The Lexus UX may be nearing the end of its run after Lexus announced that production of the small SUV will end in Japan in February 2027. The news raises questions about whether the UX will remain available in the U.S., although Lexus has not announced any changes to its American lineup.
Lexus UX Production Set to End in Japan
Lexus introduced the UX for the 2019 model year as the smallest SUV in its U.S. lineup. Closely related to the Toyota Corolla, the UX arrived to compete with small luxury SUVs such as the BMW X1 and Mercedes-Benz GLA.
Although the UX has not become a major player in the market, it has helped Lexus maintain a full SUV lineup. Now, about seven years after its introduction, the model appears to be approaching the end of its production run.
Australian automotive publication Drive noticed a new message on the Japanese Lexus consumer website stating that production of the UX will end in February 2027. Lexus has also already closed the order books for one color option and one trim.
The announcement naturally raises questions about the UX in other markets because it indicates that production itself is ending. Drive received a response from an Australian Lexus representative saying the UX remains “an important part” of the lineup.
When contacted about the U.S. market, an American Lexus representative offered a more limited response: “We have nothing to announce about UX at this time.”
Why Lexus Could Drop the UX
Several factors could point toward the UX nearing the end of its life. The model is now relatively old, has remained in a single generation since its launch and has received only minor updates throughout its life.
That could make it relatively straightforward for Lexus to allow the UX to end production, potentially replacing it with a completely different model.
The UX also has not been a major seller for Lexus. It is the brand’s second worst-selling SUV this year, with 6,519 sales so far.
That figure only barely exceeds sales of the much more expensive and profitable LX flagship SUV. The UX has also fallen behind the Lexus RZ electric SUV, which is nearly 10,000 sales for the year. Even with ES sales falling off a cliff this year, the ES is still outselling the UX.
As a result, removing the UX would not have a massive impact on Lexus sales.
Lexus Still Needs an Entry-Level SUV
Even if the UX leaves the U.S. lineup, Lexus would still have a reason to maintain an entry-level SUV. Small luxury SUVs are a key part of competitors’ lineups, and Lexus needs options that can match them if it wants to remain a key competitor.
An entry-level model could also give Lexus an opportunity to attract younger buyers to the brand, who may later return for larger and more expensive vehicles.
The bigger question is whether that role needs to be filled by the UX itself.
The UX Faces a Performance Gap
The UX has always been offered in the U.S. with somewhat anemic powertrains. The current model produces 196 horsepower from its hybrid four-cylinder, paired with a grumbly, economy-minded powertrain.
By comparison, the BMW X1 and Audi A3 offer around 250 horsepower as standard, along with substantial turbocharged torque. While those models are more expensive, they provide a considerable improvement in performance.
The UX has also always been rather cramped, further highlighting the challenges Lexus faces with the model.
The UX May Not Be the Right Replacement
Lexus may need to retain a small, entry-level luxury SUV, but the UX itself may not be the model that fills that role. With production scheduled to end in Japan in February 2027 and Lexus offering no announcement about the U.S. market, the future of the UX remains unclear.
