Pricing confirmed! 2024 Lexus LBX hybrid SUV is Toyota Yaris Cross' fancy cousin

Lexus has confirmed the LBX crossover for an Australian launch with hopes it will appeal to a new-generation of buyers when it lands locally in mid-March 2024.

Starting from $47,550 before on-road costs, the Lexus LBX is available in three grades, a front-wheel-drive 'Luxury' and a Sports Luxury trim in both FWD ($52,990) and all-wheel-drive ($56,990) versions. 

The LBX (which stands for 'Lexus Breakthrough Crossover') is built on the GA-B platform (called TNGA-B by Toyota) shared with the Toyota Yaris Cross, though Lexus claims the architecture is tweaked "to meet the stringent requirements of a Lexus vehicle".

Measuring 4190mm long, 1825mm wide, 1560mm tall and with a 2580mm wheelbase, the LBX is shares the same wheelbase measurement as the Yaris Cross, but is also slightly longer, wider and shorter.

Built on the TNGA GA-B platform shared with the Toyota Yaris Cross, Lexus claims the architecture is tweaked “to meet the stringent requirements of a Lexus vehicle”.

Powering the LBX is a 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol-electric hybrid powertrain that Lexus claims delivers "both responsive performance and outstanding fuel economy", with international specifications having the LBX at a 100kW output.

For reference, the front-drive-only Toyota Yaris Cross also features a similar powertrain that serves up 85kW/141Nm and a combined fuel consumption figure of 3.8 litres per 100km.

Further differentiating the two however, is the availability of front- and all-wheel-drive configurations on the LBX, the latter designed to support an additional electric motor at the rear thanks to a unique trailing arm double-wishbone suspension set-up.

Unlike its Yaris Cross cousin, Lexus' LBX will be a hybrid-only offering in keeping with the strong mix of electrified sales in Australia.

Measuring 4190mm long, 1825mm wide, 1560mm tall and with a 2580mm wheelbase, the LBX is shares the same wheelbase measurement as the Yaris Cross, but is also slightly longer, wider and shorter.

Of course, being a new Lexus, the LBX features the brand's signature spindle grille, which is flanked by two sleek headlights and a tapered bonnet.

With minimal front and rear overhands, Lexus says the LBX features "a well-planted look", while sporty touches include a roof spoiler and L-shaped tail-lights with a connecting horizontal strip.

Standard are 17-inch wheels, with 18s available on higher grades, with both wrapped in wide 225-section tyres for improved road holding.

Inside, drivers are treated to a massive 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 9.8-inch multimedia touchscreen, ambient lighting, and extra materials in the dashboard and roof to reduce in-cabin noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) levels.

Safety, of course, is also at the forefront in the LBX, with highlights including autonomous emergency braking (AEB), adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and lane-keep assist.

Inside, drivers are treated to a massive 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 9.8-inch multimedia touchscreen, and ambient lighting.

The LBX is almost the brand's most affordable offering, just beaten by the base model UX crossover that starts at $46,085 before on-road costs for the 200 Luxury.

Keep in mind the Yaris Cross starts at $27,840 for the GX 2WD and extends to $35,840 for the GR Sport Hybrid 2WD, and the next-cheapest UX is about $10K more expensive than the UX200 Luxury, so there is plenty of air between the two models for the Lexus LBX to slot in.

The Lexus LBX will also be Australia's only luxury light SUV, but competitors could come in the form of the Renault Captur and VW T-Cross.

2024 Lexus LBX pricing before on-road costs

UPDATED FROM 05/09/2023 by Chris Thompson