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

- 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
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 200 4dr SUV | 177.2 in | 72.4 in | 60.6 in | 103.9 in | 61 / 61.8 in | 3,307 lb | 60/40 |
| 250h 4dr SUV | 177.2 in | 72.4 in | 60.6 in | 103.9 in | 61 / 61.8 in | 3,605 lb | 57/43 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UX 250h Hybrid | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 43 / 41 / 42 | +53% | $1,600 | 209 |
| UX 250h AWD Hybrid | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 41 / 38 / 39 | +42% | $1,700 | 225 |
| UX 200 | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S10) | Front-Wheel Drive | 29 / 37 / 32 | +17% | $2,100 | 271 |
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
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Lexus UX (this car) | 42 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2021 BMW 3 Series | 30 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2021 Lexus IS | 25 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model 3 | 353 mi | ★★★★★ | 22 |
| 2021 Audi A5 | 28 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2021 Mercedes-Benz A-Class | 29 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2021 BMW X1 | 27 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
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
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2021 Lexus UX buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Tires › Tread/Belt — 2 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
- Engine — 1 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Visibility/Wiper — 1 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 250 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- 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 →Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Lexus. How we calculate this →