Lexus LBX Morizo RR sells out in Australia with year-long wait

Lexus has been met with a surge of demand for the LBX Morizo RR, a compact performance crossover that effectively serves as a premium counterpart to the Toyota GR Yaris. All units destined for Australia were snapped up within weeks of launch, leaving a waiting list stretching to 12 months. For a niche-sized, driver-focused model, that kind of rush says a lot about the car’s appeal.

According to Lexus Australia head John Pappas, the company secured around 100 cars for the first year, but interest has far exceeded that number. The brand is now in talks for extra allocations, even as global production remains tight.

The LBX Morizo RR is equipped with a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine rated at 206 kW (280 hp) and 390 Nm. All-wheel drive is standard, paired with an eight-speed automatic. Japan offers a manual version, but Australia does without it.

Despite a starting price of $76,490 (around $85,000), interest shows no sign of easing. Buyers tend to see the LBX Morizo RR as a car for enthusiasts, pointing to a rare mix of performance, design, and Lexus-quality execution. Judging by the reaction, it appears to land in that sweet spot where character, compact size, and everyday usability come together.