Review: 2023 Lexus LBX: A Premium Small SUV That Treads Cautiously

The Lexus LBX 2023 is a new model that has just been launched for the Japanese luxury carmaker in the new trend of the compact premium SUV segment. I was able to get my hands on the fully equipped LBX for a week to determine how competitive it is with other premium compacts such as the BMW X1 and Audi Q3. Despite all the advantages that LBX offers to this size class in terms of elegance and the quality typical for Lexus, the car does not deviate too much from the standards in some aspects. Do read on for details of my review.

Styling and Interior Design: Refined and Subdued

At first glance, the Lexus LBX is nothing but a small crossover SUV that blends with the rest of the brand’s lineup. All the lines are perfectly drawn but there is no contour or some kind of big circle for the whole shape to look great. It will not attract much attention in the parking lot at large due to a rather conservative design concept.

This continues inside, where you are presented with a well-coordinated interior, clad in leather and full of useful doodads. But in terms of design, the Lexus LBX has a very heavyhand feel to its controls and the infotainment systems are relatively low rent for what we should expect in terms of 2023 vehicles. Comfort is sought after and achieved through this small SUV but it lacks the design appeal that would make it more attractive.

Comfort and Convenience

It would be difficult to find better value for money at the price range that this bike occupies.

Where the Lexus LBX makes up for I-Pace is in functional opulence for the driver, and the passengers. Comfortable and power-controlled seats in the front, an auto-climate control system, the power moon roof, and the noiseless interior make lasting trips very comfortable. Comfort features such as heated and ventilated seats, wireless charging for phones, gesture-controlled opening of the tailgate, and a 10-speaker premium audio system are as good as or better than those in some luxury small SUV rivals. On the aspect of pampering, which is a trademark of most luxury cars, the LBX scores high.

Performance and Fuel Economy

Comfortable and Refined, not Performance-Marketed.

Powering the LBX is an adequate 2.4L 4-cylinder with a turbocharger that outputs a decent 227 horsepower to motivate it. While it drives this small SUV adequately for the most part, to be used primarily for daily driving in mind, it does not serve to excite either – comfort is the key here. It gets its power channeled to a smooth 8-speed auto and can be had with either a front-wheel or all-wheel-drive. Another key is fuel economy rating of 23/30 mpg city/hwy in FWD models that is quite impressive. The LBX copes well with handling but the higher weight diminishes the exciting factor. Quality is acceptable at best and is not exceptionally great.

Technology and Safety

Technology Galore, Extra Safety Is Not Cheap.

Lexus again provides the LBX with an adequate array of infotainment and connectivity for the LBX, with standard features including navigation, Apple Carplay/Android Auto compatibility, Amazon Alexa integration, and an eight-speaker audio setup. However, most of the new-age driver assistance and collision prevention systems are bundled into a pricey option package, strangely making customers to pay more to add safety features to something as luxurious as an S-Class. These are some of the packages, which are; Blind spot monitoring Rear cross traffic alert Front and rear parking sensors Pedestrian detection Lane centering assist and others.

The Bottom Line

Convenience and Luxury with As Little Risk as Possible.

The new Lexus LBX’s target audience will be people who are looking for genuine luxury, comfort, and high-quality equipment, as well as Lexus’ well-proven reliability in a compact SUV. It does not introduce new trends in exterior design and performance capabilities, but excels at making passengers comfortable. But you must accept to pay a penny more for technologies that should come as standard in this class of cars, modern driver assistances. While it may have been sensible for Lexus to play it safe in the Lexus LBX, it could have been a missed opportunity in truly disrupting the premium small crossover sector.