TEST Lexus LBX – more than Toyota Yaris Cross with a haircut?

Until recently, the CT 200h was the smallest car in the history of the Lexus brand. With a sales figure of around 11,000, it is also the best-selling Lexus ever in the Netherlands. Thanks to the low additional tax for economical cars. While there are no additional tax benefits to be had from the hybrid these days, Lexus also has ambitious plans for the LBX.

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What does the Lexus LBX model name stand for?

The Lexus LBX model name therefore stands Lexus Breakthrough Crossover – true and true. For example, Lexus estimates European sales for 2024 at 24,000 units. In the Netherlands, the newcomer should double the number of annual sales of the brand from about 600 to 1,200. This could put it in the sales list among cars like Porsche Taycan, Jeep Compass and Renault Zoe.

That suddenly sounds very low. Especially when you consider that the LBX is closely related to the roughly 8,000 euro cheaper Toyota Yaris Cross. Around 6,000 of these will pass through the gates of Dutch dealers in 2023.

Unlike the Toyota Yaris Cross

Lexus cannot say that LBX and Toyota Yaris Cross are siblings. According to engineer Kunihiko Endoh, although both use the GA-B platform, they were developed separately. You can also see this in the dimensions: the Lexus is 2 centimeters longer and no less than 6 centimeters longer than the Toyota.

Lexus LBX with four-wheel drive

All LBXs have the same hybrid power. A 1.5-liter three-cylinder works with an electric motor. Together they produce 136 hp, allowing the LBX to run to 100 km / h in 9.2 seconds and reach a top speed of 170 km / h. Mud tigers can order the LBX with four-wheel drive. In this case, there is a second electric motor at the back, but it does not provide any additional power. Due to the extra weight, it takes 0.4 seconds more to complete a hundred sprints.

LBX stronger than Yaris Cross

Especially for its smallest SUV, Lexus has designed the spindle grille more modestly. So it has less impact on our taste buds than other Lexus models. In fact, we think the LBX looks pretty cool from the front. In any case, it seems more difficult than the weak Yaris Cross.

The width of the track also increased with the width of the car and that applies to the wheel. When we hear the ending, our hearts leap for joy. Can adults with legs fit in the back of the LBX? Unfortunately. Endoh-san tells us that the extra centimeters benefit the revised suspension, which should ensure a more agile driving behavior. In addition, the LBX is more rigid than its brother – sorry, nephew – and Lexus has made additional efforts on sound insulation.

Lexus LBX accessories

You can’t see those improvements, the interior of the Lexus is more attractive. The design is similar to that of the larger models; clean, simple lines and nice soft materials, also on the dashboard.

The base version of the LBX costs 35,995 euros and is fully equipped. Including climate control, a reversing camera, 17-inch alloy wheels and an infotainment system with smartphone connectivity and volume control. The Lexus Safety 3+ system includes adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist and traffic sign recognition.

Price Lexus LBX: extra space costs extra money

For Lexus real pampering you have to rely on one of the four so-called atmospheres. For an additional cost of 4,500 to 6,500 euros, they all offer a steering wheel and seat heating, climate control with two heating zones, 18-inch alloys and additional safety systems, including Safety Departure Assist. This warns you if you want to open the door when a cyclist or a car is approaching from behind.

The difference between different atmospheres is mainly in decoration. For example, Emotion (from 40,995 euros) and Cool (from 42,495 euros) emphasize playfulness and dynamics, while Elegant (from 40,495 euros) and Relax (from 41,995 euros) especially have an elegant appearance. In the last two, for example, you are sitting on imitation suede or genuine leather. We especially like the elegant blue color with cream-white and yellow synthetic leather Relax with cognac colored leather from real cow.

Involuntary opening of the knee

While front occupants can’t resist engaging in the intimacy they desire with the soft material, rear passengers immediately find themselves involuntarily bumping their knees and feet against the front seats. Additionally, the upper parts of the rear doors are covered in Toyota’s hard plastic. We don’t feel like whining and releasing whining couch potatoes, but not after we’ve also listened to their complaints about getting in and out of power. Then we prepare for a solo trip into space.

From stable to flexible

We press the start button and go. We are driving the first part of the test route through the center of Valencia, in southern Spain. There we are faced with an overdose of pothole covers and marked asphalt. While the chic interior tries to maintain the illusion of luxury, the chassis quickly lets us know we’re not driving a Lexus LS. Short bumps are presented loud and clear; we even hear the sounds here and there. Long bumps, like speed bumps, are handled well.

“The engine noise is not annoying, but you expect more refinement from Lexus.”

We don’t hear the engine in town. But when connecting to the highway, the stepless transmission cannot hide its old behavior and the engine changes dramatically. This is not really a nuisance, but you expect more refinement from Lexus – even if it is small. Fortunately, at constant speeds on smooth pavement, the LBX is nice and quiet. However, during long journeys it is obvious that the seat cushions are on the short side and some drivers complain that they cannot fit their left leg properly.

Premium too very empty!

When we enter the mountainous areas, the little Lexus surprises with its pleasant precise handling. The chassis is not interested in corners taken quickly. The car remains nicely neutral and the understeering effect does not occur for a long time. Despite the hard driving style, we achieved an average consumption of 5.2 l/100 km (1 in 19.2). And so, the little LBX shows where its real strength lies. Premium or not, it’s very economical. However, you might wonder if you wouldn’t be better off buying a compact electric SUV like that for around 40 grand. Volvo EX30 they can buy…

Divide between payment structure and pocket

With the LBX, Lexus wants to cater to drivers who like to be pampered, but who don’t like big SUVs that burn a hole in their bank accounts every month. But do those payout expectations match LBX’s portfolio size? As far as the appearance of the interior and exterior, the Japanese have many layers in their mission. When it comes to sound experience and suspension comfort, Lexus still has its i’s and its i’s crossed.