Lexus LBX

Lexus LBX at a glance

LBX stands for "Lexus Breakthrough X(cross)-over". Lexus chose LBX instead of BX to avoid a trademark conflict with Citroën. The car sits below the UX in the Lexus catalogue.

Generations and versions

There is one generation. Chief engineer Kunihiko Endo developed the LBX mainly for Europe and Japan; at launch Lexus planned 3,500 cars a month, of which 2,000 for Europe, 1,200 for Japan and 300 for other markets such as Australia and Southeast Asia. Sales in Europe started in early 2024.

The Morizo RR was first shown as a concept and went on sale in Japan; in Australia it was priced from AUD 76,490 (about EUR 47,000) in December 2024, with deliveries from the first half of 2025.

Design and positioning

The LBX took Lexus into the B-segment for the first time. Rather than a shortened UX, it is built on the Yaris Cross hardware with its own body: at 1,825 to 1,840 mm it is relatively wide for a car only 4,190 mm long, and the height of 1,535 to 1,560 mm keeps it lower than many small SUVs. The wheelbase of 2,580 mm is the same figure for every version.

The cabin is where Lexus separates it from the Toyota: semi-aniline leather, an optional 13-speaker Mark Levinson system and ambient lighting with 50 colours are on the options list, and a vegan-friendly interior with synthetic materials is offered as well. At the What Car? Car of the Year Awards 2024 in London the LBX won both the overall Car of the Year title and the Small SUV category.

Engines and performance

Hybrid. The 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine produces 67 kW (91 PS) and 120 Nm on its own; the front electric motor adds 69 kW (94 PS) and 185 Nm. Combined, Lexus quotes 100 kW (136 PS). The battery is a bipolar nickel-metal hydride type, lighter and more compact than a regular NiMH pack. The E-Four version adds a 5 kW (7 PS) rear motor with 52 Nm for traction on slippery roads.

Morizo RR. It uses the 1.6 turbo three-cylinder of the GR Yaris and GR Corolla. In Australian specification it weighs 1,485 kg and reaches 100 km/h in 5.2 seconds. Our power converter translates the kW, PS and hp figures between markets.

Dimensions, space and boot

The boot is the LBX's weak point: 332 litres in front-drive form is small for a 4.19 m crossover, and Lexus does not publish the same figure for the E-Four.

Fuel economy and running costs

The hybrid is the cheapest Lexus to run, but official WLTP consumption varies by wheel size and drive; we have not found a single manufacturer figure covering the whole range, so we do not quote one here. As a full hybrid it needs no charging. Use our fuel cost calculator with your own consumption to estimate annual costs.

Trims and equipment

Lexus offers the LBX in Emotion, Cool, Elegant and Relax versions, with 17- or 18-inch wheels (20-inch wheels on the Japanese Cool). Standard equipment includes a 12.3-inch digital instrument display and a 9.8-inch touchscreen with Lexus Link Connect, the "Hey Lexus" voice assistant, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Options include a head-up display, a 13-speaker Mark Levinson sound system with a rear subwoofer, semi-aniline leather and ambient lighting with 50 colours. A vegan-friendly interior uses synthetic materials for the seats, steering wheel and gear lever.

German prices started at EUR 32,990 in March 2025 (Auto Zeitung).

Safety: Euro NCAP

Euro NCAP tested the LBX 1.5 hybrid in 2024 and awarded five stars: 82% adult occupant, 83% child occupant, 79% vulnerable road users and 76% safety assist. The test car weighed 1,290 kg. Australia's ANCAP scored it 82% adult, 86% child, 76% vulnerable road users and 79% safety assist. Results for other small SUVs are in our safety ratings.

Reliability

The LBX shares its platform and hybrid layout with the Toyota Yaris Cross, but we have not found LBX-specific reliability data from owner surveys yet, so we do not list known issues.

Rivals

The Yaris Cross is the technical twin at a lower price; the Alfa Romeo Junior offers a larger boot and an electric version.

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