The Lexus UX is Here to Raise Hell with the Mercedes GLA-Class, Audi Q3, and BMW X2

TopSpeed

By Kirby Garlitos

Published Mar 7, 2018

Is it too soon to start saving up for one?

Given its concept antic in recent years, it was easy to assume that Lexus would use the Geneva Motor Show to showcase a concept version of its UX crossover. Well, screw that, because the Japanese automaker isn’t messing around. The millennial-leaning crossover made its debut in Geneva in full production form. The spindle grille is still there, but most parts of the subcompact crossover were designed to thrill. The UX looks the part of a crossover that’s geared towards the young market, exactly as Lexus cooked it up.

The Lexus UX is the furthest thing from a car that you can describe as “vanilla.” In keeping with the design themes of other recent Lexus crossovers and SUVs, the Japanese automaker went edgy on the UX’s style. The spindle grille is still a hit-or-miss proposition, but Lexus did tweak it a bit with a block-shape mesh pattern that complements the furious headlamps setup and the cut-up and layered front fenders. The design works in so much as it fits into the out-of-the-box design preference of young car buyers.

If there’s one area that the UX disappoints, it’s in the engine options. I suppose part of that is by design because as a subcompact crossover — its sits below the NX — the UX isn’t meant to have those rowdy V-6s that its big brother, the RX, has at its disposal. It’s meant to be a crossover for people who want to be seen in a good-looking ride. That’s why the UX is “only” getting a pair of engine options, one of which is a 2.0-liter engine that’s good for 168 horsepower. The other engine option is a hybrid system that projects to have an output of 176 horsepower. Not exactly world-beaters, but decent enough to project the image of a sporty crossover.

For those who are inclined to give the UX a performance feel, there is the option of getting the UX F Sport. It doesn’t have any power upgrades, but it does come with a near rear bumper design, black trim in the exterior, and a new set of 18-inch wheels. The F Sport package also includes LFA-inspired sports seats, an F Sport steering wheel, and aluminum pedals and footrests. Oh, and it has suspension tuning, too. That counts a lot for a UX trim that highlights its performance nature.

If any of you are interested in the Lexus UX — I’m quite sure there are more than a few raised hands right now — you won’t have to wait long to get your hands on one. According to Lexus, production begins this coming fall with sales starting sometime at the end of the year. The automaker is expected to announce pricing details soon, but with the NX crossover starting at just under $36,000, look for the UX to sit closer to the $30,000 range, affordable enough for young whippersnappers to live out their dreams of one day owning a Lexus.

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