2019 Lexus UX – All the Details

The Lexus UX is a very capable subcompact SUV. It returns incredible fuel efficiency and offers one of the most comfortable rides in the segment. It's stuffed with standard driver-assistance features which considering its price tag, almost makes up for its lack of grunt. 2019 Lexus UX price starts at AED 150,000 and goes all the way up to AED 180,000 across the model’s 3 variant lineup.

2019 Lexus UX dimensions

Lexus UX feels well-balanced thanks to a low center of gravity. To achieve such weight distribution, the Japanese carmaker uses composite material for the boot-lid and the door skins are made out of aluminum. At 1620 kg, the two-wheel-drive UX isn't a miserably overweight contraption as one would think which comes in handy when dealing with its unenthusiastic acceleration.

The interiors feature large and cozy seats and the overall payload capacity is one of the best in the price segment. When loading large pieces of cargo, the crossover's raked roofline and raised floor-plan limit the boot opening and therefore loading and unloading heavy objects might be more difficult than usual.

Length	4495 mm
Width	1840 mm
Height	1520 mm
Boot Capacity	402 litres
Wheel Base	2640 mm
Curb Weight	1500 kgs

Exterior

The outgoing model now features sharp and prominent creases that are in tune with the Lexus family's latest design language which serves the purpose of distinguishing UX from the lineup of other premium SUVs. As of this year, the outgoing model of Lexus UX is offered in 3 different color schemes which include gold, red and silver paint jobs.

Interior

As one steps inside the cabin of the all-new 2019 Lexus UX, they are greeted by a beautiful interior designed to exude luxury we have come to associate with Lexus. However, the material quality offered inside the cabin has received mixed customer reviews. At first glance, it is very difficult to distinguish the UX's interiors with that of the more expensive Lexus crossovers but a closer look might reveal chinks in the cabins proverbial armor.

Equipment list and safety features

Most other offerings in the category manage to offer comparatively more intuitive infotainment systems that come equipped with more advanced graphics amongst other features. The standard infotainment framework offered in the 2019 UX incorporates a 7-inch touchscreen unit that comes with Lexus Remote Touch Interface and is mated to a six-speaker audio system.

Other standard entertainment appointments included in the Lexus UX specs sheet are:

• Satellite radio
• Apple CarPlay
• Wi-Fi problem area
• Three USB ports

In addition to the company’s Lexus Safety System+ 2.0 which is offered as standard, the following are also some of the standard safety features that are offered across the Lexus UX’s model range:

• Passenger Airbag       
• Side Airbag-Front       
• Child Safety Locks       
• Driver Airbag       
• Anti-Lock Braking System with EBD       
• Brake Assist       
• Vehicle Stability Control System      
• Rear Seat Belts      
• Seat Belt Warning    
• Parking Sensors      
• Crash Sensor       
• Engine Check Warning       
• Tyre Pressure Monitor        
• Front Impact Beams       
• Side Impact Beams       
• Door Ajar Warning       
• Traction Control

Engine and transmission

Engine	2.0-litre Petrol
Power	160 Bhp
Torque	350 Nm
0-100 kmph Acceleration Time	8.9 seconds
Fuel Economy	17.24 kmpl
Transmission	8-speed automatic

Performance

The UX is unmistakably a Lexus and the most vehicle one can get for the price and stands its ground well against other challengers in the segment. Lexus UX comes with a seating position and driving dynamics of the car are more similar to that of a much smaller hatchback. If you are in the market for a high-rider with an imposing stance and a tall seating position we would encourage you to look somewhere else.

The 2019 UX is only offered with a single powertrain option which allows it to accelerate to the 100 kmph mark from a standstill in under 8.9 seconds and the top speed of the car is limited to 180 kmph.

Competitor Analysis

Unlike the popular 2019 Audi Q3, the 2019 Lexus UX is only available in a front-wheel-drive setup. The Quattro all-wheel-drive setup offered in the Audi Q3 is a very formidable system and the entry-level 35 TFSI model priced at AED 168,000 is only AED 8000 more expensive than the mid-range UX variant. 

At its price point, Lexus has managed to undercut its arch-rival Audi Q3 with its entry-level model, all the while being fairly competitive against the base variant of the 2020 Mini Countryman.

For the additional cost, Audi Q3 delivers more enhanced performance and a much more frugal engine than the Lexus offering. The UX manages to offer more storage and cabin space than the Countryman but fails to keep up with the more expensive Audi Q3 models and therefore in comparison might come off as underpowered.

Verdict

For buyers who are on the lookout for the most bang for their buck, the 2019 UX with its competitively priced base model manages to offer impressive utility, sharp styling, and a very capable motor at a bargain-basement price.

Also read: 2020 Lexus RX - All you need to know