The LBX is Lexus’ attempt at cracking the subcompact SUV space, bringing in a fresh outlook. It promises to be a luxury car, but without the hefty price tag. To make that possible, it shares its platform with the Toyota Yaris Cross. However, the LBX is far from just a badge job. Lexus has set out to create something unique and quirky, hoping to attract more first-time buyers. Has it worked? We find out.
"If you’re buying a used Lexus LBX, I’d recommend looking out for a full-service history, as Lexus offers a long warranty if the car is properly maintained. Also, ask whether the 12-volt battery has been replaced and tested, check the infotainment for glitches, and make sure the rear-view camera recall has been completed if applicable. As always, inspect tyres, fluids, warning lights, and listen for any unusual noises on a test drive, and use The AA’s used-car checklist"
Jamie Webb is a Roadside Patrol at The AA, with hands-on experience developed through motorsport, roadside work and practical vehicle maintenance, along with a growing specialism in hybrid and electric vehicles.
Read bioThe Lexus LBX is still a new model, so there are very few ‘common’ issues, especially mechanically. The 1.5-litre three-cylinder self-charging hybrid has been around since 2020 and is used in six other cars, so we’re not short on knowledge about it. The hybrid engine is highly reliable and was designed for low fuel consumption and longevity. Issues you may come across in an LBX are generally minor.
• The main issue owners report is frequent flat 12-volt batteries. A replacement 12-volt battery for this vehicle is around £150 to £350, depending on the quality of the battery and who fits it.
• Occasionally, you may get infotainment or software glitches, which generally can be easily fixed under warranty at the dealership.
• Another small niggle is the hybrid battery cooling fan, which could get blocked. However, this can be avoided by simply checking the filter regularly and clearing any dust or debris build-up. You could even do this yourself at home to save money.
• Overall, the hybrid batteries are very reliable, and long-term owners may see a reduction in performance when they’re around 8 to 10 years old. But Lexus does offer a 10-year warranty. If a battery needs replacing out of warranty in the long run, it can be done at a Lexus dealership and can cost roughly between £1,200 and £2,000.
The LBX is very easy to maintain if the service schedule is followed, as outlined below. During the first five years, owners can expect alternating services, hybrid health checks (which are included in all services at Lexus), 12-volt battery checks, brake fluid checks and replacements, plus a lot more. It’s also best practice to rotate tyres, as it is on any vehicle, to get the maximum life out of them. Lexus also offers service plans, which can sometimes be included in the deal if you get an approved used vehicle.
Typical service schedule:
• 1st Service (Oil & Inspection): 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first
• Subsequent Services: 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first
• Brake fluid change: 2 years or 20,000 miles, or 3 years or 30,000 miles, full details in service book
• Lexus electrical systems are complex, like most modern cars, so occasional glitches can occur. Parking sensors may be affected by dirt or weather, causing false alerts. There is also a known recall for the reversing camera freezing due to a software fault, which is fixed for free under warranty.
• There have also been some reports of issues with the infotainment system and ADAS features. However, they are generally minor and software-related rather than hardware failures. Common complaints include infotainment lag, freezing screens and smartphone connectivity issues, which are generally resolved with an update or a reset.
Based on what we know so far, we think the LBX will hold up very well over time. Lexus is a brand known for reliability, so it’s fair to say the LBX won’t be a frequent visitor to a garage or dealership. While it’s hard to tell the long-term outlook, as it’s a new model, early signs look positive.
“If you can look past the tight cabin, the Lexus LBX is a refined and economical SUV that rightly delivers on Lexus’ brief of offering a truly upmarket experience on a budget”
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Adithya is the Content Editor at AA Cars and a Motoring Journalist, with over 1,000 published articles across numerous publications.
Read bioA new Lexus LBX starts from £29,995 for the base Urban. The Premium starts from £33,695, the Premium Plus from £35,695, Premium Plus Design from £36,695, Vibrant Edition from £36,695, Vibrant Edition Bi-tone from £37,695, Takumi from £38,995, Takumi Design from £39,635, Takumi AWD from £40,995, and Takumi Design AWD from £41,995.
Prices for the Takumi trims breach the £40,000 mark, making them slightly expensive, while Premium Plus editions offer the most value. If you are after even more value and considering a nearly new or used Lexus LBX, we have all trims in stock, including the LBX Takumi, at attractive prices.
There is only one engine option for the Lexus LBX. This is a 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine, paired with an electric motor that self-charges and develops a combined 136hp. This power is sent to the front or all four wheels (AWD) using an e-CVT gearbox. Lexus says the LBX can do 0-62mph in 9.2 seconds (FWD) or 9.6 seconds (AWD), with a top speed of 106mph.
Lexus’ hybrid system is a complex yet bulletproof unit that has been around for years. As the LBX is a self-charging hybrid, all you have to do is put fuel in the tank and let the car take care of everything. This, in essence, captures the whole idea of the LBX. It is an easy car to live with every day. Under 30mph, and with light throttle inputs, the electric motor provides power, resulting in a near-silent and smooth drive. This electric boost is pronounced and nippy enough to make the LBX feel lively at slow speeds. Prod the throttle and response is instantaneous and satisfyingly progressive.
The CVT gearbox is seamless and so is the switch from electric power to the internal combustion engine. Yes, there is a distinct three-cylinder hum, but the transition is effortless, unlike some other hybrids. Toyota/Lexus has been working on hybrids for years and it shows. Even the transition from regenerative braking to normal braking is well executed. All of this translates to a simplified driving experience. Ask more of it with a heavy throttle, and the LBX sprints with adequate poke, but the engine does sound a bit strained towards its upper limit. Acceleration is decent at 9.2 seconds, but this is when the battery has enough charge for the electric motor. Consecutive hard acceleration runs mean the LBX can feel slower and the engine has to do all the hard work alone. But this is only evident on B-roads or if you drive spiritedly. In normal daily driving conditions, it feels just about fast enough.
Look elsewhere if you want a punchy or engaging powertrain. The Lexus LBX is all about zen. Drive it in an unhurried manner and the Lexus feels at home while also impressing you with its refinement. Lexus also offers an all-wheel-drive version of the LBX via a small electric motor powering the rear wheels. But it makes the LBX slower to 0-62mph at 9.6 seconds.
Although the powertrain feels ordinary and is all about smoothness, the ride and handling lean ever so slightly to the sportier side. The ride definitely feels firmer than cushy, but not in a way that makes it a deal-breaker. The LBX does not bounce around or feel unsettled at any speed. In fact, the ride only gets better with speed. Drive down some uneven and poorly patched B-roads, and the LBX’s ride quality and firmness come into play. For a crossover, the body control is commendable and the LBX steers quickly with a reasonably direct steering. The short wheelbase helps with quick direction changes and grip levels are pleasingly positive.
Push harder and, at the limit, the LBX shifts to understeer, but the progression is predictable. For a small and tall hybrid SUV, the LBX is somewhat entertaining to drive. For the most part, it remains comfortable and sure-footed. Stopping power is also strong, but pedal feel can feel a bit compromised due to the regeneration.
It is clear that Lexus has spent the most time here. The cabin design and quality are unmistakably Lexus. Starting from the high-quality steering wheel with physical buttons to the crisp and clear digital dials and the high-end gear lever, everything feels luxurious. The upper dashboard and doors are finished in soft-touch materials, while there is an overall theme of brushed aluminium throughout the cabin. Attention to detail is commendable. Things like the window switches, outside mirror controls, and the physical air-con buttons integrated into the touchscreen feel top-notch. The 9.8-inch touchscreen is not as big as some other cars, but it is the right size and easy to use. This is just nitpicking, but the glovebox is the only non-premium-feeling part in the otherwise brilliant cabin.
Boot space in the Lexus LBX is 402 litres for the normal front-wheel-drive variant, while it is only 317 litres for all-wheel-drive models due to extra mechanical components. The boot can expand to 994 litres (992 litres for the AWD) with the seats folded down, and they are in a 60:40 configuration. The boot is practical enough, but the lip is a bit high, and that can be an issue if you are loading heavy items into the boot.
Although we have no issues with the boot, the cabin left us wanting more. Measuring 4,190mm in length, the LBX is a small car and the cabin reflects that. Space is definitely on the snug side. It’s adequate for the front passengers, although the foot room is limited due to the intrusive firewall design. However, at the rear, space is at a premium and that is where the LBX struggles the most. Taller passengers will find it cramped, and it also becomes an issue if front passengers are on the taller side. Overall, the rear space is much closer to a small hatchback than to a small SUV.
The storage spaces are also on the smaller side, with an average-sized glove box, a slim central armrest with storage and a nifty cup holder, large storage cubbies under the centre console, and a space for a wireless charger. A minor gripe is the flat wireless charger plate with no support, so every time you go around a roundabout or corner, the phone moves off and stops charging.
The LBX we tested was the Vibrant Edition, which sits above the Premium and Premium Plus trims but slots below the range-topping Takumi. As standard, you get Lexus Safety Sense+ 3.0 (adaptive radar cruise, pre-collision system, day and night lane trace assist, road sign assist, lane assist), blind spot monitoring, dual-zone climate control, wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto, a 6-speaker audio system with AM/FM and DAB radio, and a 9.8-inch touchscreen.
Move up the trims and you get a 13-speaker Mark Levinson audio system, a wireless charger, a heads-up display, 18-inch wheels, front and rear parking sensors, rain-sensing wipers, leather or premium suede interiors, an 8-way electrically adjustable front driver’s seat with memory, heated seats, a heated steering wheel, advanced safety features like lane change assist, panoramic view, multi-colour ambient lighting, etc. The Lexus LBX does not come with a sunroof or panoramic roof, even as an option.
The trims on offer are: Urban, Premium, Premium Plus, Premium Plus Design, Vibrant Edition, Vibrant Edition Bi-tone, Takumi, Takumi Design, Takumi AWD and Takumi Design AWD.
Lexus has a vibrant colour palette for the LBX. These include Passionate Yellow, Sonic Copper, Rich Ruby, Sonic Quartz, Eclipse Black, Dark Blue, Cement Grey, Sonic Chrome, Sonic Grey and dual-tone options.
The Lexus LBX has a five-star safety rating from Euro NCAP. It got an 82% score for adult occupant protection, 83% for child occupants, 79% for vulnerable road users, and 76% for the performance of its safety assistance systems. All the driver-assist features worked as promised during our test. But the LBX can feel annoying to some drivers or passengers, as it bongs every time there is a hazard or the speed limit changes.
Lexus says the LBX can return 56.4 to 62.7mpg, which is promising for a hybrid SUV. On our testing, we were consistently seeing close to 55mpg, which is in line with Lexus’s figures. With some dedication, we can imagine it getting closer to 60mpg.
In terms of CO2 emissions, Lexus claims the LBX emits between 102 and 108g/km. This number is slightly higher for the AWD at 110 to 113g/km. First-year VED/tax for the Lexus LBX is around £405.
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