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2021 Lexus UX

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2021 models.

Lexus UX
Pictured: Lexus UX 250h IMG 2810. Photo: Alexander Migl, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Compact Cars
Body styles
200 4dr SUV, 250h 4dr SUV
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Hybrid, Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
42 combined · 43 city / 41 hwy
Length
177.2 in
Curb weight
3,307–3,605 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
0 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 42 MPG combined — 53% better than the average 2021 compact car (27.5 MPG).
  • Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
  • AWD / 4WD available
  • No recalls so far

Watch out for

No weak spots against similar models in the data.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 15 similar 2021 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2021 Lexus UX is a compact car offered with a 2.0L 4-cyl engine, including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.

It measures about 177 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 104-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,307 lb (200 4dr SUV).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 42 MPG combined (43 city / 41 highway), 53% better than the 2021 compact car average of 27.5 MPG, for an estimated $1,600 a year in fuel.

NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.

It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 8 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the tires.

What changed for 2021

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2020 UX — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2020; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2020 UX →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
200 4dr SUV177.2 in72.4 in60.6 in103.9 in61 / 61.8 in3,307 lb60/40
250h 4dr SUV177.2 in72.4 in60.6 in103.9 in61 / 61.8 in3,605 lb57/43

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
UX 250h Hybrid2.0L 4-cylAutomatic (AV-S6)Front-Wheel Drive43 / 41 / 42+53%$1,600209
UX 250h AWD Hybrid2.0L 4-cylAutomatic (AV-S6)All-Wheel Drive41 / 38 / 39+42%$1,700225
UX 2002.0L 4-cylAutomatic (AV-S10)Front-Wheel Drive29 / 37 / 32+17%$2,100271
8/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
8/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Save $4,000Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
27.5 MPG2021 Compact Cars average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2021 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2021 Lexus UX.

Similar 2021 compact cars

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2021 Lexus UX (this car)42 MPGNot rated0
2021 BMW 3 Series30 MPG★★★★★0
2021 Lexus IS25 MPGNot rated0
2021 Tesla Model 3353 mi★★★★★22
2021 Audi A528 MPGNot rated5
2021 Mercedes-Benz A-Class29 MPGNot rated0
2021 BMW X127 MPGNot rated1

Recalls (0)

No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2021 Lexus UX.

Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2021 Lexus UX is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

8Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
1Involved a crash
1Involved a fire
0Injuries reported
250 miTypical mileage at failure
Tires › Tread/Belt2
Unknown Or Other1
Engine1
Visibility/Wiper1
Tires1
Tires › Pressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems1
Air Bags1
Wheels1
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
21/03: 121/09: 122/08: 223/07: 123/09: 125/04: 126/01: 121/0321/0922/0823/0723/0925/0426/01max 2

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2021 Lexus UX buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
  2. Tires › Tread/Belt — 2 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
  3. Engine — 1 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  4. Visibility/Wiper — 1 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 250 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
  7. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2021 Lexus UX. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other UX years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2026 UX43177.2 inNot rated00
2025 UX43177.2 inNot rated22
2024 UX42177.2 inNot rated01
2023 UX42177.2 inNot rated01
2022 UX42177.2 inNot rated02
2020 UX42177.2 inNot rated07
2019 UX42177.2 inNot rated26

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Lexus. How we calculate this →