0
0
Lexus by no means wanted to make the LBX Morizo RR. Indeed, it’s surprising that the Japanese model developed it in any respect. As normal, the LBX is a trendy, compact crossover with loads of attraction, which sadly isn’t offered within the United States.
var adpushup = window.adpushup = window.adpushup || {que:[]};
adpushup.que.push(perform() {
if (adpushup.config.platform !== “DESKTOP”){
adpushup.triggerAd(“0f7e3106-c4d6-4db4-8135-c508879a76f8”);
} else {
adpushup.triggerAd(“82503191-e1d1-435a-874f-9c78a2a54a2f”);
}
});
Review: 2026 Dodge Charger Sixpack Sounds Off But Drives Better Than You Think
Then Toyota president Akio Toyoda determined to have some enjoyable, slotting the GR Yaris and GR Corolla’s working gear underneath the LBX’s bodywork to create the Morizo RR. And in case you’re questioning in regards to the title, it’s taken from his private racing alias, “Morizo,” which he makes use of when testing vehicles anonymously on monitor.
It was first offered as an idea early final yr, although we didn’t maintain out a lot hope it will really make it to manufacturing. But by mid-year, a lot to our shock, Lexus confirmed it was going forward. In Australia, it arrived with a splash.
QUICK FACTS
SWIPE
Shortly after saying the high-powered crossover, Lexus Australia revealed that the primary yr’s manufacturing run had been offered out. With loads of seat time within the GR Yaris and GR Corolla in latest months, we have been desirous to see what all of the fuss is about. Is the Morizo RR a GR Yaris in a flowery swimsuit? Let’s discover out.
What Makes It Special?
Photos Brad Anderson/Carscoops
Visually, the LBX Morizo RR seems barely extra aggressive than an ordinary mannequin, however it’s undoubtedly much less flamboyant than a GR Yaris or GR Corolla. It doesn’t have the identical big hips as these rally-bred machines, but it surely nonetheless seems nice on the street, thanks largely to the 19-inch cast aluminum wheels.
In Japan, the LBX Morizo RR has the identical 1.6-liter turbocharged three-cylinder because the GR Yaris and GR Corolla, delivering an equivalent 224 kW (300 hp) and 295 lb-ft (400 Nm) of torque.
var adpushup = window.adpushup = window.adpushup || {que:[]};
adpushup.que.push(perform() {
if (adpushup.config.platform !== “DESKTOP”){
adpushup.triggerAd(“bb7964e9-07de-4b06-a83e-ead35079d53c”);
} else {
adpushup.triggerAd(“9b1169d9-7a89-4971-a77f-1397f7588751”);
}
});
Review: The Secret Ingredient Making The 2026 Toyota GR86 Yuzu Edition So Addictive To Drive
However, the Aussie-spec mannequin has a petroleum particulate filter to make it Euro 6c compliant, that means grunt has been lowered to 206 kW (276 hp) and 390 Nm (287 lb-ft). That’s a disgrace, however as we found, it’s not likely noticeable. An 8-speed automated is normal, as is the acquainted GR-Four all-wheel drive system.
Given the LBX Morizo RR has a Lexus badge, it ought to come as no shock that it’s pricier than its Toyota siblings. Local costs begin at AU$83,863 ($55,810), together with all on-road charges. By comparability, the 2025 GR Corolla with the obtainable eight-speed automated transmission is offered from AU$76,456 ($50,881).
No Toyota Interior
var adpushup = window.adpushup = window.adpushup || {que:[]};
adpushup.que.push(perform() {
if (adpushup.config.platform !== “DESKTOP”){
adpushup.triggerAd(“b25ecba7-3bbb-4ea7-a3a8-dbea91695c07”);
} else {
adpushup.triggerAd(“e46c436a-adeb-4b5e-a2c7-56bc36561c10”);
}
});
Photos Brad Anderson/Carscoops
The inside of the flagship LBX feels considerably extra premium than the cabin of the GR Yaris and GR Corolla. While the cabins of these two fashions really feel outdated and are trimmed in a great deal of low cost plastic, the Morizo RR feels extra trendy and refined. With that being mentioned, it’s definitely not as premium as costlier Lexus fashions.
Like different LBX fashions, this one consists of a big 9.8-inch infotainment show that sits neatly within the heart of the dashboard and helps wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, as with different fashions from the Toyota group we’ve examined, the system doesn’t at all times join seamlessly to your smartphone. The native software program can also be very fundamental.
Photos Brad Anderson/Carscoops
Elsewhere, Lexus has added a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a head-up show, whereas additionally equipping the Morizo RR with a wonderful 13-speaker Harmon Kardon audio system. There’s additionally loads of Alcantara discovered all through, purple distinction stitching, and far more soft-touch surfaces than both the GR Yaris or GR Corolla.
Review: The GR Corolla Auto Is What Happens When A Rally Car Pretends To Be Civilized
But just like the Yaris, the LBX Morizo RR is greatest fitted to two adults up entrance and a few youngsters within the again. Rear-seat area is cramped, with legroom in significantly quick provide. The entrance seats could not look as sporty as these within the GR fashions, however they provide simply as a lot help, with beneficiant bolstering and full electrical adjustment, not like the Corolla’s guide setup.
What’s It Like To Drive?
Photos Brad Anderson/Carscoops
Prior to my week with the LBX Morizo RR, I used to be slightly apprehensive that it will really feel the identical because the Corolla, however with a nicer inside and a extra fascinating badge. Much to my shock, it has its personal distinctive character, though it may well’t fairly match the driving thrills of the 2 Toyotas.
In a straight line, the Morizo RR feels simply as fast because the GR Corolla, although it doesn’t fairly match the tempo of the smaller, lighter Yaris. Toyota claims a 0–100 km/h (62 mph) time of 5.2 seconds, however one of the best I managed was a pair of 5.49-second runs. That’s solely a tenth slower than my quickest time within the GR Corolla auto underneath related circumstances and greater than sufficient to place a smile in your face.
Review: 2026 GR Supra Final Edition Feels Like The Farewell We Didn’t Want Yet
The Morizo RR proved to be barely faster than the GR Corolla at a roll. It can run from 60 – 120 km/h (37 – 75 mph) in 4.51 seconds, which was really faster than the 4.7-second run I recorded within the Corolla. Evidently, the facility discrepancy has little impression on the Lexus’s efficiency.
Toyota’s wonderful 1.6-liter turbocharged three-cylinder brings with it a singular character not like any of the two.0-liter turbocharged four-pots you’ll discover in most rivals. Sadly, it’s a little quieter within the LBX, little doubt partly due to the brand new particulate filter. Still, you possibly can hear some whistles from the turbocharger, and it does have a stunning guttural growl at low revs.
The greatest distinction between the Morizo RR and the GR fashions is within the dealing with division. It rides barely softer than these fashions and sits slightly increased, leading to extra physique roll by way of the corners. That could also be a foul factor in case you’re chasing lap instances, however on public roads, the Lexus is each bit as enjoyable to drive because the market’s main sizzling hatches.
Equipped with a set of sticky Continental SportContact7 tires, the pint-sized Lexus can take tight bends at ridiculous speeds. If you’re feeling courageous, you possibly can pin the throttle by way of tight bends, and this factor simply sticks, and not using a trace of understeer or oversteer. It stays poised and drama-free, no matter what you throw at it.
No Rally Car Vibes
Sadly, it’s not as playful because the Toyotas. This is primarily as a result of the all-wheel drive system isn’t as configurable. When left in normal mode, it’ll break up energy 75:25 front-to-rear, however can ship as much as 50 p.c of energy to the rear if it sees match. If you’re in search of the final word in efficiency, it may be locked right into a 50:50 front-to-rear mode.
Review: Toyota’s GR Yaris Will Have You Rethinking Everything You Thought You Wanted In A Car
The Toyota fashions have obtainable 60:40 and 53:47 modes, in addition to a Track setting that varies between 60:40 and 30:70. This means the LBX can’t be set as much as tail-happy just like the GRs. Additionally, it lacks the bodily handbrakes of these fashions, so that you gained’t be doing any drifts both. There’s additionally no limited-slip differential on the entrance axle, and as an alternative, just one on the rear.
The eight-speed auto seems like the right gearbox for the hotted-up Lexus. While some fanatics in all probability would have cherished to see a guide provided, Toyota’s new auto gives snappy gear modifications whereas remaining refined at decrease speeds. The steering can also be spot-on.
For homeowners not happy with the automotive’s normal soundtrack, there are three completely different sound profiles hidden throughout the infotainment show that assist make the Morizo RR slightly extra raucous. Usually, I don’t like these methods, as they sound pretend and obtrusive.
While all of the sounds added within the LBX are pretend, credit score the place credit score’s due, Lexus has made them sound genuine. It even performs some exhaust burbles by way of the audio system, so you possibly can get pleasure from some additional noise with out disturbing your neighbors.
Verdict
At the tip of the day, Lexus needs to be applauded for making the LBX Morizo RR. Not solely does it intently match the driving thrills of the Toyota fashions it shares its powertrain with, but it surely does so in a barely extra refined means.
I don’t doubt that some efficiency automotive patrons turned off by the boy-racer styling of the GR Yaris and GR Corolla would possibly gravitate towards the LBX as an alternative. It’s not low cost, however the inside alone feels simply definitely worth the AU$6,000 ($4,000) premium over the Corolla, so it doesn’t come throughout as overpriced.
Would I like to see a full-fat, rally-inspired spec LBX with the identical mechanical occasion methods because the GR twins? Absolutely. But for now, that is an surprising and moderately charming detour from Lexus, and one which drives in addition to it seems.
Photos Brad Anderson/Carscoops
Source link
#LBX #Morizo #Corolla #Disguised #Lexus #SUV #Review
