2020 Lexus UX Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?
The 2020 Lexus UX looks modern and stylish. As a subcompact crossover, it has a sporty design and just enough space to please many consumers. It feels agile, with a powerful engine that can either be a traditional gas-powered version or a hybrid model, and its luxury amenities are a nice advantage. In a crowded market of crossovers, the Lexus UX does stand out in several ways. Even though it's not quite perfect and won't be for everyone, the 2020 Lexus UX does come with a lot of benefits.
What's New for 2020?
Changes to the Lexus UX for the 2020 model year have been minimal. The car remains almost identical to the 2019 version, though there are a few exceptions. First, the Inform connected services trial period has been slightly tweaked. Another way in which the 2020 Lexus UX has been enhanced is by having rear cross-traffic alert as an available feature. This will give people a better idea of when it's safe to back out of a parking spot.
Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2020 Lexus UX – The Pros
1. Many Trims
The 2020 Lexus UX comes in six different trims. The base model is the UX200, and it's followed by the UX200 F Sport and the UX200 Luxury. These trims are also available for the hybrid version of the UX, which is called the UX250h. Having so many options means that people don't have to settle for something that may be less than ideal.
Note that the F Sport models have a little more of an edge than the other trims. For instance, they have a sport-tuned suspension, aluminum pedals, and a steering wheel with different grip profiles to mimic the feel of a race car.
2. Hybrid Version
These days, more and more people are becoming interested in hybrid vehicles. Fortunately, Lexus has put a lot of work into making the UX available as a hybrid. The UX250h uses an electric motor in conjunction with the inline-four engine that the standard UX models run on, and the result is more horsepower than what the standard models have. With 181 horsepower, the hybrid UX is energetic and quick on its feet.
Mileage is impressive on the hybrid Lexus UX. It gets an estimated 38 miles per gallon on the highway and 41 miles per gallon in the city, giving it a combined fuel economy of 39 miles per gallon.
3. Standard Model is Efficient
When the traditional engine is selected, the Lexus UX still has good fuel economy. The standard models of the UX can achieve an estimated 37 miles per gallon on the highway and 29 miles per gallon in the city.
4. All-Wheel Drive is Offered
The Lexus UX250h is exclusively offered as an all-wheel drive vehicle, though the UX200 is not. Many people will take advantage of this feature, especially if they live in colder climates where icy and snowy conditions are common. If someone plans on only occasionally heading into the mountains, it's probably a good idea to get all-wheel drive for the added traction it comes with.
5. Luxurious Interior
Many fine details are featured on the Lexus UX, particularly the UX 200 and UX250h Luxury trims. The remodels have power-operated liftgates, "washi" interior trim that resembles soft-grain Japanese paper, a memory system for the driver's seat and outside mirrors, and heated and ventilated front seats. A two-tone NuLuxe color scheme is available on the Luxury and base models, and all models have LED interior lights to welcome people into the cabin.
6. Quality Infotainment System
Standard on the 2020 Lexus UX is Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, and Amazon Alexa. Smartphone connectivity allows drivers to have a seamless connection between their vehicles and smartphones, and it can make it easier to find contact information and play downloaded music.
If people wish to have a personal concierge, they can opt to get the Lexus Enform Destination Assist system, which comes with 24-hour access to an assistant who can help with locating addresses and points of interest. Enform technology is also used with the navigation program, which is standard on the Luxury trims and optional on the others, as well as the Enform Remote. The Enform Remote system lets people use their smartphones or smartwatches to remotely lock/unlock their vehicles, and they can even use their mobile devices to start their engines.
To keep devices charged, four USB ports have been placed in the cabin, and wireless charging is available. A head-up display is available if anyone wishes to have data regarding vehicle performance projected onto their windshields, and there's the option to upgrade to an eight-speaker audio system that includes a subwoofer to round out the sound.
7. Many Driver-Assist Features
The Lexus UX comes with the Lexus Safety System+ 2.0. This package includes technologies that can keep the vehicle centered in its lane, reduce the chances of being involved in a front-end collision, help people stay area of road signs and changing speed limits, and make sure the high beams are activated only when the conditions call for them. Further, dynamic radar cruise control is incorporated into the safety suite to make sure the vehicle can maintain proper distancing, even when the speed of other vehicles on the highway varies. Beyond all of these modern driver-assist components, the Lexus UX has a standard back-up camera with gridlines to assist with parking, available blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, and standard vehicle stability control.
8. Attractive Price Point
Starting at around $33,000, the 2020 Lexus UX is priced quite competitively. The entry-level model is within the budget of many customers, and it's not that much more expensive than many vehicles that wouldn't necessarily be considered luxury models. For some, just being able to say that they drive a Lexus is important. As expected, the price goes up as the trims offer more amenities, but the highest priced Lexus UX isn't unreasonable. Priced a touch over $40,000, the UX250h Luxury can still be within reach even if funds are somewhat limited.
9. Fun Factor
Simply put, the 2020 Lexus UX is fun to drive. From a performance perspective, the engine feels responsive, especially given the lighter weight of the vehicle. The exterior design of the crossover adds to this quality as well. The Lexus sits relatively low to the ground and has a wide, athletic stance. Angles that have been incorporated into the body frame make the vehicle look bold.
There are multiple colors available on the UX. The basics are offered, of course, but there are also more interesting choices, such as Redline, Autumn Shimmer, Cadmium Orange, and Nori Green Pearl. Similarly, there are a few choices for the wheels, with the 18-inch machined alloy wheels being particularly sleek.
10. Excellent Turning Radius
Being a relatively small vehicle, the UX has its own advantages. It has a best-in-class turning radius that people will appreciate when they're trying to navigate tight spaces. Whether someone is trying to turn around, grab a coveted parking spot, or make a sharp turn, this small turning radius will definitely come in handy.
Reasons Not to Buy a 2020 Lexus UX – The Cons
1. Could Have More Horsepower
The non-hybrid model of the 2020 Lexus UX has a 2.0-liter engine that can generate 169 horsepower. This number is certainly fine, but some performance-driven consumers might be looking for more. The hybrid version does boost horsepower to 181, so this might be more satisfying for some people. However, these numbers pale in comparison to some turbo- or super-charged engines in some small SUVs that can provide more than 300 horsepower.
2. Small Cargo Capacity
Behind the back row of seats, there is 17.1 cubic feet of space. This is plenty of room for many situations like buying groceries or going on an overnight trip, but it's not ideal when people need to pick up larger items, go on outdoor adventures with their gear, or are heading on a long road trip with a car full of passengers. It helps that the back seats can fold down, though the maximum cargo capacity is still somewhat small, at 21.7 cubic feet.
3. Touchpad Controller Hard to Figure Out
While the infotainment system on the Lexus UX has many advanced features, it does have a drawback, and this disadvantage might be an important factor for some. The remote touchpad used to control the system can be difficult to learn. This is a stark contrast to some brand's systems that are extremely user-friendly, set up in a way similar to how smartphones are configured. Some people may even feel that their attention is being drawn away from the road in order to make adjustments to the infotainment system. However, in most cases, drivers should be able to gradually improve their skills with the touchscreen and will eventually be able to adeptly control their systems.
4. A Tight Fit
In addition to the cargo space being limited, the back seat may leave adults feeling claustrophobic. With only 33.1 inches of leg room in the second row, kids should be fine, but taller passengers may be uncomfortable on long rides.
How It Stacks Up to the Competition:
The compact crossover market is getting crowded, and some of these models are high-end vehicles like the Lexus UX. When looking at the vehicles from different perspectives, the UX does come out ahead of many other vehicles. For instance, the UX has more horsepower than the Buick Encore, and capability is a main feature of any vehicle. In terms of pricing, the Lexus UX has a lower starting point than the Mercedes-Benz GLA and Porsche Macan. The reality is that affordability is at the top of many consumers' lists of things they're looking for.
Conclusion
If someone is looking specifically for a sporty crossover, the 2020 Lexus UX would be a great choice. This car has some exciting design elements that make it a unique model, and the fact that it can come as a hybrid really works in its favor. The three trim levels are offered on both the hybrid and traditional models, giving people a range of options. Base models are nicely appointed with high-end materials, comprehensive safety packages, and advanced technology, and the more expensive models should be worth the extra expense because they take things to another level in terms of luxury.
