Lexus LBX – the smallest model from the Toyota subsidiary made fine

Premium flair at a premium price
Lexus LBX – the smallest model from the Toyota subsidiary made fine

Lexus wants to make downsizing easier for drivers of luxury SUVs. It works: switching to the small LBX is anything but a step down. The Lexus LBX scores with its elegant ambience and economical drive. However, the performance is only moderate and it is relatively expensive.

Cute, sporty, practical – the selection of models in the small car class is large, but limited. Only a few models in this rather price-sensitive market segment meet higher demands for ambience, prestige and premium style. The Lexus LBX is certainly one of them – but the premium flair comes at a high price.

The noble Toyota subsidiary wants at least 33,000 euros for its smallest model. In absolute terms, that's a lot of money for a mini crossover that's almost 4.20 meters long. However, if you compare the price with the rest of the brands' portfolio, the LBX immediately seems like a bargain – the next larger model (the compact SUV “UX”) costs a good 10,000 euros more.

High-quality appearance – inside and out

However, you can immediately see that Lexus sees itself as a premium provider in the Japanese entry-level model. Externally, it has a slightly less sharp edge than its brand siblings, but the sweeping front and the sculpted flanks also ensure a high-quality appearance. The company's own standards are even more evident in the interior, which features the best workmanship and many fine materials.

You have to know that the Lexus is actually a Toyota Yaris Cross beneath the elegant sheet metal and expensive leather. You can't see it; even most standard parts such as switches and door handles were replaced. There are definitely a few rough edges with cheaper materials, but in the small crossover segment the LBX is clearly at the top in terms of appearance.

The operation of the vehicle and infotainment system are flawless. The smartphone connection and the wireless use of Android Auto/Apple Car Play also work smoothly, which is not always the case with the Toyota sibling despite basically the same architecture. The test car also had an optional surround sound system with 13 speakers from Mark Levinson, which is probably one of the best in the segment.

Little space in the rear, lots of space in the trunk

The main target group of the small Lexus is likely to be regular customers who want a size downgrade. For example, couples whose children have left home or former company car drivers who have retired. You should be able to cope with the rather limited amount of space in the small crossover. Things are particularly tight in the rear, especially when it comes to headroom. Even at the front, the Lexus doesn't seem exactly airy with its high side walls, black roof lining and massive dashboard.

The trunk, on the other hand, is comparatively large and offers enough storage space even for a vacation trip for two. Small point of criticism: Better lighting (only a small lamp provides dim light) would once again underline the premium claim of the brand and model.

Drive taken over from Toyota relatives

While the Lexus effectively distinguishes itself from its Toyota relatives in terms of exterior and interior, it adopts the drive system unchanged. It always uses a 100 kW/136 hp hybrid combination of three-cylinder petrol engine (1.5 liters) and electric motor, which is available in either a single or double version. In the second case, an all-wheel drive is created, which slightly increases consumption but has no real influence on system and driving performance.

Overall, the latter are decent, but anyone who expects a subscription for the left lane of the motorway from a premium car is completely wrong here. Instead, the dual drive impresses with its combination of quick (electric) acceleration and low consumption. In the city you can get by with less than four liters, in the country it's around five. However, if you want to drive quickly on the motorway, you have to expect values ​​above 7 liters, because the hybrid loses its saving effect, which is primarily based on brake force recovery.

Toyota has done a good job of minimizing the acoustically unpleasant rubber band effect when accelerating over the decades, and the Lexus further reduces the general noise level with good insulation. In general, the entire system does a well-rehearsed, largely unobtrusive job. For a short time, fully electric driving is also possible at the push of a button, but this is just a gimmick. The general conditions must be optimal and the driving speed must be low, otherwise the technology will quickly switch back to hybrid mode. The chassis does an absolutely good job, offering decent overall comfort both on poor city streets and on the highway using comparatively simple small car technology.

Price problem

The biggest problem with the LBX is the price. The Japanese are already asking 33,000 euros for the basic model with front-wheel drive. However, the Lexus only becomes attractive in the second level, “Elegant” for 36,500 euros, which not only has better basic equipment, but also allows the choice of additional paid options that are withheld from the basic model.

In general, if you want to fully enjoy the unusually extensive range of technology on offer for this class, you have to significantly activate your financial reserves. The prices can be pushed up to just under the 50,000 euro mark even without access to the accessories range. When it comes to assistance systems, Lexus is more generous: the most important systems plus some more exclusive items (cross-traffic warning and cyclist detection) are always on board.

Overall, the Lexus upgrade is convincing. The look and ambience are right, the chassis and noise comfort are worthy of all respect, especially given the technical basis. The drive leaves a somewhat ambiguous impression: it is more economical than a pure gasoline engine, but less climate-friendly than an electric motor. In terms of driving pleasure, pulling power and acceleration, it can't keep up with an electric car either.

Technical data – Lexus LBX

• Four-door SUV with full hybrid drive
• Length: 4.19 meters, width: 1.82 meters (with exterior mirrors; 2.03 meters), height: 1.56 meters, wheelbase: 2.58 meters. Trunk volume: 400-992 liters
• 1.5 liter three-cylinder petrol engine: system output 100 kW/136 hp, maximum torque 185 Newton meters, permanently excited electric motor at the front, nickel-metal hybrid battery, CVT transmission, 0-100 km/h: 9.2 s, Vmax: 170 km/h, consumption 4.4 – 4.6 l/100km (WLTP, combined), CO2 emissions 102 -104 g/km (WLTP, combined), test consumption: 5.1 liters/100 km, price from 33,000 euros