It is no secret that the SUV market is one of the best selling in the United States. As a result, manufacturers have invested billions of dollars in competing. One of the very best is the 2020 Lexus UX with its affordable price, excellent reliability, and overall build quality. A recent report from Consumer Reports went in-depth with the UX and categorized it as the best option in its segment. 

The Lexus UX offers good value for the money

The Lexus UX can be had in six different trim levels, starting with the UX 200 for $32,300 and ending with the range-topping UX 200h Luxury for $39,700. Fully optioned out, even the highest trim level tops out at just over $45,000. While the top trim’s price is not insignificant, the lack of widespread options means that buyers can get the very best of the UX in the lower trim levels. A lot of the vital equipment, such as Bluetooth connectivity, power seats, heated mirrors, amongst others, come as standard. 

Aside from being reasonably priced, the Lexus UX gives the buyer a wide array of options to customize their vehicle. The UX 200 F-Sport for $34,300 is available with unique exterior and interior color combinations. For buyers who want the most outstanding fuel economy possible, all of the UX trim levels are available as hybrids with an all-wheel-drive system. 

The UX is reliable, fun to drive, and cheap to own

Lexus has been at the very top of reliability ratings for decades. The Lexus UX benefits from excellent reliability as the Consumer Reports testing resulted in a perfect score. The test noted that the engine, transmission, and all other major components should stand the test of time. The UX utilizes the Toyota CH-R’s platform, and, as a result, parts availability for long term maintenance should be widespread. 

In terms of driving experience, the road test noted that the UX is comfortable and quiet on the road, albeit slow in a straight line. The UX’s lower center of gravity means it drives more like a hatchback than an SUV. While the brakes, front-seat comfort, and overall build quality scored favorably, the shining star was the transmission. The report gave the UX’s CVT transmission top marks. 

It’s more fuel-efficient than its competitors

During their testing of the Lexus UX’s hybrid model, the Consumer Reports team averaged 37 mpg. The UX’s competitors were tested through a similar route to gauge real-world-consumption. The two closest competitors were the BMX X1 with an average of 26 mpg and the Mercedes-Benz GLA with 26 mpg. Even the non-hybrid Lexus UX beats out the competition with its 33 mpg estimated average consumption. 

The UX’s naturally aspirated inline-four-cylinder engine is the culprit to blame for the excellent fuel economy. The lack of a turbocharger and the combination with the CVT transmissions means the powerplant can produce its 169 hp efficiently.