Toyota Yaris Cross Rumored to Underpin Diminutive Lexus by 2023
Lexus hasn’t been quiet about its need for crossovers. The brand went into the fad (it can’t last forever) underprepared with a fleet largely comprised of sedans; now it’s rumored to be developing a sub-$30,000 product following the launch of its subcompact UX model.
While a little surprising that Toyota’s luxury arm would pursue such a modestly priced vehicle, especially since it previously said cheap cars were a nonstarter, itty-bitty crossovers are in fashion right these days— and probably a good way to increase sales volume in select markets. Such a car would also give Lexus an opportunity add another model with a smaller-than-average carbon footprint, pleasing government regulators.
Serving as the basis for this hypothetical model will be the Toyota Yaris Cross. The Lexus allegedly carries the BX name and will serve as an unlikely candidate for the North American landscape. It may, however, see action in Europe and Asia if the manufacturer decides to pull the trigger.
Right now, all we have are preliminary reports from AutoHome China suggesting such a model is in the works, tied to the lifted version of the Euro-spec Yaris. While some details were bound to be lost in translation, the outlet suggests the BX would lift the 1.5-liter hybrid powertrain directly from that model. That means a tepid 115 horsepower when combined with two synchronous AC motors.
There’s also mention of an F Sport variant, though we couldn’t even begin to postulate on what might lurk beneath its hood. The assumed hybrid powertrain sets a fairly low bar, leaving us wondering if Lexus will bother giving us something worthy of the badge. Up until recently, Lexus/Toyota’s performance models were just gussied-up cars with upgraded suspensions and some factory tuning. Lately, the company’s shown a growing willingness to add meaningful levels of horsepower via Gazoo Racing.
Our best guess is that Lexus will fit the Yaris Cross with a nicer interior and some brand-approved bodywork before calling it a day on the base BX. Deliveries are estimated to commence in 2023.
As stated before, odds of this baby coming to America are exceptionally poor. Toyota has already confirmed the model as a poor fit for the United States, making the BX even less likely.
We’ll keep an ear to the ground to see if that changes, though we doubt it. America doesn’t even have access to the current-generation Yaris, and has been making due with Mazda-based subcompacts coming out of Mexico for years. Exporting a premium model that probably won’t mesh with regional tastes seems highly unlikely.
[Images: Toyota]
A staunch consumer advocate tracking industry trends and regulation. Before joining TTAC, Matt spent a decade working for marketing and research firms based in NYC. Clients included several of the world’s largest automakers, global tire brands, and aftermarket part suppliers. Dissatisfied with the corporate world and resentful of having to wear suits everyday, he pivoted to writing about cars. Since then, that man has become an ardent supporter of the right-to-repair movement, been interviewed on the auto industry by national radio broadcasts, driven more rental cars than anyone ever should, participated in amateur rallying events, and received the requisite minimum training as sanctioned by the SCCA. Handy with a wrench, Matt grew up surrounded by Detroit auto workers and managed to get a pizza delivery job before he was legally eligible. He later found himself driving box trucks through Manhattan, guaranteeing future sympathy for actual truckers. He continues to conduct research pertaining to the automotive sector as an independent contractor and has since moved back to his native Michigan, closer to where the cars are born. A contrarian, Matt claims to prefer understeer — stating that front and all-wheel drive vehicles cater best to his driving style.
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I can't understand why Toyota is not bringing this to the America. The C-HR is just plain awful. This would make a great entry level CUV for Toyota. I don't know how it would work as a Lexus, but with Lexus design cues and interior refinement it might work. But they should definitely bring it as the entry level Toyota CUV. That's a no-brainer.
I don't get Lexus, the LS has a V6, they killed the GS, F-Sport is as meaningless as stripe-packages in the 1970s. I've driven the NX as a loaner half-a-dozen times and it's a steaming pile. I can't imagine the UX or this Yaris-based thing being any better. My now 20-year-old GS has honestly spoiled the crap out of me with its durability, reliability, 1UZFE V8 and an interior that looks barely five years old. I sit in the new Lexus models and can plainly see they won't last nearly as well as the older cars. The newest Lexus I'd replace my car with is a 2005 LS430, any Lexus after that is just a car.