• Generous upfront space
• Tight rear room but a decent-sized boot
• Lots of safety kit included

As the smallest car in the Lexus line-up, you’d expect it to be the least spacious, and that rings true. That said, it isn’t too far behind the larger UX SUV, which is a model that we think now seems surplus to requirements given the introduction of the LBX. 

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Space upfront is good, with the LBX having a fairly wide-feeling cabin for a small car. Rear-seat space is tight, though, particularly if those in the front are taller. Leg and kneeroom is cramped to the rear, to the point where adults would struggle to spend much time back there at all. You can sit upright but then you realise there’s not all that much headroom. The Audi Q2 is roomier still, as are non-premium choices such as the Skoda Kamiq. 

Boot space and storage

While rear-seat space might be tight, the LBX’s boot is a more generous size. It’s a deep, square area that offers up to 402 litres of space, almost identical to the Audi Q2 and Alfa Romeo Junior. Just be aware that if you choose an all-wheel-drive Lexus, the mechanicals required take up a considerable amount of space, reducing the boot to a measly 317 litres.

The rear seats fold 60:40, increasing the boot’s volume to 994 litres. Again, it’s not massive, but it’s ideal if you occasionally need to carry out a few more items. 

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There’s a decent amount of storage across the interior, though, particularly in the front. The centre console area has various departments to keep odds and ends out of the way, while beneath the gear selector is an open area that provides additional storage too. 

Is it easy to park?

At less than 4.2m in length, the LBX is a shorter car than a Volkswagen Golf, for example, and is therefore quite easy to park. It’s the best Lexus for urban areas, where the car is clearly targeted. There’s quite a chunky C-pillar behind the rear windows that can create a bit of a blind spot when parking, however. 

All versions come with front and rear parking sensors, with all but the entry-level Urban trim featuring a reversing camera as standard. Top-spec Takumi models also come with a surround camera system and semi-automated parking.

Safety

• Yet to be tested by Euro NCAP
• But based on five-star Yaris Cross
• Generous safety equipment included

The Lexus LBX is yet to face the safety experts at Euro NCAP, but we have few worries about how it would hold up in a crash considering it’s structurally similar to the Toyota Yaris Cross. That model received a five-star rating back in 2021, with high scores recorded in all key areas. 

The LBX also comes with a generous level of safety equipment included as standard. This includes eight airbags, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist and an advanced autonomous emergency braking. We’ve been impressed with the unobtrusive nature of the LBX’s safety assists and also how quick they are to turn off with a swipe down of the main touchscreen. 

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Jump one trim level to the Premium model and this comes with blind spot monitoring, rear-cross traffic alert and a feature to warn you of opening a car door into passing cars or cyclists. There are safety devices usually reserved for far more expensive cars.