2023 Lexus UX Arrives With More Style, New Multimedia System
The Lexus UX is a small luxury crossover with a big hill to climb after Canadian sales fell 49 percent to 777 units in the first six months of 2022.
The company must be praying that the revisions and updates made to the 2023 model, which is now available at dealerships across the country starting at $41,450, translate into a nice rebound.
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New Lexus Interface
The change we’re the most thankful for is definitely the new multimedia system called Lexus Interface, complete with an 8- or 12.3-inch touchscreen depending on the trim level. At last, no more touchpad on the centre console. There’s even an Intelligent Assistant that responds to the “Hey Lexus” prompt.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is part of the mix, too, while two Bluetooth devices can be paired simultaneously. Also, a host of connected services are available including cloud-based navigation via Drive Connect, but keep in mind that you’ll be required to pay for them after the three-year trial expires.
A Bit of Extra Flair
The 486-litre trunk is not what drives people to the Lexus UX. Mostly, customers are swayed by its city-friendly size and edgy looks. New exterior and interior colours are available for 2023, while the flashier F SPORT models receive a two-tone appearance with a black roof.
An Elegance Special Edition ($43,250) stands out with exclusive 18-inch alloy wheels, all-LED lights, an acorn interior featuring a unique steering wheel enhanced with grey stitching, and mauve seats with black accents. Talk about a weird colour combination.
Oh, and there’s a new F Sport Design model ($43,100) that features distinctive wheels, mesh grille, bumpers and wheel arches.
Enhanced Safety
The 2023 Lexus UX returns with the same hybrid-only powertrain lineup as in 2022. A 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine teams up with a pair of electric motors to generate 181 total horsepower. Equipped with a CVT and all-wheel drive, average fuel consumption is rated at 6 L/100 km.
A key evolution for the UX is the Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, which includes dynamic radar cruise control, automatic high beams, lane departure alert with steering assist and road edge detection, lane tracing assist and the pre-collision system with pedestrian and bicycle detection.
That’s all very nice, but will it actually allow the little Lexus to catch up with German and American rivals? As mentioned up top, there’s a big hill to climb.