2023 Lexus UX update revealed, confirmed for Australia

The updated 2023 Lexus UX small luxury SUV has been revealed, ahead of its Australian launch due in the second half of this year.

The 2023 model will serve as the UX's mid-life facelift – arriving three and a half years after the original car – and adds a range of technology, chassis and safety upgrades to Lexus' smallest model.

Pricing and specifications will be confirmed closer to launch, however UX200 petrol and UX250h hybrid options will be retained, with Luxury and F Sport model grades – though it's unclear if the current Sports Luxury flagship will carry over.

Headlining the upgrades is a new 12.3-inch infotainment screen in place of the old 10.3-inch display, incorporating touch functionality for the first time – spelling the end of the current car's controversial touchpad controller.

The larger screen – standard across the range – runs the same new-generation software as the larger NX medium SUV, and offers Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite navigation, and a 'Hey Lexus' voice assistant.

Other features now standard on the UX200 Luxury – and likely to attract a price rise – include DAB+ digital radio (previously in an option pack), a 10-speaker sound system (up from eight), auto start/stop, and Lexus Connected Services, offering various remote functions via owners' phones.

All models benefit from an upgraded safety suite, with a longer-range autonomous emergency braking system now with support for intersections (thanks to improved radar and camera systems), and a smoother lane-centring system, thanks to artificial intelligence tech.

The adaptive cruise control system can now slow down for corners, while the 360-degree camera – which now appears to be standard across the range – gains an "underbody transparent display function".

Under the skin, 20 spot welding points have been added to the chassis for improved chassis stiffness, and the suspension dampers and electric power steering have been retuned "to help provide a seamless transition... through bends and on a variety of road surfaces."

F Sport models benefit from an additional brace for the steering rack, standard-fit adaptive suspension, and front and rear performance chassis dampers for the new model year.

No changes have been made to the car's styling, aside from body-coloured wheel arches for the F Sport variants, replacing the matte black plastic seen on other models. F Sport cars also feature aluminium trim for the driver's footrest.

Lexus doesn't reference any changes under the bonnet, indicating a 126kW/205Nm 2.0-litre petrol four-cylinder for the petrol UX200, or a 2.0-litre petrol engine and electric motor for 131kW combined in the UX250h hybrid.

Both variants are front-wheel drive, and send power to the wheels through continuously-variable automatic transmissions (CVTs).

The 2023 Lexus UX range is due in Australian showrooms in the second half of 2022. Local pricing and specifications will be announced closer to launch.