Lexus LBX vs Audi Q2

What's the difference?

If you’re after a small performance-focused hatch or small SUV, there’s no shortage of solid offerings from semi-premium and premium brands like Audi, BMW, Cupra, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen and more.

Another high-end brand dipping its toes in the segment is Lexus. Yes, Lexus. The Japanese luxury brand that’s famous for reliable and comfortable cars like the ES and RX.

It might be surprising that Lexus could build something like the LBX Morizo RR, but let’s not forget the many go-fast models in its back catalogue - the LFA supercar, the LC coupe and drop-top, IS F and GS F sedans and the RC F coupe.

At the urging of famed Toyota Motor Corporation (Lexus’ parent company) Chairman Akio Toyoda, Lexus has birthed a firecracker based on its humble, yet fun, LBX small SUV.

Akio has had a hand in developing the Morizo RR as well. Hence the name. Akio is head road tester for the carmaking giant, and a seasoned racer in his spare time. He uses the ‘Morizo’ alias when racing. The ‘RR’ stands for ‘rookie racer’. 

Using the same powertrain found in Toyota’s GR Yaris and Corolla hot hatch cousins, the LBX has a lot of promise. But has Lexus done enough to bother those largely European rivals?

Audi’s littlest and most affordable SUV, the Q2, has been updated with new looks and tech, but something else has snuck in with it. Or should I say roared in? It’s the SQ2, with a whopping 300 horsepower and a snarling bark.

So, this review has something for everybody. It’s for those who want to know what’s new for the Q2 in this latest update - those thinking of  buying a cool-looking little SUV from Audi - and for those who want to wake their neighbours up and frighten their friends.

Ready? Let’s go.