Used Lexus UX for sale: everything you need to know
So quickly is the Lexus crossover and SUV range growing that despite being launched in 2019, the UX is now one of the brand’s older models. It’s also one of the smaller SUVs in the Lexus lineup, slotting between the LBX and NX.
It’s effectively an upmarket version of the Toyota C-HR, and is offered as a hybrid only (like most of the Lexus range), giving it a compelling blend of luxury and low fuel consumption. With the Lexus brand’s reputation for reliability, it’s a very solid used buy too - not to mention much more affordable than buying a brand new one.
Similarly premium alternatives to the UX include the BMW X1 and X2, Audi Q3, and Mercedes-Benz GLA, while the Range Rover Evoque is one of the more stylish options in this class. If you’re shopping nearly new, then the Alfa Romeo Tonale is an intriguing choice too.
Should you buy a Lexus UX?
If you’re looking for an SUV that won’t use much fuel, probably won’t go wrong, and is relaxing to drive - particularly in town - then the Lexus UX could be the car you’re after. While some other SUVs on the market chase performance or handling, the UX is definitely one of the smoothest, least stressful cars to drive in its class.
Like most Lexus models, the UX is a hybrid, and like many, it shares its bare bones with a Toyota, in this case the Toyota C-HR. As you’d expect though the Lexus is more luxurious, with an even more solid and quality feel than its Toyota counterpart and even more standard equipment to justify the extra money it costs to buy.
We’re not a fan of all of that equipment - the UX has one of the brand’s many slightly inconvenient and frustrating forays into infotainment controls, with a centre console touchpad that never quite feels intuitive to use. But it looks and feels special inside, particularly in higher trim levels. Rear seat space can feel a little tight though, and the boot’s pretty small by class standards too.
The UX is happy to run on electric power alone around town, and while the engine can be noisy under hard acceleration (due to the CVT gearbox), it settles down at a cruise. The smooth feel doesn’t encourage hard driving anyway, so the so-so handling won’t be a problem either.
Just bear in mind that the E-Four all-wheel drive models are mainly aimed at improving low-speed traction in poor conditions, and it’s not great for towing either. For that, you’d be better off with a Range Rover Evoque, while the BMW X1, Audi Q3 and Mercedes-Benz GLA all have a sportier drive and offer more performance.
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What’s the best used Lexus UX model to buy?
There’s only one engine in the Lexus UX which keeps that decision simple, though the availability of E-Four all-wheel drive may be appealing to those who have to deal with particularly grim weather over winter. It doesn’t turn the UX into a proper off-roader though, so it’s far from being essential.
There’s no harm in going for the regular Lexus UX (with no trim level suffix) as it’s very well equipped from the off, but if an F Sport or Takumi comes up in budget then their extra features are appealing, particularly the Takumi with its soft leather seats and Mark Levinson sound system.
Used Lexus UX fuel economy and performance
- Lexus UX: Lexus doesn’t quote a total system output for the UX’s hybrid drivetrain but it combines a 2-litre petrol four-cylinder making 152PS with a 109PS, driving the front wheels through an electronic CVT automatic. 0-62mph takes 8.5 seconds and combined consumption is up to 53.3mpg.
- Lexus UX E-Four: The E-Four has exactly the same engine and motor setup at the front, but adds a low power (only 7.2PS) electric motor at the rear axle for extra low-speed traction. It’s actually a little slower, at 8.7 seconds to 62mph, and achieves 47.1mpg combined.
What used Lexus UX trim levels are available?
The UX has been offered in four trim lines and in typical Lexus fashion, all are very well equipped as standard. The Takumi is best equipped but most of the equipment offered on this top-line model, or the F Sport, is offered in option packs containing several features, so keep an eye out for the Premium pack and Premium Plus pack on used examples as signs the original buyer splashed out.
- The Lexus UX has 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, fabric trim, 6-way manually adjustable front seats, dual-zone climate control, a 7-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 6-speaker audio system.
- The Lexus UX Premium Sport Edition upgrades to 18-inch alloys, artificial leather upholstery, an exterior sport styling pack, heated front seats, front and rear parking sensors, a reversing camera, LED foglights, rain-sensing wipers, and privacy glass.
- The Lexus UX F Sport builds on the regular UX spec with 18-inch alloy wheels, F Sport exterior styling, privacy glass, sports suspension tuning, a heated sports steering wheel, fabric and artificial leather trim, a special gauge cluster, and 8-way electric adjustment for the front seats.
- The Lexus UX Takumi offers (again over standard UX spec) 18-inch alloys, LED headlights with adaptive high beams, front and rear parking sensors and a 360-degree parking display, a power tailgate, 13-speaker Mark Levinson audio, a head-up display, leather upholstery, 8-way electrically adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, a power adjustable heated leather steering wheel, illuminated door handles, a 10.3-inch infotainment screen with navigation, and a sunroof.
Used Lexus UX dimensions and boot size
The Lexus UX’s dimensions are:
- Length: 4495mm
- Width: 1840mm (without mirrors), 2078mm (with mirrors)
- Height: 1540mm
The Lexus UX’s boot size is:
- 320 litres (E-Four 283 litres)
- 1231 litres with the rear seats folded (to roof, E-Four 1194 litres)
Used Lexus UX road tax
As a hybrid, the Lexus UX is classed as an alternative fuel vehicle by the UK government, and qualifies for a small discount on your annual Vehicle Excise Duty. That means paying £170 a year at the current rate (£10 cheaper than non-hybrids), though be careful to check whether the model you’re looking at cost more than £40,000 when new. If it did (some Takumi models went over this point), your tax bill will rise to £560 per year from the second to the sixth years of registration.
How much is it to insure a Lexus UX?
The Lexus UX range starts off in group 22 for insurance (out of 50). While equipment goes up towards the top of the range, the fact all UX have the same engine means you probably won’t pay a great deal more for a Takumi, which is group 26. The BMW X1 covers groups 25-34, reflecting the fact that BMW offers more powerful variants as you go up the range.
Read our full Lexus UX review
