Lexus LBX Review: A Luxury Hatchback That Falls Short on Luxury

For those who remember the automotive industry of the late 1980s, you might recall the Renault 5—a compact hatchback popular at the time. However, you’re less likely to remember the Renault 5 Monaco, a variant that, despite its significance, never gained much attention. This particular model was an attempt to introduce a new trend in the automotive world—a small luxury hatchback—that, unfortunately, never truly took off.

During that era, car manufacturers were locked in a race to create the ultimate hot hatchback. These vehicles were immensely popular, offering sports car performance with the practicality of a family car. Hatchbacks like these were relatively inexpensive to repair, yet could still deliver an exhilarating driving experience. You could fit your kids and your dog in them and still enjoy a high-speed drive. It was the golden age of performance hatchbacks, where speed and grip were prized above all else.

Manufacturers went to extreme lengths to outdo each other, experimenting with features like four-wheel drive and advanced differentials. MG, for instance, equipped the Maestro with an enormous turbocharger, capable of tremendous acceleration—before it inevitably broke down. Meanwhile, Daihatsu made headlines by extracting 100 horsepower from a mere 1-litre engine, and Lancia and Ford engaged in a rivalry with their iconic Delta Integrale and Escort Cosworth models. It was a time when car enthusiasts would argue passionately over the superiority of the Volkswagen Golf GTI or the Peugeot 205 GTi.

Renault, however, took a different approach with the 5 Monaco. Instead of focusing on performance, they decided to cater to a different type of driver—one who valued comfort and luxury over blistering speed. The 5 Monaco was fitted with plush carpets and luxurious leather seats rather than the sporty aesthetics of its contemporaries. It was aimed at those who enjoyed the comforts of BMWs or Mercedes but wanted something more practical for city driving. However, despite this innovative idea, the 5 Monaco failed to catch on.

In the years that followed, the concept of a small luxury hatchback largely disappeared. The only other attempt came from Aston Martin with the ill-fated Cygnet—a rebadged Toyota IQ, created not for the love of luxury but to meet European emissions regulations. The Cygnet wasn’t really a luxury hatchback in the same vein as the 5 Monaco; it was more of a loophole-filler than a genuine attempt at creating a compact luxury car.

This leads us to the Lexus LBX, a vehicle that tries to rekindle the idea of a small luxury hatchback. Essentially, the LBX is a dressed-up Toyota Yaris Cross with Lexus styling and refinement. It’s a modern-day attempt to bring the luxury of larger Lexus models into a smaller, city-friendly package.

To give credit where it’s due, Lexus has made a genuine effort to elevate the LBX beyond its Toyota roots. Subtle design tweaks and attention to detail aim to hide the fact that the LBX started life as a Yaris. However, the engine remains a 1.5-litre hybrid, similar to what you’d find in a Toyota Prius. It’s efficient and practical but lacks excitement or power. This is not a car built for speed or thrills; it’s all about offering a smooth, uneventful driving experience.

In conclusion, while the Lexus LBX tries to offer the best of both worlds—compact practicality with luxury touches—it ultimately falls short of its ambitions. The engine feels underpowered, and while the cabin may feel more premium than your average hatchback, it doesn’t quite reach the level of opulence you’d expect from a luxury brand like Lexus. In essence, the LBX is a car that offers moderation in everything—from performance to comfort—without excelling in any particular area.