Lexus continues to refine its compact UX crossover, unveiling the 2026 model year for the U.S. market. There are no sweeping changes, but the update is carefully judged for buyers who prioritize design, equipment, and hybrid efficiency tailored to urban life.

The UX remains the brand’s smallest SUV at under 4.5 meters in length, a size that suits dense city streets and tight parking spots. It still rides on the GA-C platform with a low center of gravity, which supports stable, predictable behavior on the road and makes the car feel composed in everyday use.

In the U.S., the model is offered exclusively as the UX 300h hybrid with Lexus’s fifth-generation system. The setup pairs a 2.0-liter gasoline engine with hybrid components for a total of 196 hp, and it can be configured with either front-wheel drive or the E-Four all-wheel-drive system.

The headline change for 2026 is the new Appearance package for the F Sport. It brings 18-inch wheels with a black-polished finish, darker exterior accents, and black emblems, giving the compact UX a leaner, more athletic look without going over the top. The color range also grows: Ultra White is now available for standard trims, while the F Sport adds the monochrome Caviar black.

Inside, materials have been upgraded, the door-mounted switch layout has been revised, and the digital features broadened. Depending on trim, the multimedia display measures either 8 or 12.3 inches, and higher-spec versions now include a digital instrument cluster as standard. Every UX comes with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 suite, a thoughtful inclusion that aligns with the car’s urban brief and helps the cabin feel more up to date.

The 2026 Lexus UX is a study in low-risk evolution. It doesn’t chase mass appeal; instead, it delivers a well-executed hybrid setup, robust safety tech, and tasteful styling tweaks for drivers who want a compact premium crossover and are prepared to pay for it.