Morizo’s favourite – Lexus LBX Morizo RR road and track drive

The Lexus LBX Morizo RR, is the rather ironically ‘amped-up’ version of the brand’s ‘introductory’ model the LBX. I say ironic as, although the trio of LBX’ (Active, Cool, Relax) all come with a hybrid heart, the ‘Morizo RR’ is a 1.6L turbo’d-ICE performance model that although has a ‘casual luxury’ ethos, is a thrilling luxurious bullet – oh and Morizo’s favourite Lexus. 

When Lexus first introduced the LBX hybrid, it was designed to captivate lifestyle-oriented individuals who value both luxury and environmental mindfulness in their vehicles, but more importantly, was an accessible yet high-end hybrid option—a first for the brand.

In New Zealand, the LBX quickly established itself as a frontrunner in the sub-$60,000 small SUV hybrid market, surpassing expectations and even challenging competitors like the BMW X1. And with 70% of its buyers being women, the LBX clearly resonates with an audience seeking both luxury and functionality.

Enter the Morizo RR – The new LBX Morizo RR model adds a thrilling dimension to the lineup, elevating Lexus’s position in the high-powered small SUV segment. To explain the moniker, Morizo is the secret-squirrel name that master driver Akio Toyota raced under and the RR is for their ‘Rookie Racing’ team. 

Anyway, although it’s NOT a limited edition, the Morizo RR is a rarity, available only in New Zealand, Australia, and Japan, underscoring its exclusivity and appeal, and its introduction aligns with the philosophy of Akio Toyota, who envisioned a vehicle that marries the exuberance of a sports car with the elegance of a Lexus.

Inspired by fashion’s ability to break down traditional hierarchies (as reflected in the story behind the sneakers that inspired its design), the Morizo RR embraces the concept of ‘casual luxury.’ It offers a dichotomy, a comfortable everyday vehicle that transforms into a driving enthusiast’s dream on weekends.

The Morizo RR stands out with its more-aggressive design enhancements, featuring redesigned bumpers, larger intakes, and body-coloured wheel arches paired with 19-inch metallic forged wheels. This aesthetic not only delivers visual appeal but serves functional purposes too, enhancing aerodynamics and stability. It’s around 15mm wider and 10mm lower, meaning that it offers a more impressive visual stance while the driver sits lower and therefore more involved.

Under the bonnet, the Morizo RR packs a 1.6-litre, three-cylinder turbocharged engine, that when pushed (and in sport or expert) offers an excellent soundtrack. It’s combined with a Direct Shift eight-speed transmission too, offering seamless power delivery and dynamic acceleration that jumps with every gear shift. 

What sets the Morizo RR apart is its ability to adapt to the driver’s intentions, a testament to Lexus’s commitment to creating a personalised driving experience. The vehicle anticipates driver behaviour, adjusting gear and torque distribution to optimise performance. Its electronically controlled all-wheel drive system further refines the driving signature, giving the driver full control and confidence, whether on a casual drive or a spirited dash.

For the NZ launch we headed to the familiar but always exciting Queenstown backdrop, with a full day’s drive that included a road route over the Crown Ranges and some twisty backroads, some 5-star luxury, and of course, a spirited drive on Highland’s Motorsport park – the Morizo RR is a performance vehicle after all.

The ‘follow the leader’ drive along the epic South Islands roads may not have been at any great pace (that would be left for the track), but it did give us a chance to push the buttons, play with the tech and feel the alcantara fabric. In fairness, the Morizo RR isn’t an obvious sports car (in the way the GR is), however, there is enough firmness in the ride and interior finish to let you know you’re in something a little special – ie, the aforementioned fabrics and the Mark Levinson sound system. I guess it is a ‘casual luxury’ compact that will happily head to the store or look city chic at the mall.

But then we hit the track, a place that with the push of a driving mode button and a press into AWD, turned the ‘casual’ into promiscuous. Lexus had laid out a few exercises for us. A timed gymkhana which had the tyres squealing and the pulse racing – just for the record I won (despite coming second). 

This was followed by high-speed corner training, where the improved rigidity of the LBX chassis came into play (it’s got over 400 additional spot welds than a regular LBX). and last but not least, several high-speed laps of the international circuit, which despite leaving 100km/h well in our rear view mirrors, still felt like the Morizo RR had plenty more to give.

All in all it was a great taste of what the amped up LBX was capable of and what happens when performance meets Lexus luxury, and easy to see why Morizo (aka Toyoda) is a fan. 

In New Zealand, Lexus plans to deliver 45 units of the Morizo RR in 2025, promising an exclusive ownership experience that aligns with the vehicle’s performance capabilities. Priced competitively, it stands poised to capture the interest of those looking to upgrade from the standard LBX or enter the luxury small SUV market. The RRP for the LBX MORIZO RR will be $89,900 plus on road costs.