For the 2019 model year, Lexus introduced its tiniest SUV to the US lineup: the UX. It was closely related to the Toyota Corolla, and arrived to take on small models from competitors such as the BMW X1 and Mercedes-Benz GLA. It hasn’t been a major player in the market, but it has helped Lexus have a full line.
Now, about seven years later, the little UX may be at death’s door.
2026 Lexus UX 300h F-Sport Front 3/4 View in blueLexus
It’s Leaving The Japanese Market
Australian car news publication Drive noticed that the Japanese Lexus consumer site had a new message about the UX. The message said that production of the UX will be ending in February 2027. Additionally, the company has already closed the order books on a color option and a trim.
A message like that naturally raises questions about the availability of the UX in other markets, since it implies that the model isn’t just being discontinued, but is ending production. Drive received a nebulous reply from an Australian Lexus representative saying that the model is still “an important part” of the lineup. We reached out to an American Lexus representative, and arguably got even less, saying, “We have nothing to announce about UX at this time.”
2026 Lexus UX 300h F-Sport Rear 3/4 View in blueLexus
Would It Make Sense For Lexus To Drop The UX?
There are a number of factors that would suggest the UX may not be long for this world. For one thing, the model is quite old now. It’s only had one generation since it launched, and it has only received minor updates throughout its life. As such, it wouldn’t be hard to let it just end, potentially introducing a completely different model to take its place.
Not only that, but the UX isn’t a huge seller. It’s the second worst-selling SUV in the Lexus line with 6,519 sales so far this year. That only barely beats the far more expensive and profitable LX flagship SUV. It’s even fallen behind the Lexus RZ electric SUV, which is nearly 10,000 sales for the year. Even after ES sales fell off a cliff this year, they’re still beating the UX. So, dropping the model wouldn’t make a massive impact on Lexus sales.
2022 Lexus UX 300eLexus
CarBuzz Insight – Why This Matters:
We could certainly see Lexus dropping the UX from the US lineup within the year for all the reasons above. However, the brand still should retain an entry-level SUV model. It’s a key part of competitors’ lineups, and if Lexus wants to remain a key competitor, it should have options to match them. Having an entry-level model also offers an opportunity to get younger buyers into the brand, who may come back to buy larger, more expensive models later in life.
2026 Lexus UX 300h F-Sport Side View in blueLexus
However, Lexus needs to have a model that’s a better match for the competition. The UX has only ever been offered with somewhat anemic powertrains in the US. The current model only makes 196 horsepower from its hybrid four-cylinder, and it’s a grumbly, economy-minded powertrain. Meanwhile, the BMW X1 and Audi A3 offer around 250 horsepower as standard, coupled with loads of turbocharged torque. They’re more expensive, but that’s a considerable improvement in performance. The UX has also always been rather cramped.
Basically, Lexus needs a small, entry-level luxury SUV, but it may not need the UX.
Source: Lexus, Drive
