“It's a great car because it's efficient in terms of gas usage and looks beautiful while providing adequate space for 4 people and cargo.”
2021 Lexus UX: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2021 Lexus UX is that blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert became standard on every trim. Otherwise, this was a light update rather than a redesign.
About the 2021 Lexus UX
1st generation UX (launched for 2019), third model year, pre-refresh version before the 2023 UXh update.
Lexus positions the UX as an urban-focused luxury crossover: easy to park, easy to maneuver, visually bold, and more city companion than traditional small SUV. Its core appeal is an upscale cabin, standard safety tech, a tight turning circle, and a choice between a regular gas setup or a very efficient hybrid AWD system. Compared with many rivals, the UX leans toward style, comfort, and daily-city usability more than cargo space or outright performance.
The 2021 UX lineup pairs the gas-powered UX 200, positioned as the responsive city commuter, with the fuel-saving UX 250h and its standard AWD. F SPORT versions add sharper suspension tuning, sport seats and bolder styling, while Luxury trims focus on comfort with heated and ventilated front seats, a moonroof and a hands-free power rear door.
What changed, by category
Safety
Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert became standard across the entire UX lineup.
Powertrain
Gas-powered UX 200 models received quicker accelerator response tuning. The engines and hybrid system otherwise carried over.
Cargo area
Every UX 250h hybrid gained an adjustable two-level rear cargo deckboard for more flexible cargo-floor positioning.
Exterior equipment
Fog lights stopped being standard on the non-F SPORT UX 200 and UX 250h models, including their Luxury trims.
2021 Lexus UX specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 2.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 10-Spd Direct Shift CVT | Automatic, ECVT | Automatic, 10-Spd Direct Shift CVT | Automatic, 10-Spd Direct Shift CVT | Automatic, ECVT | Automatic, ECVT |
| Drivetrain | FWD | AWD | FWD | FWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Hybrid | Gas | Gas | Hybrid | Hybrid |
| MPG City | 29 mpg | 41 mpg | 29 mpg | 29 mpg | 41 mpg | 41 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 37 mpg | 38 mpg | 37 mpg | 37 mpg | 38 mpg | 38 mpg |
| Horsepower | 169 hp | 181 hp | 169 hp | 169 hp | 181 hp | 181 hp |
| Torque | 151 lb-ft | 151 lb-ft | 151 lb-ft | |||
| Max Towing | 2000 lb | 1500 lb | 2000 lb | |||
| Trunk/Cargo | 17.2 cu-ft | 21.7 cu-ft | 17.2 cu-ft | 17.2 cu-ft | 21.7 cu-ft | 21.7 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 33.1 in | 33.1 in | 33.1 in | 33.1 in | 33.1 in | 33.1 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Headlights | ||||||
| Automatic High Beams | ||||||
| Automatic Leveling Headlights | ||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | ||||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||||
| Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors | ||||||
| Fog Lights | ||||||
| LED Headlights | ||||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | ||||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||||
| Power Close Liftgate/Trunk | ||||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | ||||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||||
| Roof Rails | ||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||
| Premium Audio | ||||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||||
| Subwoofer | ||||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | ||||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2021 Lexus UX?
The biggest change is standard blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert on every 2021 Lexus UX. It warns the driver about vehicles in adjacent lanes and traffic approaching from the sides while backing up.
How is the 2021 Lexus UX different from the 2020 model?
The 2021 UX adds standard blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert across the lineup. Gas UX 200 models also have quicker accelerator response, while UX 250h hybrids receive an adjustable two-level rear cargo deckboard. Fog lights are no longer standard on the non-F SPORT and Luxury versions.
Was the 2021 Lexus UX redesigned?
No, the 2021 Lexus UX was not redesigned. It remained part of the first generation introduced for 2019 and received only a small set of safety, response-tuning and cargo-area updates.
Did the 2021 Lexus UX get a new engine or hybrid system?
No, the 2021 UX did not receive a new engine or hybrid system. The gas UX 200 kept its 169-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder but gained quicker accelerator response, while the 181-horsepower UX 250h hybrid continued with standard AWD.
What changed on the 2021 Lexus UX 250h hybrid?
Every 2021 UX 250h gained standard blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert and an adjustable two-level rear cargo deckboard. Its 181-horsepower hybrid system and standard AWD carried over.
2021 Lexus UX Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2021 Lexus UX.
4.1
2021 Lexus UX
(263 reviews)
“Water comes into the car on a rainy day when you open the driver's door. And it is very narrow in the front seat until I got used to it I was banging my knee when I got into the car every day.”
“Everything is perfect except you can feel the drive but it's worth it for gas mileage. The sound system sucks- no option for upgrade.”
Sources
- lexus.com — Models / 2021 / MY21 Lexus UX Brochure
- pressroom.lexus.com — Whats New 2021 Lexus Ux 200 Ux 250H
- pressroom.lexus.com — Whats New 2022 Lexus Ux 200 Ux 250H
- pressroom.lexus.com — All New Lexus Ux Crossover Arrives In New York For North American Debut
- pressroom.lexus.com — Lexus Designs First Ever Ux For Modern Urban Explorer
- pressroom.lexus.com — Refreshed 2023 Lexus Uxh Adds Performance Multimedia Safety Enhancements