A New Lexus Compact Crossover Is Coming To The US, Set On Stealing Clients From BMW And Mercedes

Even with the recent issues concerning Toyota and Lexus’ twin-turbo V-6, the Japanese luxury brand still retains the crown when it comes to reliability. This, however, does not always ensure that Lexus has the most competitive pick in each segment. Despite being one of the most fuel-efficient vehicles you can buy, the UX is Lexus’ slowest selling SUV, largely due to the tight interior and underpowered powertrains compared to its German rivals.

That said, Toyota's luxury brand is addressing this in an interesting way. The UX is gradually being discontinued in different markets, and replaced by the LBX. The website, Justia Trademarks, reveals that Lexus has trademarked the LB for the US, and here's how it will help Lexus get ahead in the compact crossover segment. 

Smaller on the outside, bigger on the inside 

Some clever engineering has gone behind the Lexus LBX development, ensuring you get the most out of a compact package. The LBX shares the TNGA-B platform that also underpins the Yaris Cross. With each next generation of a car becoming larger, Lexus is taking a more unexpected direction. The LBX will replace the UX as the brand's most urban-focused crossover in the US.  

The LBX is smaller in terms of dimensions, but interior space has been optimized, meaning you are getting slightly more passenger space. What's more surprising is that the smaller LBX offers 14.1 cubic feet of minimal cargo space versus the UX's 11.3 cubic feet. In short, the LBX addresses all the issues that made the UX a slow seller. It is more compact, more lightweight, yet more practical than the outgoing UX. US prices are not yet listed, but judging by the prices in Europe (€ 32,990 for LBX/ € 33484 for UX), the LBX will be slightly more affordable. 

In case you are interested in how the two Lexus crossover models compare in terms of dimensions, here you go: 

Lexus LBX dimensions 

• Length: 165 inches 
• Width: 71.9 inches 
• Height: 60.8 inches 
• Wheelbase: 101.6 inches 
• Ground clearance: 6.0 to 6.7 inches 

Weight: 2,822 pounds 

Lexus UX dimensions 

• Length: 177 inches 
• Width: 72.4 inches 
• Height: 60.6 inches 
• Wheelbase: 103.9 inches 
• Ground clearance: 6.3 inches 
• Weight: 3,218 pounds 

The Prius' hybrid powertrain is the most likely candidate for the US version of the LBX, but other mills are also available

Currently, the Lexus LBX is offered with a single powertrain option – a 1.5-liter hybrid, which is available as, both, front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. The same unit also motivates the Yaris Hybrid and Yaris Cross Hybrid. Needless to say, with only 136 horsepower on tap, this won't be enough for most US buyers, looking for a Lexus compact SUV. On the plus side, this powertrain gets you up to 62.7 MPG (58.8 for the four-wheel-drive version). 

The UX has 196 horsepower from a 2.0-liter FHEV setup, which is similar to what we find in the Toyota Prius. This engine would make for a great powertrain for the US-spec Lexus LBX, since it packs significantly more power than the 1.5-liter hybrid, and still returns up to 57 MPG. Of course, we know Toyota is bringing out two new engines –a 1.5-liter and a 2.0-liter – which will be, both normally-aspirated and turbocharged, so at least one of those engines could make it to the Lexus LBX when it makes its US debut, sometime after 2025. 

Will the US get a GR LBX? 

The Lexus LBX Morizo RR is the performance variant of the compact Lexus crossover we all want. Japan already has a production version of it, powered by the GR Corolla's 1.6-liter turbocharged, inline-three engine, with a choice of a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic. At this point, there is no word on sportier LBX making it to US shores, but given the interest towards performance SUVs and crossovers, Lexus could decide to offer the Morizo RR in the US (possibly, ,as a GR LBX). 

That said, the next-generation Corolla is said to arrive in 2027, and bring a new GR Corolla variant, powered by the brand's new 2.0-liter turbocharged, inline-four, which would also power the upcoming Toyota GR Celica. Another potential Toyota model that may feature this engine is the next-generation Supra, although the latest reports from Japan indicate that Toyota is interested in tweaking Mazda's inline-six engine. 

I think a great entry-level model is the backbone of every car company's model lineup, and the LBX is good enough to be a global model. Are you a Lexus UX owner or someone looking to buy one? Is the LBX a good successor? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section below. 

Dimitar Angelov's automotive interests made him an expert in a wide variety of vehicles. Japanese brands like Toyota are closest to his heart, although performance cars in general are his favorite segment, which is why he is constantly on the lookout for the best deals on the market. Dimitar Angelov's car passion and knack for the written word led him to complete a Master of Arts in Media and Communications, and classic car restoration. Dim is happy to get behind the wheel of any car and share his impressions. You can follow Dimitar on X, Linked-in, Instagram, and Facebook.

Image source: Lexus LBX