MM Test-Drive: 2019 Lexus UX Hybrid AWD F-Sport (updated static review)
#16
Lexus Champion
You are making some very strong assumptions here.
Do you know that the Matrix AWD model was discontinued because "the RAV-4 was eating it up in sales", or is that merely speculation on your part?
Again, do you know for sure that prospective buyers will cross-shop the UX and the RAV4, or is that merely speculation on your part? The UX is a luxury brand sub-compact crossover but the RAV4 is a mass-market brand compact crossover: Not only are the size classes different but the market positioning is different. The prices may be similar but prospective shoppers do not necessarily cross-shop only based upon price similarity.
We got the AWD Matrix and its Pontiac Vibe rebadge here in the U.S., for a number of years, until GM canned Pontiac, and Toyota pulled the AWD version (and eventually, all versions) of the Matrix out of the U.S. market. Toyota did so, of course, because the RAV-4 was eating it up in sales.
Even over and above that, I think that when a lot of people compare the UX to the RAV-4, especially the top-line Adventure and Limited trims, it will usually be the Toyota shops that get the sales. True, the C-HR, not the RAV-4, is Toyota's size-equivalent of the UX, but the C-HR, IMO, shares some of the UX's same faults.
#17
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (20)
What a horrible little ute. It will sell in huge numbers.
#20
Lexus Fanatic
Becuase size wise, it is too small for the American market. It really is just a hatchback that is higher up. It’s a fact that Americans like larger sized cars, add in the lack of AWD for the 2.0 in the Northern States and it becomes a very difficult sell. How well does a Corolla Hatch in the US sell? There is no way it tops those numbers. It doesn’t really matter how well it sell though as any sales is just gravy for Toyota.
Last edited by Toys4RJill; 01-04-19 at 10:47 AM.
#21
Moderator
iTrader: (16)
Becuase size wise, it is too small for the American market. It really is just a hatchback that is higher up. It’s a fact that Americans like larger sized cars, add in the lack of AWD for the 2.0 in the Northern States and it becomes a very difficult sell. How well does a Corolla Hatch in the US sell? There is no way it tops those numbers. It doesn’t really matter how well it sell though as any sales is just gravy for Toyota.
2019 Lexus UX 177″ L x 72″ W x 61″ H
2019 BMW X1 175″ L x 72″ W x 63″ H
2019 Benz GLA 175″ L x 71″ W x 60″ H
2019 Volvo XC40 174″ L x 73″ W x 65″ H
#22
Lexus Fanatic
Thread Starter
#23
Lexus Fanatic
I didn’t say it should not be sold in the US. I just don’t think it will sell very well.
#25
Lexus Fanatic
Thread Starter
Again, do you know for sure that prospective buyers will cross-shop the UX and the RAV4, or is that merely speculation on your part? The UX is a luxury brand sub-compact crossover but the RAV4 is a mass-market brand compact crossover: Not only are the size classes different but the market positioning is different. The prices may be similar but prospective shoppers do not necessarily cross-shop only based upon price similarity.
#26
Lexus Fanatic
Thread Starter
No, but you did say it's too small for the American market.
#27
Moderator
iTrader: (16)
So don't buy it. Go get yourself a Forester. The US isn't made up of ALL big heavy people.
#28
Lexus Champion
I could of course be wrong, but I don't see how the lack of AWD on the 2.0 is that big of a deal.
How much would the AWD option add to the price of the 2.0 FWD? On the RAV4, it's $1400. The difference between a UX200 and UX250h is only $2000. If someone is that set on having AWD and a UX, I doubt they'd have that big of an issue paying that extra $2k, as that gets them the AWD they want, plus better gas mileage and more power.
I think a UX200 with AWD for only $600 less than the UX250h AWD would be a bit of a tough sell. Even at $2k more, I would expect the UX250h to outsell the 200 model.
How much would the AWD option add to the price of the 2.0 FWD? On the RAV4, it's $1400. The difference between a UX200 and UX250h is only $2000. If someone is that set on having AWD and a UX, I doubt they'd have that big of an issue paying that extra $2k, as that gets them the AWD they want, plus better gas mileage and more power.
I think a UX200 with AWD for only $600 less than the UX250h AWD would be a bit of a tough sell. Even at $2k more, I would expect the UX250h to outsell the 200 model.
#29
Lexus Fanatic
Thread Starter
#30
Lexus Fanatic
Thread Starter
You are right about the X1 and QX30. But your omission of the aforementioned GLA, XC40, and Q3 is no offense.. ignorant. Especially when the manufacturer tells you what their car was created to compete with and their sizes and wheelbases are within an inch or two of each other.
So don't buy it. Go get yourself a Forester. The US isn't made up of ALL big heavy people.