2022 Lexus UX 200 SUV

　　

2022 Lexus UX 200 Review

byAlex NishimotoCorrespondent

　　Alex Nishimoto has worked in the automotive industry since 2007. He was a staff writer for MotorTrend for 10 years and since then has contributed to CNET, PRI, AutoWise and other publications.

　　The 2022 Lexus UX 200 is the Japanese luxury marque's entry-level crossover SUV, slotting beneath the NX 300 in the lineup. Despite its petite dimensions, the UX makes a bold statement with a design highlighted by sharp lines and deep creases. The UX also impresses with its interior, which features high-quality materials and an attractive dashboard layout.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2022 Lexus UX 200 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl CVT) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$145/mo  for UX 200 Base

　　UX 200 Base

　　4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl CVT) (Most Popular) - $33,450 MSRPF SPORT 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl CVT) - $35,790 MSRPLuxury 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl CVT) - $38,490 MSRP

　　vs

　　$167/mo

　　Avg. Compact SUV

　　Sitting at the bottom of Lexus hierarchy, you might expect the UX to be light on feature content. But even in base form, the UX 200 comes standard with dual-zone climate control, a Wi-Fi hotspot, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist and blind-spot monitoring. That positions it well against entry-level luxury competitors like the Mercedes-Benz GLB and BMW X1, though it is lacking in interior space compared to those two. See how the Lexus UX 200 stacks up in our Expert Rating below.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Below Average

　　7.1

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

7.0/10

　　How does the UX 200 drive? Outright acceleration is undeniably slow (0-60 mph takes 8.9 seconds), but the UX 200 is relatively zippy and playful as a city runabout. Brake feel is reassuring, which helps make the UX easy to drive. Emergency braking performance, however, is lacking. We measured a stopping distance of 129 feet from 60 mph, which is longer than average for a small SUV.

　　The steering has a good on-center feel and steering resistance builds quickly, which makes the UX feel a bit more substantial than its size suggests. There's not much in terms of road feedback, but the steering is precise and easy to judge. The UX imparts confidence when going around smooth and sweeping turns, such as a freeway on-ramp. But it's less composed on bumpy or tight turns.

　　

Comfort

7.0/10

　　How comfortable is the UX 200? Sadly, the smallest Lexus crossover doesn't go big on comfort. The front seat has pleasantly supportive cushions, but the seatback's distinct contour won't please everyone. The ride is rougher than we'd expect too. The suspension smooths out sharp edges, but it still transmits too much of the road surface into the cabin.

　　Heating and cooling are strong. The heated and ventilated seats aren't the most powerful, but they get the job done. The UX doesn't do the best job of isolating you from traffic noise, and depending on the road surface, there's also noticeable road and tire noise.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below