Lexus LBX

In June 2022, Lexus entered a segment that was unknown to it at the time: that of small urban SUVs. The LBX completes the range with compact dimensions and, above all, hybrid technology that sets it apart from its competitors.

The look and dimensions of the Lexus LBX

To take on one of the most important segments of the European market, Lexus has taken care of the aesthetics of the LBX... However, he broke with some traditions. The usual large hourglass-shaped grille has been replaced by a trapezoidal grille topped with a thin metal bar. The latter goes up to the gathered headlights. The usually sharp lines have become more fluid and softened. The plunging bonnet and curved rear fenders give relief to the whole. The rear has a finely designed light strip. In terms of size, the LBX claims to be 4.19 m long, 1.82 m wide and 1.55 m high. A contained size that allows the Japanese to compete with the DS3, Smart #1 and Audi Q2. Just like the latter, the LBX offers a wide choice of customizations.

To steal customers from its opponents, the little Lexus relies on technology. In front of them, the occupants benefit from a 9.8-inch touchscreen (standard) while information for the driver is centralized on a 12.3-inch panel (7 inches as standard). By digging through the catalog of options, the range can be completed with a head-up display. The multimedia system, refined, has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functions. While the equipment is satisfactory, the disparate finish is a weak point of the cabin. Without being the most generous, the rear space is decent thanks to a hollowed out bench seat. On the other hand, the middle seat will be used occasionally. In terms of trunk, the LBX has the smallest capacity in the segment: only 332 liters while the DS3 offers an additional 30 liters. The Renault Captur, on the other hand, has a sliding bench seat that allows it to gobble up 400 liters.

Lexus LBX powertrains

The LBX has a well-known Toyota group underbelly since it uses the hybrid technology of the Yaris city car. Under the hood is a 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine with 91 hp. The latter is combined with the 45 hp Ni-mh (nickel-metal-hydride) battery. The whole allows the little brother of the UX and NX to claim 136 horsepower in total and 185 Nm of torque. Just like on the Yaris Cross SUV, this non-plug-in hybrid combination is offered in front-wheel drive or four-wheel drive (the so-called E-Four all-weel drive), thanks to the addition of an electric motor on the rear axle. All this without fluctuating the overall power. This cocktail makes the LBX a special model in a segment occupied by 100% electric SUVs (Peugeot e-2008, Smart #1, etc.) or plug-in hybrids (DS3, etc.).