The Lexus UX 200 subcompact SUV, rolled out for the 2019 model year, is unchanged for 2020 but there are some technology updates.
Android Auto compatibility has been added, rear cross-traffic alert is available with blind spot monitoring as an optional feature, and Lexus Enform trial periods have been sweetened with Remote, Wi-Fi, and Service Connect to bring the UX 200 up to speed with the other Lexus vehicles.
The 2020 Lexus UX 200 has front-wheel drive and starts at $33,325 including destination charge. It’s available in base, F Sport, and Luxury trim levels. A hybrid version, the UX 250h, has all-wheel drive, is offered in the same three trims, and costs an extra $2,000.
For a review of the 2019 UX 200 last year, I featured the F Sport model, so this time around I drove the Luxury trim. Its destination-included pricing starts at $38,525.
The base UX 200 is richly imbued with upscale features, and the Luxury trim adds a moonroof, navigation, rain-sensing wipers, heated and ventilated front seats, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, a power liftgate with kick sensor, and power folding auto-dim side mirrors with reverse tilt and memory.
A list of 10 optional features on my 2020 UX 200 Luxury tester raised the total price by $4,240. It ranged from $75 for a wireless charger to $1,660 for a package including triple beam LED headlamps with auto-leveling, washers, LED fog lamps, and cornering lamps.
That special lighting cluster is a most valuable helpmate for anyone who regularly drives the unlit backroads of Snohomish and Island counties.
Roof rack crossbars were about midway in pricing among the tester’s options, at $400.
The 2020 Lexus UX 200 subcompact crossover has a combined fuel economy rating of 33 mpg. It uses regular unleaded gasoline. (Manufacturer photo)
A 169-horsepower four-cylinder engine powers the UX 200, paired with a 10-speed continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). It’s happy with regular unleaded gasoline and gets favorable fuel economy ratings of 29 mpg city, 37 mpg highway, and 33 mpg combined.
The driver is cocooned within the UX 200 cabin, surrounded by high quality materials and expert craftsmanship. The front passenger shares that pleasant atmosphere. Rear passengers, as expected in a subcompact, will feel the squeeze.
An awkward and frustrating touchpad control dampens enthusiasm for the infotainment system, but the touchpad can be avoided by using the other control options.
When introducing the UX 200, Lexus was clear about this little crossover being created with young city dwellers in mind. A case in point would be the “U” standing for “urban” and the “X” standing for “crossover.”
Lexus hit the mark. The UX 200 Luxury is stylish and trendy, with the indulgent characteristics and advanced technology to attract those buyers. Power and performance are not given the highest priority here. The emphasis is on urban maneuverability and practicality, and the Lexus cachet of course.
2020 LEXUS UX 200 LUXURY
Base price, including destination charge: $38,525
Price as driven: $42,765
Mary Lowry is an independent automotive writer who lives in Snohomish County. She is a member of the Motor Press Guild, and a member and past president of the Northwest Automotive Press Association. Vehicles are provided by the manufacturers as a one-week loan for review purposes only. In no way do the manufacturers control the content of the reviews.
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