Top Safety Pick

2021 Lexus UX

small SUV / 4-door SUV

Award applies only to vehicles with specific headlights

2021 Lexus UX 4-door SUV — 2020 Lexus UX shown

Crashworthiness

Rating overview
Evaluation criteria	Rating
Small overlap front: driver-side
Small overlap front: passenger-side
Moderate overlap front: original test
Side: original test
Roof strength
Head restraints & seats

Crash avoidance & mitigation

Evaluation criteria	Rating
Headlights (varies by trim/option)
Front crash prevention: vehicle-to-vehicle
Standard system	Superior
Front crash prevention: pedestrian (day)
Standard system	Superior

Seat belts & child restraints

Evaluation criteria	Rating
LATCH ease of use	+

Other available safety features

Standard blind spot detection
Standard lane departure warning & prevention
Optional rear automatic braking

Key

G
Good
A
Acceptable
M
Marginal
P
Poor

Superior
Advanced
Basic

Some ratings use a scale of Poor to Good. Others range from Basic to Superior.

Small overlap front: driver-side

Rating applies to 2019-25 models

Tested vehicle: 2019 Lexus UX 250h 4-door 4wd

The Lexus UX was introduced in the 2019 model year. Driver-side small overlap frontal ratings are assigned by the Institute based on a test conducted by Toyota.

Evaluation criteria	Rating

Structure and safety cage
Driver injury measures
Head/neck
Chest
Hip/thigh
Lower leg/foot
Driver restraints and dummy kinematics

Technical measurements for this test

Evaluation criteria	Measurement
Test ID	VTN1818
Lower occupant compartment
Lower hinge pillar max (cm)	13
Footrest (cm)	5
Left toepan (cm)	3
Brake pedal (cm)	3
Parking brake (cm)
Rocker panel lateral average (cm)	6
Upper occupant compartment
Steering column	0
Upper hinge pillar max (cm)	6
Upper dash (cm)	5
Lower instrument panel (cm)	8

Evaluation criteria	Measurement
Test ID	VTN1818
Head
HIC-15	90
Peak gs at hard contact	no contact
Neck
Tension (kN)	1.1
Extension bending moment (Nm)	9
Maximum Nij	0.21
Chest maximum compression (mm)	22
Femur (kN)
Left	2.1
Right	0.3
Knee displacement (mm)
Left	5
Right	0
Knee-thigh-hip injury risk (%)
Left	0
Right	0
Maximum tibia index
Left	0.45
Right	0.35
Tibia axial force (kN)
Left	1.4
Right	1.1
Foot acceleration (g)
Left	51
Right	52

About the small overlap front test

Small overlap front: passenger-side

Rating applies to 2019-25 models

Tested vehicle: 2019 Lexus UX 250h 4-door 4wd

The Lexus UX was introduced in the 2019 model year. Passenger-side small overlap frontal ratings are assigned by the Institute based on a test conducted by Toyota.

Evaluation criteria	Rating
Overall evaluation
Structure and safety cage
Passenger injury measures
Head/neck
Chest
Hip/thigh
Lower leg/foot
Passenger restraints and dummy kinematics
Driver injury measures
Head/neck
Chest
Hip/thigh
Lower leg/foot
Driver restraints and dummy kinematics

Technical measurements for this test

Evaluation criteria	Measurement
Test ID	VTP1834
Lower occupant compartment
Lower hinge pillar max (cm)	10
Footrest (cm)	8
Right toepan (cm)	4
Center toepan (cm)	1
Rocker panel lateral average (cm)	6
Upper occupant compartment
Center dash (cm)	4
Upper hinge pillar max (cm)	6
Upper dash (cm)	7
Right lower dash (cm)	6

Evaluation criteria	Measurement
Test ID	VTP1834
Head
HIC-15	114
Peak gs at hard contact	no contact
Neck
Tension (kN)	1.0
Extension bending moment (Nm)	7
Maximum Nij	0.16
Chest maximum compression (mm)	20
Femur (kN)
Left	1.6
Right	1.9
Knee displacement (mm)
Left	1
Right	3
Knee-thigh-hip injury risk (%)
Left	0
Right	0
Maximum tibia index
Left	0.41
Right	0.59
Tibia axial force (kN)
Left	2.5
Right	2.2
Foot acceleration (g)
Left	36
Right	45

Evaluation criteria	Measurement
Test ID	VTP1834
Head
HIC-15	56
Peak gs at hard contact	no contact
Neck
Tension (kN)	0.8
Extension bending moment (Nm)	7
Maximum Nij	0.16
Chest maximum compression (mm)	27
Femur (kN)
Left	0.4
Right	0.6
Knee displacement (mm)
Left	1
Right	0
Knee-thigh-hip injury risk (%)
Left	0
Right	0
Maximum tibia index
Left	0.20
Right	0.21
Tibia axial force (kN)
Left	0.3
Right	0.9
Foot acceleration (g)
Left	38
Right	36

About the small overlap front test

Moderate overlap front: original test

Rating applies to 2019-25 models

Tested vehicle: 2019 Lexus UX 250h 4-door 4wd

The Lexus UX was introduced in the 2019 model year. Moderate overlap frontal ratings are assigned by the Institute based on a test conducted by Toyota.

Evaluation criteria	Rating
Overall evaluation
Structure and safety cage
Driver injury measures
Head/neck
Chest
Leg/foot, left
Leg/foot, right
Driver restraints and dummy kinematics

Technical measurements for this test

Evaluation criteria	Measurement
Test ID	VTF1830
Footwell intrusion
Footrest (cm)	6
Left (cm)	11
Center (cm)	9
Right (cm)	9
Brake pedal (cm)	3
Instrument panel rearward movement
Left (cm)	1
Right (cm)	2
Steering column movement
Upward (cm)	-1
Rearward (cm)	0
A-pillar rearward movement (cm)	0

Evaluation criteria	Measurement
Test ID	VTF1830
Head
HIC-15	225
Peak gs at hard contact	no contact
Neck
Tension (kN)	0.9
Extension bending moment (Nm)	17
Maximum Nij	0.22
Chest maximum compression (mm)	29
Legs
Femur force - left (kN)	0.5
Femur force - right (kN)	1.9
Knee displacement - left (mm)	0
Knee displacement - right (mm)	0
Maximum tibia index - left	0.42
Maximum tibia index - right	0.73
Tibia axial force - left (kN)	3.6
Tibia axial force - right (kN)	3.7
Foot acceleration (g)
Left	69
Right	57

About the original moderate overlap front test

Side: original test

Rating applies to 2019-23 models

Tested vehicle: 2019 Lexus UX 250h 4-door 4wd

The Lexus UX was introduced in the 2019 model year. Side ratings are assigned by the Institute based on a test conducted by Toyota.

Evaluation criteria	Rating
Overall evaluation
Structure and safety cage
Driver injury measures
Head/neck
Torso
Pelvis/leg
Driver head protection
Rear passenger injury measures
Head/neck
Torso
Pelvis/leg
Rear passenger head protection

Technical measurements for this test

Test ID	VTS1828
B-pillar to longitudinal centerline of driver's seat (cm)	-21.5
Negative numbers indicate the amount by which the crush stopped short of the seat centerline.

Evaluation criteria	Measurement
Test ID	VTS1828
Head HIC-15	203
Neck
Tension (kN)	0.8
Compression (kN)	0.3
Shoulder
Lateral deflection (mm)	19
Lateral force (kN)	1.0
Torso
Maximum deflection (mm)	30
Average deflection (mm)	24
Maximum deflection rate (m/s)	5.37
Maximum viscous criterion (m/s)	0.36
Pelvis
Iliac force (kN)	2.2
Acetabulum force (kN)	1.9
Combined force (kN)	3.8
Left femur
L-M force (kN)	0.5
L-M moment (Nm)	13
A-P moment (Nm)	78

Evaluation criteria	Measurement
Test ID	VTS1828
Head HIC-15	27
Neck
Tension (kN)	0.3
Compression (kN)	0.3
Shoulder
Lateral deflection (mm)	33
Lateral force (kN)	1.4
Torso
Maximum deflection (mm)	27
Average deflection (mm)	17
Maximum deflection rate (m/s)	2.14
Maximum viscous criterion (m/s)	0.20
Pelvis
Iliac force (kN)	0.4
Acetabulum force (kN)	2.0
Combined force (kN)	2.2
Left femur
L-M force (kN)	0.6
L-M moment (Nm)	21
A-P moment (Nm)	100

About the original side crash test

Roof strength

Rating applies to 2019-23 models

Tested vehicle: 2019 Lexus UX 200 4-door 2wd

(Curb weight 2019 Lexus UX 250h 4-door 4wd)

Overall evaluation
Curb weight	3,573 lbs
Peak force	21,809 lbs
Strength-to-weight ratio	6.10

About the roof strength test

Head restraints & seats

Seat type: Power leatherette seat

Overall evaluation
Dynamic rating
Seat/head restraint geometry

Technical measurements for this test

Seat type	Power leatherette seat
Geometry
Backset (mm)	22
Distance below top of head (mm)	4
Seat design parameters
Pass/fail	Pass
Max T1 acceleration (g)	11.6
Head contact time (ms)	62
Force rating	1
Neck forces
Max neck shear force (N)	0
Max neck tension (N)	265

About the head restraint & seat test
Currently, IIHS tests apply only to front seats.

Headlights

Ratings are given for 2 different headlight variations available on this vehicle.

Trim level(s)

UX 200 trim equipped with Triple Beam LED Headlamps with Auto-Leveling package
UX 200 F Sport trim equipped with Triple Beam LED Headlamps with Auto-Leveling package
UX 200 Luxury trim equipped with Triple Beam LED Headlamps with Auto-Leveling package
UX 250h trim equipped with Triple Beam LED Headlamps with Auto-Leveling package
UX 250h F Sport trim equipped with Triple Beam LED Headlamps with Auto-Leveling package
UX 250h Luxury trim equipped with Triple Beam LED Headlamps with Auto-Leveling package

Evaluation criteria	Rating
Low-beam headlight type	LED projector
High-beam headlight type	LED projector
Curve-adaptive?	Yes
High-beam assist?	Yes
Overall rating
Distance at which headlights provide at least 5 lux illumination:

Low beams
On the straightaway, visibility was good on both sides of the road. On curves, visibility was good on both right curves and fair on both left curves.

The low beams created some glare.

High beams
On the straightaway, visibility was good on both sides of the road. On curves, visibility was good in all 4 tests.

High-beam assist compensates for some limitations of this vehicle's low beams on the straightaway and on both left curves.

Technical measurements for this test

Evaluation criteria	Measurement
Trim level(s)	UX 200 trim equipped with Triple Beam LED Headlamps with Auto-Leveling package UX 200 F Sport trim equipped with Triple Beam LED Headlamps with Auto-Leveling package UX 200 Luxury trim equipped with Triple Beam LED Headlamps with Auto-Leveling package UX 250h trim equipped with Triple Beam LED Headlamps with Auto-Leveling package UX 250h F Sport trim equipped with Triple Beam LED Headlamps with Auto-Leveling package UX 250h Luxury trim equipped with Triple Beam LED Headlamps with Auto-Leveling package
Low-beam headlight type	LED projector
High-beam headlight type	LED projector
Curve-adaptive?	Yes
High-beam assist?	Yes
Overall rating Applies to 2019-22 models

LOW BEAMS	Average minimum useful illumination distance (5 lux)	Amount glare exceeded threshold
Straightaway right edge	104.4 m	None
Straightaway left edge	58.9 m	None
250m radius right curve, right edge	104.4 m	13.2%
250m radius left curve, left edge	60.2 m	None
150m radius right curve, right edge	82.1 m	None
150m radius left curve, left edge	52.1 m	None

HIGH BEAMS	Average minimum useful illumination distance (5 lux)
Straightaway right edge	150.1 m
Straightaway left edge	144.6 m
250m radius right curve, right edge	99.9 m
250m radius left curve, left edge	97.1 m
150m radius right curve, right edge	81.1 m
150m radius left curve, left edge	82.9 m

Trim level(s)

UX 200 trim
UX 200 Luxury trim
UX 250h trim
UX 250h Luxury trim
UX 200 F Sport trim
UX 250h F Sport trim

Evaluation criteria	Rating
Low-beam headlight type	LED projector
High-beam headlight type	LED projector
Curve-adaptive?	No
High-beam assist?	Yes
Overall rating
Distance at which headlights provide at least 5 lux illumination:

Low beams
On the straightaway, visibility was good on both sides of the road. On curves, visibility was good on the gradual right curve and fair on the sharp right and both left curves.

The low beams created excessive glare.

High beams
On the straightaway, visibility was good on both sides of the road. On curves, visibility was fair on the gradual right and gradual left curves and inadequate on the sharp right and sharp left curves.

High-beam assist compensates for some limitations of this vehicle's low beams on both left curves and on both right curves.

Technical measurements for this test

Evaluation criteria	Measurement
Trim level(s)	UX 200 trim UX 200 Luxury trim UX 250h trim UX 250h Luxury trim UX 200 F Sport trim UX 250h F Sport trim
Low-beam headlight type	LED projector
High-beam headlight type	LED projector
Curve-adaptive?	No
High-beam assist?	Yes
Overall rating Applies to 2019-22 models

LOW BEAMS	Average minimum useful illumination distance (5 lux)	Amount glare exceeded threshold
Straightaway right edge	142.6 m	123.7%
Straightaway left edge	64.3 m	123.7%
250m radius right curve, right edge	65.2 m	108.1%
250m radius left curve, left edge	59.1 m	None
150m radius right curve, right edge	51.8 m	101.3%
150m radius left curve, left edge	50.6 m	None

HIGH BEAMS	Average minimum useful illumination distance (5 lux)
Straightaway right edge	157.6 m
Straightaway left edge	146.5 m
250m radius right curve, right edge	66.1 m
250m radius left curve, left edge	65.2 m
150m radius right curve, right edge	52.3 m
150m radius left curve, left edge	51.4 m

About the headlight evaluation

Front crash prevention: vehicle-to-vehicle

System details

Standard Lexus Safety System + 2.0 Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection

Overall evaluation

Applies to 2019-22 models

Superior

This system meets the requirements for forward collision warning.
In the 12 mph test, this vehicle avoided a collision.
In the 25 mph test, this vehicle avoided a collision.

About the original front crash prevention test

Front crash prevention: pedestrian (day)

System details

standard Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection

Overall evaluation

This rating applies to all 2019-24 models

Superior

Crossing child

In the 12 mph test, impact speed was reduced by 11 mph.
In the 25 mph test, this vehicle avoided a collision.

Crossing adult

In the 12 mph test, this vehicle avoided a collision.
In the 25 mph test, this vehicle avoided a collision.

Parallel adult

In the 25 mph test, this vehicle avoided a collision.
In the 37 mph test, impact speed was reduced by 32 mph. A warning was issued 1.9 seconds before impact.

About the pedestrian front crash prevention test

Child seat anchors

Rating applies to 2019-25 models

Evaluation criteria	Rating
Overall evaluation	+ extra LATCH positions
Vehicle trim	UX 200
Seat type	leatherette

This vehicle has 2 rear seating positions with complete child seat attachment (LATCH) hardware.

It has 1 additional seating position with a tether anchor and the ability to borrow lower anchors from the other seating positions.

Note: When anchors are borrowed, they aren't available to use in their designated positions.

Evaluation criteria	Rating
Overall evaluation	+ extra LATCH positions
Vehicle trim	UX 200
Seat type	leatherette

Rating icon	Rating
G	Good
A	Acceptable
M	Marginal
P	Poor
	Seating positions that rely on borrowed lower anchors or have only a tether anchor available are not rated.
thether anchor symbol	Tether anchor
lower anchor symbol	Lower anchors
shared lower achors symbol	Lower anchor(s) can be borrowed from adjacent positions(s)
	No hardware available

Details by seating position

Position	Rating
1
1	Tether anchor
	easy-to-find location
	no other hardware could be confused for anchor
	Lower anchors
	not too deep in seat
	not too much force needed to attach
	easy to maneuver around anchors
2
2	Tether anchor
	easy-to-find location
	no other hardware could be confused for anchor
	Lower anchors
	Can be borrowed from 1 and 3
3
3	Tether anchor
	easy-to-find location
	no other hardware could be confused for anchor
	Lower anchors
	not too deep in seat
	not too much force needed to attach
	easy to maneuver around anchors

Technical measurements for this test

Lower anchor A
Open access rated	Yes
Depth	Visible
Force (lbs)	0
Clearance angle (degrees)	83
Lower anchor B
Open access rated	Yes
Depth	Visible
Force (lbs)	0
Clearance angle (degrees)	74
Tether anchor
Location	Middle seatback
Confusing hardware present	Yes
Has contrasting label within 3 inches of tether anchor	Yes
Tether anchors can be accessed while seatback is properly positioned for use of LATCH	Not measured

Lower anchor A
Lower latch is shared for this seat position
Lower anchor B
Lower latch is shared for this seat position
Tether anchor
Location	Middle seatback
Confusing hardware present	Yes
Has contrasting label within 3 inches of tether anchor	Yes
Tether anchors can be accessed while seatback is properly positioned for use of LATCH	Not measured

Lower anchor A
Open access rated	Yes
Depth	Visible
Force (lbs)	0
Clearance angle (degrees)	72
Lower anchor B
Open access rated	Yes
Depth	Visible
Force (lbs)	0
Clearance angle (degrees)	79
Tether anchor
Location	Middle seatback
Confusing hardware present	Yes
Has contrasting label within 3 inches of tether anchor	Yes
Tether anchors can be accessed while seatback is properly positioned for use of LATCH	Not measured

About the child seat anchor evaluation