Should you buy one?

The Lexus LBX is a great first attempt at a small SUV from the brand, which is unsurprising as it shares its underpinnings with the brilliant Toyota Yaris Cross. If you’re looking for a small, frugal upmarket crossover, it’s a sound choice – particularly when you consider that most of its rivals only use mild hybrid technology, compared to the LBX’s more efficient self-charging hybrid powertrain.

It’s also decent to drive, while the level of technology and equipment packed into its tiny body can stand up to cars from the class above, let alone it direct rivals. It isn’t perfect everywhere, though, so it doesn’t quite earn its place at the top table.

Space in the back is cramped and, because of its fancy hybrid system, it’s a lot more expensive than cars such as the Ford Puma and Skoda Kamiq. The ride quality around town is also far too unsettled.

What’s new?

Everything. 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 Leuxs’ 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 bargain-basement Nissan Juke, it’s looking to rival the likes of the Audi Q2, DS 3 and Alfa Romeo Junior. 

It’s designed 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 £26,500, the Lexus cheapest LBX costs around £31,000, 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.