2023 Lexus UX Review


Lexus UX


It’s no surprise that Lexus makes great executive crossover SUVs – it pioneered the genre after all. The Lexus UX is a prime example of this; it is the company’s smallest crossover that has made a big impact among consumers.

The following is a look at its latest model, aka the 2023 Lexus UX:

Features

The Lexus UX is still in its first generation and the 2023 variant comes with 4 trim levels – two of them are high-performance-based F Sport models. There’s a single powertrain offered and it’s a hybrid setup. This year’s model sees changes to the powertrain, the infotainment, and trims.

Powertrain and Numbers

The engine available on the 2023 Lexus UX is a 2-liter 4-cylinder hybrid that makes 181 hp and 133 lb-ft. This sends power to a front- or all-wheel drive system via a CVT gearbox. The result is that the UX is able to accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in about 8 seconds.

The Lexus UX 2023 is an efficient vehicle that does 43 mpg in the city and 41 on the highway. This is the FWD version and if you opt for the AWD, it will do 41 mpg city and 38 highway. Both these EPA ratings are solid for the class.

Lexus UX Interior
Lexus UX Interior

Interior and Technology

The 2023 Lexus UX comes with an interior that ticks all the boxes in style, build quality, spaciousness, and ergonomics. It has been praised by all those who’ve tested the vehicle. Despite being a subcompact CUV, it is roomy and its entry-level status doesn’t affect Lexus’s choice of high-quality materials for its interior.

There’s a reasonable amount of room for cargo as well. The all-new UX 2023 comes with decent in-cabin and trunk storage. The latter can be increased by folding down the rear seats to store larger or longer items. There’s an adjustable rear cargo deck board for loading easily.

The following are the trim levels of the 2023 Lexus US and their standard offerings:

2023 UX 250h
We begin with the UX250h, which comes with a host of luxury features. It offers dual-zone climate control, 8-way power-adjustable front seats, push-button ignition, an electronic parking brake, remote start via the app, and a leather-trimmed steering wheel and shift knob.

The infotainment system comes with an 8-inch touchscreen paired, a set of 6 speakers, and a 7-inch instrumentation display. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are included, along with a set of power outlets and USB ports.

For safety, you get automated emergency braking (w/pedestrian detection), lane-departure warning (w/lane-keeping assist), a backup camera, blind-spot monitoring (w/rear cross-traffic alerts), parking assists, and adaptive cruise control (w/lane-centering).

It also includes automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control with lane-centering.

2023 UX 250h Premium
This trim comes with all of the above, plus heated and ventilated front seats, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a powered moonroof, and a powered rear door. It unlocks some optional extras as well. There are also some exterior upgrades.

2023 UX 250h F Sport Design
The first of the two high-performance F Sport models, the 2023 UX F Sport Design loses some interior amenities to lose weight. It does gain some alterations on the outside though.

2023 UX 250h F Sport Handling
As expected, this model offers the very best of the 2023 UX. It comes with F Sport bolstered front seats, and custom F Sport steering wheel, shift knob, aluminum pedals, and front door-sill scuff plates. You get a memory function for the driver’s seat as well.

The infotainment is upgraded quite a bit. You get a massive 12.3-inch touchscreen, a larger 8-inch instrumentation screen, and a premium 10-speaker stereo.

2023 LEXUS UX

2023 UX 250h Premium

2023 LEXUS UX

2023 UX 250h F Sport Design

2023 LEXUS UX

2023 UX 250h F Sport Handling

Exterior and Driving

Lexus has given the 2023 UX an upscale look that sets it apart from the competition. The first two models come with a set of 18-inch wheels that have been finished beautifully. You also get aluminum roof rails, heated outside mirrors, and bi-LED headlamps.

Move up to the F Sport models and you get custom wheels of the same diameter as above. You also unlock F Sport accents on many components. These models have everything unique – from the bumpers and grille to the black and roof rails.

LEXUS UX EXTERIOR
LEXUS UX EXTERIOR

The 2023 Lexus UX is available in the following colors:

  • Sonic Quartz
  • Madder Red
  • Platinum Silver Metallic
  • Sonic Titanium
  • Graphite Black Glass Flake
  • Amber Crystal Shine
  • Celestial Blue
  • Terrane Khaki
  • Blazing Carnelian

Do make sure that the color of your choice is available on your favorite trim though.

As far as drivability is concerned, the 2023 Lexus UX is a great cruiser. This is thanks to how quiet and serene its cabin is and how good it can handle the corners – the top trim gets new dampers. The brakes are also great and there are several driving modes that make it versatile.

Reliability and Warranty

The 2023 Lexus UX has been given a score of 81 out of 100 in predicted reliability by JD Power. It has also been ranked quite high in the organization’s compact premium crossover rankings for this year. Consumer Reports expects it to be more reliable than average as well.

Lexus offers excellent warranties for this vehicle. The first is a limited warranty that’s good for 4 years/50k miles. The second is a powertrain warranty for 6 years/70k miles. Complimentary maintenance is offered for 1 year/10k miles.

Verdict

It is therefore established that the Lexus UX 2023 is a fine vehicle that pulls out all the stops. It comes with an awesome hybrid powertrain that provides you with high efficiency and laudable performance including acceleration, handling, and braking.

On the inside, it is a roomy and comfortable vehicle despite its small size. Lexus has filled it with high-end amenities that are standard. The build quality is astounding along with the quality of materials used.

It’s also a reliable car that gets you complimentary maintenance for a certain amount of time.

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