2023 Lexus UX Review

Despite just being a couple of years old, the Lexus UX has changed the game in the subcompact executive CUV class.

It has garnered a lot of praise for its sophistication, practicality, comfort, and efficiency. It has gained a reputation for being the crossover of the future.

Its latest model, the 2023 Lexus UX is now upon us. The following is a review of its highlights:

Features

The first generation Lexus UX debuted in 2019 and it is still going strong with its 2023 model.

Lexus offers you a set of four different trim levels – all available with a state-of-the-art hybrid powertrain under the hood.

This year’s model sees some changes to the trim hierarchy, along with updates to the engine choices and in-cabin infotainment.

Powertrain and Numbers

A 2.0-liter hybrid engine powers the all-new Lexus UX, as it produces 181 horsepower and 133 torque. You can opt for the power to be sent to either the front wheels or all of them.

The result is that you get an acceleration time of around 8.4 seconds from 0-60 mph on the FWD. Lexus says that the AWD model will do the same in 8.6 seconds.

According to the EPA, this fun-sized hybrid is quite efficient for its class. The FWD version will do 43 mpg in the city and 41 mpg on the highway. The AWD does 41 mpg city; 38 highway.

Interior and Technology

The 2023 Lexus UX is a masterpiece on the inside; it is spacious and well-built.

US News praised how roomy it is, stating that there’s “solid seating space for four adults inside its upscale cabin,”.

But it’s not just the material quality that’ll impress you, the consumer-friendly design is also a highlight here.

Autotrader has praised how intelligently Lexus has designed it, describing it as “comfortable, nicely designed and with well-considered ergonomics.”

As far as the cargo area is concerned, this vehicle does decently for its class. The 2023 Lexus UX offers 17.1 cubic inches of trunk space.

You can fold the rear seats to increase this. The adjustable rear cargo deck board makes everything easier to load.

The following are the trim levels of the 2023 Lexus UX and their standard features:

2023 UX 250h
The entry-level 2023 Lexus UX starts by offering an attractive Washi interior trim, and a leather-trimmed steering wheel and shift knob.

The tech includes dual-zone climate control, 8-way power-adjustable front seats, push-button ignition, and an electronic parking brake.

It also offers remote start via the Lexus app on your phone, plus some other features.

The infotainment system is quite impressive as well. There are two large screens – an 8-inch touchscreen and a 7-inch instrumentation display. The former is mated to a set of 6 speakers.

You get Android Auto and Apple CarPlay – both wireless – along with numerous power outlets.

Then comes the highly lauded safety department with a backup camera and Lexus’s intuitive parking assist.

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
The UX250h Premium 2023 gets you some nice add-ons. These include heated and ventilated front seats, a powered rear door and moonroof, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.

2023 UX 250h F Sport Design
The 2023 Lexus UX F Sport Design ups the game in performance. This means that it sheds some weight in the form of interior features, but gains some exterior changes.

2023 UX 250h F Sport Handling
The F Sport Handling model gives you the best of this CUV in the form of performance and luxury.

You get a lot of custom stuff – bolstered front seats, steering wheel, shift knob, pedals, and front door-sill scuff plates – all with F Sport badging.

Along with a memory function for the driver’s seat, the infotainment is upgraded quite a bit.

There’s a 12.3-inch touchscreen, a larger 8-inch MID, and a premium 10-speaker sound system.

2023 UX 250h Premium

2023 UX 250h F Sport Design

2023 UX 250h F Sport Handling

Exterior and Driving

The 2023 Lexus UX looks fabulous and despite being a subcompact crossover, it gives you that ‘premium car look’ from afar.

Of course, there are plenty of personalization options on the exterior as well – some for vanity and the rest for convenience.

The UX 250h and UX 250h Premium models come with a set of 18-inch rims with lovely finishes.

On top of that, Lexus gives you a set of aluminum roof rails and dual-LED headlights. You also get heated exterior mirrors.

As you’d expect, the more athletic F Sport models have more aggressive stylings. These come with custom bumpers, front grille, and roof. You’ll find F Sport badging all over the exterior.

The colors available on the 2023 Lexus UX are Cadmium Orange, Caviar, Cloudburst Gray, Eminent White Pearl, Grecian Water, Iridium, Nori Green Pearl, Obsidian, and Redline.

Then we get to the driving prowess, where the 2023 Lexus UX is just brilliant. It can cruise like no other and give all of its occupants a quiet and comfortable driving experience.

Autotrader says that Lexus has done a “great job insulating the cabin from outside noise,”.

There are also numerous driving modes available based on your requirements as well.

Reliability and Warranty

JD Power gives the 2023 Lexus UX a predicted reliability score of 81 out of 100 and ranks it among the top cars of the small premium CUV segment.

Consumer Reports also expects it to be “more reliable than the average new car,”.

There are two warranties offered here and they’re the very best of the luxury car class.

The limited warranty covers 5 years or 50k miles, the powertrain warranty covers 6 years or 70k miles, and there’s complimentary maintenance for 1 year or 10k miles.

Verdict

The 2023 Lexus UX is a must-have if you want an efficient, comfortable, and practical premium small CUV that’re reliable.

It comes generously equipped with lots of convenience and safety amenities. It is also offered with complimentary maintenance for the first year.

To get the 2023 Lexus UX in Mason OH, Morrow OH, and Loveland OH, check out Performance Lexus here.