Is the Lexus UX an SUV or crossover?
The Lexus UX is a compact luxury crossover SUV, not a traditional SUV. It combines the elevated ride height and utility of an SUV with the more car-like handling and efficiency of a crossover vehicle.
What is the Lexus UX?
The Lexus UX is a small luxury crossover SUV that was first introduced in 2018. It slots below the larger Lexus NX and RX models in the brand's lineup. The UX is built on a car-based platform, which gives it a more nimble and maneuverable driving experience compared to truck-based SUVs.
SUV vs. Crossover: Key Differences
The main differences between SUVs and crossovers lie in their underlying architecture and design:
- Platform: SUVs are typically built on a truck-based body-on-frame platform, while crossovers use a car-based unibody construction.
- Ride Height: SUVs generally have a higher ground clearance and more rugged off-road capabilities, while crossovers have a lower, more car-like ride height.
- Handling: Crossovers tend to offer better on-road handling and maneuverability due to their car-based underpinnings, while SUVs are optimized more for off-road performance.
- Fuel Efficiency: Crossovers are generally more fuel-efficient than truck-based SUVs due to their lighter weight and more aerodynamic designs.
Based on these key characteristics, the Lexus UX is clearly a crossover rather than a traditional SUV.
Why the Lexus UX is Considered a Crossover
The Lexus UX is built on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, which is a car-based unibody design. This gives the UX a lower center of gravity and more responsive handling compared to body-on-frame SUVs. Additionally, the UX has a relatively low ground clearance of just 7.5 inches, further reinforcing its crossover nature.
While the UX offers some SUV-like utility with its elevated ride height and available all-wheel drive, its overall design and driving dynamics are more akin to a luxury compact car than a traditional SUV. This positioning as a crossover allows the UX to provide a balance of practicality, efficiency, and driving enjoyment.
