10 Lexus UX Competitors to Consider

2019 Lexus UX ・ Photo by Lexus

The 2019 Lexus UX is a new luxury subcompact crossover SUV. This part of the market has been growing as fast as automakers can bring out new models. People love the capability and versatility of an SUV coupled with the easy handling of a subcompact. According to Lexus, the UX name stands for Urban Explorer, which fits the segment perfectly. 

The UX is available with a gasoline or hybrid drivetrain. The UX 200 offers 21.7 cubic feet of cargo space, while the UX 250 hybrid uses a little bit for batteries and the rear axle, so it offers 17.1 cubic feet. The basic UX 200 is available only with front-wheel drive, while the hybrid uses the Toyota-Lexus system that has the hybrid driveline in front, plus an electric motor to drive the rear wheels. The gas driveline offers 169 horsepower from a 2.0-liter engine and a continuously variable transmission. The hybrid offers 181 total system horsepower. The 2019 Lexus UX 200 starts at a thrifty $32,000, but before you rush out to buy one, here are 10 Lexus UX competitors to consider.

2019 Buick Encore

The 2019 Buick Encore competes directly with the Lexus UX, and it’s one of the most popular subcompact SUVs on the market. Buick is a luxury brand, but the Encore dramatically undercuts the Lexus with a starting price of $23,200. You should test drive the Encore to experience Buick’s QuietTuning system, which includes triple-sealed doors, acoustic windshield glass, and active engine noise cancellation.

The Encore also is spacious, with seating for five or up to 48.4 cubic feet for cargo with the rear seats folded. The Encore comes with a 1.4-liter turbocharged engine good for 138 or 153 horsepower. Encore includes a 6-speed automatic transmission with standard front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive costs $1,500, and is optional on all trim levels.

Photo by General Motors

2019 Volvo XC40

The 2019 Volvo XC40 is Volvo's sportiest SUV, sold at a starting price of $33,700. Like most compact and subcompact crossovers, the XC40 comes equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, coupled with an 8-speed automatic transmission with your choice of front-wheel or all-wheel drive. Depending on whether you get the T4 or T5 engine, you’ll enjoy 187 or 248 horsepower.

There’s plenty of cargo space in the XC40, with 20.7 cubic feet behind the second row, or up to 47.2 cubic feet with the seats folded. Volvo’s technology package includes a vertically oriented 9-inch Sensus touchscreen infotainment and control system, and a 12.3-inch driver information display instead of traditional gauges. Best of all, the XC40 is available by subscription, which includes your car insurance.

Photo by Ron Sessions

2019 Mercedes-Benz GLA

The next contender in our list of 10 Lexus UX competitors to consider is the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLA. It has a low-slung sporty look that’s less like an SUV and more like a hot hatchback. But you still get up to 43.6 cubic feet for cargo, and an impressive 208 horsepower from the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, passed through an advanced 7-speed twin-clutch gearbox. The Mercedes 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system is optional.

Mercedes-Benz luxury is well within reach with the GLA, starting at just $33,950. The GLA comes with an upscale interior and a great standard tech package with navigation. While you’re at the Mercedes dealer, be sure to check out the hot rod AMG CLA 45 edition with 375 horsepower. It’s pretty much the ultimate hot crossover.

Photo by Mercedes-Benz

2019 Audi Q3

The 2019 Audi Q3 is the latest subcompact SUV to join the market. This new SUV has been revised from its first generation, and is available with 184 or 228 horsepower from a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine. An 8-speed automatic transmission is standard, along with Audi’s quattro all-wheel-drive system.

As with all Audis, the Q3 offers a great tech package. An available 12.3-inch driver information screen displays your navigation map for you, while the 10.1-inch center screen uses tablet-style gesture controls and has voice recognition. If you’ve seen the last generation Q3, you’ll also notice that there’s more space inside. The new 2019 model is larger in every dimension, and has a 3-inch longer wheelbase. The 2019 Audi Q3 retails for $34,700.

Photo by Audi

2019 Porsche Macan

One of the hottest vehicles in our selection of 10 Lexus UX competitors to consider is the 2019 Porsche Macan. Performance is a Porsche priority, so the new Macan offers a choice of 248 horsepower from its 2.0-liter turbocharged engine. Alternatively, buyers can choose 348 horsepower from a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 in the Macan S. All Macan models include a 7-speed twin-clutch transmission and Porsche’s all-wheel-drive system. The base Macan will hit 60 mph in 6.3 seconds, while the Macan S will do that sprint in 5.1 seconds.

Inside, the Macan features an impressive sport-luxury interior, highlighted with a 10.9-inch HD touchscreen. Porsche buyers may choose the standard audio system, or upgrade options from Bose and Burmester. The base Macan starts at $49,900, and the Macan S retails for $58,600.

Photo by Porsche

2019 MINI Countryman

The 2019 MINI Countryman is one of the least expensive in our list of 10 Lexus UX competitors to consider. It may sound crazy, but this little SUV is the biggest MINI ever made. MINI owners appreciate the easy parking and nimble handling of the Countryman, but it is still a versatile and capable SUV.

The Countryman comes with a three-cylinder, 1.5-liter turbocharged engine producing 134 horsepower. If you spring for the upgraded Cooper S trim, there’s a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine good for 189 horsepower. The basic Countryman offers front-wheel drive, but all-wheel drive is optional. There’s an available 6-speed manual transmission, or you can get the Countryman with an automatic. The 2019 MINI Countryman starts at $26,900.

Photo by MINI

2019 BMW X2

BMW offers two small suvs these days, and the compact 2019 BMW X1 actually is bigger than the subcompact 2019 BMW X2. Someone’s going to have to figure that out. The X2 starts at $36,400. For that price, you’ll get a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with 228 horsepower, and front-wheel-drive. The X2 features an 8-speed automatic transmission, which will propel the littlest BMW crossover to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds.

Inside, the X2 cabin reflects BMW’s obsession with performance. It’s a sporty look with synthetic upholstery. Tech is adequate, with a 6.5-inch screen, BMW’s voice-controlled navigation system, and a CD player. Apple CarPlay is supported, but you need to buy an extra unit if you want satellite radio.

Photo by Ron Sessions

2019 Cadillac XT4

The newest SUV from Cadillac also is the smallest SUV they’ve ever made. The 2019 Cadillac XT4 coaxes 237 horsepower from its turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, and uses a 9-speed automatic transmission with your choice of front-wheel or all-wheel drive. The basic FWD version of the XT4 starts at $34,795.

Cadillac is serious about luxury, and it starts the moment you sit down. The XT4 uses active noise cancelation technology to reduce droning from the engine and the roadway. The seats are among the most comfortable in the class, and front seat massage is available as an option. The XT4 will carry up to 48.9 cubic feet of cargo with the rear seats folded.

Photo by Cadillac

2019 Infiniti QX30

The first thing to notice about the 2019 Infiniti QX30 is that it’s so sporty. This subcompact crossover has a low, racy stance like a sports car, and its sleek lines make other SUVs look boxy and boring. Out of all our 10 Lexus UX competitors to consider, only the Audi Q3 and Mercedes-Benz GLA can compete with the QX30 on looks.

Like virtually all small luxury suvs, the QX30 has a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. This one is good for 208 horsepower, and it’s paired with a 7-speed automatic dual-clutch transmission with front-wheel or all-wheel drive. The great news is that pricing is attractive - you can get this very sporty performance crossover for $30,250.

Photo by Infiniti

2020 Range Rover Evoque

The 2020 Range Rover Evoque is all-new from the ground up for the next model year. There are two drivelines, both with a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine. One is rated at 246 horsepower, or you can choose a mild hybrid with 296 horsepower. The hybrid is different from most; it operates only at low speeds to help the Evoque get moving. There’s a 9-speed automatic transmission, along with standard front-wheel or optional all-wheel drive.

The spacious and luxurious cabin also is new. The basic tech functions have been condensed into a pair of touchscreens called the InControl Touch Duo system. The top screen is where you select audio and navigation, while you use the lower screen for driving modes, climate control, and other vehicle settings. The 2020 Range Rover Evoque retails for $42,650.

Photo by Land Rover