Lexus NX vs. Lexus UX: which is better?
Lexus UX vs. NX: We compare Lexus' small and medium SUVs on space, features, driving and more in this comprehensive guide
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There are lots of SUVs available from most manufacturers these days, but few come as close to combining luxury and efficiency in the way that Lexus does.
In this head-to-head, we compare its two smallest offerings – a crossover that’s perfect for towns and cities, and a larger SUV model that offers even more space and practicality.
Lexus UX vs. Lexus NX: which has more style?
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Both of these crossovers are very stylish, which helps them stand out from the tens of other SUVs on the market. They clearly use the same design language as the UX, which looks like a mini NX in many ways.
Starting with the smaller UX, its exterior uses a lot of angles and sharp lines to give it an aggressive look, plus its wide stance and reasonably low roofline give it a sportier, hatchback-like feel.
Whether you go for a hybrid or an electric variant, both cars come with a large, prominent grille flanked by sharp LED daytime running light signatures and air vents in the lower portion of the front bumper.
The rear end is just as eye-catching, where the sharp angles continue and a full-width lightbar runs between the taillights.
Overall, the Lexus NX looks very similar in that it also uses sharp angles and has the same large grille.
However, the dimensions it uses, such as the upright front end and large bonnet area, give it a more sophisticated, grown-up look. You can tell this is a premium model.
What is it like to drive a Lexus UX vs. NX?
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The Lexus UX’s compact design and tighter turning circle mean that it’s more adept on town and city roads, where it feels as agile as a regular hatchback.
It offers accurate steering and a reasonably firm suspension setup which give it a slightly sporty feel from behind the wheel.
In comparison, the NX has a softer, more comfortable setup that’s indicative of its intentions of being a luxury SUV.
You also get a higher driving position, which can help with outward visibility in crowded streets, but don’t expect much off-road ability despite the more typical SUV looks.
Both are strictly hybrid models, however, some very early NX models came with a 238hp 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, badged NX 200t.
The most recent generation is available with a 244hp 2.5-litre hybrid setup, badged NX 350h, or a 390hp 2.5-litre plug-in hybrid setup, badged NX 450h+.
Both use a second electric motor on the rear axle to give the NX all-wheel drive, but the NX 350h is also available as a slightly more efficient front-wheel-drive car.
The PHEV model has a reasonably large 18.1kWh battery pack, which Lexus says is good for more than 40 miles of electric-only range.
The UX 250h comes with a smaller 184hp 2.0-litre petrol-hybrid setup, but like the NX, you can have front- or all-wheel-drive variants.
There’s no plug-in hybrid, but there is a front-wheel-drive electric model, badged UX 300e. It’s worth looking for a newer model with the larger 72.8kWh battery rather than the older 54.3kWh battery, as range jumps from 196 to 280 miles.
All hybrid models use a CVT automatic gearbox, which is great for efficiency, but not so great for enthusiastic driving. If you’re the type of driver who prefers to cruise around sedately and maximise your mpg, these Lexus SUVs are the ones for you.
What is the technology in the Lexus NX and UX?
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The Lexus UX has a unique dashboard layout, using many levels or tiers to separate the different controls and elements.
At the top of the centre console is a wide touchscreen infotainment system that works with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
This car has been available for several years, so standard kit varies, but as a guide, newer cars come with LED headlights, dual-zone climate control and keyless start.
Look out for some worthwhile optional extras like heated seats, a heated steering wheel, all-round parking sensors, keyless entry, a powered boot lid, a head-up display and a 360-degree parking camera.
Although the car has a premium feel, it’s worth looking for higher trim levels to get the equipment you might expect on a car of this calibre.
The NX generally comes with the same sort of car tech, but you get more as standard. For example, heated seats and a powered boot lid are fitted to all the latest models.
Lexus NX vs. UX dimensions and boot space
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Lexus has a growing number of SUV models, each occupying different segments of the market. The UX is the smallest, while the NX is a mid-size family SUV.
The Lexus NX measures 4,660mm long, 1,865mm wide (with its mirrors folded) and 1,660mm tall. The Lexus UX is 4,495mm long, 1,840mm wide and 1,520mm tall.
As for boot space, the UX’s 320-litre space falls short of what you’d get in a Mercedes GLA or Audi Q3.
Four-wheel-drive models have less space (283 litres), and the electric model has a larger 367-litre space (a touch less than the Volkswagen ID.3).
The latest-generation NX, introduced in 2021, has a 525-litre space in all-wheel-drive format, and four litres less in front-wheel-drive format.
NX vs. UX: which is more reliable?
Lexus has built itself a name for reliability. It also benefits from being a sister company to Toyota, which has extensive experience building hybrid systems.
Although these are more powerful hybrids than you’ll get in most Toyota cars, the underlying technology is the same, and they’ve proven to be long-lasting.
Lexus changed its warranty policy in 2021, introducing a shorter, industry-average three-year cover. However, drivers who service it annually at an authorised garage can extend it for up to 10 years, encouraging better maintenance and therefore a more reliable car.
Used Lexus UX vs. used Lexus NX: which should I buy?
Strip away the design and both cars offer similar levels of luxury and technology, however, they cater to different types of buyers with different budgets.
The UX is better suited to younger couples or families and solo drivers who spend most of their time around town, and the electric variant offers the potential for seriously low running costs.
On the flip side, families who need more passenger and luggage space will benefit from the NX’ssize, and its plug-in hybrid option bridges the gap well between regular hybrids and electric cars.