Lexus UX review

It all feels well put together and the quality is as you’d expect, but even with the latest round of updates it feels a little tired and cheap in places. The chunky steering wheel is rather old school, while the drive mode selector/traction control stubs on either side of the instrument binnacle are an acquired taste. And would it have been such a hardship to line the door pockets with fabric? Come on Lexus, you can do better.

The Japanese firm has at least addressed our complaints about the dated instrument cluster, which is now fully digital and measures 7in in lower-spec models and 12.3in as you climb the range, while the big gearstick is now a stubby little thing and all the smarter for it. Big tick there. It’s just a shame Lexus hasn’t thought to modernise elsewhere, because it still falls short of rivals inside.

What's the infotainment like?

While the touchscreen remains 8in or 12.3in in size (dependent on spec), they are now simpler to operate, more powerful and more responsive, according to Lexus. Based on our experience, that’s not just marketing spiel, either.

The system is both razor sharp and pleasingly user friendly, with a permanently displayed column of shortcut buttons down the right side, while the navigation system is also visually up there with the best we’ve used, on par with Google Maps. Additionally you get Lexus’ voice recognition assistant, allowing you to make phone calls, operate the audio and climate control etc, which worked well enough.

Even better, the button row of climate controls positioned underneath the screen has been retained. Hooray for common sense.

What’s it like for space?

It’s plenty roomy up front, and the electrically adjustable seats on higher-spec models make it easy to get comfortable. There’s decent enough space for two adults in the back, but if you’ve got any taller folk up front legroom is noticeably limited. The central seat in the back of the car is for small people or short distances only. 

The boot measures 320 litres in the 2WD models, reduced to 283 litres in the 4WD models: not huge, and the high sill and shallow bay leave you feeling a little short changed. You can lift the boot floor to find a bit of extra space that will take a few shopping bags though, and underneath there’s a yet-smaller cubby for stashing something you don’t mind forgetting about entirely.