Sharper handling, more tech for Audi Q3, Volvo XC40-rivalling 2023 Lexus UX premium SUV

Lexus will upgrade its UX from mid-September with new safety and in-car tech as well as mechanical tweaks designed to improve ride and handling.

It marks the first update to the premium small SUV following its launch in Australia in 2019.

The Japanese luxury car maker has confirmed pricing for the new UX range will kick off from $46,085 before on-road costs for the entry-level UX200 Luxury - an increase of $1640.

The UX200 Luxury gets a boost with the addition of fuel-saving idle stop, digital radio and two more speakers for the audio system which is now up to 10 speakers.

It also gets a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen multimedia system, up from 10.3 inches, as well as Lexus Connected Services and a new voice recognition system using the command, ‘Hey Luxus’.

Similar systems are found in BMW and Mercedes-Benz models.

The UX200 and 250h F Sport grades gain body-coloured wheel arches and aluminium pedals.

Under the skin these variants now have a steering gear brace that aids ride comfort and, according to Lexus, works with the adaptive suspension setup top sharpen handling.

The addition of 20 spot-welding points on the UX body ensures better road-holding characteristics and body stiffness.

Safety wise the UX now has a more responsive pre-collision system and artificial intelligence has improved the functionality of the lane keeping aid.

Other systems to benefit from upgrades include the curve speed control function and surround-view monitor.

The UX range has increased in price across the board as a result of the updates, with jumps varying from $1600 in the UX200 Sports Luxury (from $56,850) to $1895 in the UX250h F Sport (from $61,495 for the FWD and from $65,995 for the AWD).

Prices for the all-electric UX300e however, remain static at $74,000 for the Luxury and $81,000 for the Sports Luxury grades.

2023 Lexus UX pricing before on-road costs