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
Mine is simple. If Lexus offer a sunroof on the lbx, like every other Lexus, then I’ll buy one.
If not, I won’t
Agree. A sunroof and premium sound is a must as an option for me also.
Looking seriously at the LBX, I need to see which model offers all the features of my current ux r sport, can you advise
2021 model
Hi Peter, thanks for your interest in the LBX.
We would recommend looking at the Premium grade upwards. That’s the base line if you’d like the benefits of heated seats etc, then Smart Entry comes in on the Premium Plus grade.
Your local Lexus Centre will happily advise further and will have a demonstrator visiting for a couple of days in the near future, you may be interested in taking this opportunity to view it for yourself.
Thanks,
Lexus UK
I’m undecided on whether to go for a LBX or a used NX?
I need more room for our two lurcher dogs than my current Toyota Argo has. I love how frugal the Argo is but sadly it’s just a little too small. I also want cruise control as I’m disabled and journeys in a tiny car are not fun. I have always had bigger cars prior to this.
Hi Simon, thanks for your message.
We would recommend the NX out of the two, that has a bigger luggage capacity. From around 521 litres compared to 317 in the LBX, in general the latter is a much more compact vehicle. Although in comparison to your current Toyota Aygo, you would have much more room for manouevre in both models.
Thanks,
Lexus UK
Is lbx easy for older person to enter and exit ?
Hi there, thanks for your comment.
That depends on your personal abilities, it isn’t something we can really advise on as everyone has their own limits.
Thanks,
Lexus UK
I really love Lexus Cars having own 4x CT200h…..2xIS 300h…..and 2x UX250h i can attest to Lexus Quality/Reliability and Economy,,Lexus are also great to drive…
I am looking forwards to owning a LBX RR if and or when Lexus go ahead with this exciting version of the LBX.
mike
Hi Mike,
Thank you very much for your kind words, we really appreciate it.
Lexus UK
Does the LBX have the catalytic convertor under the bonnet as in the Yaris therefore less easy to steal?
Hi George, thanks for getting in touch.
The LBX is a model built upon the new global security platform and therefor not deemed as a high risk model in terms of vunerability to theft.
Thanks,
Lexus UK
Test driven and VERY interested in purchasing but need clarity on tow bar situation (which we need for a bike rack, rather than towing) want the premium plus but price list only has a towbar as option on urban and premium spec. Can you clarify/assist? Why would it not be possible to fit on premium plus as it’s the same car? Thanks!
Hello,
Thank you very much for your interest in the LBX.
Unfortunately due to weight restrictions, the tow bar is only available on Urban and Premium grades of LBX.
Please let us know if there is anything else that we can assist you with.
Thanks.
I drove the LBX at one of the dealerships and have one on order. Dissapointed that the passenger seat isnt electric even at Takumi level ! the drive itself was faultless – I kept it in manual/sport through urban and dual carriageway and revved quite hard. Even then it got 61 mpg !
Hello JJ,
Thank you for taking the time to provide this feedback.
We are always looking for ways to improve our vehicles, so we will pass this onto our Product Team.
If there is anything else we can help you with, please let us know.
Thanks.
Is there a 4 wheel drive version.
Good morning William, thanks for your interest in the new Lexus LBX.
Yes, AWD is available on the Takumi and Takumi Design grades.
Build your dream specification here: https://www.lexus.co.uk/new-cars/lbx/pre-order
Get in touch with your local Lexus Centre so you can get behind the wheel to experience the new Lexus LBX.
Thank you.
Hello,
Could you please tell me the width of the back bench in the LBX?
Thanks!
Good morning Joop, thank you for your question.
The Lexus LBX measures 1825mm wide, the interior width is 1445mm with effective hip room in the rear of 1075.6mm. We hope this information helps but we’d always recommend a visit to your local Lexus Centre to explore the LBX in person.
Thank you.