Recognized as the first premium, full-capability prestige three-row luxury utility vehicle, the
2018 Lexus LX 570 continues to deliver on challenging off-road adventures as well as luxurious daily commutes.
Fuel economy or financial frugalities are not reasons to buy a Lexus LX570.
On the other hand it has one of the best reliability records in the industry for a large luxury sport utility vehicle. Plus, this recently tested vehicle has power features galore as well as the all-terrain equipment necessary to do serious off-roading.
Priced from $89,380, the tested SUV averaged 15.7 miles per gallon with four to six persons aboard traveling primarily on an interstate system.
This abundant usage of gasoline is offset by one huge virtue. One can live like royalty in it.
Visually, the LX 570 wears the Lexus spindle grille, redesigned 20-inch alloy wheels and improved interior.
Running boards on the sides are illuminated and so is the tow hitch and ball mounting area in the rear. Puddle lamps guide feet into the front and second rows of seats.
Buyers get a luxurious eight-passenger vehicle including power folding split third row seat (folds and then flips to the sides), power (forward and backward) second row seat, and power (forward or backward, up and down) front leather (heated with memory for three) bucket seats, plus power tilt and telescoping steering wheel. The liftgate and moonroof (open, close, tilt) also are operated by power. Interior trim includes leather, metal alloys and real wood (not a plastic laminate lookalike). Available equipment includes 40/20/40 split, power-sliding second-row seat; power retractable third row, and a split rear tailgate with power upper door.
The rear storage area in the Lexus LX570 is lighted, carpeted and furnished with tiedowns, storage net and cargo cover. By power controls, the split third row folds flat against the inside walls of the cargo area and or is lowered to an upright position. When the second row is flattened and the third row splits powered flat along the walls, cargo space expands to 83.1 cubic feet. Three power outlets include one 120-volt outlet.
Memory for three also includes steering wheel and exterior mirror positions as well as favorites on the audio system.
Cruise control and redundant audio controls are mounted on the power tilt and telescope leather-wrapped steering wheel.
One touch is required for the power open and close, tilt and slide, moonroof.
The four power windows are express up and down and come with anti-pinch protection.
Also standard are navigation system with voice command, parking sensor, remote keyless entry (doors and liftgate) and smart start, cruise control, air conditioning, zoned climate controls, lighted vanity mirrors, electric foldable and heated exterior mirrors (reverse tilt to see curb when parking), eight-speaker entertainment system, clock, compass, outside temperature display, courtesy and reading lights.
There is one sour note. Radio (AM-FM-satellite) controls are mercilessly confusing. Simpler systems are out there in the automotive industry.
The 5.7-liter, 383-horsepower, dual overhead cam V8 engine can tow a 7,000-pound trailer. The engine is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Although huge, the LX570 has been factory-tested accelerating from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 7.3 seconds.
A transfer case automatically lowers the vehicle when in low range. On the highway, the electronics raise the vehicle to its normal ground clearance of eight inches. Off-roading equipment, besides a transfer case and huge tires, includes auxiliary transmission cooler, differential center lock, limited slip differential (center), tow hooks front and rear, recessed fog lamps, four mud flaps, overhead roof rails and undercarriage protection.
Storage capacity measures 83.1 cubic feet when the rear two rows of seats have been adjusted properly. Three power outlets include one 120-volt outlet.
Safety equipment includes seat belts for eight, air bags front, sides and overhead, traction and stability controls, front airbags, side airbags for two rows and (rollover sensing) curtains for three rows, pretensioners and headrests complementing seat belts, rain-sensing variable intermittent wipers, intermittent rear wiper with washer, daytime running lights, a rearview camera, and adaptive halogen headlamps.
The current LX570 is virtually the same SUV redesigned in the 2008 model year. The 2018 model should prove to be about the same. Changes have been few but one of them was replacing a six- with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Prices keep rising as in 2014, for example, the asking price was $81,780. Today's is $8,000 more.
A single trim package is offered and it costs $1,190. In it are upgrade leather trim and heated second-row seats. Otherwise options are standalones such as a $150 steering wheel and $745 for 21-inch alloy wheels.
FAST FACTS
Vehicle: Lexus LX570
Type: eight-passenger, four-wheel-drive, full-size sport utility vehicle
Price: $89,380
Engine: 5.7-liter, 389-horsepower V8
Transmission: eight-speed shiftable automatic, off-road gearing
Fuel tank: 24.6 gallons
Fuel: premium unleaded
Towing: 7,000 pounds
Brakes: ventilated discs, 13.9-inchfront, 13.5-inch rear
Tires (285), alloy wheels: 20-inch, full-size spare tires with alloy wheel
Weight: 6,000 pounds
Cargo: 83.1 cubic feet maximum, 15.5 cubic feet all seats upright
Payload: 1,280 pounds
Turning, curb-to-curb: 38.7 feet
Wheelbase, length, width, height in inches: 112.2, 200, 78, 75.2
Legroom: 42.9 inches front, 34.4 inches middle, 30 inches third row
Suspension: adaptive double wishbone front, solid live axle rear, shocks, coil springs, arms, stabilizer bars
Warranty: Warranty coverage is four years or 50,000 miles with 24-hour roadside assistance, six years or 70,000 miles on powertrain, free first and second scheduled maintenance and free lodging if there is a breakdown more than 100 miles from home.
Assembly: Japan
Information: www.lexus.com/models/LX