- Lexus’ breakthrough compact crossover receives its first major European awards, winning What Car? overall Car of the Year and Small SUV of the Year titles
- Lexus retains the What Car? Reliability Award for an unmatched seventh consecutive year
The Lexus LBX has received its first major European honours, being named the Car of the Year and Small SUV of the Year 2024 by the leading automotive magazine What Car?
Announced at a presentation ceremony in London on January 18th, the prestigious awards herald the arrival of a model that is expected to be a game-changer for Lexus, taking it into new market territory in Europe with the potential to accelerate sales and attract many customers new to the brand.
Lexus also maintained its complete dominance in the Reliability Award, collecting the honour for an unmatched seventh consecutive year.
Steve Huntingford, editor of the UK-based What Car?, said: “The What Car? Car of the Year title is reserved for the model which has moved things on farthest in the past 12 months, and this year that is the Lexus LBX. Despite competing in the hugely competitive small SUV market, it’s a better all-rounder than every rival, not least because it is the first car in the class to combine hybrid efficiency with big-car luxury. And at a time when prices seem to be going through the roof, it offers these strengths for an amazingly tempting price.”
Turning to the Reliability Award, he continued: “Unlike other What Car? award categories, this one required no debate because in our latest Reliability Survey, Lexus finished top for the seventh consecutive year. Not only are its cars among the most dependable you can buy, dealers dealt with the few faults that did crop up swiftly, efficiently and without charging any of the Lexus owners who told us about their cars. With sister brand Toyota finishing second in the survey, it’s clear these standards are company-wide.”
Accepting the Car of the Year Award, Chris Hayes, Director of Lexus in the UK, said: “This honour will be a source of great pride and excitement for everyone who was involved in making the LBX, from the Chief Engineer to the teams working on the production line. It rewards the huge efforts that have been invested in making a small car that is truly premium in every respect, and authentically a Lexus product.
“There has been no compromise. The LBX has all the craftsmanship luxury, high quality and signature driving experience you will find in any car that wears our badge.”