The Lexus UX 200 is available in two trim levels: Base and Luxury. According to the name itself, the top trim, which is Luxury, is rich in upscale features and feels more luxurious than the base model. In addition to these two trims, an F Sport trim is also available, but it will be reviewed separately, owing to its sporty moniker. 

Prices for the base 2021 Lexus UX 200 starting at $33,000, and the luxury trim costs around $37,700. With regards to features, the base model of the vehicle comes with Apple CarPlay, Bucket Seats, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning, and six-speaker audio. On the other hand, the Luxury trim includes a 10.3-inch high-resolution split-screen multimedia display, LED illuminated air vent knobs, Lexus memory system, heated leather-trimmed steering wheel, and a color heads-up display.

Which Trim Should You Buy

We recommend getting the Luxury trim from the two available options. Its overall luxury and comfort are enhanced by its numerous additional features, which alone make it unique. Some of the special features of the Luxury trim include a heads-up color display, Lexus memory system, and heated steering wheel. But if those features don't excite you much, you can always opt for the base model and save around $3,500.

The 2021 Lexus UX 200 comes with its familiar 2.0-liter naturally aspirated Inline-4 engine, unlike the turbo 4-cylinder pots in most of its rivals. Its German rivals are of course more expensive, but they do have a turbocharged engine and are more fun to drive on the move. The 2.0-liter engine in the Lexus though churns out 169 hp and 159 lb-ft of torque. Its power output is very humble compared to those of its rivals. Also, the UX 200 is the only one in its segment to feature a conventional CVT transmission.

The transmission system has a traditional 1st gear, but after that, it automatically switches to the CVT. There is currently no AWD drivetrain available as an option for the UX 200, which has a front-wheel-drive-only drivetrain. As far as acceleration goes, the UX200 is very slow compared to other SUVs in its segment and it clocks from 0-60 MPH in a modest 8.6 seconds. No wonder, this acceleration figure is slightly slower than average. As a whole, you won't be enthused by the UX 200 SUV and its performance will be considered average. 

The Lexus UX 200 is the cheapest available SUV here, while the Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 is the most expensive. AWD is available on all its rivals, but not on UX 200. Performance-wise, the BMW X1 with a turbocharged engine ace ahead among the pack with a class-leading 232 hp power output. The X1is also the quickest among the lot covering the 0-60 MPH run in just 6.6 seconds. With a lesser power output though, the Volvo XC40 is as quick as the BMW here.

How well does the 2021 Lexus UX 200 handle?

The Lexus UX 200 SUV is a bit underpowered, and overtaking other vehicles or catching up to other vehicles can be a challenge. However, you will enjoy driving the UX 200. Its driving dynamics are just as good as those of its German counterparts. As for the suspension, it is capable of absorbing any significant bumps on the road, while the steering feels lightweight. 

The UX 200's turning radius is also quite good, and the driver only has to exert a small amount of effort to turn. As for its performance in corners, it's quite impressive, and the body roll is minimal as well. Another positive feature of the SUV is its outstanding insulation, which keeps the cabin quiet. The Lexus engine is almost silent, but for a feel of the engine, it creates some artificial sound through its active sound control system.

2021 Lexus UX 200 Braking performance

On the whole, the UX 200 SUV has decent braking performance. At the front and rear respectively, the rotors are 12" and 11.1", which is of decent size for a vehicle this size. Although the brake pedal feels a bit grabby and needs getting used to, it has a good bite into it. Stopping from 60-0 MPH in emergency braking conditions comes in 129 feet which are above the class average. The stopping distance isn't too great, but it is still good enough to consider it safe. Aside from that, this SUV lacks an automatic braking system, which we think should have been added at least in 2021.

The Volvo XC40 here has the biggest brake rotors in its segment, helping it to stop quickly despite being the heaviest. Lexus' UX 200 also performed well compared to the Mercedes-Benz GLA 250, but in other areas, it lagged behind. The BMW X1 is the winner here in the braking test with a 60-0 braking distance of 122 feet which is the shortest among the bunch. Interestingly, the BMW offers promising performance despite being one of the leather cars in the lot here.

It is in the fuel economy section that the Lexus UX 200 has the greatest advantage over its rivals. Its MPG figures are another reason buyers buy it despite it being slightly underpowered. With one gallon of gas, the Lexus UX 200 offers 33 MPG combined fuel economy. Even in the city and on the highway, the UX returns a favorable 29 and 37 MPG respectively. However, it is let down by its small 12.4-gallon fuel tank which hinders its driving range despite being the most frugal among the competition here.

Every segment of fuel efficiency is unbeatable when it comes to the Lexus UX. Be it in the cities or on highways, the UX 200 is at least 3 or 4 miles ahead of its competitors, making it the most efficient SUV in terms of fuel economy. Credit also goes to the absence of a turbocharger in the UX 200 which consumes more fuel and the CVT transmission further eases things for the baby Lexus here. 

The interiors of Lexus cars have always been a symbol of luxury and elegance and the 2021 Lexus UX 200 is no exception. All your money spent on buying it is worth it once you enter its cabin. You will be greeted by a beautifully designed cabin inside, complete with tons of creature comforts. Spacing is adequate for all passengers in the cabin. Nevertheless, we felt a little lack of legroom in the rear and those over 6 feet might feel it more. Though it is claimed that this SUV can seat five people comfortably, the compact design means that it is better used by four people. A simple dashboard with all the necessary features is available in the front section.

Its frequent touchpoints are covered with soft-to-touch materials, lending it a premium appearance. Seats in the front can be adjusted in eight directions and the driver's lumbar supports can be adjusted in two directions. On the other hand, the Luxury trim has heated and ventilated seats for added comfort. In addition to that, you also get a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, keyless entry, cruise control mounted on the steering wheel, and dual-zone automatic climate control. A good amount of goods can be stored behind the 60/40 split-folding rear seats, which offer 17.2 cubic feet of cargo space. On the whole, the Lexus UX 200 is a great vehicle in regards to its interior, offering good competition to its German competitors. 

Compared to the competition, the UX 200 has more legroom in the front row, but less headroom. The UX 200 also lacks space in the rear, where the Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 gains points for its good legroom. Even in terms of practicality, the UX 200 with its 17.2 cu-ft of cargo space struggles in the segment here. Among the rivals though, the BMW X1 has the largest cargo space measuring 27.1 cubic feet. The X1’s larger footprint comes in handy for the Bimmer here with better overall space. Key interior features in the 2021 Lexus UX 200 are:

• Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control
• Cruise Control 
• 8-way power-adjustable front seats with 2-way driver's lumbar support
• Remote Keyless Entry
• Front heated seats with ventilation (top trim)
• Heated leather-wrapped steering wheel (top trim)

What’s there to keep you entertained?

The 2021 Lexus UX 200 gets a 10.3" touchscreen display and an analog watch mounted on its left side. This screen is connected to a Lexus multimedia system that has navigation, Apple Carplay, and Android Auto as part of its standard fitment. There are six premium speakers mounted inside the cabin, which are enough to make its compact interior lively.

In addition to the above-mentioned features, Aux Audio Input Jack, Voice Activation, Radio Data System, CD player, Bluetooth, and USB ports, the infotainment system has several other features. The Luxury trim, on the other hand, comes with 8 speakers, a Wireless Charging Pad, and a universal garage door opener. Some of the other key infotainment features are listed below: 

• 10.3” touchscreen display 
• Apple Carplay And Android Auto
• Google Assistant support
• USB Ports
• 6/8 Premium Speakers
• Navigation and Bluetooth
• Wireless Charging

There is no doubt that the UX 200 SUV stands out from the rest because of its unique front fascia styling. There's something intriguing about the hourglass-shaped big front grille, as well as the aggressive curves around it. With a sharp end, the headlamps are also pretty attractive. The side profile of the Lexus UX looks very SUV-like, and its overall design is quite similar to other Lexus SUVs. At the back, there is a long strip of 128 LED lights that extends the entire length of the vehicles. The rear end is also equally attractive, and it is equipped with LED brake lights. 

It rides on 18-inch alloy wheels, but unfortunately has the lowest ground clearance in its class. On the other hand, its dimensions may not be the best in its segment, but it is good enough to at least do what we expect of a compact crossover. Additionally, this SUV features automatic LED headlamps and DRLs, a Black Grille with Chrome Accents, Variable Intermittent Wipers, Chrome Side Windows Trim, and Body-Colored Power Heated Side Mirrors. 

Both the UX 200 and GLA 250 are among the lightest SUVs in their segments at under 3500 pounds. However, the Merc GLA 450 has the highest ground clearance and wheelbase, which is a huge advantage in terms of dimensions. The Mercedes GLA 450 will benefit from these numbers for providing better interior space and being a better off-road vehicle. Some of the exterior features in the 2021 Lexus UX 200 are:

• 18 alloy wheels
• Power Heated Side Mirrors
• Black grille with side chrome accents
• LED headlamps, DRLs, and brake lights
• Power Door Locks
• Chrome exterior accents

Another strong point of the Lexus UX 200 SUV is its safety. It passed both NHTSA and IIHS crash tests with the highest possible scores despite having most of the advanced safety equipment. NHTSA gave it an overall 5-star safety rating for crashworthiness. It has also been rated 5-stars from the side, and it got a 4-star rating in rollover tests, which is quite admirable. Nevertheless, the IIHS awarded it with the highest possible ranking, which is Top Safety Pick+, the dream of every manufacturer. Overall, if you are concerned about safety, look no further than the Lexus UX 200 in this segment. Some of its key safety features are listed below for reference:

• Tire Pressure Monitoring System
• Blind Spot Monitor
• Rear Cross-Traffic Alert 
• Pre-Collision System 
• Lane Keeping Assist
• Lane Departure Alert
• Collision Mitigation-Front
• Driver Monitoring-Alert

2021 Lexus UX 200 vs 2021 BMW X1

When it comes to performance, the BMW X1 is the most capable SUV in this compact segment. Compared to the UX 200, the X1's turbocharged engine is significantly more powerful. The X1 excels in terms of luxury, comfort, and practicality. Compared to the X1, the UX 200 has undoubtedly obtained better safety and fuel economy scores. Still, because of its overall performance and superior ride quality, we will consider the X1 the clear winner here.

2021 Lexus UX 200 vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250

Undoubtedly, the Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 is more expensive than its UX 200 rival. In terms of performance, however, it is far superior to its UX 200 counterpart. The GLA 250 is equipped with a turbocharged engine that makes 51 more horsepower than the former. With these numbers, the GLA 250 can achieve performance levels that would seem almost impossible on the UX 200. The Lexus SUV, however, offers superior fuel efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and top-notch safety ratings and features that are quite good.

2021 Lexus UX 200 vs 2021 Volvo XC40

Both the Volvo XC40 and the UX 200 stand a similar Inline-4 engine. However, the XC40 appears to be more powerful on paper, with more numbers indicating improved acceleration for the XC40. It's a Volvo product, so it's great when it comes to safety and it's a very stylish and handy car with a lot of features. When fuel economy is considered, the Lexus UX 200 is superior to the XC40. Other than that, the XC40 wins easily here.

There are some specific conditions under which you should consider the new Lexus UX 200. Lexus UX 200 is an excellent choice for a person concerned with fuel economy or safety. Other than that, it is somewhat lacking in other aspects that are handled better by its rivals. If you're looking for a balanced combination of performance and specs, the GLA 250, the Volvo XC40, and the BMW X1 are all excellent choices. Although they cost a little more, the German rivals here are equipped with turbocharged engines capable of taking their SUVs to a good amount of speed along with excellent ride quality.