by Pros: Powerful turbo engine, precise handling, high-quality interior.
Cons: Restrained design, fewer drive modes than GR models, high price.
An Unexpected Sports Crossover
Lexus had no need to create the LBX Morizo RR. It’s even shocking that the Japanese brand undertook its development at all. The regular LBX is a stylish compact crossover that, unfortunately, is not sold in the US. However, former Toyota president Akio Toyoda decided to play a joke by installing components from the GR Yaris and GR Corolla under the LBX body to create the Morizo RR. The name is taken from his personal racing pseudonym “Morizo,” which he uses for anonymous car testing on the track.
It was first introduced as a concept at the beginning of last year, and few expected series production. However, by mid-year, Lexus unexpectedly confirmed the model’s launch. In Australia, its appearance caused a sensation. Shortly after the announcement, Lexus Australia reported that the entire first year’s planned production was sold out.
Specifications
Model: 2026 Lexus LBX Morizo RR
Starting Price: AU$83,863 ($55,810)
Dimensions: Length 4,190 mm, Width 1,840 mm, Height 1,535 mm, Wheelbase 2,580 mm
Weight: 1,485 kg
Powertrain: 1.6-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine
Power: 276 hp (206 kW) / 390 Nm
0-100 km/h Acceleration: 5.4 seconds (test results)
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Fuel Consumption: 9.5 l/100 km (test results)
Availability: Already on sale
What Makes It Special?
Externally, the LBX Morizo RR looks slightly more aggressive than the standard model, but significantly more restrained than the GR Yaris or GR Corolla. It doesn’t have the wide wheel arches of those rally-inspired models, but thanks to the 19-inch forged wheels, it looks great on the road.
In Japan, the LBX Morizo RR has the same 1.6-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine as the GR Yaris and GR Corolla, with 300 hp. However, for the Australian market, the model received a particulate filter to comply with the Euro 6c standard, which reduced power to 276 hp. This is an unfortunate fact, but in practice, the difference is almost imperceptible. An eight-speed automatic transmission and the familiar GR-Four all-wheel-drive system are standard.
As expected, due to the Lexus badge on the hood, the Morizo RR is more expensive than its Toyota siblings. For comparison, the GR Corolla with an automatic transmission starts from AU$76,456.
A Non-Toyota Interior
The top-tier LBX’s interior feels significantly more premium than that of the GR Yaris and GR Corolla. Where Toyota’s interiors seem outdated and contain a lot of cheap plastic, the Morizo RR looks more modern and refined. Of course, it’s not as luxurious as more expensive Lexus models.
Like other LBX models, this one features a large 9.8-inch multimedia system screen with support for wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, although connectivity can sometimes be problematic. Also present are a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a head-up display, as well as an excellent 13-speaker Harmon Kardon audio system. Alcantara, red contrast stitching, and much more soft-touch materials are used throughout the cabin.
However, like the Yaris, the LBX Morizo RR is best suited for two adults in the front and children in the rear seats. Rear passengers lack space, especially legroom. The front seats, despite their less sporty appearance, offer excellent support with power adjustments.
How Does It Drive?
Before getting behind the wheel of the LBX Morizo RR, there were concerns that it would feel like a Corolla but with a better interior. Fortunately, it turned out to have its own character, although it can’t fully match the Toyota’s driving thrill.
In a straight line, the Morizo RR is as fast as the GR Corolla, but doesn’t catch up to the smaller and lighter Yaris. The claimed 0–100 km/h time is 5.2 seconds, but in tests, the best result was 5.49 seconds. This is only a tenth slower than the automatic GR Corolla. In a rolling race from 60 to 120 km/h, the Lexus even slightly outpaced the Corolla, confirming the minor impact of the power restrictions.
The wonderful 1.6-liter three-cylinder engine has a unique character. Unfortunately, in the LBX, it’s a bit quieter, partly due to the new filter, but the turbo whistle and low growl are still present.
The main difference between the Morizo RR and the GR models is in handling. The Lexus has a softer suspension and higher ground clearance, leading to more body roll in corners. This might be a disadvantage on the track, but on regular roads, the car remains as fun as the best hot hatches. On sticky Continental SportContact7 tires, this compact Lexus can take tight corners at incredible speeds, demonstrating excellent stability.
Lacking the Rally Car Feel
Unfortunately, it’s not as playful as the Toyota. This is mainly because the all-wheel-drive system isn’t as flexible. In standard mode, the torque split is 75:25 (front/rear), but the system can send up to 50% of power to the rear axle. For maximum performance, a locked 50:50 split can be selected.
Toyota models have additional 60:40 and 53:47 modes, as well as a track mode that varies between 60:40 and 30:70. This means the LBX cannot be tuned for a more rear-wheel-drive behavior like the GR. Furthermore, it lacks a mechanical handbrake for drifting. A limited-slip differential is installed only on the rear axle.
The eight-speed automatic is perfectly suited for this Lexus. Although some enthusiasts would prefer a manual, the automatic provides quick shifts and remains smooth at low speeds. The steering is also tuned perfectly.
For those who miss the sound, three sound profiles are hidden in the multimedia system, making the Morizo RR a bit louder. Usually, such systems sound artificial, but Lexus managed to create a fairly authentic sound, even simulating exhaust pops through the speakers.
Conclusion
Lexus can be congratulated for creating the LBX Morizo RR. It not only comes close to the driving thrill of its Toyota siblings but does so in a more refined form. Some buyers who are put off by the overly aggressive design of the GR Yaris and GR Corolla might turn their attention to the LBX. It’s not cheap, but the interior quality justifies the premium of approximately AU$6,000 compared to the Corolla.
Would we like to see a full-fledged rally version of the LBX with all the technical features of the GR twins? Absolutely. But for now, this is an unexpected and very attractive departure for Lexus from its usual course, and it drives as well as it looks.
The appearance of a car like the Lexus LBX Morizo RR expands the notion of what a premium brand can allow itself in the compact crossover segment. It demonstrates that a sporty character can be combined with a more mature and refined aesthetic without sacrificing driving pleasure. It’s a kind of alternative for those who value dynamics but are not ready for an overly sharp exterior. The success of this model, judging by the sell-out of the first batch, indicates that there is market demand for such ambiguous but interesting products that blur the lines between classes.
