Skip advert
Advertisement
In-depth reviews

Lexus LBX - Engines, performance & drive

It’s far from exciting, but the LBX is slightly faster than the Yaris Cross and more comfortable

Engines, performance and drive rating

3.0

How we review cars
RRP
£29,995 £40,555
Avg. savings
£2,147 off RRP*
Find your Lexus LBX
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

Given its Yaris Cross underpinnings, it’s no surprise that the Lexus LBX utilises the same three-cylinder engine ‘self-charging hybrid’ powertrain. It pairs a 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor to produce a combined 134bhp – 5bhp more than the Toyota Yaris Cross.

As a result, it’s slightly quicker than the Yaris Cross, with a 0-62mph time of 9.2 seconds if you choose a front-wheel drive model, increasing to 9.6 seconds if you opt for the four-wheel drive version. The top speed for both versions is 106mph.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The continuously variable transmission (CVT) encourages you to adopt a smooth driving style, because being overly eager with the throttle results in more noise than forward momentum.

While it could be easy to dismiss it as a Yaris Cross in fancy clothes, Lexus has put serious effort into delivering a more refined driving experience for the LBX. The hybrid system is far quieter here than it is in the Yaris or Yaris Cross, with enough sound deadening to make the three-cylinder petrol engine almost undetectable when it fires up. There's just a distant thrum when accelerating, while no obvious engine noise is present at a cruise.

The suspension has been overhauled, too, and the LBX offers a comfortable ride for such a small car, and it’s a marked improvement over the Yaris Cross. The dampers do a good job of soaking up bumps, and only the biggest thumps are felt in the cabin. It's much like Lexus's larger SUVs in this regard. The LBX isn't the most involving car to drive, but the steering is direct, and while body roll is noticeable, the car doesn't feel wallowy in the bends.

Model Power0-62mphTop speed
Lexus LBX – front-wheel drive134bhp9.2 seconds106 mph
Lexus LBX – four-wheel drive134bhp9.6 seconds106 mph
Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Lexus LBX

Lexus LBX

RRP £29,995Avg. savings £2,147 off RRP*
Toyota Yaris Cross

Toyota Yaris Cross

RRP £26,155Avg. savings £2,019 off RRP*Used from £15,299
Renault Clio

Renault Clio

RRP £15,940Avg. savings £2,827 off RRP*Used from £9,000
Dacia Spring

Dacia Spring

RRP £14,995Avg. savings £1,676 off RRP*
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Renault Clio to shun electric power and stick with petrol and hybrid options
Renault Clio design render - front

New Renault Clio to shun electric power and stick with petrol and hybrid options

Renault’s sixth-generation Clio hatchback will get a clean look and hi-tech kit, and our exclusive images show what it could look like
News
12 Feb 2025
The small petrol car lives! Pint-sized Fiat Pandina due in 2027
Fiat Panda Cross - front static

The small petrol car lives! Pint-sized Fiat Pandina due in 2027

Fiat will build a new city-sized Pandina based on the new 500 platform, bringing a proper, petrol powered A-segment city car to market as early as 202…
News
12 Feb 2025
Car Deal of the Day: retro Renault 5 for £232 per month, plus four years to enjoy it
Renault 5 - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: retro Renault 5 for £232 per month, plus four years to enjoy it

The reborn Renault 5 is one of the most feverishly anticipated cars in a long time, and at such a low price, our Deal of the Day for 8 February is a p…
News
8 Feb 2025