The 2021 Lexus UX has been released in Australia armed with many small changes to increase its appeal compared with rivals such as the Audi Q3, BMW X2 and Volvo XC40. Its value equation has been improved thanks to lower pricing compared with the 2020 version, while its drivetrain has been massaged, sound deadening added and even a lower boot floor has added practicality to the smallest Lexus SUV.
The entry-level 2021 Lexus UX200 Luxury is now priced from $44,445 plus on-road costs, which is a reduction of $2,055 over the 2020 model. The reduction in price comes from a reduction in standard equipment – the previously standard roof rails, LED front fog lights, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert with rear auto braking, keyless entry and digital radio now form the $1,980 Enhancement Pack 1 (choosing the pack makes for a $75 saving over a 2020 UX200 Luxury).
All other variants have seen price reductions ranging from $75 to $325 and the previously optional Enhancement Packs 1 and 2 have been named 2 and 3 for the UX200 Luxury because of the new additional pack at the bottom of the range.
Lexus has also enhanced the 2021 UX’s mechanicals with changes to the car’s CVT automatic transmission creating a smoother transition from the transmission’s mechanical first gear and the belt-driven main ratio. Recalibrated powertrain control electronics have made for more refined acceleration, according to the brand.
Additional sound insulation have reduced noise entering the cabin, while a lower boot floor height in UX200 models has increased the size by between 50 to 90-litres to a maximum of 424L (depending on what size wheels are fitted). The hybrid UX250h’s boot also increases by up to 44-litres to 368L.
The car’s active safety suite has added an expanded traffic-sign recognition system that’s capable of reading school zone signs and two USB-C ports have replaced the rear seat’s former USB-A ports for rear passengers to charge their devices.
Standard kit for the 2021 Lexus UX range includes a 126kW 2.0-litre petrol engine (UX200) or a 131kW 2.0-litre hybrid (UX250h) drivetrain, 17-inch alloy wheels, LED lighting, heated/auto-folding mirrors, leather upholstery, a 10.3-inch infotainment screen with inbuilt navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an eight-speaker sound system, 10-way driver and 8-way passenger electrically adjustable and heated front seats, tyre pressure monitoring, an alarm and push-button start.
Safety kit is also strong with eight airbags, auto emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, adaptive cruise control, lane trace assist, auto high beam and speed sign assist.
The Enhancement Pack 1 adds LED front fog lights, roof rails, keyless entry, digital radio, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert with rear auto braking and the option of 18-inch alloys to the UX200 Luxury. Enhancement Pack 2 (the lowest spec available with the UX250h) further adds a power boot, wireless phone charging, cornering lights, scuff plates, headlight washers and privacy glass. EP3 then adds a sunroof.
The Sports Luxury models include 18-inch wheels, bi-LED headlights with cornering lights and washers, a power boot, privacy glass, a 13-speaker Mark Levinson sound system, heated and ventilated front seats, adaptive high beam and a 360-degree parking camera.
The Sports Luxury Enhancement Pack adds a sunroof, a colour heads-up display and a smart key card.
F Sport models largely share their equipment with non-F Sport models, though add sportier details such as a bodykit, different drive modes, adaptive dampers and 18-inch alloy wheels.
2021 Lexus UX pricing (plus on-road costs):
UX200 Luxury: $44,445
UX200 Luxury EP1: $46,425
UX200 Luxury EP2: $48,175
UX200 Luxury EP3: $50,225
UX200 Sports Luxury: $55,225
UX200 Sports Luxury EP: $58,750
UX200 F Sport: $55,750
UX200 F Sport EP1: $58,250
UX200 F Sport EP2: $61,350
UX250h FWD Luxury EP2: $52,025
UX250h FWD Luxury EP3: $54,075
UX250h FWD F Sport: $59,600
UX250h FWD F Sport EP1: $62,100
UX250h FWD F Sport EP2: $65,200
UX250h AWD Sports Luxury: $63,600
UX250h AWD Sports Luxury EP: $67,100
UX250h AWD F Sport: $64,100
UX250h AWD F Sport EP: $66,600
UX250h AWD F Sport EP2: $69,700
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