Verdict
At RM250,688, the Lexus UX is the calmer, better-equipped C-segment choice, with front-drive, a 169 hp/205 Nm 2.0-litre naturally aspirated engine and driver aids the Subaru WRX lacks. The WRX costs RM286,245 and goes hard in the other direction: 271 hp, 375 Nm, a 2.4-litre turbo flat-four, six-speed manual and all-wheel drive. The trade is clear for Malaysia: the Lexus saves RM35,557 and has more assistance tech, while the Subaru gives far stronger outputs, a bigger boot and a bigger tank.
Pick the Lexus UX if you want the lower price, autonomous braking, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, navigation, powered front seats and rear air vents.
Pick the Subaru WRX if you want the 271 hp turbo engine, 375 Nm, six-speed manual gearbox, all-wheel drive and the larger 411-litre boot.
Key differences
- Price: Lexus UX RM250,688; Subaru WRX RM286,245
- Power and torque: Lexus UX 169 hp/205 Nm; Subaru WRX 271 hp/375 Nm
- Driveline and gearbox: Lexus UX front-wheel drive CVT automatic; Subaru WRX all-wheel drive 6-speed manual
- Boot space: Lexus UX 228 litres; Subaru WRX 411 litres
- Fuel tank and road tax: Lexus UX 47 litres/RM435 yearly; Subaru WRX 63 litres/RM767 yearly
- Size: Lexus UX 4,495 mm long/1,840 mm wide; Subaru WRX 4,669 mm long/1,826 mm wide
UX
- RM35,557 cheaper to buy
- Has autonomous braking, lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control
- Adds front parking sensors, navigation, powered front seats and rear air vents
- Much lower outputs: 169 hp and 205 Nm versus 271 hp and 375 Nm
- Smaller boot: 228 litres versus 411 litres
- Front-wheel drive only, while the Subaru WRX has all-wheel drive
WRX
- Far stronger 2.4-litre turbo flat-four with 271 hp and 375 Nm
- Six-speed manual with all-wheel drive
- Larger 411-litre boot and 63-litre fuel tank
- RM35,557 dearer to buy, with higher yearly road tax of RM767 versus RM435
- No autonomous braking, lane-keeping assist or adaptive cruise control
- No front parking sensors, navigation or rear air-con vents
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM 250,688✓ | RM 286,245 |
| Body type | SUV | Sedan |
| Segment | C-Segment | C-Segment |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, naturally-aspirated with variable valve timing | 16-valve DOHC with turbocharger, variable valve timing |
| Capacity | 1,987 cc | 2,387 cc |
| Horsepower | 169 hp | 271 hp✓ |
| Torque | 205 Nm | 375 Nm✓ |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline | Flat 4 |
| Timing Type | Chain | Chain |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore | 80.5 mm | 94 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 13 | 10.6 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | CVT Automatic | Manual |
| Transmission Name | 10-Speed Direct Shift | 6-speed manual |
| Gears | — | 6 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Aisin | Subaru |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 9.2 seconds | — |
| Top Speed | 190 km/h | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,495 mm | 4,669 mm |
| Width | 1,840 mm | 1,826 mm |
| Height | 1,520 mm | 1,468 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,640 mm | 2,672 mm |
| Weight | 1,540 kg | 1,510 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 47 litres | 63 litres |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 228 litres | 411 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 215/60R17 | 245/40R18 |
| Rear Tyre | 215/60R17 | 245/40R18 |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | Bridgestone Turanza T005A | Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT 600A |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Japan (CBU) | Japan (CBU) |
| Chassis | Unibody | Unibody |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Trailing Wishbone | Double Wishbones |
| Front Wheels | 17" Aluminum Aero Ventilating Wheels | 18" Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 17" Aluminum Aero Ventilating Wheels | 18" Alloy |
| Front Brakes | Ventilated Disc | Ventilated Disc |
| Rear Brakes | Solid Disc | Solid Disc |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Assist) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Front Knee, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain, Rear Side | Front, side, curtain, driver's knee airbags |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | — |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | — |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | — |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for rear doors | Manual for rear doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 three-point |
| ISOFIX | Available for two outer rear passenger seats | Available for two rear passenger seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | — |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | — |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | — |
| Seatbelt Reminder | For All Seats | For All Seats |
| Safety Notes | TPMS | — |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projector | LED Projector |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | LED Combination |
| 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 | Manual Adjustment |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-folding | 60:40 split folding |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control System | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Rear Vents | — |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Boot | 1 Front, 3 Front USB |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights |
| 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 | 11.6" HD Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-pinch | Four Windows, Driver's side Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Entry |
| Auto Start/Stop | ✓ | — |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control |
| Tiptronic | ✓ | — |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activation | Remote Control Activation |
| Parking Sensor Front | 4 Sensors | — |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | — |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Electroluminescent Analogue |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Handbrake |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited✓ | 100,000 km |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM 435✓ | RM 767 |
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 WRX FAQ
Is the Lexus UX or Subaru WRX better?
The Lexus UX is better for comfort-biased daily use and safety assist kit. The Subaru WRX is better for keen drivers, with 271 hp, 375 Nm, a six-speed manual and all-wheel drive.
What is the price difference?
The Subaru WRX is RM35,557 more expensive than the Lexus UX. It also has higher yearly road tax, at RM767 versus RM435.
Which has more boot space?
The Subaru WRX has the bigger boot at 411 litres. The Lexus UX has 228 litres, so the Subaru is the easier pick if luggage space matters.