentuated. Lastly, the liftgate’s available kick sensor now opens and closes faster.

2. New colors and wheels. Lexus adds a pair of new colors to the 2020 RX — Moonbeam Beige Metallic and Nori Green Pearl, the latter already available on the tiny Lexus UX crossover. A pair of new 18- and 20-inch wheel designs also roll out.

3. Expanded technologies, including smartphone compatibility. If there’s been a weak point with Lexus, smartphone compatibility is it. The company’s slow entry into the market comes as it takes pains to protect proprietary systems it doesn’t want tech companies to access. We recently saw Apple CarPlay added to the product line and for 2020 the RX becomes the first Lexus model with Google’s Android Auto. Other tech changes include an updated interface with embedded apps such as Google Maps and Waze. Apple Maps, Apple Music, and related apps are accessible with Apple devices. The standard 8-inch touchscreen display gives way to an available 12.3-inch display in some models.

The F Sport model offers unique interior detailing, including seat trim.

4. More standard safety features. For 2020, the marque makes the Lexus Safety System+ standard. This system now includes daytime bicyclist detection and low-light pedestrian detection. Both are part of an improved Pre-Collision System. You’ll also find road sign assist and lane tracing assist.

5. Enhanced driving dynamics. To further solidify the RX’s place in the market, Lexus updated this model’s driving dynamics for 2020 to include lighter (hollow) front and rear stabilizer bars to not just reduce weight but to reduce body roll and improve steering response. Also, retuned shock absorbers, updated dampers, and a stiffer suspension system thwarts understeering and improves vehicle handling.

6. Additional F Sport Access. Lexus’ F Sport line brings trim and suspension changes to each model. Indeed, for 2020, Lexus offers not one, but two F Sport packages. An enhanced RX F Sport package brings in elements from the LC sports car, including an active variable suspension system that’s more responsive than before. The package also includes a cold air intake, active sound control, electric power steering, and a heated steering wheel. As for the standard F Sport package, it now includes new front and rear performance dampers, and drive mode select with Sport+ and customer drive modes.

Additional Details Forthcoming

Not all details about the 2020 Lexus RX and RXL are known, including its price, package costs, and other options. Lexus will continue to offer hybrid RX 450h and RX 450hL variants. Production of the 2020 model begins in the third quarter with its on-sale arrival this fall.

In all, the refreshed 2020 Lexus RX does everything it must do to stay competitive in a segment that includes such models as the Cadillac XT5, Acura MDX, Mercedes-Benz GLE, BMW X5, and the Infiniti QX60. We think the expanded technologies will help attract customers to this model.

Look for a future Auto Trends review of the 2020 Lexus RX.