Our Rating
3.5/5
Pros
Cons
Introduction
The Lexus LBX enters the small SUV market as a compact, hybrid-powered vehicle, representing the premium segment of Toyota’s lineup. As the smallest offering from Lexus, it aims to blend luxury with efficiency in a more urban-friendly package. But does it deliver on these promises? Let’s dive in
Exterior Design and Styling
The exterior of the Lexus LBX is a strong selling point. It successfully translates the luxury and sophistication of the Lexus brand into a compact SUV format. The design is modern, yet timeless, likely appealing to a wide range of consumers looking for a luxury vehicle that is practical for urban environments yet stylish enough to stand out.
In profile, the LBX maintains a dynamic stance. The roofline slopes gently towards the rear, lending it a coupe-like appearance, which is quite appealing in the current market trend. Despite its compact dimensions, the LBX does not appear cramped or overly small. It strikes a nice balance between being city-friendly and having a strong road presence.
Interior
When stepping inside the Lexus LBX, the initial impression is one of understated luxury, a hallmark of the Lexus brand. The front cabin immediately stands out with its meticulous attention to detail and use of high-quality materials.
Front Cabin Luxury: The driver and front passenger are treated to an environment that feels both premium and comfortable. The seats in higher-spec models are clad in soft Alcantara upholstery, offering a plush feel and a touch of elegance. The dashboard and other touchpoints are designed with materials that not only look luxurious but also feel substantial to the touch.
Infotainment System: Lexus has significantly improved the infotainment experience in the LBX. Gone is the previously criticized trackpad, replaced by a more intuitive 9.8-inch touchscreen. The graphics are crisp, and the interface is user-friendly, although it’s worth noting that while Apple CarPlay enjoys wireless support, Android Auto requires a wired connection. Higher trims boast a 12.3-inch digital instrument display, enhancing the tech-forward ambiance of the cabin.
Ambiance and Noise Insulation: Lexus has always been good at crafting a serene cabin environment, and the LBX mostly continues this tradition. The hybrid system allows for quiet operation, especially in stop-and-go traffic. The engine noise, when it does kick in, is well-contained, although it’s worth noting that the LBX does let in a bit more road and wind noise at higher speeds compared to some of its quieter rivals.
Performance and Handling
Under the hood, the LBX shares its hybrid system with the efficient Toyota Yaris Cross. The front-wheel-drive version boasts a respectable 0-62mph sprint time of 9.2 seconds. For those seeking enhanced traction, especially in challenging weather conditions, a four-wheel-drive option is available, albeit at the cost of slightly reduced efficiency and increased 0-62mph time (9.6 seconds).
Engine Performance and Efficiency: The heart of the LBX is its hybrid powertrain, shared with the Toyota Yaris Cross, which provides a commendable balance between performance and fuel efficiency. The hybrid system delivers smooth acceleration and is particularly adept in urban environments, where its low-speed efficiency and transition between electric and petrol power are seamless. The 0-62mph time of 9.2 seconds in the front-wheel-drive model is quite respectable, giving the LBX a nippy character in city driving conditions.
Ride Comfort: Where the LBX’s driving experience becomes more nuanced is in its ride quality. Lexus typically prioritizes a plush ride in its vehicles, but in the LBX, there’s a noticeable firmness to the suspension. This setup results in a ride that can feel fidgety, particularly at lower speeds in urban areas. However, as the speed increases, the ride smooths out considerably, making the LBX more comfortable on highways and open roads.
Practicality
In terms of practicality, the LBX offers ample storage and a respectable boot space of 402 litres in the front-wheel-drive version, shrinking somewhat in the four-wheel-drive model. The rear seats adopt a standard 60/40 split, which is typical for the class, but falls short of the more versatile 40/20/40 split offered in some competitors.
Rear Cabin Space: Moving to the rear, the space becomes more constrained. While a six-footer can fit in the back, they might find it a bit cramped, especially in terms of headroom. This could be a point of consideration for families or those who plan to frequently carry adult passengers in the rear seats. Compared to some of its competitors, like the Audi Q2 or the VW T-Roc, the LBX offers less legroom and headroom in the back, which might limit its appeal as a family-friendly vehicle.
Boot Capacity and Versatility: The LBX offers a boot space of 402 litres in the front-wheel-drive variant, which is fairly competitive in the small SUV segment. However, opting for the four-wheel-drive model reduces the boot capacity significantly, to around 317 litres, due to the additional hardware. The boot is square-shaped, which aids in practical loading and unloading, but the absence of a height-adjustable boot floor means there’s a notable drop from the boot entrance to the load bay floor, potentially making it more challenging to load heavier items.
Verdict
The Lexus LBX is a bit of a conundrum. It shines with its luxurious front cabin, efficient hybrid powertrain, and confident handling. However, it falls short in rear cabin luxury, ride comfort at lower speeds, and noise insulation on highways. It competes in a segment where these factors are highly valued by consumers. While it’s a commendable effort from Lexus to package luxury in a small SUV, potential buyers should weigh its offerings against the price and their personal preferences for what constitutes a premium compact SUV experience.
