Lexus LBX 2024 Review: Small hybrid SUV tested

The 2024 Lexus LBX is a self-charging hybrid crossover that combines Toyota reliability with the upmarket build quality and brand appeal of Lexus.
In this CarGurus UK review, Vicky Parrott take a detailed look at the LBX, assessing its practicality, technology, performance, running costs and design, and weighs up whether it's worth the premium over its Toyota sibling.
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#cargurusUK

[@paulinedobsonmayfield]

I have an LBX and my daughter has a top of the line Yaris Cross which I drive regularly. The Yaris Cross alerts are 10x the frequency of the LBX, which only alerts me when I’m not looking straight ahead enough - like when you are looking for a park. The comfort levels for ride are poles apart as is cabin noise. Although I have only had my LBX for a few weeks, the only downside in comparison is the litres / 100km where the Yaris Cross clearly wins. Here in Australia the wait for a new Yaris Cross is 18 months whereas the LBX is available for immediate purchase.

[@niluparupasinghe8581]

Good one! Hope I can make my mind to buy one of these. I test driven this and I agree it's really really quiet inside the cabin and feels so nice.

[@mrqikgix]

We just ordered the LBX Sports Luxury in 2WD here in Australia and fortunately we only have a 4 week wait (due on June 16). We did originally have an order in for a Corolla hybrid and that still hadn’t been made 3 months after we made the order so we cancelled it.

[@paulinedobsonmayfield]

@@mrqikgixI had a new CHR on order before the actual price was known. I signed the contract for the price of the previous top of the line model ($43,000 AUD). Three months later the RRP was released and it was a staggering $64,990 AUD. I couldn’t justify paying that amount of money for a CHR that I was going to have to wait 12 months for. Hence my decision to buy the Lexus LBX and saved myself $7000 AUD.

[@hossanaodharo4403]

Nice write up I'm looking forward to getting the lbx it's my dream car. I can't afford it till 3 years time 😅

[@chanxiaoqi2011]

@@hossanaodharo4403 haha , someone same page as me! 😂

[@drzoidbergmd3200]

Excellent review as always. No stupid drag races or yeeting stuff about.

[@nickmckay8628]

C'mmon CarGurus... 0-60mph is 9.2sec for standard 2wd (not 9.8secs) & the wheels on your Takumi version are a comfy max' of 18" (not 19")! And it's NOT a YarisCross. Lexus has put massive extra time, extra tech & engineering into the LBX. My son has a fantastic Yaris Cross (& loves it) but the LBX has moved the whole package to a far more refined level (for a compact premium SUV). Hence why my wife bought an LBX Original Edition. And, NVH levels (believe it or not) are equal or significantly better than her BMW X5 4.0d & as a further luxury benchmark Jaguar's last edition of their XJ saloon. Key sound deadening points, engine balancer shaft, double glazed windscreen & front side windows, Active Noise Control etc., to name the more obvious. It's not rocket science & such mistakes & generalisation tank credibility. Hhhmmm!

[@fasthracing]

A more realistic review. Not like the normal "Its FANTASTIC"

[@alexshapley8331]

Thanks - good review - short(-ish) and sweet!

[@md7999]

Excellent no-nonsense review. Well done 👍🏻

[@jonathanbender4691]

A proper review. Brilliant.

[@arsensarkissian7927]

Great review, good work 👍🏼

[@graemepol]

No mention of the superb "active cruise control " or the " driving assist" which apart from the comfort of ride, make it MUCH better than the Yaris Cross.

[@keijopulkkinen7587]

The best review about this car I have seen, welldone!

[@nicholasriley3569]

To answer your Q; you would choose the LBX over Yaris Cross as the Lexus is engineered to be more refined and has a higher quality cabin.

[@mrmawson2438]

Cheers Vicky

[@SOMEONE-ME]

Yaris Cross in best trim is still plastic fantastic. No near match to LBX, which has about every element further refined. You need to seat in both to experience it. Driving (handling) is also way more pleasant in LBX. LBX is expensive, but every small car with those features is (all German manufactures are actually abandoning this "tiny" segment). LBX has basically every system from 2x more expensive RX model, so it has to cost. One thing which I miss are ventilated seats. Is it worth extra? Up to everyone's own decision. It's not just Yaris with Lexus badge for sure.

[@erichahn8970]

The LBX comes standard on 17" alloys for entry level and the higher spec models have 18" alloys NOT 19".

[@minka25]

Went for the LBX instead of the Yaris Cross cause its much quieter. From listing (in Germany) highest Yaris and LBX are ~3000€ difference. But Yaris Cross has (in Germany) in every higher trim a purple/taupe Interior that is total stupid.

[@DJAYPAZ]

There is no big issue with the LBX. A detailed comparison between the LBX and the Yaris shows far more changes between the two than mentioned in this short review.

[@SOMEONE-ME]

List of changes is vast (excluding what is visible, so body, interior etc.). Actually it's easier to say what is the same which is: frame (but LBX has extra glue and extra elements for rigidity), 12.3inch cockpit, gear changing handle and maybe few small bits. What is different: better seats with memory, 2x stronger battery, engine is further modified and has balancing shaft, different suspension, steering (including shock absorption system), aluminium wheel stubs, acoustic windows in higher trims and much better sound insulation overall, seals for front bonet and doors, special break system for controlling horizontal posture of the car, improved driving assist systems, more efficient wipers, ML audio system (extra paid) and more. Even plastic covers underneath are different. All made in Japan from different elements (things like exhaust) than Yaris Cross which comes from crap French (this factory as for Toyota standard is not the best) factory. It's not Yaris Cross, same way as ES is not a Camry, even if they also share same platform. Not sure in UK, but in EU every new car has (homologation requirement) speed limit alert and it can't be turned off permanently (it can, but will come back with car restart).

[@DJAYPAZ]

@@SOMEONE-ME Thanks for a comprehensive reply. In Australia we only get two specifications, Luxury and Luxury Sport. The ML audio system is only available in the Luxury Sport spec which is 4wd. There are no options for either spec only the paint colour. I’ve been trawling through specs to work out exactly what is included in the Luxury spec.

[@SOMEONE-ME]

@@DJAYPAZ Many more trims and options in the EU.

[@SOMEONE-ME]

@@DJAYPAZ Do not get 4wd version. There seems to be some issues with it ( even if in theory has better suspension). There are reports of vibration/shakiness. It’s also heavier and has worse dynamics.

[@DJAYPAZ]

@@SOMEONE-ME Thanks, I was unaware of any problems. Will definitely steer clear of the 4WD.

[@graemepol]

Premium plus and up are best. Driving assist mode is definitely worth having.

[@markd5063]

Picked up an LBX yesterday. 2 points to piss me off to start with. If you buy the much cheaper Yaris Cross, you get wireless Android Auto..... Buy a more expensive Lexus LBX, and you do not!!. Wake up and smell the coffee Lexus, who wants to pay more for less..... 2nd point which somewhat questions the build quality is to have the gear lever fall off today at a grand total of 72 miles... Not a happy bunny.

[@TheMichelex20]

Is this the same equivalent vehicle as the US sold Lexus UX 250 H? I just bought one and I loooove it. Perfect little car to tool around town in.

[@user-ip1ig8zk4z]

Mid range LBX in UK is £34,999 and the Corolla GR 1.8 Hybrid is £34,999 too, yes different segment of car but I know where my cash is going any day of week, that’s on the LBX

[@robertlloyd7493]

Interesting 😊

[@seanweirdbeard]

Can you get the Yaris in AWD 4x4? Like the look of it tho...

[@SOMEONE-ME]

Yes, there is Cross AWDi.

[@glennchinyangarara8225]

GR Yaris is available with AWD

[@SOMEONE-ME]

@@glennchinyangarara8225 That’s very different setup. Proper 4x4.

[@jamiep61]

Vey nice looking 😊

[@8arcbal]

Vicky ❤

[@user-io2et5bv2s]

Massage seats?

[@jonathantaylor1998]

A very straight-forward, unfussy review, Vicky - thank you. I'm just a tad puzzled though... 🤔 I ran a 2004 Mk2 Toyota Prius 1.5i Hybrid up to 200,000 miles over 9 years and I would regularly get 65mpg in mixed driving in summer weather, which you certainly appeared to be enjoying in this video. So, that 20-year-old Prius was running BETTER mpg figures than this brand-new 2024 Lexus...? How is that progress...?????

[@gertjan3014]

Isn’t it much more quiet than a Yaris? That would be another selling point.

[@minhkha3382]

Headlights of the TX. Grill of the RX. Back of the NX. Body of a Corolla GR.

[@JackWeed-nm1vq]

That’s my issue with the LBX too, it looks to similar to a Toyota and not Lexus enough. It doesn’t have a different persona

[@serdargoksu6143]

Are Lexus LBX and Toyota Prius same platform and mechanics?

[@SOMEONE-ME]

Yaris Cross platform, but many changes. Actually except actual "frame shape" it's all bit or substantially different.

[@glennchinyangarara8225]

LBX is the same car as Yaris Cross underneath

[@SOMEONE-ME]

@@glennchinyangarara8225 False. Most component are different and made in Japan. Even plastic covers are different. LBX has aluminium stub axles, different shock absorbers, muffler, fuel tank etc. Frame is similar but also not exactly the same.

[@glennchinyangarara8225]

@@SOMEONE-ME I mean in terms of engine components, as they have the same 1.5 liter hybrid engine?

[@SOMEONE-ME]

@@glennchinyangarara8225 It’s same base, but further improved like most other components. Bit more hp, different ECU, balancing shaft and most important: 2x more powerful battery, which means car is very responsive to gas pedal. About every review says that driving experience is rather different to Yaris. I only driven LBX and in the city it’s pure joy ( motorway was fine as well). It’s very ‚direct and responsive’ car. Also suspension is rather firm as for Lexus brand, but this is part of the new identity. Idea is to still bit of comfort in favour of more controlled drive. There was quite detailed info on Lexus EU website about all changes.

[@Joeyyyy87]

Lexus please bring this vehicle to America come on

[@lucluppens8692]

Yaris cross 130 hp, is only 1500 euros cheaper then the LBX in Belgium (Europe) LBX drives quiter, insulations, suspension, accelerations are better..

[@marktaylor9579]

Small??????????????

[@graemepol]

Lbx is much better than the Yaris

[@stephenhall3515]

This reviewer makes too many mistakes. 19" tyres NO; the CVT is a refined ECVT, smoother than on the Cross; engine and drive train bracing is specialized sprung stainless steel (not alloy); electric only range is more than stated where the cadmium battery is at nominal 95%; the conservative side shaping has a lower drag rating than the Cross; even the base model has all round sensors and the next one up has 360 degree cameras; the 'nannying' element is only on the top model and few of those will be made, depending on requests; warranty periods are different between the LBX and Cross and more panels are bolted, like on the old Prius. The main difference is one of a far higher quality product which will keep its value, especially as maintenance is somewhat easier and yearly services less expensive. MPG stats given were misleading as the LBX can give over 60 mpg in independent tests. The Yaris Cross is a very good car but what Lexus has done here is to anticipate the German downturn in smaller SUVs, thereby creating a new market sector which for a time was called MPV. While appreciating the reviewer's calm presentation style, it really a poor show when vital details are ignored. Poor research.

[@tochukwuezinwa2122]

Just an ok car It doesn't look exciting at all But good review

[@ekimandersom4478]

Sorry but the yaris cross has a terrible cheap and ugly interior, and the outside isn’t that great looking either. This LBX is way way nicer.

[@bl4desman]

You get a reasonable sized boot, because they took the spare wheel out here and lowered the boot floor. With no run flat tyres, it's not good when you get a puncture on our potholed roads.

[@RayWilliams-ui7gw]

I guess I will stay with the Yaris if this is true. I like a spare wheel, just for peace of mind.

[@bl4desman]

@@RayWilliams-ui7gw It's true. My parents have a LBX and under the carpet and tray with the compressor and tyre gunk in, there is a place for a spare wheel to be mounted. However, as the boot floor is lower the wheel doesn't fit. I've worked out the size of tyre and wheel offset and bought a spare wheel and some tools. I now need to make something to support the boot floor at its raised height. Someone in the Lexus owners club was quoted £2000 by a Lexus dealer for a spare wheel. This included the new boot side panels needed to lift the floor, a wheel and various tools. Search 'spacesaver spare wheel for LBX' and you will find the thread in the forum.

[@sorin_channel]

Smallest Lexus? The CT 200h exists, no?

[@rojen8571]

Is that smaller ? I don’t think so…….

[@sorin_channel]

@@rojen8571 it's a small hatchback, it can't be bigger than LBX, can it?

[@rojen8571]

@@sorin_channel it’s history now but it was 4320mm long !!! Bigger, yes?

[@mrmawson2438]

Hello Vicky, I wouldn't recommend that car to someone I didn't like lol

[@petermackie7156]

I've had my LBX for 10 days brand new and twice it has conked out and refused to start. I'm contacting Lexus to take it away. I need a car I can trust.

[@dyingangelo]

19s on a "small suv" WHAT

[@erichahn8970]

She is totally wrong on her report. The LBX does NOT come on 19 inch alloys. Entry level has 17 inch while higher spec models like the one she drove is 18 inch.

[@podge5555]

They don’t look like 19”s

[@sirajudeenshamsudeen2824]

Where is Rebecca

[@johnsmith-vz4sk]

Thanks for one of the most blandest reviews I ever seen

[@interceptor-ss8kb]

Looks very boring exterior styling for Lexus.

[@SOMEONE-ME]

Get new Mini Countryman if you like "less boring" style. Problem is that this one is hard plastic fantastic everywhere (just in many colors and textures).

[@newbeginnings8566]

Overpriced tiny vehicle will attract some mugs...

[@Koulis_]

The Lexus brand doesn't seem relevant any more. There were brilliant products like the original LS400 and the occasional excellent examples but now they are just tarted up Toyotas. British buyers want to know they are getting something special for the extra money and this no longer applies with the dilution of the brand.

[@SOMEONE-ME]

Which is true for every brand today. Seen Mercedes EQS (costs quite serious money) and its squeaky, shiny plastic interior?

[@m4st3rm1nd9]

Stupid tiny car. I couldnt imagine Lexus would go even smaller than UX.

[@SOMEONE-ME]

Have you driven/parked in European cities? This car has perfect size for its purpose.

[@court1188]

Desperately dull. No style at all.