Luxury SUVs have been around for decades, but one of the most overlooked examples is the Lexus LX.
Launched in 1996, the LX arrived ahead of the Cadillac Escalade, Lincoln Navigator and Infiniti QX56 / QX80.
Based on the iconic Toyota Land Cruiser, the model promised to combine genuine off-road capability with the luxury and comfort that Lexus was renowned for. While it didn’t become as popular as some of its competitors, the LX has developed a cult following and you can count us among them.
It Looks New, But There’s No Hiding Its Age
Despite being introduced nearly a decade and a half ago, the third-generation LX looks relatively modern thanks to a series of facelifts that added Lexus’ controversial spindle grille and a revamped interior. Unfortunately, the latter is showing its age as the optional wireless charger can’t accept modern smartphones such as the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE.
That’s certainly inconvenient, but it’s nothing compared to the atrocious infotainment system. The graphics look like dated clip art and the controller is downright maddening. While a number of Lexus models use a new and vastly improved touchpad controller, the LX is stuck with the equivalent of an upside down computer mouse that is overly sensitive.
Interacting with the controller is tedious and relatively simple things, such as entering an address, require plenty of patience. Suggestions help to alleviate some of the burden, but you’ll probably be second guessing your decision not to use your phone’s navigation system.
Thankfully, those are the only major complaints as the cabin features high-quality materials and an otherwise modern design. There’s also plenty of space in the first two rows, but the optional third row has a scant 28.3 inches (719 mm) of legroom and the seats block your third quarter view when they’re folded up.
It’s A Body-On-Frame SUV And It Drives Like One
Considering the LX’s age and body-on-frame construction, it’s not surprising to learn that it doesn’t handle as well as luxury crossovers. There’s a decent amount of body roll and the overall driving experience is pretty truck-like. That being said, the ride is reasonably plush.
Sticking with driving dynamics, the steering is vague and a bit on the heavy side. Given this, the experience isn’t particularly fun or engaging.
A 5.7-liter V8 resides under the hood and produces a respectable 383 hp (286 kW / 388 PS) and 403 lb-ft (546 Nm) of torque. It’s paired to a smooth shifting eight-speed automatic transmission, which sends power to a full-time four-wheel-drive system with a limited-slip center differential that can be electronically locked.
While the engine produces plenty of power, the three-row LX 570 weighs 6,000 lbs (2,722 kg) and this effectively makes the vehicle a defensive lineman in a tuxedo. The 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) time is a leisurely 7.3 seconds and the SUV can keep going until it hits an electronically limited top speed of 137 mph (220 km).
Lexus might be known for their extensive lineup of fuel efficient models, but the LX certainly isn’t one of them as it has an EPA rating of 12 mpg city, 16 mpg highway and 14 mpg combined. This makes the similarly rugged Mercedes G550 look positively eco-friendly in comparison as it returns 17 mpg city, 19 mpg highway and 18 mpg combined.
A Capable Off-Roader
While the LX might be thirsty at the pump, it’s a legitimate off-roader and we tested its capabilities in Texas. During our time with the model, it had no problem traversing steep grades, earthy moguls, light mud and a moderate rock course.
This capability is due to a number of off-road focused features including an electro-hydraulic suspension with 4-Wheel Active Height Control. The system features a High mode, which increases the ride height by approximately 2.0 inches (51 mm) at the front and 2.4 inches (61 mm) at the rear when traveling at speeds under 18 mph (29 km/h). There’s even an Extra High mode that raises the vehicle an additional 0.8 inches (20 mm), although it’s not manually selectable.
Other off-road goodies include a multi-terrain system with Rock, Rock & Dirt, Mogul, Loose, and Mud & Sand modes. The model also has a Crawl Control system that allows for travel on “extremely rough off-road surfaces at a fixed low speed without pressing the accelerator or brake pedal.”
Lexus J201 concept
Drivers will also find a Multi-Terrain Monitor, which acts as a virtual spotter by providing live views of the exterior and the ground beneath the vehicle. It also features a tilt meter and a slip display that shows freely spinning wheels in yellow.
The LX has 8.9 inches (226 mm) of ground clearance as well as approach, departure and breakover angles of 25, 20 and 23 degrees in Normal mode. Those numbers aren’t overly impressive, but they’re not too shabby for a luxury vehicle and one of the model’s biggest limitations are its street-friendly tires. Of course, those are easy to swap out and Lexus showcased the model’s off-road potential with last year’s J201 concept.
Pricing Starts At $86,830
As Lexus’ flagship SUV, the 2021 LX 570 has a price tag to match its positioning. As such, it starts at $86,830 and that’s before you factor in a $1,295 delivery, processing and handling fee.
While that’s not cheap, the model comes nicely equipped with LED headlights, a power moonroof and rain-sensing wipers. Buyers will also find 20-inch alloy wheels and a hitch that enables the SUV to tow up to 7,000 lbs (3,175 kg).
Inside, there’s perforated leather seats with heating and power adjustment up front. Other niceties include a power tilt / telescopic steering wheel, a four-zone automatic climate control system and ambient lighting. The LX also boasts luxurious wood trim and a 12.3-inch infotainment system with GPS navigation and Amazon Alexa compatibility. However, it eschews Android Auto and Apple CarPlay so there’s no getting around the awful infotainment system.
On the safety front, there’s All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert and a Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection. Drivers will also find Intelligent High Beams, Intuitive Parking Assist and a Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert.
While the LX comes well-equipped, options include heated / ventilated seats, a heated wood / leather steering wheel, and a Sport Package that adds modified bodywork, a revised grille and 21-inch alloy wheels. Other extras include a color head-up display, a wireless smartphone charger, a 19-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system and a rear seat entertainment system with two 11.6-inch displays.
An Aging Icon Due For A Redesign
If you’re in the market for a luxurious off-roader, your choices are pretty much limited to the Mercedes G-Class, Range Rover and Lexus LX 570. While the LX is the only one to offer third-row seating, both of the aforementioned competitors are newer – and an all-new Range Rover is on the horizon.
That’s what this review boils down to: age. There’s no getting around the fact the third-generation LX debuted in 2007 and is past its prime. A series of updates have helped to keep the model fresh, but its packaging and technology is decidedly old school.
That’s not to say the LX is bad, because that’s certainly not the case. It is undeniably luxurious and more than capable off-road, and it also has a fairly comfortable ride, although the driving experience leaves a lot to be desired.
Of course, Toyota recently introduced a new Land Cruiser and it’s expected to foreshadow a redesigned LX. It can’t come soon enough, but we hope the next-generation model continues to combine impressive luxury with true off-road capability.