To say that the Lexus SUV lineup is extensive would be an understatement. At the top end, the LX and GX offer massive off-road capability, while smaller models bring sharp style and upscale interior finishes. At the very bottom end of the Lexus SUV catalog is the UX, a front-wheel drive SUV that could easily pass as a slightly lifted hatchback. Updates to the UX for 2022 are minimal, with a handful of new color options being the only change from 2021.

The UX is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine making 169 horsepower. It’s paired with a continuously variable transmission and front-wheel drive. The engine feels buzzy and eager at lower speeds, but that excitement fizzles quickly. Reaching highway speeds and passing once there requires care and planning, and the situation is only made worse with a car full of people and gear. The CVT doesn’t help much; it lets the engine wail away under heavy acceleration. The small SUV’s suspension system does a good job of soaking up the bumps and bangs, and its tidy dimensions make it an easily maneuverable vehicle in town.

Lexus packed the UX’s interior with desirable standard features, upscale materials, and attractive design. Synthetic leather upholstery is standard, along with power seats and dual-zone climate controls. Though it’s advertised as a five-seater, the UX is much comfier as a four-seater, especially if all seats are occupied by adults. Heated and ventilated seats are available, and the F Sport trim gets sport seats.

Tech is plentiful but doesn’t always offer the most intuitive experience. Standard features include a seven-inch infotainment touchscreen, a digital gauge cluster, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, SiriusXM radio, and more. A 10.3-inch display is available, along with navigation and wireless smartphone charging. The UX’s touchpad control system is difficult to use at times, which can be distracting on the road. The interface also requires too many taps and interactions to achieve simple tasks. However, Lexus earns back points with physical volume and tuning knobs, which make moving through radio stations quick and painless.

The 2022 Lexus UX has not yet been evaluated by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The 2021 model picked up a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS. An extensive list of advanced driver aids comes standard, including road sign recognition, adaptive cruise control, lane departure alerts with steering assist, a pre-collision system with pedestrian and bicyclist detection, automatic high beams, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alerts.

The 2022 Lexus UX is on sale now. Pricing starts at $34,075 for the base UX 200 and climbs to $39,115 for the top-of-the-line UX 200 Luxury.