[Released May 15, 2025] The new Lexus LBX “ACTIVE” is here! Partially improved driving performance and quality. A detailed explanation of the price, specs, and changes.

Lexus will begin selling a minor change model of its compact SUV “LBX” and a sporty new grade “LBX ACTIVE” in Japan from May 15, 2025. The base price of the “LBX ACTIVE” vehicle will be between 4.4 million and 4.66 million yen.

These improvements aim to better cater to users seeking a premium compact SUV by improving dynamic quality, deepening comfort, and expanding options. In this article, we will provide detailed information about the just-announced new LBX, particularly the appeal of the newly introduced “LBX ACTIVE,” the improvements made to the existing model, and the pricing and grade structure that you may be interested in.

Summary of partial improvements to the new Lexus LBX and the addition of the new grade “ACTIVE”

With these minor improvements and the addition of a new grade, the Lexus LBX’s product appeal will be further strengthened, with the aim of meeting increasingly diverse customer needs.

Lexus LBX to a new stage: A complete look at the 2025 model improvements and the introduction of the new “ACTIVE” grade

The Lexus LBX was launched in November 2023 as a new entry-level model for the Lexus brand, based on the concept of “a classless compact that allows those who appreciate authenticity to return to their true selves.” Developed to meet diversifying lifestyles and values, the hatchback model that previously played that role, the Lexus CT, will be discontinued in 2022. The LBX condenses the high-quality car-making philosophy and cutting-edge technology that Lexus has cultivated over many years into a compact body. While based on Toyota’s GA-B platform, Lexus’ meticulous tuning ensures a premium ride and excellent handling stability. True to its name, an acronym for “Lexus Breakthrough Crossover,” the LBX is a breath of fresh air in the market as a crossover that breaks down conventional concepts.

Since its release, the LBX has been highly praised for its sophisticated design, easy handling, and the quietness and ride comfort that are unique to Lexus. In July 2024, the lineup was expanded with the addition of the high-performance “LBX MORIZO RR” model, which pursues driving pleasure. Furthermore, in October 2024, the “LBX ELEGANT” grade was added for customers seeking a more elegant look, broadening the range of choices. And now, with the long-awaited partial improvements and the introduction of the new “ACTIVE” grade, the LBX will evolve even further.

A thorough analysis of the long-awaited new grade “LBX ACTIVE”: a fusion of sportiness and quality

The most notable feature of this improvement is undoubtedly the addition of the new grade “LBX ACTIVE.” As its name suggests, “ACTIVE” targets users who lead active lifestyles, and features interior and exterior designs that combine sportiness with high quality. It is set as the fifth option following the four existing models – “COOL,” “RELAX,” ” ELEGANT, ” and the custom-made system “Bespoke Build,” and aims to respond precisely to the diverse needs of customers.

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The price of the “ACTIVE” grade has been announced as 4.4 million yen for the FF (front-wheel drive) model and 4.66 million yen for the AWD (all-wheel drive) model, positioning it between the entry-level “ELEGANT” grade (FF: 4.2 million yen, AWD: 4.46 million yen) and the higher-end “COOL” and “RELAX” grades (both FF: 4.6 million yen, AWD: 4.86 million yen).

LBX “ACTIVE” exterior design that asserts an active personality

The exterior of the new LBX Active features an eye-catching, dynamic design. First of all, it comes standard with 18-inch machined bright aluminum wheels, differentiating it from the “ELEGANT” grade, which comes standard with 17-inch wheels. The tire size is 225/55R18, combining a stable ride with a stylish exterior. Furthermore, the “ACTIVE” grade offers the option of a two-tone body color with different roof and body colors, satisfying the desires of customers who want to stand out more. A total of 17 body color variations are expected to be available, including nine monotone and eight bi-tone colors, expanding the fun of selection.

LBX “ACTIVE” Red stitching highlights the sophisticated sporty interior

Inside, the new LBX Active exudes a sporty yet sophisticated atmosphere. The seats are covered in black L-TEX synthetic leather with vibrant red embroidery and stitching. These red accents emphasize the active feel while adding a touch of refined elegance. The driver’s seat is equipped with an 8-way power seat, making it easy to find the optimal driving position. The instrument panel features a highly visible 12.3-inch full-screen TFT color meter, clearly displaying a wide range of information. The center console is equipped with a 9.8-inch touch display audio system, providing intuitive navigation and entertainment functions. A six-speaker audio system is expected to be standard. The illumination will be single-color, creating a subdued atmosphere. The ITS Connect (Intelligent Transport System) will be available as a factory option. Despite being a sporty grade, paddle shifters are not expected to be available.

LBX “ACTIVE” grade expected main equipment and price

Overall, the equipment of the “ACTIVE” grade is expected to be similar to that of the “ELEGANT” grade, but it will have its own unique character thanks to its exclusive interior and exterior design. To support its sporty worldview, it is expected to come with 18-inch aluminum wheels, exclusive interior decoration, and a full range of comfort equipment. As mentioned above, the prices are attractively set at 4.4 million yen for the FF model and 4.66 million yen for the AWD model.

LBX Partial Improvements Evolution Condensed Even in the Invisible Parts: Major Improvements Added to Existing Models

The 2025 model not only adds new grades, but also improves the dynamic quality of existing models. Lexus has made detailed improvements to further enhance the LBX’s “driving experience that lets you return to your true self.”

Taking things to new heights: Improved handling stability and ride comfort

First, to further improve handling stability and ride comfort, the cylinder size of the rear suspension shock absorber has been increased, which allows it to absorb input from the road surface more effectively, achieving both a flat, comfortable ride and linear handling response.

Quietness beyond its class: Active noise control standard on all vehicles and road noise reduction

Improved quietness is also an important improvement. To achieve the quiet interior space that is unique to Lexus despite its compact body, all vehicles are equipped as standard with Active Noise Control as a measure to reduce engine noise. This system cancels out noise such as engine noise picked up by a microphone by emitting an inverse phase sound from the speakers, providing a quieter and more comfortable driving environment. In addition, measures have been taken to suppress front and rear tire vibrations, reducing road noise as well. These improvements give the LBX quietness and comfort that exceed its class.

Improved visibility and advanced technology: Enlarged head-up display and newly designed wheel center ornament

The driver interface has also seen improvements. The head-up display’s display area has been enlarged, improving visibility. Specifically, the size has been changed from 208mm x 78mm to 260mm x 74mm, making it wider and more visible with a more natural eye movement. Resolution may also have been improved, allowing for smoother and more accurate information to be provided to the driver. Changes have also been made to the exterior details. The wheel center ornament design has been revised, adopting a new 2.5D design, a first for Lexus. This new ornament will be rolled out to other Lexus models, starting with the LBX, and is an attempt at new design expression for the brand.

These improvements further refine the features that were announced when the LBX debuted in November 2023, including “adoption of the latest exterior design and improved texture,” “adoption of a 9.8-inch infotainment system,” “increased body size from the base model Yaris Cross,” “equipped with a new-generation 1.5L hybrid powertrain,” and “improved safety performance with the latest Lexus Safety System +.”

What is the Lexus LBX? Rediscover its appeal and basic performance

Let’s take a look at what kind of car the Lexus LBX is, and its basic appeal and performance.

Development concept “Lexus Breakthrough Crossover” and platform

LBX stands for “Lexus Breakthrough Crossover” and was developed to offer those who appreciate authenticity a chance to return to their true selves, without being bound by existing concepts of luxury cars. The platform uses Toyota’s TNGA “GA-B” for compact cars, but by applying tuning specifically for Lexus, it combines high body rigidity with light weight, and pursues a high level of handling stability and ride comfort.

Refined exterior and high-quality interior design

The exterior features Lexus’ new “Unified Spindle” front face, optimized for the compact body, creating a dynamic and imposing design. The interior adopts the “Tazuna Concept,” based on human-centered thinking, and combines a cockpit that allows the driver to concentrate on driving with a high-quality space that welcomes passengers. The large 9.8-inch touch display offers excellent visibility and operability.

1.5L hybrid system that combines efficiency and power

The LBX is available with only one powertrain: a hybrid system that combines a 1.5-liter inline 3-cylinder engine with a maximum system output of 136 PS and a high-output motor. This new-generation hybrid delivers a high level of balance between responsiveness to accelerator operation, a seamless acceleration feel, and excellent fuel economy, meeting driver expectations in a wide range of situations, from nimble driving in urban areas to relaxed cruising on the highway. The vehicle is available in front-wheel drive (FF) and an electric 4WD system called “E-Four” with an independent motor mounted in the rear.

Latest preventive safety package “Lexus Safety System +”

In terms of safety equipment, the latest preventive safety package “Lexus Safety System +” is standard on all vehicles. This includes pre-crash safety (collision damage mitigation braking), lane tracing assist (lane keeping assist), radar cruise control (with all-speed follow function), adaptive high beam system, road sign assist, and more, providing advanced support for safe driving.

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2023 Automotive Safety Performance Lexus “LBX” Announced – Unfortunately, it did not receive NASVA’s highest rating, the “Five Star Award”! The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and the National Agency for Automotive Safety and Victims’ Aid (NASVA) announced the results of their vehicle safety evaluation of the Lexus LBX on 2024. The car received a four-star rating, the second-highest rating out of five.

Compact body size that is easy to handle

The LBX’s body size is 4,190mm long, 1,825mm wide, and 1,545mm high (or 1,560mm, depending on the grade), maintaining a compact size that is easy to handle on Japanese roads. However, compared to the Yaris Cross, the LBX’s body size is longer and wider, giving it a wider and lower stance, resulting in proportions that give it a more imposing presence. The wheelbase is 2,580mm.

Lexus New “LBX” Partially Improved 2025 Model Specifications

About the Lexus LBX MORIZO RR specs

The high-performance model “LBX MORIZO RR,” based on Lexus’ compact model “LBX,” has been previously announced, and Chairman Akio Toyoda, also known as Morizo ​​and master driver, participated in its development.

The car is equipped with the 1.6L inline 3-cylinder intercooled turbo engine “G16-GTS,” a tuned version of the “G16E-GTS” used in the ” Evolved GR Yaris .” Maximum output is 224kW (304PS) at 6,500 rpm, and maximum torque is 400Nm (40.8kgm) at 3,250-4,600 rpm. Furthermore, to maximize vehicle performance, a Direct Shift 8AT is available, a Lexus first, a 6-speed iMT (intelligent manual transmission), and electronically controlled full-time AWD is also installed, contributing to sporty driving.

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Lexus’ new LBX high-performance model, the “LBX MORIZO RR,” features a 1.6L turbo 304hp engine and Lexus’ first 6-speed iMT. Lexus announced the LBX MORIZO RR, a high-performance model of the new LBX compact SUV, on July 18, 2024, and has begun accepting orders. The model will be officially released in late August 2024.

The perfect car for you: New LBX grade configuration and price list

The announcement and release schedule for this partial improvement and the addition of new grades is as follows: Pricing will be announced and consultations at dealerships will begin on Thursday, April 10, 2025, with the official announcement and release date being Thursday, May 15, 2025. Vehicle production is scheduled to begin on June 2, 2025.

To recap, the grade structure and prices (including consumption tax) of the new LBX are as follows:

As a result, the LBX’s base price range will be between 4.2 million and 5.76 million yen (excluding the MORIZO RR), appealing to a wider range of customers. “Bespoke Build” is a made-to-order system that allows you to freely choose from approximately 330,000 combinations of interior and exterior materials and coloring, making it possible to create a vehicle that is truly yours.

Production system and other points of interest

The LBX is produced at Toyota Motor East Japan’s Iwate Plant. This plant is one of the Toyota Group’s key compact car production bases, producing the Yaris, Yaris Cross, and the global model Corolla Cross. It boasts high standards of quality control and has a system in place that is suitable for producing Lexus brand models.

The information released this time did not explicitly mention any fundamental measures to address the battery drain issue, which some people were concerned about. However, given the history of the issue, it is possible that some silent measures have been implemented.

A word from the editorial department

The partial improvements and addition of the new “ACTIVE” grade for the 2025 model further enhance the product appeal of the Lexus LBX. Even as an entry-level model, the LBX boasts the high quality and cutting-edge technology you expect from Lexus, and by expanding its options to meet diverse customer values ​​and lifestyles, it will further strengthen its presence in the compact SUV market. The “ACTIVE” grade, in particular, is sure to be an attractive choice for active drivers, combining design and functionality, as its name suggests. The improved dynamic quality enhances comfort and driving pleasure in everyday driving situations, providing Lexus with the “refreshing and profound driving experience” it strives for to more people. The Lexus LBX is expected to continue to cultivate new customer segments for the brand and lead the premium compact market.

Lexus news release

https://global.toyota/jp/newsroom/lexus/42727506.html

LBX

https://lexus.jp/models/lbx/