Prices range from £30,000 to £40,600, which puts the LBX in the ballpark of small electric SUVs such as the Jeep Avenger and Volvo EX30. But while Lexus is dipping its toe into the EV market with the larger RZ, the LBX is a petrol-electric hybrid. It uses the same running gear as the Toyota Yaris and Yaris Cross, so there's a 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine combined with an electric motor and battery, with the system tuned to make 134bhp here, a 5bhp increase over the most powerful version of the Yaris. As with the Yaris Cross, the LBX is available with front or four-wheel drive, the latter being a rarity in the small SUV class.
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The Yaris connection will give you an idea of how small the LBX is. At 4,190mm it's 10mm longer than a Yaris Cross, but a width of 1,825mm is a handy 60mm broader than Toyota's smallest SUV, and the LBX has a wheelbase that's 20mm longer, too. That means there's a bit more space in the cabin, but it's still on the snug side.
Up front there's plenty of room, and the LBX feels just as plush as the company's bigger models thanks to generous use of premium materials. The light-coloured synthetic leather of our car felt upmarket (black trim is available at no extra cost), but the man-made trim for the steering wheel was less impressive. While it had the look of leather, there was a slightly oily feel to its texture. There's centre console storage, but it's narrow, while the door bins are on the small side, too.
Where the LBX struggles the most is for rear passenger space. Much like the previously mentioned Avenger and EX30, the back seats are only really good for short trips, with the middle seat being no more than a token addition. Boot space isn't dreadful, but a capacity of 402 litres isn't much bigger than a conventional hatchback, while the seats-down capacity doesn't break the 1,000-litre mark, at 994 litres. There is a false floor with extra storage beneath, though, while a powered tailgate is also fitted to Premium Plus models and above.
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FAQs
I wouldn't blame you if you thought this luxury SUV wasn't related at all, because Lexus has done a sensational job of making the LBX look every bit a part of its brand. Gone are the endearing but dorky lines of the Yaris Cross, replaced by something curvier, wider, and certainly more sporty.
Is Lexus LBX smaller than UX? ›
The Lexus LBX is positioned as the smallest model in our crossover range. It is more compact than the UX, which in turn is smaller than the mid-size NX. Our largest SUV is the full-size RX, while straddling the space between mid-size and full-size is the RZ.
What does LBX stand for in Lexus? ›
According to Lexus, the "LBX" name stands for "Lexus Breakthrough X(cross)-over". It is the second Lexus model with a three-letter name, following the LFA which was released in 2011.
Where is the Lexus LBX made? ›
The LBX is the first Lexus model to be manufactured at the Iwate plant in eastern Japan, a facility that has benefited from Toyota Motor Corporation investment to help regenerate a region that suffered devastation from the Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami of 2011.
Is the Lexus LBX too small? ›
The Lexus LBX is slightly smaller than the UX small SUV in terms of footprint, but is slightly taller. In comparison to the cheaper Toyota Yaris Cross, it's bigger in every direction, including a 20mm bump in the wheelbase. At not much more than four metres long, don't expect the Lexus LBX to be a big car.
Who are the competitors of the LBX? ›
Rivals Audi Q2 and Volvo XC40 are able to offer more space, with the Q2 offering just a snip more at 405L and the XC40 an impressive 460L. Meanwhile, the Toyota Yaris Cross offers 390L of boot space, so the LBX wins in terms of practicality here.
What is the smallest Lexus SUV model? ›
What is the Smallest Lexus SUV Model? In the United States, the smallest SUV in the Lexus lineup is the 2024 Lexus UX Hybrid. It's a hybrid Lexus SUV available in the UX 250h hybrid model. Its dimensions are 177″ L x 72.4″ W x 60.6″ H.
How much is the Lexus LBX? ›
How much does the Lexus LBX cost? Aimed at both youth buyers and empty-nesters, there are three models in the 2024 Lexus LBX petrol-electric hybrid line-up: the $47,550 Luxury, the $52,990 Sports Luxury and the $56,990 Sports Luxury all-wheel drive (or AWD).
Does the Lexus LBX have a sunroof? ›
Lexus LBX does not have a sunroof.
Is Lexus LBX sold in the USA? ›
The Lexus LBX is a baby crossover that is not sold in America, and likely isn't missed either given it uses a hybrid three-cylinder and front-wheel drive, sitting on the same architecture as the Toyota Yaris hatchback.
Premium Plus specification adds to the equipment fitted to Premium trim cars by the inclusion of high-gloss 18” alloy wheels, powered rear hatch, a 12.3” digital instrument display, head-up display, and front and rear USB ports.
Does the Lexus LBX have a reverse camera? ›
To help with tight manoeuvres, all versions come with front and rear parking sensors and a reversing camera. Range-topping Takumi models and the Original Edition add a 360-degree bird's eye view camera.
Does Lexus LBX have self parking? ›
And with the Remote Park system, the driver can even initiate auto-parking using an app on their smartphone. They don't have to be inside the car at the time, so it's ideal when space is very tight.
Is the Lexus LBX 4WD? ›
The LBX's authentic SUV quality includes the option of Lexus' E-Four all-wheel drive, which introduces an additional electric motor on the rear axle.
Does the Lexus LBX have heated seats? ›
Here's what you get in the Premium Plus package: high gloss 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights with automatic high beam, Lexus Link Connect multimedia system with 9.8-inch touchscreen, dual-zone climate control, smartphone integration (wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto), E-latch electronic release, front and ...
What car is similar to Yaris Cross? ›
The list of Yaris Cross alternatives is seemingly endless. You have cars such as the Peugeot 2008, Ford Puma, Renault Captur and Skoda Kamiq to choose from, so the Yaris Cross has a lot of work to do if it wants to stand out. It's off to a good start thanks to the distinctive styling.
What is the Lexus version of a Yaris? ›
The Lexus LBX Morizo RR is a 300bhp, GR Yaris-engined performance crossover. The Lexus LBX Morizo RR Concept is a big name for a small car that – in genuinely surprising news – now packs a big punch. A GR Yaris-shaped punch. Because it's got the engine from a Toyota GR Yaris.
What is the difference between a Yaris and a Yaris Cross? ›
Interior Comfort and Space
While both the Yaris and Yaris Cross offer comfortable interiors, the Yaris Cross takes advantage of its larger size to provide a more generous cabin space. The Yaris Cross offers increased headroom, legroom, and cargo capacity compared to the standard Yaris.
Is the Lexus LBX coming to America? ›
While the LBX won't be available in the United States, it will compete with rivals like the Audi Q2 in Europe. However, its arrival undeniably adds a fresh and intriguing option to the Lexus lineup. The LBX comes equipped with an updated hybrid powertrain centered around a 1.5-liter three-cylinder gasoline engine.
