Lexus Yaris: Entry-level Lexus LBX teased for Europe, debuts June 5

A number of years in gestation, the Lexus LBX is nearly ready to greet the world — in Europe, at least. Across the Atlantic, most expect the LBX to go on sale as the luxury version of the Toyota Yaris Cross. Frankly, with the Yaris Cross already squat and chunky, Lexus doesn't have a long row to hoe in effecting the lines we're used to seeing on the compact UX and NX. Lexus' subcompact crossover will be the new entry-level vehicle in the lineup there and the successor to the CT 200h. That's right, the CT 200h, the compact hybrid hatch that left our market in 2017 but remained on sale in other parts of the world until exiting production in 2022.

Rumors have it the automaker will use the LBX to introduce a revised design language. Lexus Enthusiast picked the LBX out of a crowd of concepts when the brand showed its plans under the Lexus Is Electric banner in December 2021. That rendering and this grille teaser show a new front fascia is a possible outcome. The spindle is gone, swapped for what some are calling a "bowtie." The teaser reveals a traditional lower intake, no upper intake, and the Lexus "L" logo moved to the hood. A full-width ornamental piece across the front makes a cosmetic connection to the full-width LED taillight.