As automakers rush to add more crossovers and suv's to their lineups
they're starting to stretch the definition of what a crossover or an SUV
is. take this model right here it's the entry-level Lexus UX 200
subcompact it's new for 2019 and Lexus calls it a luxury crossover for the
modern urban explorer while it does deliver on the luxury front
in some ways in others it feels more like an economy car if you like the
design direction Lexus is taken with all of its sharp angles and edges there's a
good chance you'll like the look of the UX 200 because it follows that theme and
it builds upon it with some interesting unique hues this is an F Sport version
which is Lexus's mid-level performance trim and it has a different version of
Lexus's signature spindle grille twin spoke 18-inch alloy wheels and different
bumpers the UX 200 taillights are just as dramatic as its
massive front grille it features a hundred twenty LEDs that run the width
of the car and it's a new look from Lexus that really makes us stand out
when it's illuminated there are also these miniature tail fin like elements
at the edges of the light bar you also get the Lexus experience inside as the
UX has the same type of upscale materials and interfaces that you'd find
in one of the brand's more expensive SUVs F Sport models offer this red and
black color scheme and the seats are finished in simulated leather upholstery
that does a good job mimicking the real thing other F Sport cues include a
digital instrument panel with a moveable section an F sport steering wheel with
shift paddles and aluminum pedals Lexus continues to evolve its remote touch
multimedia system and the UX incorporates some of these new features
besides the familiar trackpad and buttons on the console there are these
new dials on the leading edge of the armrest for things like tuning and
volume the additional controls improve usability but this remains one of the
harder systems to use when you're driving because of this trackpad and how
you have to interact with it and the screen apple carplay smart phone
connectivity is standard and while the apps look great on the
dashboard widescreen display it's not a touchscreen so you still have to use the
trackpad to navigate through the carplay interface you get used to it after a
while but carplay is really designed for touch screens so it's a little more
cumbersome than it could be even though the UX 200s cabin looks nice enough for
an entry luxury SUV it's snug accommodations don't make you think
luxury the up sports front seats are comfortable for longer drives but the
back seat is pretty small with not a lot of extra space for adult passengers if
anything it's more like a subcompact hatchback than one of its competitors
like the BMW X1 which is considerably roomier inside and if a serene
effortless driving experience is important to you well you've come to the
wrong video that's just not what the UX 200 offers it's powered by a hundred and
sixty nine horsepower 2-liter four-cylinder engine that works with a
continuously variable automatic transmission the combination gets good
gas mileage it's gets an EPA estimated 33 miles per gallon and combined driving
but the driving experience pays the price
acceleration is sluggish especially at highway speeds where the engine makes
more noise than passing power and if you want to get all-wheel-drive you have to
step up to the UX 250h hybrid because the UX 200 is front drive only the ride can
feel choppy at times on the highway and firm in general all models get 18-inch
alloy wheels but the F Sport gets different springs and stabilizer bars
for a sporty or feel according to Lexus The problem though is that the bumpy ride
doesn't make you feel like you're in a luxury car rather it makes you feel like
you're in an economy car even though certain aspects of the UX 200 are
luxurious it's small cabin and driving performance dragged down the overall
experience a split personality isn't always a bad thing but in this case
there's too much economy car and not enough luxury car in the UX and with the
price of around $35,000 that just doesn't work