Lexus trademarks LBX in the US.
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Lexus just started a new application for the name “LBX” in the US last February.
That could of course mean a number of things. And one of them is a next-generation LBX coming to the US.
The current Lexus LBX is a very small SUV sold in Europe, based on the Toyota Yaris and Yaris Cross. It came out in late 2023. That means a new generation is not really on its way. Or at least, not for a couple of years. At the same time, it would seem a bit late to bring the current model to the US, after almost 2 years. Although that has happened before.
The Lexus LBX is powered by a 1.5 Liter engine paired with an electric motor for a total of 134HP. That doesn’t seem like a lot but is pretty similar to what the Chevrolet Trax offers in the US.
Toyota has already mentioned last year working on an all-new 1.5 Liter engine to be used in their hybrid powertrains. Something even more efficient and with more power. Which would probably work very well for our market.
The LBX is a tiny crossover that measures only 165 inches. That is a foot shorter than the smallest Lexus sold in the US, the UX. Or even over 6 inches shorter than the Nissan Kicks. Which all seems much smaller for something sold by a luxury brand in the US. Unless they found a way to make it an EV. A small, practical, and more affordable EV from Lexus.
Toyota just brought back the CH-R name in the US with a brand-new EV. A new model that has nothing in common with the previous CH-R except the name. Maybe Lexus is thinking of selling a small EV in the US under the LBX name. A new model that could have nothing in common with the European LBX.
Maybe a Lexus version of Toyota’s all-new Urban Cruiser for the US market?
Who knows. And why not?
It’s either a defensive trademark or they’re planning an upmarket version of the C-HR EV in North America. I hope it’s the latter.
I don’t see Lexus bringing that small a vehicle to the US. I agree with prior posted that they could use the name as a reskin of the C-HR.