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2019 Lexus LX570 5-Dr SUV Review by David Colman


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2019 Lexus LX570 5-Dr SUV

You'll Adore This Well-Mannered Beast

By David Colman
Special Correspondent to THE AUTO CHANNEL


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2019 Lexus LX570 5-Dr SUV
At night, the LX ingratiates itself when you open any passenger door. That's when you'll see the initials "LX" projected onto the ground by the courtesy lights that come with the $1,190 Luxury Package. And in case you're confused about the brand of the model you're driving, standard puddle lamps show the Lexus logo as well. These bravura touches are meant to reinforce the stalwart nature of the beast you have chosen to drive. And make no mistake, the LX570 is a beast, albeit an exceptionally well mannered one. Leading off in the beast department is the three ton curb weight of the LX, followed by its 383hp/405lb.-ft. torque 3UR-FE V8 which propels the 6,000lb. SUV just 15 miles for each gallon of gas. Also beastly is the LX' propensity for conquering virtually any terrain you're likely to encounter, from fording a river to running the Rubicon trail. The LX is virtually identical in specification to its Toyota sibling, the world renowned Land Cruiser. If one of these vehicles won't get you there, then you shouldn't have tried going in the first place.

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2019 Lexus LX570 5-Dr SUV
Just examine the incredible list of specifications that elevate the LX to its top status as an off-road conqueror. Lexus drives all four wheels through an 8-speed sequential shift automatic transmission. The drivetrain consists of a Torsen limited slip center differential, as well as active height control for clearing obstacles. Electronically controlled shock absorbers and remote controlled front and rear sway bars tailor ride to road surface. One look at the center console reveals more knobs and buttons than the cockpit of a Boeing jetliner. If you can't surmount an obstacle or a back road with this vehicle, then it most likely can't be done. Also helping solve the traction equation are four of the largest rubber rollers in the business, Dunlop Grandtrek 21 inch pavement pounders (275/50R21) mounted on $745 optional, 21 inch split 10-spoke alloy wheels. If you don't select the 21 inch alloys, the standard issue wheel and tire combo measures 20 inches in diameter, and the stock tire (285/50R20) is actually 10mm wider in section width than the optional tire.

We recently tested a fully loaded Toyota Land Cruiser that cost just $700 less than this Lexus LX570. In view of the price parity, I would recommend the Lexus over the Toyota because the LX570 is more elegant looking outside and better finished inside. In the LX, we particularly enjoyed the plush, heated and ventilated front seats, which the Luxury Package upholsters in semi-aniline leather with contrast stitching. The HVAC system in the LX is labeled "Climate Concierge" just to let you know you've checked into the top echelon hacienda in the Lexus line. The swaths of wood that grace the interior surfaces are real walnut, and the heated dark brown walnut steering wheel is a worthy $150 addition. The multi-information screen that regulates navigation, maps and infotainment dominates the dash top like a drive-in movie display. However, the nervous and fidgety mouse like apparatus that controls screen commands is best left to passenger operation as it demands too much concentration from the driver.

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2019 Lexus LX570 5-Dr SUV
The LX suffers from the same ergonomic drawbacks as the Land Cruiser when it comes to partitioning interior space. Although both vehicles will accept 43 cubic feet of stuff when you convert the interior for cargo, the process of doing so is overly complex. Where many similar size SUVs enjoy instant stow and go reconfiguration, the LX demands more of your time and energy than it should. To achieve maximum cargo space, you must follow a 7 step procedure which includes lashing the second row seat backs to tie-downs sunk in the cargo floor. And even then you don't end up with the flat floor that, say, the Acura MDX produces in an instant.

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2019 Lexus LX570 5-Dr SUV
But those of you who rate off road competence higher than storage convenience will absolutely adore the Olympian capability of this Lexus. The Active Height Control (AHC) allows you to raise the height of the LX by 2 inches at the front and 2.4 inches at the rear. You can also lower the ride height by 2 inches up front and 1.6 inches at the rear. If you leave the height setting in the normal position, the LX automatically drops itself .8 inch front and .6 inch rear at high speed for better stability. You can also chose from three driving modes, two traction modes (4 wheel Hi and Lo), and Crawl Control which regulates low speed travel on extremely rough off-road terrain. If you're willing to trade storage convenience and poor gas consumption for the ability to go anywhere, anytime in any weather, than the LX is your ticket.

2019 LEXUS LX570 5-DR SUV

    ENGINE: 5.7 liter V8, 32-valve, DOHC, Dual VVT-i
    HORSEPOWER: 383hp
    TORQUE: 403lb.-ft.
    FUEL CONSUMPTION: 13MPG City/18MPG Highway
    PRICE AS TESTED: $88,940

HYPES: The Post-Armageddon Tank

GRIPES: Please Simplify the Passenger/Cargo Transformation

STAR RATING: 9 Stars out of 10