Lexus LBX Morizo RR Unleashed: Compact Crossover Packs a High-Powered GR Yaris Punch

The Lexus LBX Morizo RR: A Compact Crossover Gets the GR Yaris Engine

However, it comes with increased horsepower. It's available with both manual and automatic transmissions.

The Lexus LBX has been on the market since June in our region. This luxury version of the Toyota Yaris Cross certainly has a presentable appearance, but when it comes to the driving experience, it's been quite unremarkable. The only engine option has been a 1.5-liter three-cylinder hybrid with 136 horsepower. But now, the smallest vehicle sporting the signature spindle grille has just become significantly more exciting.

Introducing the LBX Morizo RR, equipped with the fiercely powerful three-cylinder engine from the GR Yaris. Back in January 2024, a concept version graced the Tokyo Auto Salon, and now this distinctive powerhouse is up for grabs in Japan. Indeed, it boasts the identical G16E-GTS engine that first made waves in the GR Yaris a few years back. However, in the LBX, it's been tweaked to deliver a bit more punch. With 300 horsepower and 400 Nm of torque, its specs mirror those of the Toyota GR Corolla, which isn't available in our market.

Similar to the recently upgraded GR Yaris, the LBX Morizo RR will be available with either a 6-speed manual transmission or an 8-speed automatic. The Japanese claim a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 5.2 seconds, but they do not specify which transmission achieves this.

Similar to the two compact sports models from GR, the sleek LBX is available solely with four-wheel drive. It rests on 19-inch forged wheels paired with tires measuring 235/45 R19. The vehicle tips the scales at 1,440 kilograms when equipped with a manual transmission. Opting for the automatic version adds an extra 30 kilograms. The high-performance model boasts a width that's 15 millimeters greater and a stance that's 10 millimeters lower compared to the standard LBX.

Spanning 4.19 meters, the crossover positions itself between the GR Yaris and the GR Corolla. Additional sporty features include a more aggressive-looking body kit, a dual exhaust system, and larger brakes. Inside, the vehicle boasts noticeably sportier seats among other elements.

Lexus is setting the price for the LBX Morizo RR at 6,500,000 Yen regardless of the transmission option chosen, which is approximately 38,000 Euros at the current exchange rate. There will also be a "Bespoke Build" variant that offers additional customization options, priced at around 42,100 Euros. This special edition is capped at 100 units and will be allocated through a lottery-like system. Deliveries are scheduled to commence in Japan at the end of August.

The LBX is the inaugural model to forgo the Toyota emblem, instead receiving the compact yet robust 1.6-liter three-cylinder engine. Due to the relatively limited quantity of Lexus vehicles, it's unlikely to make its way to Germany.

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