Again in 2017, Toyota Motor Company CEO Akio Toyoda made a daring promise – “no extra boring automobiles.”
It was thought of daring as a result of that’s precisely what the model was famend for, automobiles that have been dependable, sensible, and well-build… however in the end uninspiring.
Skip ahead to 2025, and Toyota has fulfilled that promise. Since launching the Gazoo Racing sub-brand, the Japanese producer has launched not only one however a number of efficiency fashions, and even the mainstream stuff is a bit more fascinating.
However what about Lexus? Why ought to Toyota get to have all of the enjoyable? Particularly when its upmarket sibling has a robust monitor file of manufacturing critically acclaimed go-fast automobiles of its personal.
Take the LFA. Constructed between 2010 and 2012, the V10 supercar continues to be thought of among the finest sounding automobiles of all time. Then there’s the IS F, a sports activities sedan that took the struggle as much as BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi throughout the identical interval.
The F model nonetheless exists at present, however the Lexus lineup has been lacking one thing a bit of extra particular.
Evidently Toyoda-san realised this. As a result of, seemingly out of nowhere, Lexus launched this – the LBX Morizo RR – a brand new nameplate reserved for fashions that Toyoda-san deems worthy of a spot his private storage.
Morizo is the pseudonym utilized by Toyoda-san on the racetrack, whereas RR stands for Rookie Racing, the title of his racing crew.
And as you possibly can in all probability inform, that is no bizarre LBX. Based mostly on the unassuming metropolis runabout, the LBX Morizo RR has obtained a coronary heart transplant, gaining the 1.6-litre turbocharged three-cylinder powertrain from the Toyota GR Corolla and Yaris.
It sits 10mm decrease and 15mm wider than the core trim ranges, with a meaner face and larger 19-inch alloy wheels.
Inside there are black leather-accented sports activities entrance seats, in addition to a leather-accented shift knob, dimpled steering wheel with distinction pink stitching, and suede trim all through the cabin.
Lexus has confirmed that the LBX Morizo RR might be a limited-run mannequin, and fewer than 100 will make it to Australia over the subsequent 12 months, priced from $76,490 earlier than on-road prices. That makes it dearer than rivals together with the Cupra Formentor, Volkswagen T-Roc R, and Mini Countryman JCW.
So, is it price spending up for exclusivity and Akio Toyoda’s final seal of approval? There’s just one solution to discover out.
How a lot does the Lexus LBX Morizo RR value?
Priced from $76,490 earlier than on-roads, the Morizo RR is $19,500 costlier than the Sports activities Luxurious AWD.
| Mannequin | Worth earlier than on-road prices |
|---|---|
| 2025 Lexus LBX Luxurious FWD | $47,550 |
| 2025 Lexus LBX Sports activities Luxurious FWD | $52,990 |
| 2025 Lexus LBX Sports activities Luxurious AWD | $56,990 |
| 2025 Lexus LBX Morizo RR | $76,490 |
It’s additionally among the many costliest sporty compact SUVs going round, with solely Mercedes-AMG and BMW asking extra for his or her pint-size performances heroes – each the Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 and BMW X2 M35i xDrive ask greater than $90,000 earlier than on-roads.
Under them sits the Lexus after which a plethora of choices between $60,000-$75,000 together with the Volkswagen T-Roc R, Cupra Formentor, Mini Countryman JCW, and Audi SQ2.
Comparisons will even be made between the LBX Morizo and the Toyota fashions that share its coronary heart. The Lexus is $13,500 costlier than the Toyota GR Yaris GTS computerized, and $6000 greater than the Toyota GR Corolla GTS computerized.
To see how the Lexus LBX stacks up in opposition to its rivals, use our comparability device
What’s the Lexus LBX Morizo RR like on the within?
When you have been hoping for track-ready bucket seats or wall-to-wall carbon fibre, look away now, because the Morizo RR isn’t that form of efficiency automotive.
Slightly, the sporty enhancements are refined, and lots of components of the cabin stay untouched.
For essentially the most half, that’s no unhealthy factor, as the bottom automotive impressed me with its premium collection of supplies and slick expertise suite.
Right here, the graceful leather-based and orange stitching of the Sports activities Luxurious has been swapped out for perforated black leather-based with ruby pink distinction stitching. See what I imply, refined.
The steering wheel has been re-trimmed with spirited driving in thoughts, now presenting with perforated sides. It stays heated, and options the identical sculpted shift paddles present in different variants.
Suede options prominently in each automobiles, however the materials used within the Morizo RR is a deeper black quite than the charcoal end you get within the Sports activities Luxurious.
Different excessive visitors areas are completed in tender plastic, and it’s a must to go looking for arduous, scratchy stuff. All in all, the Morizo RR is properly screwed collectively.
The cabin is a cushty place to spend your time too, thanks partially to the inclusion of body-hugging sport seats trimmed in perforated leather-based.
They appear to be the pews out of higher-end Lexus fashions, doubtless as a result of they’re, which lifts the inside of this ‘entry-level’ Lexus significantly.
Full electrical adjustment ensures that drivers of all styles and sizes can discover their optimum driving place, as does a variety of steering wheel tilt and attain adjustment.
Consistent with the premium positioning of the LBX, the Morizo RR options heating for each the entrance seats and steering wheel as normal.
Lexus hasn’t messed with the expertise suite for the brand new vary flagship. In any case, if it ain’t broke, don’t repair it.
You continue to get the identical {hardware} – a 9.8-inch infotainment touchscreen and 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster – though the latter now gives a devoted sport show mode due to software program tweaks. Sport mode brings a horizontal rev counter and improved visibility of vital driving information e.g. temperatures and enhance strain.
Shifting throughout, most capabilities are accessed via a big central touchscreen that’s near the motive force, responsive, simple to navigate, and crisp in look.
The system helps satellite tv for pc navigation, related providers, wi-fi smartphone mirroring, and DAB+ digital radio, becoming a member of normal bluetooth, AM, and FM media choices.
All local weather settings are pinned to an icon bar on the backside of the display, whereas a sequence of shortcuts are additionally pinned to the precise aspect of the display. I might often welcome shortcuts to generally used capabilities, however on this case the format is simply too busy, which makes the display seem smaller than it truly is.
It appears significantly pointless when you think about that bodily controls, a lot of that are housed instantly beneath the display, additionally stay in sturdy provide.
Fiddly, poorly-labelled steering wheel controls add to the sense of overwhelm – certainly Lexus may’ve simplified the setup a bit of bit, even when that meant upsizing the centre display.
By way of storage, the entrance row is extra sensible than it has any proper to be, given the meagre dimensions of the LBX. Each the glovebox and centre console are deep, the latter together with a detachable cupholder, whereas Lexus has constructed a storage tray into the central tunnel meeting.
Keys match properly subsequent to the center cupholder, and every door card will swallow a full-size drink bottle. A wi-fi charging pad is located underneath the centre stack, angled downward to stop your telephone from turning right into a projectile throughout enthusiastic driving.
Extra connectivity options embody a pair of USB-C shops underneath the infotainment display, plus USB-C and 12V connections within the decrease storage tray.
Nonetheless, any phantasm of spaciousness is erased once you twist your head to confront the second row.
Leg-, head, and toe room are in brief provide again there – even petite people will wrestle to get comfy on longer journeys. At the least the seat backs are tender, so that you received’t bruise your knees.
Nevertheless it’s actually an area finest suited to young children or baggage, which is a disgrace contemplating the seats themselves are tender and welcoming.
Second-row storage can also be compromised. You do get small door bins and a pair of USB-C shops, however there’s no centre armrest or cupholders. It’s a stuffy area, with darkish upholstery and a scarcity of rear air vents.
Don’t get me flawed, the LBX isn’t masquerading as a household automotive, however rivals just like the Cupra Formentor and Volkswagen T-Roc R can no less than declare to seat 4 individuals in relative consolation.
Shifting additional again to the boot, the diminutive proportions of the LBX are once more on show. Normal variations of the LBX already had a small cargo space, however the Morizo RR loses an additional 49L of area in comparison with the Sports activities Luxurious.
With simply 266L of usable capability, the LBX Morizo RR fails to fulfill phase practicality requirements.
Extra baggage capability is accessible within the LBX if you happen to benefit from the 60/40-split folding rear bench, though the identical will be stated for opponents. Not all rivals include an ordinary energy tailgate, nevertheless – a small win for Lexus.
| Dimensions | Lexus LBX Morizo RR |
|---|---|
| Size | 4190mm |
| Width | 1840mm |
| Peak | 1535mm |
| Wheelbase | 2580mm |
| Cargo capability | 266L (rear seats up) 880L (rear seats folded) |
To see how the Lexus LBX stacks up in opposition to its rivals, use our comparability device
What’s underneath the bonnet?
The LBX Morizo RR is powered by the identical 1.6-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine discovered within the Toyota GR Corolla and GR Yaris, though outputs are down by 15kW and 10Nm because of the inclusion of an emissions-friendly gasoline particulate filter (GPF).
| Specs | Lexus LBX Morizo RR |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.6L 3cyl turbo-petrol |
| Energy | 206kW |
| Torque | 390Nm |
| Transmission | 8-speed computerized |
| Drive sort | All-wheel drive |
| Weight | 1485kg (kerb) |
| 0-100km/h (claimed) | 5.2 seconds |
| Gas economic system (claimed) | 9.2L/100km |
| Gas economic system (as examined) | 10.3L/100km |
| Gas tank capability | 50 litres |
| Gas requirement | 98 octane premium unleaded |
| CO2 emissions | 209g/km |
| Emissions normal | Euro 6 |
The three-cylinder engine is mated completely to an eight-speed torque-converter computerized transmission, with drive despatched to via an all-wheel drive system.
A six-speed handbook transmission is obtainable in different markets, however received’t be made obtainable in Australia.
Whereas the Morizo RR doesn’t have fairly as a lot grunt as its Toyota cousins, it is going to nonetheless match most rivals in a straight line, sprinting from 0-100km/h in 5.2 seconds.
All that additional efficiency has come at the price of gasoline economic system, because the LBX Morizo RR is one the least environment friendly automobiles within the compact efficiency automotive phase. Most rivals declare to devour between 7-8L/100km, whereas the Morizo RR chugs 9.2L/100km.
To see how the Lexus LBX stacks up in opposition to its rivals, use our comparability device
How does the Lexus LBX Morizo RR drive?
The Lexus LBX platform and GR three-cylinder engine are fairly merely a match made in heaven.
Not solely as a result of every is superb in its personal proper, however as a result of the method of marrying the 2 has made them each higher.
The usual LBX is agile and clean round city, however the hybrid powertrain ran out of puff when pushed, undermining its luxurious credentials. Alternatively, whereas the G16E-GTS engine delivers all of the efficiency you can probably hope for from a 1.6-litre three-cylinder, it may be coarse and unrefined.
Nonetheless, the engineers in Japan have seemingly solved each issues – the LBX now has a Lexus-worthy lump underneath the bonnet, and that very lump displays newfound maturity on this software.
There’s not one of the rattling, booming, and fixed vibration I’ve discovered to be synonymous with the GR Corolla and Yaris. Slightly, the Morizo RR is a grown up efficiency automotive, one which’s quiet on startup and straightforward to drive at low speeds.
The exhaust has a deep, refined tone, and gives ample quantity with out attracting the flawed type of consideration. I received’t faux to know all of the science behind it, however the Morizo RR simply sounds higher than different fashions that share this engine, it’s that easy.
And, after carving up the Reefton Spur and Warburton-Woods Level roads over a interval of a number of hours, I can confidently say that you just hardly discover the distinction in efficiency between this and the GR merchandise.
Certain, the Morizo RR is down 15kW and 10Nm, nevertheless it doesn’t really feel considerably slower. Lexus claims that the 0-100km/h dash takes 5.2 seconds, and that appears about proper. Along with matching its GR twins underneath the pores and skin, the Morizo is greater than fast sufficient to maintain up with SUV rivals.
From behind the wheel, the Morizo RR overcomes preliminary turbo lag to tug arduous from 3000rpm to redline. There’s a way of theatre each time you train your proper foot, accentuated by symphony of engine noise, exhaust, and a busy turbo blow-off valve.
Two core drive modes can be found – ‘regular’ and ‘sport’. The latter sharpens up throttle response.
The transmission is an eight-speed torque converter computerized, which gives fast, clean shifts more often than not. With that stated, the gearbox responds finest to handbook inputs – it could actually get confused if you happen to speed up after which elevate off, and there’s typically a delay when utilizing the paddles in computerized mode.
In handbook mode, shifts are instantaneous. The sculpted paddles behind the wheel are a pleasure to work together with, too – left for downshifts, proper for upshifts.
Fancy dual-clutch transmissions are largely higher suited to this type of automobile, however the auto within the Morizo RR isn’t a dealbreaker. It’d be good to have the choice of a handbook transmission, however I do know in addition to any that the demand isn’t there.
Engine and gearbox are two key pillars of the efficiency automotive formulation, however how does the go-fast LBX deal with?
Higher than I may’ve probably imagined. The Morizo RR sits 10mm decrease than the usual automotive, and also you instantly discover that it feels extra related to the street floor.
What’s extra, it’s extremely gentle on its ft, weighing in at simply 1485kg. That’s comfortably leaner than different automobiles within the phase, by as much as 200kg in some circumstances.
Lexus has stiffened up the chassis by including additional welds and torsion bars, whereas the Morizo RR additionally options full-time all-wheel drive, 19-inch wheels with sticky Continental Sportcontact 7 tyres, and a limited-slip differential (LSD).
Together, these components have turned the already agile LBX into an authorized nook carver. It’s virtually unattainable to throw the Morizo RR off steadiness, and imagine me I attempted.
Even when linking a number of excessive velocity corners, this spicy SUV stays planted and glued to the street. There’s a little bit of lean via tighter turns, however the LSD helps pull you round and out the opposite aspect with out dropping velocity.
The upgraded brakes can be relied upon. With four-piston calipers on the entrance and floating single-piston calipers on the rear, the Morizo RR has loads of stopping energy and a brake pedal that’s brief and predictable.
It’s at all times been simple to position the LBX due to its small stature and light-weight nature, however the direct, well-weighted steering calibration of the Morizo RR improves that sense of manoeuvrability.
To date, what we’ve obtained here’s a enjoyable, quick and succesful small SUV… not essentially a Lexus, as a result of the Lexus model stands for luxurious, and it stands for consolation.
That implies that the model’s efficiency fashions nonetheless must exhibit street manners conducive to day by day driving. And the Morizo RR, properly it undoubtedly does.
This not-so-hardcore LBX is tremendous compliant, even over tough roads like these in our check route. We hit a number of nasty potholes, and every resulted in little greater than a light-weight shudder via the chassis.
The Morizo RR undoubtedly feels stiffer than the bottom LBX, however that’s a really tender and comfy baseline. On well-maintained city roads, I can solely think about that the brand new flagship can be silky clean—completely suited to the reduce and thrust of metropolis commuting.
We didn’t get the possibility to check how the Morizo RR fares on the freeway, nevertheless it’s obtained all of the attributes of a soothing cruiser. Among the many normal tools is a semi-autonomous adaptive cruise management system with lively lane centring, and the LBX advantages from ample sound deadening.
With that stated, our countryside journey was affected by intervals of elevated street noise, doubtless a product of the bigger wheel and tyre package deal fitted to the Morizo RR. A small blemish on an in any other case spectacular scorecard.
Certainly, it seems that Lexus has nailed the steadiness of this new providing, from engine and transmission tuning to the suspension setup. It’s a well-rounded sizzling hatch cross sporty SUV which you could drive each single day.
The Morizo RR offers you no purpose to concern peak-hour visitors, and each purpose to sit up for the subsequent Sunday drive.
To see how the Lexus LBX stacks up in opposition to its rivals, use our comparability device
What do you get?
The Morizo RR joins the Luxurious and Sports activities Luxurious as a part of a three-variant vary in Australia.
The Lexus LBX Luxurious consists of:
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- Torsion beam rear suspension
- Tyre restore equipment
- Computerized LED headlights
- Adaptive high-beam
- LED tail-lights
- LED entrance fog lights and cornering lights
- Rain-sensing wipers
- E-Latch door handles
- Auto-dimming driver’s aspect mirror
- Shark fin antenna
- Rear spoiler
- Entrance and rear air spats
- Rear privateness glass
- Energy tailgate
- 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
- 9.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Linked satellite tv for pc navigation
- ‘Hey Lexus’ pure voice recognition
- DAB+ digital radio
- Six-speaker Panasonic sound system
- 5 USB-C ports
- Two 12V sockets
- Wi-fi charger
- Twin-zone local weather management
- Proximity entry and push-button begin
- NuLuxe leatherette-wrapped steering wheel
- NuLuxe leatherette-wrapped shift-by-wire gear knob, door trim & ornamentation
- ‘Tsuyasumi’ centre console ornamentation
- Single-colour ambient inside lighting
- Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
- Entrance and rear carpet flooring mats
- Black NuLuxe leatherette upholstery with pink highlights
- Heated entrance seats
- Eight-way energy driver’s seat with two-way lumbar and reminiscence
The Sports activities Luxurious provides:
- Black 18-inch alloy wheels with 10 twin-spoke design
- Rear pillar movie ornamentation
- Color head-up show
- Energetic Noise Management
- Engine sound enhancement
- 13-speaker Mark Levinson premium sound system
- Multi-colour ambient inside lighting
- Real leather-accented shift knob
- Real leather-accented steering wheel
- Paddle shifters
- Heated steering wheel
- Haptic touch-sensitive controls
- Ultrasuede door trim and ornamentation
- Mixture leather-accented and Ultrasuede upholstery with distinction orange stitching
- Double wishbone trailing arm rear suspension (AWD solely)
The LBX Morizo RR provides:
- 19-inch alloy wheels
- Torsen limited-slip rear differential
- 10mm decrease experience top
- 4-piston entrance brake calipers
- Distinctive entrance and rear bumpers
- Black leather-accented sports activities entrance seats
- Leather-based-accented shift knob
- Purple distinction stitching
- Paddle shifters
To see how the Lexus LBX stacks up in opposition to its rivals, use our comparability device
Is the Lexus LBX Morizo RR secure?
The Lexus LBX was awarded a five-star ANCAP security ranking in 2024.
| Class | Lexus LBX |
|---|---|
| Grownup occupant safety | 82 per cent |
| Baby occupant safety | 86 per cent |
| Weak street person safety | 79 per cent |
| Security help | 79 per cent |
The next security tools is normal throughout the vary:
- Eight airbags
- Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
- Day/evening pedestrian detection
- Day/evening bicycle owner detection
- Day bike detection
- Junction help
- Rear AEB
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Secure exit help
- Driver monitor digital camera
- Adaptive cruise management
- Visitors signal recognition
- Entrance and rear parking sensors
- Encompass-view digital camera
- Tyre strain monitoring
The LBX Sports activities Luxurious provides a semi-autonomous parking help.
All Lexus LBX variants additionally obtain a three-year complimentary subscription to Lexus Linked Companies. It gives clients real-time automobile data, distant performance, and emergency calling.
To see how the Lexus LBX stacks up in opposition to its rivals, use our comparability device
How a lot does the Lexus LBX Morizo RR value to run?
Tons. Lexus not too long ago confirmed that the LBX Morizo RR is topic to the identical six-month/10,000-kilometre service intervals because the GR Corolla and Yaris, however you’ll pay greater than twice as a lot per go to.
| Servicing and Guarantee | Lexus LBX Morizo RR |
|---|---|
| Guarantee | 5 years, limitless kilometres |
| Roadside help | 3 years |
| Service intervals | 6 months or 10,000km |
| Capped-price servicing | 5 years |
| Complete capped-price service value | $6950 ($695 per service) |
All up, 5 years of capped-price servicing will set you again $6950, or practically $1400 per yr. Against this, three years of upkeep for a GR Corolla prices simply $1860.
Different key rivals are additionally considerably cheaper to run. Service packs for the Cupra Formentor begin from $990 for 3 years, whereas Mini’s primary five-year service package deal is available in at $2250.
Mercedes-AMG expenses $6575 to service a GLA 35 for 5 years.
To see how the Lexus LBX stacks up in opposition to its rivals, use our comparability device
CarExpert’s Tackle the Lexus LBX Morizo RR
It’s uncommon to say {that a} Lexus is a coronary heart over head buy, however that’s the case with the LBX Morizo RR.
Simply have a look at the scores hooked up to this overview – the Morizo RR is simply too small, too costly, and prices far an excessive amount of to run. Consequently, it doesn’t obtain the excessive marks of rivals.
Regardless of that, if it have been my cash, I’d purchase the Lexus daily of the week.
The LBX Morizo RR fulfils Akio Toyoda’s promise to not be boring by providing grown up efficiency to a brand new era of Lexus clients. It additionally smooths out the tough edges of the associated GR Corolla and Yaris, with out detracting from the driving expertise.
All of the whereas, the Morizo RR stays a premium product with a quintessentially Lexus inside and comfy experience.
And certain, it’ll value you a fairly penny up entrance and over the course of your possession journey. However I’d wager that the the Morizo RR received’t depreciate wherever close to as shortly as rivals, given its connections to Toyoda-san and restricted manufacturing quantity.
These components may additionally make the Morizo RR a first-rate goal for collectors trying to get their arms on a Lexus that’s more likely to go down within the historical past books as a traditional.
That’s not a purpose to purchase one per se, nevertheless it illustrates that it is a particular automobile, warts and all. The Morizo RR is bigger than the sum of its components, and people components have been nice to start with.
All in favour of shopping for a Lexus LBX? Get in contact with one among CarExpert’s trusted sellers right here
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