Luxury cars have a reputation for steep prices, but some used models are changing that perception. One used luxury crossover, in particular, now undercuts the cost of a brand-new Honda Civic, and it offers far more refinement for the money.
With upscale materials, sharp design, and a comfortable cabin packed with modern tech, this used luxury SUV proves that premium doesn’t have to mean pricey. It delivers the sophistication of a high-end brand while maintaining the efficiency and reliability buyers expect in a daily driver.
For shoppers who value comfort, style, and smart spending, this crossover is a standout deal. It’s a reminder that buying used can open the door to genuine luxury without breaking the bank.
In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including Edmunds, J.D. Power, CarEdge, RepairPal, Cars.com, and the EPA.
A 2019 Lexus UX Can Be Had For Less Than $25,000
Lexus launched the UX crossover for the 2019 model year. Calling it a crossover is a little bit generous, though, as it’s more like a hatchback with a little extra ride height. It came loaded with standard features and an attractive starting price. If you’re willing to buy used, you can pick one up for less than the price of a brand-new Honda Civic.
2019 Lexus UX Average Used Price
|
Model |
Average Price |
|---|---|
|
200 Base |
$23,622 |
|
200 F Sport |
$24,827 |
|
250h Base |
$25,331 |
|
250h F Sport |
$25,105 |
A 2019 Lexus UX has an average list price of $24,601, with prices varying depending on which trim you’re after. It comes in two forms, with the UX 250h being a hybrid and the UX 200 being a non-hybrid. There are three trims to choose from, the Base, F Sport, and Luxury. The Luxury trim isn’t listed above as they weren’t super popular, meaning you have to patiently search if its the model you’re after.
Generally, Lexus falls behind its core competitors in the luxury segment in terms of features and performance, a sacrifice made to keep prices lower. However, the UX is actually better equipped than options like the BMW X1 or the Audi Q3. It is also much more fun to drive than you’d expect from a modern Lexus.
We’d opt for the hybrid UX 250h. This model is more powerful, comes with standard all-wheel drive, and is much more efficient than the gas-only variant. It feels like a no-brainer. We’d also go with the F Sport trim as it sharpens up the suspension and adds more supportive front seats. Look for models that have been equipped with the Premium package, which includes things like a sunroof, better interior materials, and heated front seats.
Getting Means Low Maintenance Costs and Impressive Reliability Scores
The thing that Lexus is perhaps most famous for is its reliability. Over the years, the Japanese brand has solidified itself as one of the most reliable automakers on the planet, with a number of authorities even rating it higher than Toyota. The UX embodies this reputation, with a proven track record and glowing owner testimonials.
Reliability and Maintenance Costs
- Reliability Score: 88/100 (J.D. Power)
- Average Ten-Year maintenance Costs: $7,542 (CarEdge)
- Recalls: 2
The UX, like many other Lexus-built vehicles, is considered to be exceptionally reliable. J.D. Power ranks it among some of the sturdiest vehicles built. Owners are generally very happy with their purchase, with every model year since 2019 scoring at least four stars out of five for reliability on Cars.com.
The only down side that the car has would be that the trunk is a little small. But other than that the car has amazing handling, great mpg, great Apple CarPlay and enough pick up for a little fun. If the trunk was a bit bigger, it would probably be the best hybrid suvs out there.
Another big benefit to buying a Lexus is low maintenance costs. CarEdge estimates that you’ll spend $4,952 less on maintenance over ten years on a UX than you would for the average luxury crossover. Just be aware that there were two recalls issued for this model, one relating to the brakes and the other to the fuel pump, so be sure that the used model you’re eying has had these seen to.
It Might Not Pin You To Your Seat, But the UX Is Still a Lot of Fun
Lexus has a knack for creating comfortable luxury cars that fall behind their competitors when it comes to handling and agility. The UX, however, is an exception. While it does offer a ride quality worthy of the Lexus badge, it also features sharp driving dynamics and well-weighted steering.
2019 Lexus UX Performance Specifications
|
Engine |
2.0-Liter Naturally Aspirated Inline-Four |
2.0-Liter Hybrid Inline-Four |
|---|---|---|
|
Transmission |
CVT |
CVT |
|
Horsepower |
169 HP |
181 HP |
|
Torque |
151 LB-FT |
N/A |
|
Driveline |
FWD |
AWD |
|
0-60 MPH |
8.6 Seconds |
8.6 Seconds |
|
Top Speed |
118 MPH |
112 MPH |
As mentioned a couple times, you can choose between the gas-only UX 200 or the hybrid UX 250h. Both come equipped with a pretty sturdy naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine and a continuously variable transmission. While the hybrid pumps out a little more power, its additional weight means it isn’t any quicker than the non-hybrid. It does come standard with all-wheel drive, though.
While it isn’t quick by any means, the UX still has a lot to offer in the way of fun. In today’s world, we’ve become obsessed with zero to 60 times, but agility and steering are much better measures of fun in our opinion. In this regard, the UX excels. Ease up on the gas and cruise, and you’ll be equally impressed with the calm and quiet nature of the crossover.
Fuel Economy
|
Model |
City |
Highway |
Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
|
UX 250h |
43 MPG |
41 MPG |
42 MPG |
|
UX 200 |
29 MPG |
37 MPG |
33 MPG |
While you might not see any performance benefits by opting for the hybrid 250h, the fuel economy estimates show why you might want to opt for one over the gas-only model. According to EPA estimates, the 250h is one of the most efficient hybrids that you can buy, with a combined rating of well over 40 miles per gallon.
While not nearly as impressive, the gas-only model does still manage to keep up with most of its direct competitors. If you aren’t quite ready to jump on the hybrid bandwagon, you’ll still find it is reasonably light on your bank account.
Tons of Standard Features and a Comfortable Cabin
This is perhaps the best thing about buying a used car. If you took your budget of $25,000 and went to buy something new, you could get yourself an entry-level Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla. While fine cars, their budget-oriented ethos is obvious. The UX, on the other hand, can be had for the same price while delivering a high-end experience and coming loaded with modern tech.
Interior Dimensions and Comfort Features
|
Front Row Headroom |
37.2 Inches |
|---|---|
|
Front Row Legroom |
42.1 Inches |
|
Second Row Headroom |
36.3 Inches |
|
Second Row Legroom |
33.1 Inches |
|
Cargo Capacity |
17.7 Cubic Feet |
Interior space is one of the areas where we see the downsides of opting for a UX. While marketed as a crossover, it has the dimensions of a small hatchback. While those up front will definitely be comfortable, anyone relegated to the backseat will feel squished. Space in the trunk is also much less than what you’d find in other rivals in this class.
If, however, the space issue doesn’t bother you, there is still a lot to love about the interior of the UX. It features an attractive layout and is built using premium materials. Things like dual-zone climate control and power-adjustable front seats are also standard, which is pretty nice at this price point. You can find models with even better interior materials and things like heated and ventilated front seats as well.
Infotainment and Technology
As standard, the UX comes with a seven-inch infotainment screen, though a 10.25-inch screen is optional. It comes standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and Amazon Alexa capability. While loaded with nice features, the touchpad controller on the center console requires a learning curve and some features are hidden too deep in the systems menus.
As well as the infotainment screen, you also get a digital gauge cluster on every model. Top trims can also be equipped with a heads-up display. As well as the four standard USB ports, you can also get a UX equipped with a wireless smartphone charging pad. The standard sound system is pretty decent, but a 13-speaker Mark Levinson system is available on the best equipped models.