2014 Lexus LX 570 Review - The Auto Channel
![]() 2014 Lexus LX 570 |
2014 LEXUS LX 570
A Gentleman’s SUV
By Steve Purdy
TheAutoChannel.com
Michigan Bureau
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Two generations of the truck have passed bringing us to this LX570 most recently redesigned for 2008 but continually updated since then. This one, of course, is more modern, more sophisticated and way more technologically equipped but it retains the high-line luxurious personality with a seldom-used but full-zoot off-road capability.
Shortly after delivery we took the Lexus LX 570 into town on some errands and happened to park next to a big Ford Excursion and they were nearly the same height and width though the RX was much shorter. We can also compare it in size to the shorter version of the Cadillac Escalade. Other comparable vehicles might include the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class and Range Rover.
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The most recent styling update provided the Lexus LX 570 with a subdued version of Lexus’ trademark “spindle” grille along with more sleek and stylish design details. LED DRLs and LED tail lamps along with heavily jeweled head light bezels and judicious chrome trim allow it to fit in to the sophisticated suburban landscape. Huge 20-inch chrome wheels with P285/50/R20 all-weather tires and an integrated, illuminated running board provide a visual heft.
![]() 2014 LX 570 Dash |
![]() 2014 Lexus LX 570 Rear Seat |
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Under the hood, hiding under plastic covers, lurks a 5.7-liter V8 making 383 horsepower and 403 pound-feet of torque mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission with a manual mode. The EPA rates this combination at 12 mpg in the city, 17 on the highway and 14 mpg combined using premium fuel. The engine is E85 capable. Most of our driving this week was on our country roads with just a bit of highway driving and we managed 17.1 mpg overall. Though we did not do any towing nor carry any serious cargo we found the power and acceleration more than adequate. The Lexus LX 570 is rated to tow 7,000 pounds and has an anti-sway feature integrated into the chassis dynamics.
Even though a tiny percentage of owners will ever do any serious off-roading the Lexus LX 570 has full-time four-wheel drive, a two-speed transfer case, suspension height adjustment (about 3inches), crawl control and hill-descent control. For on-road use we have three driver selectable suspension modes (sport-comfort-regular) but I could not discern much difference.
The LX 570 starts at $82,630 and comes well loaded. Our test car has the optional rear seat entertainment system that adds about 2 grand, a Luxury Package worth $1,500 that includes some cosmetic upgrades and the “Cool Box” refrigerated center console, and the upgraded Mark Levinson, 19-speaker, Surround Sound audio. Our sticker shows a bottom line of $88,555.
Lexus’ new vehicle warranty covers the Lexus LX 570 for four years or 50,000 miles and the powertrain for 6 years or 70,000 miles.
The LX 570 is a refined, comfortable and competent SUV with exceptional off-road potential. It would seem a bit incongruous to this reporter to do serious off-roading with this kind of luxury vehicle but the capability is there if you need it – or just want it. It is certainly a bit pricey and drinks a lot of fuel, but as an image enhancement tool it scores well with the others in its class.
We were sorry to have to give it back.
© Steve Purdy, Shunpiker Productions, All Rights Reserved