2026 Lexus UX review

Can you believe the Lexus UX range has been on sale so long that its safety rating has expired?

That’s right! The small SUV that was formerly the most compact crossover in the Lexus range when it was launched in Australia way back in late 2018 is no longer rated by ANCAP, and it strangely makes a stronger argument today than it did pre-COVID.

Part of that comes down to incremental tech improvements inside the cabin, and another – larger – component is the better hybrid powertrain now available in the range.

Let’s go through it.

How much does the Lexus UX cost?

The Lexus UX lineup previously included an electric variant, which has been axed, and there was a 250h hybrid version, which was replaced in 2024 by the 300h version. That saw a power bump for all three variants of the Lexus UX, and there are still two grades that come with the choice of front- or all-wheel drive.

It’s clear from the pricing that you’ll have to really need or want all-wheel drive to justify the extra cost involved, and frankly I think you’d be a bit silly to spend more than $70k on a Lexus UX of any type. You do get an extra 84Nm of torque, though…

But this base model at about $55k before on-roads? It’s a different story entirely.

To see how the Lexus UX lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool

What is the Lexus UX like on the inside?

Over the years the Lexus UX has seen some important changes to the cabin – but it doesn’t feel startlingly different to the first versions of this car.

That is no bad thing because it felt good then, and it still feels pretty good now.

Adding to the appeal on the inside is the new-ish 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which does include things like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, connected services, and sat-nav as well.

There isn’t much in the way of physical controls – just a volume dial – but the usability of the system is pretty good.

I don’t think this is the greatest software suite, and there are some menus that are a little bit hidden, but it is largely learnable and easy to get along with.

I do like the fact that below that screen you have a panel of physical controls, including climate control, fan speed, recirc, demister (including rear and side mirror demisting!) and more.

Further down you’ll find a wireless phone charger and two USB-C ports, which is great to see in a base car like this. 

Back from there is a pair of cupholders, a pair of electric seat heating buttons, and a dinky little shifter. You might take a little bit of time to get used to how the shift pattern works.

There’s also an EV mode and a ‘hold’ mode button, so you can try and trigger things to be fully electric, but the battery is quite small.

Between the seats there is a centre console bin with a dual-opening lid, so you can open it either way.

And the seats are extremely comfortable with good adjustment and a nice material finish to them – even though it is a fake leather.

The doors feature good sized bottle holders, there’s a reasonable glovebox, and the general appeal of the cabin is high-end but not too blingy. 

There are no ambient lights or anything like that, so some of the more modern small premium SUV alternatives do offer a bit more wow factor in some ways.

But it is that typical Lexus-like, Japanese-spec level of finishing. Immaculate.

In the rear there is enough space for a 6’0”/182cm adult to fit behind their own driving position, but not with much space to spare.

Kneeroom is tight, headroom is a little bit slim as well, and getting in and out can be hard if you’ve got big feet. 

Don’t go thinking you’ll fit three across the back very comfortably, but at a pinch it’s possible – so long as the occupants aren’t enormous.

There are ISOFIX child seat anchor points and top-tethers for those rear seats, too.

There are directional air vents and USB-C ports in the back too, and there is one map pocket on the passenger-side seatback. 

There are no door pockets at all, but there is a flip-down armrest with cupholders. 

Spacious? Not so much. But comfy? Yes!

The boot is compact, with enough space to fit some small suitcases, or the kids’ backpacks for school, but it won’t be the ideal month-long driving holiday companion in terms of boot space.

Under the boot floor there is storage but you won’t find a spare wheel unfortunately – just a tyre repair kit in this one.

To see how the Lexus UX lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool

What’s under the bonnet?

The Lexus UX300h has a tried-and-tested four-cylinder petrol-electric powertrain, with an e-CVT auto managing proceedings. The base grade is front-wheel drive, and the higher specs have all-wheel drive available.

I was very impressed with the real-world fuel consumption I saw while testing the UX300h over a week of mixed driving.

I ran errands, hit the highway, pushed it through some corners and generally drove it exactly how you might, and 5.1L/100km was the displayed average. Nice.

Note, though, that there is no official towing capacity for this vehicle, so if you need to tow, this car won’t be the go.

To see how the Lexus UX lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool

How does the Lexus UX drive?

What an agreeable little car this is.

Unsurprisingly, it does feel similar to a Toyota Corolla hatchback or a Corolla Cross small SUV, and it’s built on the same TNGA platform as those impressive options.

There are some similarities in terms of powertrain technology and the general chassis dynamics of this platform are extremely nice.

That includes the predictable, well weighted and easy to manage steering that allows simple turning manoeuvres at low speeds and great confidence at high speed, the comfortable ride and smooth suspension calibration that allows both easy driving in urban day-to-day duties, and also the confident handling at pace.

It is an extremely likeable driving experience. Mature, but still playful if you push it.

The hybrid powertrain has a great amount of punch, and while it is front-drive only in this basic version, it still gets the power down very well.

One improvement could be to fit a set of sportier tyres – that would indeed improve power-down grip and also outright cornering handling, but as it is it’s completely agreeable.

You’ve got regen braking if you want it and a B mode to help feed some more power to the battery pack, and the brake pedal feel is entirely fine.

There’s not much to complain about when it comes to the refinement either – you can hear the engine when it kicks into life, but most of the time you’ll be driving in a mixture of hybrid or EV drive modes, and at urban speeds EV mode does kick in quite often.

There’s just a little bit of tyre roar to contend with at freeway pace on rougher surfaces, but it’s hardly a problem for this car.

As for the safety assistance technology, you don’t have any of the annoyances that you might be expecting like a driver monitoring camera or incessant chiming for speed signage.

Instead, there is a lane-keeping assistance feature that you might want to switch off (it defaults back on each time you restart the car) but it is generally an extremely friendly experience. 

And the frugal fuel consumption is just the cherry on top.

To see how the Lexus UX lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool

What do you get?

Here’s a rundown of the range, and what you get if you decide to spend more as you move up the ladder.

2026 Lexus UX300h Luxury standard equipment:

• 17-inch alloy wheels
• LED headlights
• Leather-accented seats (NuLux)
• Heated front seats
• Power adjustable front seats
• 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Wireless Apple CarPlay
• Wireless Android Auto
• 10-speaker audio system
• Sat-nav
• Connected services
• Power tilt and reach steering wheel
• Smart key
• Push-button start
• Wireless phone charger

UX300h Sports Luxury adds:

• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Panoramic View Monitor (360-degree camera)
• Adaptive High-Beam System
• Ventilated front seats
• Driver’s seat memory
• 13-speaker Mark Levinson premium sound system
• Leather-accented upholstery
• Rear privacy glass

F Sport adds:

• Unique F Sport styling
• 18-inch F Sport wheels
• Body-coloured wheel arches
• Adaptive Variable Suspension
• Rear Performance Damper
• 5 drive modes: adds Sport S+, Custom (beyond Eco/Normal/Sport)
• Active Sound Control
• F Sport seats
• F Sport steering wheel

To see how the Lexus UX lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool

Is the Lexus UX safe?

The Lexus UX range previously had a five-star ANCAP safety rating, but it expired at the end of 2025. That means there’s no applicable independent safety rating for this small luxury SUV. But it’s not like the brand has removed the safety gear, so it’s still going to be a ‘safe’ car to choose.

Standard safety equipment includes:

• Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
• Pedestrian detection (day, night)
• Cyclist detection (day)
• Adaptive cruise control with stop/go
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Lane Trace Assist
• Traffic sign recognition
• Rear cross-traffic assist
• Automatic high-beam
• Front and rear parking sensors
• Reversing camera

It misses out on some of the active safety annoyances of newer cars, which might actually make it even more appealing. There is no driver monitoring system, no speed sign recognition, and therefore bugger-all beeping bing-bong tech. Hooray!

But keep in mind, this base model only comes with a reversing camera, not the surround-view system available in the more expensive variants.

The Lexus UX has eight airbags: dual front, driver’s knee, passenger’s knee, front side, and full-length curtain.

To see how the Lexus UX lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool

How much does the Lexus UX cost to run?

Lexus Australia still has one of the best reputations in the market in terms of aftersales ownership – from both a reliability and premium experience perspective. Ask any Lexus owner if they’ve had a bad time owning their car, and I’ll give you $50 if someone says they have!*

*I’m not actually going to give you $50. 

To see how the Lexus UX lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool

CarExpert’s Take on the Lexus UX

It mightn’t be the newest kid on the block, but it’s one of the most complete, likeable and liveable choices you could make if you’re after a compact premium car.

The UX300h is a charmer. And the Luxury version is all you’re really going to need.

Interested in buying a Lexus UX? Let CarExpert find you the best deal here.

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MORE: Explore the Lexus UX showroom