The Lexus LBX Morizo RR is one of the most unusual and exciting Lexus models offered in Australia, because it takes the compact luxury LBX formula and gives it a serious performance edge. Rather than being a mild styling pack, the Morizo RR is powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged inline three-cylinder petrol engine producing 206kW and 390Nm. Lexus Australia pairs it with an eight-speed direct-shift automatic transmission with paddle shifters and electronically controlled full-time all-wheel drive, giving the car a very different personality from the regular hybrid LBX range. For buyers comparing new compact SUVs in Australia, the LBX Morizo RR is best viewed as a premium performance crossover with hot-hatch character.
The Morizo RR name also gives the car a special place in the Lexus range. The model was developed with the involvement of Akio Toyoda, known by his Morizo racing nickname, and it is positioned as a limited, driver-focused version of the LBX. Its performance changes are supported by sports suspension, 19-inch forged alloy wheels, red brake calipers, dual exhaust tailpipes and a Torsen limited-slip differential. The official Australian brochure lists a 0-100km/h acceleration time of 5.2 seconds, which makes the car quick by compact SUV standards. At the same time, Lexus has kept the cabin refined enough for daily use, so it does not feel like a stripped-out track special.
Inside, the LBX Morizo RR blends performance cues with Lexus comfort. The cabin includes premium sport front seats, red stitching, suede cloth ornamentation, aluminium pedals, a heated steering wheel, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control and a 9.8-inch multimedia display with navigation. Lexus also lists wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto, five USB-C ports, a Qi wireless phone charger and a 13-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system. These features help the Morizo RR feel more upmarket than many small performance cars, especially for Australian buyers who want something compact but not basic.
Safety and driver assistance are also important parts of the package. Lexus Safety System+ 3 equipment includes features such as pre-collision support, dynamic radar cruise control, lane trace assist, road sign assist and adaptive high-beam technology, while the broader feature list includes parking support, blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert. That makes the LBX Morizo RR easier to recommend as a daily driver than a more single-purpose performance hatch. Its compact size, 60:40 folding rear seats and power back door also add convenience, although it remains a small vehicle with limited rear-seat and boot space compared with larger SUVs.
Colour availability is a distinctive part of the Australian Morizo RR lineup. Lexus Australia lists four two-tone exterior options — Cobalt Mica Two-Tone, Sonic Chrome Two-Tone, Rich Ruby Two-Tone and White Nova Two-Tone — plus full-body Graphite Black. The two-tone colours use Graphite Black as the contrast upper colour, so the CSV colour hex values use the main body colour. Overall, the Lexus LBX Morizo RR is a niche but highly appealing choice for Australian buyers who want something rare, premium and genuinely quick. Its main drawbacks are the high price, firm ride, small footprint and performance-car running costs, but for the right buyer it offers a compelling mix of Lexus quality and enthusiast-focused engineering.