High-volume rides including Toyota's family favorite Camry sedan or five-door RAV4 crossover attract a loyal following through value-pricing, fuel friendliness and quality builds. It's been Asia's largest volume automaker's success formula for decades. When Toyota debuted its Lexus luxury division to the U.S. in 1989, a hint of posh joined the equation.
Posh along with a dedicated, yet finer-targeted audience helped launch Lexus into the top Asian luxury brand in the U.S. A close examination of the full-size LX 570 Sport Utility Vehicle makes an interesting case study.
Starting north of $80,000 this V-8-inspired truck's not for everyone or every garage. Fuel economy in the 15 miles per gallon neighborhood seems out of step with the Toyota family's eye on economy and gas-electric hybrid leadership. In addition, premium fuel requirements add to pump pricing (as does Illinois' July 1 gasoline tax hike, doubling to 38 cents per gallon). However, this purpose-built selection fills a niche even as its current build has changed little over the past decade. Those fretting over pump pricing probably never fit this target.
The burley LX 570 classifies as a truck-based SUV (with sturdy body-on-frame construction), not a pavement-content crossover with car underpinnings. Full-time four-wheel drive comes standard. The Lexus LX and Toyota Land Cruiser equate as corporate kissing cousins, both providing undeniable off-road prowess. However, Toyota's Land Cruiser comes standard with three row seating while LX offers the option of two or three rows (one of the few decisions needed as this top Lexus comes almost fully loaded in a single trim level).
When veering off-road, LX incorporates devices handling just about any challenge. Multi-terrain traction control adapts to five different surfaces (mud/sand, rock, rock and dirt, mogul and loose rock) and a locking center torsion differential assists lower-speed dynamics. An electronic switch between front buckets summons four-low when desired. With four-low activated, LX invites high-tech help with crawl control; comprising of turn assist, hill-start assist control and variable gear ratio steering.
The current third-generation LX 570 came online way back in 2008 (a considerably long period between next-generation redos). The first model year dates back to 1996. Consider LX the Lexus patriarch of SUV/crossovers. After its successful launch, GX RX, NX and most-recent UX followed along in the product portfolio. With 2018 model year sales totaling 4,753, LX trails Lexus leader RX (111,641 units sold) by a long shot, but carries on diligently as a niche product.
The 570 suffix reflects the returning naturally-aspirated (non turbo) 5.7-liter, 32-valve V-8, the sole powertrain churning out 383 horsepower mated to a newer eight-speed automatic transmission. No gas-electric hybrid, plug-in hybrid or all-electric versions are offered (yet). Also absent, start-stop technology, once the domain of gas-electric hybrids, sending the engine into a sleep-like mode at prolonged stops to conserve fuel while taming emissions.
Considering a hefty 6,000-pound weight, LX maneuvers with grace thanks to an adaptive suspension. As with most crafts donning the Lexus badge, the interior cocoon remains whisper quiet during on-road excursions, muting outside murmurs from entering. Seven thousands pounds of towing capacity rates as credible, but not class leading.
In many ways, this patriarch's age is starting to show, but its interior layout and comfort remain relevant in a timeless and inviting manor. Dash and doors intermix with wood trim and soft leather touches. A $1,190 luxury package includes extra soft semi-aniline leather with white stitching while an extra $150 provides a heated dark brown walnut three-spoke steering wheel. The elegant analog clock returns to the center dash (new for 2019; a digital companion within the instrument panel). Push-button electric start comes standard.
Newer tech comforts including Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, connecting Smartphone Apps with the large multi-function flat screen did not make the cut. However, 'Lexus Safety System' did make the starting line up (and featured in all Lexi sold in the U.S.) joining together a cadre of radar-enhanced safety nuggets.
Dynamic cruise control combines ease-a-bility and functionality by automatically speeding and slowing LX on highway jaunts based on the distance of the vehicle upfront. Lane departure keeps LX between the lines while rear cross traffic alerts help when backing out of a packed parking lot, warning drivers of perpendicularly passing vehicles. Also on board: a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection and automatic braking system.
Our five-seat tester started at $85,830. The $1,190 Luxury Package and dark brown walnut steering wheel ($150) brought the bottom line to $88,195 after adding $1,025 for destination. A three-row version includes a launch point of $90,830.
The tall footprint LX emanates a relative conservative style, with the Lexus brand's upfront spindle grille a distinctive outlier. Three diminutive, stepped, bejeweled LED headlights stretch into the waist of the grille, underlining with white accent lighting changing to a blinking amber yellow during turn signal moments.
A dual-opening back end includes a power-operated top portion and manual fold-down lower section handy if tail gating or maybe watching summer festival fireworks. The full-size spare tire stows outbound under the cargo region.
The luxury package also includes projector lamps in all four side doors illuminating the ground below with the LX logo at night. Also included are heated second-row seats and larger 21-inch wheels. Static (non-power folding) wide horizontal running boards below side doors also illuminate at night. New this year when skipping the $1,190 luxury package, side view mirror puddle lamps beaming down the Lexus logo after dusk. Inside A pillar grab handles assist the first step inside.
If storage takes priority, second row seatbacks fold onto cushions while the entire unit flips forward, butting up against front buckets. This configuration yields 50.5 cubic feet of cargo space in two-row versions, far less than what most competitors offer. When prone, these seats conveniently power back and forth to specific comfort levels of riders providing enough head and leg room for three adults.
The available third row includes seat cushions that fold up against side walls when not in use and power down when needed.
Commands of the HUGE 12.3-inch flat multi-purpose screen jetting up from the mid-dash region get summoned by the laborious remote touch interface. Between front bucket seats resides a long narrow, contoured wrist rest comforting the driver's right hand. A square wiggle pad resides ahead of the wrist rest and interacts with the non-touch-sensitive screen. A couple quick-select buttons reside ahead of the pad allowing fingers to summon the home screen or map. Provide extra practice time to master this design. The screen does include convenient split screen perspectives.
The Lincoln Motor Company (luxury arm of the Ford Motor Co.) promotes its own answer to LX in Navigator. Redesigned in the 2018 model year with improved road manners and friendlier third row, Navigator's off-road attributes fall short of what LX delivers.
2019 Lexus LX 570
Price as tested: $88,195
Engine 5.7-liter V-8
Horsepower: 383
Overall Length: 200 inches
Wheelbase: 112.2 inches
Overall Height: 75.2 inches
Overall Width: 78 inches
Fuel Economy: 13 mpg city, 18 mpg highway
Curb weight: 5,800 pounds
Assembly: Japan
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