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2017 Lexus LX 570 4WD Living Large - Review By Larry Nutson


2017 Lexus LX LX 570 4WD  (select to view enlarged photo)
2017 Lexus LX570

2017 Lexus LX 570
Living Large

By Larry Nutson
Senior Editor and Bureau Chief
Chicago Bureau
The Auto Channel

I felt like I was repeating myself when I remarked that with the Lexus LX 570 all I needed was a sleek Airstream trailer and I could head off for a nice family vacation wandering around the U.S.

I actually was repeating myself since I had said this just last year when I drove the Toyota Land Cruiser that is derived from the same body and frame architecture.


2017 Lexus LX LX 570 4WD (select to view enlarged photo)

At 200 inches long, with seating for up to eight, and able to tow up to 7000 lbs., the 2017 Lexus LX 570 is ready for the highway. In the same breath, with full time four-wheel drive, an 8.9 inch ground clearance, four-wheel Active Traction Control to control wheel slip, and a Multi-Terrain Select system with Rock, Rock and Dirt, Mogul, Loose Rock, and Mud and Sand settings you are ready for nearly any off-road adventure.

Powering the LX 570 is a 5.7-liter V8 producing 383 horsepower and 403 lb.-ft. of peak torque at just 3,600 rpm. The engine is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission with a driver-selectable low range that provides low-speed crawling capability for handling steep off-road hills and uneven terrain. There’s also Crawl Control with Turn Assist, Hill-start Assist Control and Variable Gear Ratio Steering.

Even with its 6,000 lb. curb weight, the LX 570 will go from zero to 60 mph in 7.3 seconds, according to Lexus. It’s no lumbering elephant.

In spite of all this performance the LX 570 is rated an ultra low emission vehicle (ULEV). EPA test-cycle ratings are 15 mpg combined, with 13 city mpg and 18 highway mpg. In my week of around town jaunts I averaged in the 13-14 mpg range.

For 2016 Lexus gave the LX 570 an extensive bumper-to-bumper upgrade in design, luxury features and amenities, and performance. The Lexus Safety System+ was made standard. These driver-assistance safety features include pre-collision braking, pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning and mitigation, and adaptive cruise control.

The 2017 model carries over with no changes and is priced at $89,880, according to current Lexus information.

The media-loan LX 570 I drove had a base price of $89,380 (there must have been a mid-year price change) and was equipped with optional 21-inch alloys ($745), a head-up display ($900) and the Luxury Package ($1,190). The total price hit an attention-getting $93,340.

After the climb-up into the LX 570 driver’s seat there’s plenty of good outward visibility. The console and center stack contain a huge array of buttons and switches. There’s four-zone climate control, a 12.3-inch display screen and a surround-view camera that came in real handy for parking. The LX570 has a controller for infotainment that can be challenging at times. For those in the back, the second-row has sunshades and a power-slide feature for the seats.


2017 Lexus LX LX 570 4WD (select to view enlarged photo)


2017 Lexus LX LX 570 4WD (select to view enlarged photo)


2017 Lexus LX LX 570 4WD (select to view enlarged photo)

The third-row seats are split 50/50 and fold against the sidewalls, not into the floor, remaining exposed. They’re power activated by buttons in the cargo compartment.

Cargo space is limited with all seats in place. However, with the rear seats folded there is nearly 25 cu.ft. of room. The rear hatch is two-piece. The top section is power operated and can be opened from the front seat. The bottom section is like a tailgate that manually folds down for access to the load floor.


PHOTO

Once I adjusted to the overall size of the LX 570 I managed my way around the crowded and often partial-blocked streets of Chicago. I did see a few heads turn, probably wondering why this one guy all alone in this big SUV needed it. I surely would have fit in better in Texas.

The LX 570 is large for a reason. It has all its capabilities for a reason. I respect that and understand why it exists in the market. On the inside there’s lots of luxury and quiet. The drivetrain responds well and the chassis and suspension were fearless over potholes and road imperfections. I did think the steering effort was a bit heavy.


2017 Lexus LX LX 570 4WD (select to view enlarged photo)

More info and specs can be found at Lexus Buyers Guide or http://www.lexus.com/models/LX. And you can check out other luxury full size SUVs right here on The Auto Channel's Perfect New Car Match.

A recent New York Times story coincided with my driving of the LX570 and brought the Lexus Plus program to my attention. This program has two key features, described here by Lexus:
Negotiation-free Pricing—Lexus Plus dealers will provide negotiation-free, market-value prices for every offering available for purchase at a dealership. This transparent pricing approach includes new and pre-owned vehicles, service packages, accessories, and more.
Dedicated Consultants—Customers will work with a personal consultant to accompany them throughout their sales experience—from the initial introduction through the delivery. They will also have a single point of contact during their service visits.

Only 10 of its 238 dealers in the United States are involved so far; another three are preparing to enter, according to the NY Times story.

I didn’t get to do any off-roading with the LX570 but I’m pretty sure it would perform well. Likewise, had it been winter I’m sure a Chicago snowstorm wouldn’t faze it. Personally, if I needed trailer towing capability, off-road or challenging road surface ability, and cargo room for, let’s say, a couple dogs, I would choose the LX570 over a full-size pickup. The dogs would be grateful of my choice!

© 2017 Larry Nutson, the Chicago Car Guy

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