2019 LEXUS UX | JTHY3JBH0K2019012

Body Styles

The Lexus UX is a subcompact luxury crossover with a bold, urban-oriented design. It features a low-slung stance, sharp body creases, muscular fenders, and a floating roof design. The signature spindle grille, full-width rear LED light bar, and sculpted C-pillars give the UX a futuristic and distinctive appearance, standing out in the crowded small SUV segment.

Despite its compact dimensions, the UX offers efficient packaging, with comfortable front seating and a coupe-like driving position, while rear-seat and cargo space are best suited to urban singles or couples. Unlike larger Lexus SUVs, the UX emphasizes urban agility, parking ease, and design flair over maximum interior volume.

Model Name Meaning (Manufacturer)

The name Lexus UX stands for Urban Explorer, a term chosen by the manufacturer to express the vehicle’s role as a sophisticated yet agile crossover designed specifically for the needs of city dwellers. By combining urban practicality with a spirit of exploration, Lexus sought to create a model that reflects a dynamic lifestyle—compact enough to navigate dense city streets with ease, yet bold and expressive enough to appeal to customers seeking individuality and flair in their vehicle.

This naming strategy fits within Lexus’s broader nomenclature, where the letter "X" consistently identifies crossover or SUV models, while the leading letters reflect the intended experience or segment. In the case of the UX, the "U" emphasizes its urban orientation, while "X" links it to the brand’s crossover family. Rather than conjuring a sense of rugged off-road capability, the term Urban Explorer evokes a refined kind of mobility—effortless, confident, and design-focused—crafted for drivers who value innovation, premium features, and a distinctive presence in an urban context.

Ultimately, the name UX encapsulates Lexus’s vision of blending modern luxury with nimble utility, offering a gateway model that redefines what a compact premium crossover can be in an increasingly urbanized world.

Body & Interior Colors and Rims

The Lexus UX showcases a color palette that reflects its dual nature as both an urban companion and a statement of youthful sophistication. Exterior colors range from subdued, refined tones to bold, contemporary finishes, creating strong visual variety across the lineup. Classic shades such as Eminent White Pearl, Atomic Silver, and Caviar lend the UX an air of timeless elegance, while more expressive options like Nori Green Pearl, Cadmium Orange, and Grecian Water underscore its daring, modern personality. Certain colors, such as Obsidian and Cloudburst Gray, deliver a deeper, more mature tone suitable for luxury-minded buyers, while select trims—particularly the F SPORT—offer unique hues and exclusive two-tone roof treatments to emphasize a sportier character.

Inside, the UX offers a distinctive range of cabin environments that highlight Lexus’s dedication to Takumi craftsmanship and Japanese aesthetic principles. Base trims provide a clean, modern layout in NuLuxe synthetic leather with colors like Black or Birch, while more upscale configurations add Glazed Caramel and Palomino, softening the interior with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. F SPORT variants feature performance-inspired themes such as Circuit Red or Black with contrast stitching, accented by aluminum pedals and mesh-patterned trim. Across all trims, the dashboard design incorporates elements inspired by Japanese architecture and traditional paper screens, lending the UX a cabin that feels open, tactile, and visually harmonious.

Wheels are tailored to accentuate the UX’s compact stance and sculpted bodywork. Standard models typically ride on 17-inch alloy wheels with a clean five-spoke or turbine-like design that enhances aerodynamic efficiency. Higher trims and F SPORT editions move up to 18-inch wheels, often with a dark metallic finish, split-spoke geometry, or machined highlights that underscore a more athletic silhouette. The wheel design evolves subtly through the model years, but always retains a modern, precision-focused appearance that aligns with the UX’s upscale, urban-friendly identity. These elements—color, texture, and proportion—come together to project a crossover that is at once confident, contemporary, and unmistakably Lexus.

Top Expensive Options

• Lexus Interface with 12.3” Touchscreen + Cloud Nav + Voice Assistant: $1,200
• F SPORT Handling Package (Sport Suspension, Paddle Shifters, Performance Dampers): $2,000
• Head-Up Display with Speed and Hybrid Info: $900
• Mark Levinson 8-Speaker Premium Audio System: $1,000
• Adaptive Variable Suspension (F SPORT only): $800
• Heated/Ventilated Front Seats with Power Memory: $700
• Power Moonroof with Tilt/Slide Function: $1,000
• Parking Assist with 360° View Monitor: $850
• Remote Start and Climate via Lexus App: Standard (2023+)
• Wireless Charging Pad + Digital Key Integration: $500

vs Competitors

The Lexus UX competes with the BMW X1/X2, Mercedes-Benz GLA, Audi Q3, Volvo XC40, and Cadillac XT4. Compared to the BMW and Audi, the UX emphasizes efficiency, craftsmanship, and reliability over raw performance. Against the GLA, it offers better build quality and a simpler, more elegant interface. It lags in rear passenger space and power compared to the XC40 Recharge or Q3 45 TFSI, but counters with standard hybrid power, lower ownership costs, and Lexus’s bulletproof reputation. For city dwellers seeking a refined, eco-conscious, and stylish premium crossover, the UX delivers a compelling and practical package.

Fun Fact

The Lexus UX was the first Lexus model to offer a fully electric variant (UX 300e) in select global markets, marking the brand’s entry into EVs. It was also the first vehicle built on the GA-C platform to receive Lexus-grade refinement, and includes laser screw welding, structural adhesives, and additional bracing to elevate handling and NVH beyond its Toyota siblings. In Japan, the UX was sold through all four major Lexus dealer channels simultaneously due to its popularity among young urban professionals — making it one of the most successful compact Lexus launches globally.