Members of the UK motoring press were recently invited to test-drive our smallest model yet, the new Lexus LBX compact crossover. Designed to be accessible, easy to live with and in tune with contemporary European style, we think this new generation hybrid offers more than is expected from a car in its class. But what did the road testers think of its advanced technologies and downsized luxury? Read what they had to say in our LBX reviews article below.
Simply click on the emboldened links to be taken through to each outlet’s full online review.
Lexus LBX reviews:
What Car?: 5/5
George Hill: “The Lexus LBX hits the nail on the head when it comes to its intended purpose. It’s the smallest Lexus you can buy, yet it’s plush inside, cheap to run and very well-equipped. You also get the promise of stellar reliability and rock-solid build quality.”
The Lexus LBX managed to impress the What Car? team so much that they awarded it their coveted Car of the Year award, with What Car? editor Steve Huntingford saying: “The What Car? Car of the Year title is reserved for the model which has moved things on farthest in the past 12 months, and this year that’s the Lexus LBX. Despite competing in the hugely competitive small SUV market, it’s a better all-rounder than every rival, not least because it is the first car in the class to combine hybrid efficiency with big-car luxury. And at a time when prices seem to be going through the roof, it offers these strengths for an amazingly tempting price.” You can read more about the award, and other Lexus awards, here.
Autotrader: 4/5
Dan Trent: “Enter the LBX, the smallest and most affordable Lexus yet, taking established brand values like hybrid power and a distinctively Japanese twist on luxury before shrinking them into a compact crossover. Stylish, easy to drive and with a real sense of quality, it nails the brief of delivering a proper Lexus experience in a smaller package.”
Honest John: 4/5
Robert Clymo: “The Lexus LBX is an appealing premium small SUV. It features a frugal hybrid petrol engine set-up, and the design is great too, with an array of upmarket interior options to match. [It] offers up a pleasing mix of decent performance, well-rounded handling in a variety of driving scenarios and comfort along the way.”
Lexus LBX reviews:
Top Gear: 7/10
Peter Rawlins: “Lexus has got high hopes for the LBX as it sets its sights on a younger audience. It’s a very smart-looking thing, the interior feels… premium, and it’s highly economical… thanks to its clever hybrid set-up.”
Express and Star:
Jack Evans: “It takes quite a lot to stand out in this crowded market, but we reckon that the LBX has done just enough to put its head above the parapet. It’s a fine alternative… with the LBX’s well-specified interior and efficient powertrain setup making it a choice which both feels a little bit special and yet still economical to run.”
Autocar: 3.5/5
James Attwood: “In an age when cars are getting bigger and it’s a struggle to fit some of them on UK roads, the Lexus LBX is a good idea: there’s absolutely no reason why a small car can’t be premium, and it will be a concept that will likely appeal to many buyers. You can see why Lexus has high hopes for it and why it’s projected to be a sales success. It’s a welcome addition and the sort of car we need more of: small, economical, fuel efficient and fun to drive.”
Lexus LBX reviews:
Auto Express: 3/5
John McIlroy: “The LBX [is] a credible premium small SUV – and the hybrid powertrain means it should find buyers who want electrified efficiency but aren’t ready to jump to a full EV.”
CAR: 3/5
Colin Overland: “The LBX is an agreeable car to drive and live with… it’s fairly refined and comfortable, it steers nicely, it feels well made and should offer decent economy. It’s also well equipped, with some pretty advanced features available higher up the price list.”
Lexus LBX video review:
Learn more: Lexus LBX – your questions answered
I am now in the market for my third family car. Having done some research myself and watched this video of LBX cross over model, and also having read the viewers’ and owners’ comments here, I have my own reservations to go for a LBX myself. One of the major draw backs I see is the leg room for the rear passengers. When I was sitting in the rear myself in a showroom LBX, I was not comfortable. I said to myself that if I spend a modest amount for an LBX, and find that I can not take my occasional extended family (or an adult friend for that matter) in the rear of the car, that will be a great disappointment. I do sometimes make long journeys, lasting 2 hours + at a stretch, and the poor guy on the back will have a tough time cramping up, and waiting to get out. The other thing I read from one of the owners here is that the software is not up to scratch, which is a surprise for a Japanese make – let alone a luxury brand such as Lexus. Please take these points as a constructive criticism. If I have the money, I would rather go for the higher SUV model instead.