Overview

A Lexus has never featured on our list of the best small SUVs for one simple reason – it’s never had a car competing in this class. But the Lexus LBX changes that, as it’s the first small crossover from the premium Japanese firm.

The LBX slots beneath the UX SUV in its line-up, and uses similar underpinnings from the small Toyota Yaris Cross – including a reworked version of that car’s ‘self-charging’ hybrid system, which is renowned for its fuel economy. 

The LBX taps into the premium end of the small crossover segment. So rather than targeting the Nissan Juke, it’s looking to rival the Audi Q2, with other upmarket cars in this class including the DS 3 and Alfa Romeo Junior. 

It’s intended to attract people who have never previously considered a Lexus, or are downsizing from their current Lexus. Though it’s based on the Yaris Cross, there are lots of differences, including to the chassis and engine, and there’s a much more stylish design inside and out. You’d never know it was based on a Yaris to look at it. 

But it is also much more expensive. While a Toyota Yaris Cross starts from £25,500, the Lexus cheapest LBX costs a fiver under £30,000, with top-spec models coming in at more than £40,000. 

Entry-level Urban models come with an 9.8-inch touchscreen with smartphone mirroring, dual-zone climate control and keyless entry. We think Premium is the best option as this adds blind spot monitoring, a head-up display, heated front seats plus wireless smartphone charging. 

Premium Plus models bring larger 18-inch alloy wheels, an electric boot, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. A trim called Takumi sits at the top of the range, adding a surround camera, park assist, 64-colour ambient lighting, a heated steering wheel and an impressive 13-speaker Mark Levinson sound system. 

We’ve driven the Lexus LBX extensively overseas on the first international launch and now in the UK. Read more about how we test cars at Parkers. This expertise allows us to give you a fully informed opinion on all major attributes of the Lexus LBX and ultimately assess whether you should buy one. Read on to find out everything you need to know about this hybrid crossover.