Lexus LBX Luxury: Big on the fundamentals

0 0 April 21, 2026 Edit this post

by Derek Ogden

What is it?

Yaris by Lexus: an automotive oxymoron? Nothing could be further from the truth.

The new Lexus LBX luxury compact is built on the Toyota Yaris Cross platform (GA-B). It's the smallest model in the Lexus range and the brand’s first B-segment SUV.

Enter the progeny of the Yaris Cross. Imbued with the Lexus philosophy of Kaizen (continuous improvement) across all its brands.

Now it is bringing this to the small SUV segment with the LBX.

Lexus sees the need for the LBX to meet the demand for signature craftsmanship, cutting-edge design and high levels of technology in an attractive package for a diverse and growing customer base.

“The first LBX breaks new ground,” Lexus' John Pappas said.

“It is proof that luxury is not dictated vehicle size and is in keeping with our electrified strategy, offering the latest in hybrid technology with an advanced fuel-efficient powertrain.”

What’s it cost?

Available in Luxury 2WD, or Sports Luxury 2WD or AWD variants, prices start at $47,550, plus on-road costs, and top out at $56,990 for the flagship, aimed at youthful buyers with active lifestyles.

The entry-level Luxury 2WD was on test.

Designers set out to make its mark for future generations of compact city-slicker SUVs.

Based on the rigid GA-B platform, the all-new LBX is one of the best-looking compacts around, the trademark Lexus spindle dominating the front, vertically compressed to sit low in the vehicle body to accentuate sportiness.

The bonnet leading edge seamlessly moulds into the slim high-set LED headlights, which include a high/low-beam light and bi-functional daytime running light and turn signal with an inverted version of the L-shaped signature lighting.

Minimal overhangs and rugged wheel arches, dark side sills and wheel arch mouldings complement the expressive SUV design.

Lexus SUV family features anchor the rear with combination lights joined by an LED light bar spanning the width of the tailgate, before framing the tail light cluster with a distinctive L shape.

Dynamic 18-inch alloy wheels are standard across the range, with Luxury grade fitted with dark grey metallic wheels with a bright machined finish highlighting the twin Y- spoke design. Two-tone body finish includes a black roof.

The dashboard is dominated by an integrated 9.8-inch multimedia display set behind an anti-reflective glass coating.

There’s a single external knob for power on/off and volume control. A 12.3-inch instrument cluster greets the driver on sitting down.

The display apes a smartphone layout and offers voice recognition and wireless compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Luxury grade is paired with a six- speaker audio system.

Native navigation is cloud-based, storing map data, downloading it to the satnav as needed, using the data communication module built into the vehicle.

This also facilitates over-the-air software updates for the head unit and instrument cluster.

Up to three users can save personal settings for multimedia, vehicle settings and active safety parameters through a Bluetooth device or smart key.

Customers can also pre-set audio and navigation settings, seat position, interior illumination, and parameters for the Pre-Collision System warning timing, blind spot monitor sensitivity and other settings.

The all-new LBX offers excellent protection for occupants and other road users with a full suite of Lexus Safety System+ features.

Active safety uses a combined radar and camera sensor, operating high-tech. For example, the Pre-Collision System with Pre- collision Braking, which detects leading vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists in the daytime, as well as oncoming vehicles and motorcycles in the daytime.

Dynamic Radar Cruise Control offers a broad range of associated features, allowing four levels of preset distances to vehicles in front and three levels of acceleration strength.

The DRCC system can also offer stop-start and low-speed following, with smooth acceleration or deceleration as required.

In a first for Lexus, owners can set a speed limiter linked with Road Sign Assist (Speed Signs Only) to limit the vehicle’s speed in accordance with the associated speed limit.

The LBX comes equipped with eight airbags for excellent passive occupant protection.

All come with a five-year unlimited kilometre warranty, and Lexus being what it is, a three-year complimentary subscription to the manufacturer’s Lexus Encore lifestyle program, boasting benefits such as exclusive offers from luxury hotel partners, invitations to premium events and fuel discounts at participating Ampol service stations.

What’s it go like?

In the cabin there’s black seat upholstery, steering wheel, door and instrument panel trim and front and rear floor mats.

Front seats are heated. Dual zone climate control has remote function.

Occupants have the benefit of wireless phone charging, ambient interior lighting, smart entry and start and power tailgate.

The driver gets an auto dimming rear-view mirror.

As for occupant comfort, Lexus says the split-folding rear seat and optimisation of rear cargo space provide customers with active urban lifestyles the carrying flexibility they need for work, family and fun requirements.

However, rear legroom is cramped, even with average-size front row occupants.

All LBX grades share the same petrol/electric powertrain, teaming a 1.5-litre petrol engine with an electric motor generator and nickel-metal hydride battery for fuel economy with refined performance.

Peak power for the petrol motor is 67kW at 5500 rpm and 120Nm of torque from 3800 to 4800 revs. It is mated with a continuously variable automatic transmission.

The petrol engine is paired with a hybrid transaxle on the front axle including a permanent magnet synchronous motor that produces 69kW/185Nm, powered by a compact nickel-metal hydride battery stored underneath the rear seat.

Peak combined output for the three-cylinder hybrid powertrain is rated at 100kW, with low combined fuel consumption of 3.8L/100km on the combined urban/highway cycle and average carbon dioxide emissions of 85g/km.

The front suspension of the LBX two-wheel drive variants features a new MacPherson strut system with updated suspension geometry, ensuring excellent straight-line stability and minimal understeer.

At the rear, the front-drives incorporate a lightweight rigid torsion beam.

It all goes into making the ride and handling steady and sure footed.

While it’s no bitumen burner, engineers improved the hybrid system’s responsiveness and acceleration thanks to the strong output of the motor and hybrid battery.

Acceleration and deceleration characteristics are sensitive to up and downhill inclines and can adjust the drive force accordingly.

The new hybrid powertrain ensures the LBX provides refined mid-range performance while offering excellent fuel economy and low carbon dioxide emissions.

After an average working week the test LBX had managed to average 4.5L/100km of fuel use.

There’s a stillness in the well-insulated cabin, mostly free from wind and tyre noise, until the ‘loud’ pedal is pushed -- then it’s a raspy retort.

What we like?

Quiet cabin
Excellent fuel economy
One of the best-looking compacts around
Ride and handling steady and sure footed

What we don’t like?

Six-speaker audio
Average performance
Rear legroom cramped
Torsion beam rear suspension

The bottom line?

The LBX delivers big on Lexus fundamentals of quality and craftsmanship, while offering the latest in petrol/electric hybrid technology with an advanced fuel-efficient powertrain.