Verdict
The Lexus UX is the tighter, cheaper C-segment SUV at RM250,688, with a 1,987 cc petrol engine, 5 seats and a 228-litre boot. The Maxus MIFA 9 costs RM269,888 and is a much larger D-segment electric MPV, bringing 7 seats, 1,010 litres of boot space, 435 km of EV range and 120 kW DC charging. Both do 0-100 km/h in 9.2 seconds, so the extra RM19,200 mainly buys space, EV running and MPV practicality, not quicker acceleration.
Pick the Lexus UX if you want the smaller, cheaper petrol SUV with unlimited-mileage manufacturer warranty and easier-to-place dimensions.
Pick the Maxus MIFA 9 if you need 7 seats, a huge 1,010-litre boot, powered sliding doors and a 435 km electric range.
Key differences
- Price: Lexus UX RM250,688; Maxus MIFA 9 RM269,888
- Powertrain: Lexus UX 1,987 cc petrol with 169 hp/205 Nm; Maxus MIFA 9 single electric motor with 241 hp/350 Nm
- Acceleration: Lexus UX 0-100 km/h in 9.2 seconds; Maxus MIFA 9 0-100 km/h in 9.2 seconds
- Size: Lexus UX 4,495 mm long/1,840 mm wide; Maxus MIFA 9 5,270 mm long/2,000 mm wide
- Seats and boot: Lexus UX 5 seats/228 litres; Maxus MIFA 9 7 seats/1,010 litres
- Warranty: Lexus UX 5 years/unlimited mileage; Maxus MIFA 9 5 years/100,000 km with 8-year/200,000 km extended coverage
UX
- Lower purchase price by RM19,200
- Much smaller footprint for urban parking: 4,495 mm long versus 5,270 mm
- 5-year manufacturer warranty has unlimited mileage
- Only 5 seats versus the Maxus MIFA 9’s 7
- Boot is far smaller at 228 litres versus 1,010 litres
- No blind spot info system, sunroof, powered sliding doors or 360-degree camera
MIFA 9
- 7-seat MPV cabin with 1,010 litres of boot space
- Electric motor makes 241 hp and 350 Nm, with 435 km EV range
- Gets 120 kW DC charging, powered sliding doors and a contactless powered boot
- Costs RM19,200 more
- Far larger and heavier: 5,270 mm long and 3,095 kg versus 4,495 mm and 1,540 kg
- Uses a tyre repair kit while the Lexus UX has a space-saver spare
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM 250,688✓ | RM 269,888 |
| Body type | SUV | MPV |
| Segment | C-Segment | D-Segment |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, naturally-aspirated with variable valve timing | — |
| Capacity | 1,987 cc | — |
| Horsepower | 169 hp | — |
| Torque | 205 Nm | — |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline | — |
| Timing Type | Chain | — |
| Fuel | Petrol | Electric |
| Bore | 80.5 mm | — |
| Compression Ratio | 13 | — |
| Number of Motors | — | 1 |
| Motor Horsepower | — | 241 hp |
| Motor Torque | — | 350 Nm |
| Battery Type | — | Ternary Lithium Battery |
| EV Range | — | 435 km |
| Charger Type (AC) | — | Type 2 |
| Charging Rate (AC) | — | 11 kW |
| Charger Type (DC) | — | CCS |
| Charging Rate (DC) | — | 120 kW |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | CVT Automatic | Single Ratio Automatic |
| Transmission Name | 10-Speed Direct Shift | — |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Aisin | — |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 9.2 seconds | 9.2 seconds |
| Top Speed | 190 km/h | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,495 mm | 5,270 mm |
| Width | 1,840 mm | 2,000 mm |
| Height | 1,520 mm | 1,840 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,640 mm | 3,200 mm |
| Weight | 1,540 kg | 3,095 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 47 litres | — |
| Doors | 4 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 7 |
| Boot Space | 228 litres | 1,010 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 215/60R17 | 235/55R19 |
| Rear Tyre | 215/60R17 | 235/55R19 |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | Tyre Repair Kit |
| Factory Tyres | Bridgestone Turanza T005A | Continental EcoContact 6 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Japan (CBU) | China (CBU) |
| Chassis | Unibody | Unibody |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Trailing Wishbone | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 17" Aluminum Aero Ventilating Wheels | 19" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 17" Aluminum Aero Ventilating Wheels | 19" Alloy |
| Front Brakes | Ventilated Disc | Ventilated Disc |
| Rear Brakes | Solid Disc | Solid Disc |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Hydraulic Power Steering) |
| Crash Safety Ratings | ||
| EuroNCAP | — | 5 stars |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Front Knee, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain, Rear Side | Driver and Front Passenger, Side and Curtain Airbags |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | — |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for rear doors | — |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 7 Three Point |
| Blind Spot Info System | — | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available for two outer rear passenger seats | Available on front passenger and outer two second row seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | For All Seats | All Seats |
| Safety Notes | TPMS | — |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projector | LED Headlights |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | Full LED Tail Lights |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | ✓ | — |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | 8-way Power Adjustable Front Seats with Driver's Lumbar Function | Powered Front Seats with Power Lumbar |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-folding | Sliding and Folding Second Row |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control System | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Rear Vents | Rear Vents with Blower Control |
| Sunroof | — | Yes |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Boot | 1 Front |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights and Ambient Lighting |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Audio | 7" Lexus Premium Audio Remote Touch Controller with 8 Speakers, Android Auto Apple CarPlay | 12.3" Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and a 8-speaker sound system |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-pinch | Four Windows, Auto Up & Down with Anti-pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Entry (Push Button Start) |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Start/Stop | ✓ | — |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control |
| Tiptronic | ✓ | — |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activation | Contactless Opening, Powered Boot |
| Parking Sensor Front | 4 Sensors | — |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | — |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes, with 360-degree Camera |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | — |
| Power Door | — | Powered Sliding Doors |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited✓ | 100,000 km |
| Warranty Mileage Extended | — | 200,000 km |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
| Warranty Extended | — | 8 years |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM 435 | RM 220✓ |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
UX vs MIFA 9 FAQ
Is the Lexus UX or Maxus MIFA 9 better?
The Maxus MIFA 9 is better for family space and EV use, with 7 seats, 1,010 litres of boot space and 435 km range. The Lexus UX makes more sense if you want a smaller petrol SUV with lower pricing and unlimited-mileage warranty.
What is the price difference?
The Maxus MIFA 9 is RM19,200 more expensive than the Lexus UX: RM269,888 versus RM250,688.
Which is quicker from 0-100 km/h?
Neither is quicker on paper. The Lexus UX and Maxus MIFA 9 both do 0-100 km/h in 9.2 seconds, despite the Maxus having 241 hp/350 Nm and the Lexus having 169 hp/205 Nm.