There are two basic versions of the UX, both of which are available with an F Sport appearance and suspension package. The front-wheel-drive-only UX 200 features a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter I4 with direct and port fuel injection. That’s good for 169 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque. The UX 200’s 10-speed Direct Shift CVT uses a mechanical gear set to launch the UX from a stop and accelerate, then reverts to regular CVT operation, adjusting the transmission ratios to simulate the gear changes of a conventional auto.
Of Course There’s a Hybrid
Thanks to a seven-horsepower motor-generator in the rear differential, the UX 250h hybrid comes standard with all-wheel drive. However, that only functions at speeds up to 43 mph. Above that, it reverts to front-wheel drive. Like the UX 200, the UX 250h packs a naturally aspirated, direct- and port-injected 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. A 24-kW nickel metal-hydride battery and a pair of electric motor-generators (which act as the UX 250h’s transmission) boosts total system output to 181 horsepower.
Good News…
The UX is available with washi interior trim that simulates the grain of Japanese paper. Ride quality, even in the back seat, was pleasant and smooth. Interior noise levels were low. The UX may be new, but it’s classic Lexus in all the right ways.
…and Bad News
If you’re 5’10” or taller, you may find legroom in the second row comes up a little short. The UX is available with Apple CarPlay, but it doesn’t offer Android Auto or a Mark Levinson audio system. That doesn’t stop us from wanting a UX to test for an entire week, though. If we get the chance to do that, we’ll be sure to share our experience with you.
Derek Shiekhi's father raised him on cars. As a boy, Derek accompanied his dad as he bought classics such as post-WWII GM trucks and early Ford Mustang convertibles.
After loving cars for years and getting a bachelor's degree in Business Management, Derek decided to get an associate degree in journalism. His networking put him in contact with the editor of the Austin-American Statesman newspaper, who hired him to write freelance about automotive culture and events in Austin, Texas in 2013. One particular story led to him getting a certificate for learning the foundations of road racing.
While watching TV with his parents one fateful evening, he saw a commercial that changed his life. In it, Jeep touted the Wrangler as the Texas Auto Writers Association's "SUV of Texas." Derek knew he had to join the organization if he was going to advance as an automotive writer. He joined the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) in 2014 and was fortunate to meet several nice people who connected him to the representatives of several automakers and the people who could give him access to press vehicles (the first one he ever got the keys to was a Lexus LX 570). He's now a regular at TAWA's two main events: the Texas Auto Roundup in the spring and the Texas Truck Rodeo in the fall.
Over the past several years, Derek has learned how to drive off-road in various four-wheel-drive SUVs (he even camped out for two nights in a Land Rover), and driven around various tracks in hot hatches, muscle cars, and exotics. Several of his pieces, including his article about the 2015 Ford F-150 being crowned TAWA's 2014 "Truck of Texas" and his review of the Alfa Romeo 4C Spider, have won awards in TAWA's annual Excellence in Craft Competition. Last year, his JK Forum profile of Wagonmaster, a business that restores Jeep Wagoneers, won prizes in TAWA’s signature writing contest and its pickup- and SUV-focused Texas Truck Invitational.
Where do you go for answers when you have a Lexus with a gorgeous leather interior but are not sure about how to maintain that luxurious look? The "Club Lexus" forums, of course.
