2022 Lexus UX update finally ditches the god-awful Remote Touch infotainment system



Four years since its global debut, Lexus has now given the UX compact crossover a refresh for 2022, with upgrades in several areas ranging from safety equipment to handling improvements. But despite all that, there’s really only one thing that we care about – the horrific Remote Touch infotainment system has finally been replaced by something a little more usable.

Okay, fine, we’re joking – but the reality is not too far from that.

The central infotainment display now comes in either 8- or 12.3-inch sizes, depending on variant. But no matter which size your configuration comes with, they both now run on the marque’s latest fully-touchscreen operating system, with an interface mostly like that of the all-new NX that was just recently launched here in Malaysia.

As one would expect in 2022, the new infotainment system comes with the all of the latest connectivity and “smart” features including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a “Hey Lexus!” digital voice assistant, personalised user profiles, and over-the-air software (OTA) updates – the latter means that more features and services can be added over time.

With the new touchscreen system, the dashboard and centre console on the 2022 Lexus UX has also been slightly reorganised. The space beside the gear lever (where the horrid touchpad used to live) is now replaced with a control panel for seat heating and ventilation, while the disc player underneath the climate control panel has also been removed.

Two new USB-C ports have also been added to the front of the centre console, while the wireless charging space has now been extended (thanks to the removal of the CD player), and is also now illuminated.

Review: Lexus UX 200 Luxury – Dressed to impress

Other technology enhancements include a new digital key feature that allows the driver to unlock and start the car remotely via a connected smartphone app, as well as an updated panoramic surround view monitor with a new “under-body transparent display” function, much like Land Rover’s Clearsight Ground View system.

The Lexus Safety System+ suite of advanced driver assistance features have also been updated on the 2022 Lexus UX, with improvements to the autonomous emergency braking system, Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), as well as Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC).

New additions to the system include a new curve speed-control function, which automatically decelerates the UX in advance according to the curvature of the approaching bend when the DRCC system is active. Emergency Steering Assist, which “assists steering within the vehicle’s lane as cued by the driver”, is also now available, alongside the Emergency Driving Stop System, which automatically and gently stops the vehicle if the driver is unresponsive for a certain period of time when using LTA.

Aside from these changes, though, the rest of the updates are mostly underneath the skin – quite literally. The 2022 Lexus UX has been updated with 20 new spot welding points to the chassis to improve its body rigidity, while the electric power steering, dampers, shocks, and other components have also been retuned to help with steering response and handling capabilities.

The range-topping F Sport variant also comes with adaptive variable suspension (AVS) and Yamaha-developed performance dampers at the rear to sweeten the UX’s handling and ride comfort even further.

ALSO READ: Five note-worthy features we discovered in the Lexus NX350 F Sport AWD

As for looks, well, it really hasn’t changed all that much, or at all. The aforementioned F Sport variant gains a more aggressive front bumper with larger corner inlets, a new mesh design for the grille, as well as a slightly reworked rear bumper, but that’s pretty much it.

In the mechanical department, the Lexus UX will retain the same offerings from before, with the UX 200 (most likely) retaining the same 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine making 170 hp and 205 Nm, paired to a Direct-Shift CVT gearbox to send power to the front wheels.

There’s also the UX 250h, which gets a 2.0-litre hybrid unit for a total system output of 184 hp. The latter will be the only powertrain offered in the US, where it’ll be sold as the UXh.


GALLERY