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2013 Lexus LX 570 Review By John Heilig


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2013 Lexus LX 570

THE AUTO PAGE
By JOHN HEILIG

SPECIFICATIONS : 2013 Lexus LX 570

Model: 2013 Lexus LX 570
Engine: 5.7-liter V8
Horsepower/Torque: 283 hp @ 5,600 rpm/403 lb.-ft. @ 3,600 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Wheelbase: 112.2 in.
Length/Width/Height: 197.0 x 77.6 x 73.4 in.
Tires: P285/50R20
Cargo volume: 15.5/41.0/83.1 cu. ft. (all rows, 3rd row down/2nd and 3rd row down)
Fuel economy: 12 mpg city/17 mpg highway/16.1 mpg test
Fuel capacity: 24.6 gal.
Curb weight: 6,000 lbs.
Sticker: $88,920 (includes $875 delivery charge and $7,115 in options)

Top Five Reasons to Buy this Car

1. You want a Suburban but you'd prefer a Lexus
2. Carrying capacity, people or cargo
3. Comfort
4. Convenience
5. Luxury

The Bottom Line: While it's easy to just talk about the size of the Lexus LX 570, the large SUV's features are equally huge. While the LX is expensive, it offers a lot in capability, convenience and comfort.

"Oh boy," I thought when I saw the behemoth Lexus LX570 sitting in my driveway. True, it isn't as big as a Suburban It's more Tahoe size, but it appeared huge after the sporty IS350 I had the week before. And, I had a couple of longish trips to out-of-the-way locations that would be a challenge to begin with.

Well, I set off for my baseball game in South Philadelphia and realized I had left the directions to the ball field at home. I remembered the address, so I punched a couple of buttons and reached Destination Assist, where I talked to a real person and told her where I was headed. In a few minutes at the most, the directions were downloaded into the LX's navigation system and the car took me to my game. I used it again on another trip and it worked just as efficiently. Destination Assist even paused my iPod while it was working and resumed where it had left off.

Since I was ridiculously early for the game, the comfortable front seats allowed me the opportunity for a quick nap so I'd be bright eyed and bushy tailed in time for the first pitch.

With its size, the LX is extra comfortable, both for long and short trips. There are three ride settings - Sport, Middle and Comfort - and while I didn't notice a huge difference in the three, comfort and middle were the best.

The front seats are very comfortable with adjustable arm rests that also function as the cover for the center console. The second row seats offer exceptional leg room, while the third row seats are there.

That center console can be cooled and is deep enough to hold one-liter bottles. There's even a shaped bottom for the odd bottom shape of the bottles.

With the 5.7-liter V8 delivering a healthy 383 horsepower, there's no lack of oomph. In fact, on the Turnpike, I had to use cruise control to reduce the strain on my wallet. Sure, the economy could be better, but if you're going to shell out nearly $89,000 for a vehicle, you don't have to worry about fuel economy.

Ride quality is excellent, thanks to the long wheelbase and heavy weight, two attributes Rolls-Royce has exploited for years.

The four-wheel disc brakes are excellent. This is a requirement, considering the power and weight.

While it's a great vehicle on the road, it's also pretty decent to park. The LX has Intuitive Park Assist that uses a couple of cameras to keep you away from those cement pylons they fill parking garages with. It also helps to find the lanes in parking lots and the curbs all around the vehicle.

The long wheelbase and the short overall length means that there isn't a lot of overhang. This aids if you want to take the LX off road, and it has all the options for true off-roading - H4 to L4.

The cargo area is fairly small with all three rows of seats up. Tumble the third row seat backs forward and cargo area increases, but the seats are still there. They are removable.

My only serious complaints with the LX were that the fuel cap release is hard to find. It's under the dash by the driver's left knee, but it isn't that well marked. I also didn't like the sticker, but you have to live with high stickers these days if you want super vehicles.

Despite its size, the LX570 drives easily. Perhaps my impression here is due to my many miles behind the wheel of a full-sized van. But if you need a vehicle that can carry up to eight passengers or a lot of cargo, this might be the one.

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