In the constantly evolving world of automotive engineering, certain vehicles emerge that transcend traditional boundaries, creating something entirely new and exciting. The Lexus LBX Morizo RR stands as a prime example of this boundary-blurring innovation—a subcompact luxury crossover with the heart of a rally car and the refinement expected from the Lexus brand.
The Birth of a Performance Icon
The story of the LBX Morizo RR begins with a man affectionately known as “Morizo”—the racing alias of none other than Akio Toyoda, the chairman of Toyota Motor Corporation. As a passionate racing driver himself, Toyoda’s influence is woven throughout this vehicle’s DNA, from concept to production.
Initially unveiled as a concept at the 2024 Tokyo Auto Salon in January, the LBX Morizo RR captured enthusiasts’ attention with its bold proposition: what if the smallest Lexus crossover received the heart of Toyota’s rally-bred hot hatch? The automotive world didn’t have to wait long for an answer, as Lexus confirmed the production version in July 2024.
What makes this vehicle truly special isn’t merely its size or luxury credentials, but rather the extraordinary way it combines seemingly contradictory elements into a cohesive whole. The LBX Morizo RR isn’t simply a small luxury crossover with a powerful engine; it represents a philosophical shift in how performance vehicles can be conceived.
Heart of a Champion: The GR Yaris Powertrain
The centerpiece of the LBX Morizo RR’s appeal lies beneath its hood—Toyota’s celebrated G16E-GTS engine, a 1.6-liter turbocharged three-cylinder powerplant developing an impressive 300 horsepower and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque. This is the very same engine that powers the formidable Toyota GR Yaris and GR Corolla, renowned for their rallying pedigree.
What makes this engine particularly noteworthy is how it delivers such substantial output from just three cylinders and 1.6 liters of displacement. The compact dimensions of this powertrain make it ideally suited for the LBX’s small footprint, while its prodigious power transforms the luxury crossover into something far more exhilarating than its unassuming appearance might suggest.
Perhaps most exciting for driving enthusiasts is the transmission choice—the LBX Morizo RR comes with either an eight-speed Direct Shift automatic transmission or, remarkably, a six-speed manual gearbox. In an era where manual transmissions are increasingly rare, particularly in luxury vehicles, this option reinforces the driver-focused nature of this special creation.
Power delivery occurs through an electronically controlled full-time all-wheel-drive system, enabling the LBX Morizo RR to accelerate from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in just 5.2 seconds—performance figures that place it firmly in sports car territory despite its crossover body style.
Chassis Engineering: More Than Just an Engine Swap
Creating the LBX Morizo RR required far more than simply dropping a powerful engine into a standard LBX. Lexus engineers have extensively modified the vehicle’s underpinnings to handle the substantial increase in power and elevate its driving dynamics.
While based on Toyota’s TNGA-B architecture (shared with the standard LBX and Toyota Yaris Cross), the Morizo RR features what Lexus describes as a “dedicated platform.” The modifications include a wider track—the vehicle is 155mm wider than the standard LBX—and a 10mm lower ride height, creating a more planted stance that hints at its performance capabilities.
The front suspension employs a Response-Enhancing Damping Structure (REDS) in the lower arms, a technology developed to improve steering response and handling precision. The braking system has been upgraded to cope with the increased performance, while chassis reinforcements enhance rigidity throughout the vehicle.
Particular attention has been paid to noise reduction and vibration suppression, ensuring that despite its performance credentials, the LBX Morizo RR maintains the refined character expected of a Lexus. This balance between performance and comfort represents one of the most challenging aspects of developing such a vehicle.
Design Evolution: Subtle Aggression
Visually, the LBX Morizo RR communicates its performance intent without resorting to excessive styling elements. The exterior modifications are purposeful and restrained—exclusive front and rear bumpers with larger air intakes, colored arch moldings, and rocker panels that emphasize the vehicle’s wider track and lower stance.
The 19-inch forged aluminum wheels not only reduce unsprung weight but provide a glimpse of the upgraded braking system behind them. Twin exhaust outlets, similar to those found on the GR Yaris, provide a subtle hint to the shared powertrain.
In the transition from concept to production, some visual elements have been toned down slightly. The concept’s bright yellow grille accent, for instance, has been replaced with a more subdued dark chrome treatment in the production model—a change that better aligns with Lexus’s luxury positioning while maintaining the vehicle’s performance character.
Interior: Driver-Focused Luxury
Inside, the LBX Morizo RR continues the theme of performance-oriented luxury. Specially designed sports seats with integrated foam construction provide firm support during spirited driving while maintaining comfort for everyday use. Aluminum pedals add both a sporty aesthetic and enhanced grip during heel-and-toe maneuvers for those opting for the manual transmission.
The interior retains the standard LBX’s “Tazuna” cockpit concept, inspired by the reins used to control horses—a design philosophy focused on placing controls within easy reach and minimizing driver distraction. The 12.3-inch digital instrument display and available head-up display provide essential information at a glance, while the 9.8-inch touchscreen handles infotainment duties through the Lexus Link Connect system.
Despite its performance focus, the LBX Morizo RR doesn’t compromise on technology or convenience features. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity come standard, as does over-the-air update capability for multimedia and safety systems. The “Hey Lexus” voice assistant responds to commands from both driver and front passenger, further enhancing the vehicle’s user-friendly nature.
Driving Experience: The Ultimate Expression
Chief Engineer Kunihiko Endo described the development goal as creating “a vehicle beloved by genuine car enthusiasts like Morizo—a driving companion that deeply engages with the sensory delights of sound and scent, ultimately bringing a smile to their faces.”
This sentiment was echoed by racing driver Masahiro, who was involved in the vehicle’s development. He offered a colorful analogy: “If LBX’s hybrid model is like a sneaker, then MORIZO RR can be likened to an all-purpose athletic shoe that you can wear anytime, anywhere—even capable of becoming spikes when you’re ready to move.”
These descriptions highlight the duality that makes the LBX Morizo RR so intriguing—a vehicle capable of functioning as a refined luxury crossover for daily use that can transform into an exhilarating performance machine when the road opens up. This versatility is perhaps its greatest achievement, offering drivers a multifaceted experience that few other vehicles can match.
Market Position and Availability
The LBX Morizo RR began accepting orders in Japan in July 2024, with deliveries scheduled to commence in August of the same year. Both the automatic and manual variants carry a starting price of ¥6,500,000 (approximately $41,700), positioning it as a premium offering in the subcompact crossover segment.
For those seeking additional exclusivity, Lexus is offering a limited-run “Bespoke Build” version of the Morizo RR, restricted to just 100 units. This special edition provides extensive personalization options, including distinctive touches like yellow brake calipers. Distribution of these exclusive models operates through a lottery system, with a price tag of ¥7,200,000 ($46,200).
Initially available only in Japan, the LBX Morizo RR is expected to reach other markets, including Australia, in the first half of 2025. However, the manual transmission option may remain exclusive to the Japanese market, with international models likely to be offered only with the eight-speed automatic.
European specifications remain uncertain, with the possibility that vehicles destined for this market might receive a slightly detuned version of the engine (potentially the 276 hp variant) to meet stricter emissions regulations. As for North America, since Lexus doesn’t sell the standard LBX in this market, chances of the Morizo RR crossing the Atlantic appear slim.
The Bigger Picture: A New Direction for Performance Luxury
The significance of the LBX Morizo RR extends beyond its impressive specifications or unique positioning. It represents a philosophical shift in how luxury performance vehicles can be conceived—embracing smaller, more efficient platforms without compromising driving excitement.
In an automotive landscape increasingly dominated by electrification, the LBX Morizo RR stands as a compelling example of how internal combustion engines can still deliver thrilling experiences while becoming more efficient. Its turbocharged three-cylinder engine provides performance that would have required twice the displacement just a decade ago, showcasing the advances in internal combustion technology.
Moreover, the vehicle demonstrates Lexus’s willingness to explore new territory and take calculated risks. By incorporating GR (Gazoo Racing) performance technology into its luxury lineup, Lexus creates an interesting bridge between Toyota’s motorsport expertise and its premium brand values.
Small Package, Big Impact
The Lexus LBX Morizo RR defies easy categorization. It’s neither a conventional luxury crossover nor a traditional hot hatch, yet it draws from both these worlds to create something uniquely compelling. By combining the practicality and elevated seating position of a subcompact crossover with the heart and soul of a rally-bred performance car, Lexus has crafted a vehicle that offers a genuinely new proposition in the market.
For enthusiasts lamenting the decline of driver-focused vehicles or the seemingly unstoppable growth in vehicle size and weight, the LBX Morizo RR offers a refreshing alternative—proof that performance, luxury, and compact dimensions can coexist harmoniously. Whether this special creation represents the start of a new trend or remains a fascinating outlier, it undoubtedly stands as one of the most interesting automotive developments of 2024.
As the automotive industry continues its rapid evolution, vehicles like the LBX Morizo RR remind us that innovation isn’t always about embracing the newest technology—sometimes, it’s about combining existing elements in unexpected ways to create something greater than the sum of its parts.