2016 Lexus LX 570 4WD: A Big And Bodacious Off-Road Luxury SUV

Highlight: The Lexus LX shares a platform with the Toyota Land Cruiser.

Test Vehicle’s MSRP: $97,665 (base model $89,830)

Seating Capacity: Eight?

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; a pre collision braking system with pedestrian detection; an all-speed radar activated cruise control system; an automatic high beam lighting system; LED Daytime running lights; a lane departure alert system; rain sensing wipers; vehicle stability control system; a blind spot monitor with a rear traffic cross alert system; a first aid kit; a hill start assist control system; crawl control with turn assist; a trailer sway control; and a tire pressure monitoring system

Standard Equipment: 20-inch wheels; an 8-speed transmission; power front seats driver’s memory control; leather seats;  a leather steering wheel; second row ventilated seats; power folding second and third row seats; illuminated scuff plates; a push-button ignition starter system; a keyless entry door system; power folding outside mirrors; illuminated running boards; power moonroof; and a drive mode select system for varying weather climates

Optional Features On Test Vehicle: a heads up display system; Mark Levinson 19-speaker audio system with a DVD playback; a dual screen rear seat entertainment system; cool box; 21-inch wheels; semi-aniline leather seats; heated and ventilated front seats; heated rear seats; a heated wood steering wheel; cargo mat; cargo net; wheel lock; and key gloves

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: a 9-speaker AM/FM/HD/
CD audio ssytem

Bluetooth Connectivity: Yes

USB Connectivity: Yes
                                                                                                        
Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 6 years or 70,000 miles

Standard Engine/Horsepower: 5.7-liter, 8-cylinder/383-hp

Recommended Fuel: Premium

Standard Fuel Mileage:
13-city/18-hwy

Towing Capacity: 7,000 lbs

What’s New:  The LX finally receives an extensive update both inside and out. In addition to a new fascia, the big body SUV receives technology, interior, safety and powertrain modifications for the 2016 model year.

Why: For shoppers looking for a do-it-yourself, ultimate luxury SUV vehicle that’s capable of carrying a large family, is a proven cross country land yacht and can tow a huge boat or trailer, the LX 570 should be on one’s shopping list.

Lexus had taken every measure to make this gigantic vehicle as easy-to-drive as possible, throwing on every safety measure currently available. For one, the brand’s flagship SUV now includes standard pre-collision braking system with pedestrian detection, a lane departure warning system, an automatic high beam lighting system and a radar-activated, all-speed cruise control system.

Secondly, the vehicle also includes a must-have panoramic camera, with a rear traffic cross alert system, that makes the vehicle manageable when backing up.   

Moreover, for those so inclined to take the vehicle off road and/or seeking the additional traction for in climate driving conditions, the big body vehicle is outfitted with a standard 4WD system. The vehicle also offers a variety of  settings that allows this vehicle to travel through mud, sand and loose rocks too. The LX is can also climb or descend down steep off road hills safely, while being powered by an automatic crawl control system. Yes, one will always feel in control in this land yacht.  

More so, Lexus has all of the luxury accoutrements one should expect in this luxurious body-on-frame SUV. And despite this vehicle being built off a truck frame, it still manages to soak up the roads, while offering the perfect balance. Its not too mushy or too harsh.

Lastly, seated in the comfy rear seats can also be spoiled with an optional rear entertainment system and heated seats.

But: Although consistently low gas prices have made these vehicles politically-correct again, it’s really a lot of vehicle to manage, as it relates to maneuverability.  This is something to take into consideration when traveling down narrow streets or stuffing the monstrous vehicle in tight parking spaces. Also while the folks at Lexus acknowledge that this is an eight seater vehicle, the child-like third-row seating says otherwise. Its tight to squeeze back their just as is the case with most vehicles with a third row.

Moreover, some critics believe Lexus signature grille just seems to be quite polarizing. While it may seem befitting for some of its vehicles, it just seems over-powering for this bodacious luxury SUV.

And yes, at a starting base price near $90,000, this gas-guzzling, luxury SUV is out of reach of most. For buyers looking to save a few coins and to place toward other investment they could step down to the Toyota Land Cruiser. It is essentially the same vehicle with a shorter warranty. Nevertheless, it’s a Toyota product, just as is the Lexus. 

Verdict: So far this year, with the major facelift, safety upgrades and technology enhancements, the LX has seen the largest increase in sales of any model in the Lexus family. Unless one is seeking a luxury SUV, specifically for off road use, there are other alternatives in the segment that could help lower the price, allowing for other financial investments. However, with some of its competitors, one could be sacrificing ride quality or experience an array of technology glitches. So, we suggest shoppers to do thei due diligence, before landing on the right fullsize luxury SUV. Sometimes paying more could be worth it in the end and provide peace of mind!

Competition:  Cadillac Escalade ESV; GMC Yukon XL Denali; Infiniti QX80; Land Rover Range Rover and Toyota Land Cruiser