Updated Lexus UX here soon

LEXUS will update the UX small SUV with several dynamic, safety and infotainment upgrades when the MY23 refresh goes on sale in Australia from the second half of this year.

The “subtle but significant” changes will feature on all petrol and petrol-electric hybrid variants and include a stiffened body structure, courtesy of an additional 20 spot-welding points, retuned dampers and a recalibrated electric power steering system.

Safety improvements see UX200 Luxury and UX250 two- and all-wheel drive variants adopt expanded Lexus Safety System functionality with improved response from the vehicles’ pre-collision system courtesy of upgraded single-lens camera and millimetre-wave radar technologies.

Lexus also promises the application of artificial intelligence has enhanced lane tracing with smoother, more continuous steering assistance. 

Further, a curve speed control function that can decelerate the UX ahead of an approaching corner has been added to the adaptive cruise control system while a new camera-driven underbody transparent display function is designed to help the driver “fully recognise the vehicle’s position in relation to road surface conditions”.

All UX variants now adopt a larger 12.3-inch high-definition infotainment touchscreen (up from 10.3 inches) and Lexus Connected Services functionality – which allows owners to use their smartphone as a digital key – plus over-the-air updates, and ‘Hey Lexus’ voice recognition via a steering wheel mounted push-to-talk button.

UX200 Luxury variants also receive DAB+ digital radio reception and a 10-speaker audio system, up from eight.

Visual and technical upgrades are extended further still on UX200 and UX250h F Sport variants, the duo set to receive body-coloured wheel arch mouldings and an aluminium-trimmed driver’s footrest.

The variants will further receive an additional steering gear brace and rear performance dampers – as part of the standard adaptive suspension system – to further heighten handling response and improve overall ride comfort and quietness, Lexus says.

Finally, Lexus UX200 Luxury variants will receive an idle-stop system as part of the mid-life model enhancement.

The Lexus UX competes in Australia’s above-$40K small SUV segment, where it has sold a total of 370 units so far this year, ranking it in sixth place overall. The segment is topped by the Volvo XC40 with 1656 unit sales, ahead of the Audi Q3 (975), Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class (964), BMW X1 (780) and Mercedes-Benz EQA-Class (383).

The segment’s seventh place is held by the Mini Countryman (289 unit sales) ahead of the BMW X2 (188), Audi Q2 (138) and Jaguar E-Pace (117).

Lexus Australia says the updated UX range is expected in local showrooms during the second half of 2022. Pricing will be announced closer to the on-sale date.