2025 Lexus LBX Morizo RR review

News.com.au

24-05-2025

Take the fizzing turbo engine from Toyota's GR Yaris, wrap it in a luxury skin, then lower, widen and stiffen.
Cook it up and it's the most 'Banzai!' Lexus we've seen in years – the LBX Morizo RR.
This new model shakes off the normal LBX's sensible shackles to become a Gazoo Racing LBX city SUV in all but name.
The code name
Besides, the Morizo 'Rookie Racer' badge is cooler, as it's the alias of Toyota Corp's chairman – and utter rev head – Akio Toyoda. Such is the big boss's affection for this hot little Lex, he's gifted his racing name to the model. Why? Because it's the funnest Lexus we've seen in years.
But it's not cheap. At $76,490 – over $80,000 to drive away – it's 30 grand more than a well-equipped entry-level LBX hybrid.
But that's not stopped Aussie shoppers. There's already a year-long waiting list for this Morizo RR.
Here's the appeal. Its screaming 1.6-litre three-cylinder turbo's good for 206kW and 390Nm, meaning 0-100km/h in only 5.2 seconds. That matches Toyota's GR Yaris weapon, and trumps the larger GR Corolla.
Helping the performance cause is race car-like electronically variable all-wheel drive, Torsen rear limited slip differential, bespoke sports suspension, forged aluminium 19-inch wheels and sticky Continental performance tyres.
It looks the business
There's body coloured fenders, twin exhausts, unique bumpers for improved airflow, red brake callipers on ventilated rotors, and it sits 15mm lower and 15mm wider than lesser LBXs.
Front occupants enjoy semi-aniline leather and suede heated seats; dash and door trims are suede with red stitching, there's classy push button door handles, aluminium pedals and chunky heated steering wheel.
It's not luxe-dripping like larger Lexus offerings, but feels classy enough inside, and a mighty leap over the hard plastic cocoon of the related Toyota Yaris Cross.
Tech includes an angled 9.8-inch infotainment screen, wireless CarPlay/Android Auto (which you must use – the native software's very average), digital driver display, Mark Levinson audio and five USB-C ports.
Why you need five is a mystery, as this LBX is cosy for two but a serious squeeze for more. Rear seats are a challenging fit, and the boot's also a tiddler as the rear suspension changed to a sportier independent set-up. Which shows priority's been given to the drive rather than practicality. Good.
Something is missing
But then a major misstep, for this reviewer at least, is no manual gearbox offered. Not only is a six-speed stick shift offered in the GR Yaris and Corolla, LBX Morizo RRs in Japan feature three pedals.
Lexus Australia (rightly) says demand for manuals is near non-existent here, but we still say boo.
On our Victorian Alps test road, the driver engagement is still extraordinary.
Being a Lexus, this mongrel LBX must be more sophisticated than commoner GR Toyotas, so isn't as raw, exhaust-poppy and spine-smashingly firm.
But it remains toylike in bends, exhibiting phenomenal balance and grip, while the steering – key to a rewarding car – is superbly weighted in Sport mode, helping accurate dives into a corner apex. It's a car that just sticks. Glue like.
The engine is a star
Its petrol particulate filter robs of some performance next to a GR Yaris, but you'd not notice. Torque pull's mighty so you fly out of bends, ready to nimbly dart into the next direction change.
The eight-speed auto gearbox is smooth and eager, and paddles give control to hold it to the redline, where the noise is windows-down worthy.
It's docile in town, but seriously thirsty. Reckon on over 12L/100km on urban or back roads.
Ride quality's also on the firm side for daily use, but you'll forgive it for the thrills offered. Unlike $6950 for five years' servicing – that's tough to swallow.
Verdict
No manual gearbox is a shame, but it's still a great fun, capable and desirable pocket rocket dressed in a fancy Lexus suit.
4 stars
2025 Lexus LBX Morizo RR
ENGINE: 1.6-litre three-cylinder turbo petrol, 206kW and 390Nm
THIRST: 9.2L/100km