The segment of subcompact luxury SUVs may be overflowed but this small Lexus definitely has a lot of strong points that help it stand out from the crowd. It is a small and sporty crossover, which offers great handling in a combination with a comfortable ride. Furthermore, it features one of the best-looking cabins in the segment, full of quality materials and loaded with tech and safety features. Of course, you may count on Lexus’s typical reliability ratings.
Of course, this small crossover isn’t without drawbacks and most experts criticize its loud engines, which aren’t particularly powerful either. Furthermore, the cargo area and rear seats aren’t as spacious as in some rivals.
When it comes to the next year’s, 2022 Lexus UX model, we don’t expect to see significant changes. Simply, the current generation has been around for just a couple of years and the current version is ranked pretty high in the segment, so there is no need for bigger changes. Of course, we could see smaller updates in terms of the new standard and available equipment. We expect that the launch date will be scheduled for the last quarter of the year.
2022 Lexus UX Design
When it comes to base design changes, the 2022 Lexus UX certainly won’t feature more significant changes. You may count on a familiar layout, which has been originally introduced two years ago. This small luxury crossover is based on Toyota C-HR and it shares pretty much the same size and proportions. However, it utilizes a far more advanced suspension setup, which provides significantly better handling and overall driving characteristics. In this aspect, the UX is one of the best models in the class.
The styling follows Lexus’s latest design language and definitely is one of the model’s strongest points. The overall appearance is very attractive and there is really no need for bigger updates at the moment. Therefore, the best we could see for the next year is the addition of new color options.
Interior
The inside of 2022 Lexus UX shouldn’t feature bigger changes either. You may count on the same cabin layout, which looks pretty impressive. Although this is the smallest Lexus in the offer, the cabin doesn’t look any lower-grade compared to bigger siblings. Moreover, this is one of the classiest interiors in the segment, which is full of soft-touch materials and features excellent build quality. Furthermore, the amount of tech features is pretty impressive.
When it comes to the interior space, the front seats are spacious and comfortable. On the other side, the second row isn’t as spacious and most rivals are better in this aspect. The cargo area isn’t impressive either, as you may count on just 17 cubic feet behind the second row.
Features
A couple of novelties are always possible in this aspect but we are pretty sure that most of the things are about to remain the same in the 2022 Lexus UX. The current model already comes standard with tech features like a 7-inch infotainment display, a 7-inch digital gauge cluster, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, HD Radio, satellite radio, six speakers, a Wi-Fi hot spot, Bluetooth, and four USB ports. The list of standard equipment also includes things like dual-zone automatic climate control, keyless entry, push-button start, a rearview camera, blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, forward collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, automatic high-beam headlights, and road sign recognition.
When it comes to options, some of the highlights are things like a 10.3-inch infotainment display, navigation, an 8-inch digital gauge cluster, eight speakers, wireless device charging, a moonroof, a hands-free power liftgate, a head-up display, front and rear parking sensors, hands-free park assist, and adaptive headlights.
2022 Lexus UX Engines
When it comes to powertrain, you may count on familiar options. The base model will come equipped with a familiar 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, which puts out around 169 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque. There is also a hybrid version, which uses the same engine but gets help from an electric motor. So the total output goes up to 181 horsepower. In both cases, performances aren’t particularly great, while the engine can be pretty loud at higher speeds.
These engines may not be particularly powerful but on the other hand, you get excellent fuel economy. The base engine is good for about 29 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway. The hybrid is even better and returns around 43/41 mpg city/highway.
There is also an all-electric version called the UX 300e, which has been reviewed separately.
2022 Lexus UX Release Date and Price
Since there are no bigger changes to come, we presume that the 2022 Lexus UX will hit the market sometime in the last quarter of the year. A bigger price increase isn’t expected either, so base models should go around 34.000 dollars.