Lexus Small Cars. 2022 and 2023 Models From Lexus's Lineup of Small Cars

One of the most appealing premium automotive brands that still caters to the small car market, Lexus is a champion to those who seek a contemporary luxury compact cruiser in the USA. Lexus offers two sub-compact models under the same nameplate, one purely gasoline-run and the other a hybrid variation. Both are phenomenal vehicles, though a little mundane to drive and somewhat on the impractical side. Daily ride comfort is good, fuel economy showings are satisfactory, and, thanks to Lexus’ direct association with Toyota, safety and reliability standings are unprecedented.

Lexus Small Car Models

With larger vehicles taking preference in the US, most automakers have halted the production of their smallest cars to focus resources appropriately. So it’s not surprising that there is, essentially just the one option in Lexus’ compact car range, though it is proffered in gasoline and hybridized versions. Here is a brief description of both:

UX: The UX crossover SUV is positioned as Lexus’s most affordable and smallest car. Powering the front wheels of the sub-compact cruiser is a 2.0-liter inline-four engine rated at 169 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque. Power is delivered via a continuously automatic transmission, making the UX a very placid crossover with acceleration from 0 to 60 mph taking a gradual 8.9 seconds. Along with a modern and sporty exterior, the small Lexus UX also bears a contemporary and sporty interior that’s loaded with features. It’s one of the safest and most reliable vehicles in the classification, making it an ideal family runabout.
UX Hybrid: The UX Hybrid is equipped with the same engine as the regular version but is augmented with a dual motor-generator system totaling outputs at 181 hp, which results in slightly quicker acceleration times. It also makes use of an electronic all-wheel-drive system and a retuned suspension, which benefits the SUV’s drive quality and handling dynamics. It’s one of the most fuel-efficient cars in the class, too, by virtue of its advanced powertrain and lightweight design. Unfortunately, the hybrid technology and AWD setup do take up more room in the already small car, meaning it’s even less practical than the regular UX.

2021 Lexus Small Cars Range and Price List

Model	Power	Engine	Base Price
Lexus RZ	308 hp	Electric	TBC
Lexus IS	241 hp	2.0L Turbo Inline-4 Gas	$39,050
Lexus RC F	472 hp	5.0L V8 Gas	$66,220
Lexus NX	203 hp	2.5L Inline-4 Gas	$38,350
Lexus UX	169 hp	2.0L Inline-4 Gas	$33,450
Lexus CT 200h	134 hp	1.8L Inline-4 Hybrid	$31,250
Lexus HS 250h	187 hp	Inline-4 Hybrid	$37,030
Lexus SC Convertible	288 hp	4.3L V8 Gas	$68,405
Lexus IS 500	472 hp	5.0L V8 Gas	$56,850
Lexus IS Convertible	204 hp	2.5L V6 Gas	$43,360

What To Consider Before Buying

As with all vehicles, there are a few advantages and disadvantages of Lexus’ compact cars. Here are the positives and negatives we have identified:

Pros

Exceptional value for the money
Extensive standard specification list
Frugal fuel economy showing
Genuinely feel like premium products
Consummate safety and reliability standards

Cons

Uninspiring and mundane driving dynamics
Lexus’ infotainment system isn’t the best
Trunk capacities are rather impractical

FAQs

What are the UX Hybrids fuel economy figures?

Of the 2021 Lexus small cars, the 2021 UX Hybrid returned gas mileage figures of 41/38/39 mpg on the city/highway/combined driving cycles as per the EPA’s evaluations.

What’s the price difference between Lexus’ 2020 small cars and the 2021 line?

For 2020, the standard UX was proffered at an MSRP of around $32,200 which increased to nearly $33,000 for 2021. The cost of the hybrid variant increased by around the same amount.

Are there any new Lexus small car models planned for the future?

There are several concept vehicles listed on the Lexus website, many of which are positioned in the subcompact and compact segments. Whether any of them will come into fruition and be seen on US shores remains unknown, for now.

Before purchasing any new or used vehicle in the USA, be sure to pop by CarBuzz’s buyer’s guide and shopping tools section for in-depth reviews written for just about every vehicle that’s for sale in the US. And, with a BuzzScore system in place as well as a side-by-side competitor and models comparison tool, it’s the ideal place to start your research when looking to purchase a new compact car from Lexus or any automaker.