Test Vehicle's MSRP: $107,585 (Base Model: $87,975)
Seating Capacity: 4,5 or 7, depending on trim
Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; a stability control system; pre-collision system with pedestrian detection system; a radar activated cruise control system; a lane departure warning system; a pre-collision system with pedestrian protection; a lane departure alert with steering assist; a lane trace assist system; automatic high beams; an electronic blind spot monitor with a rear cross traffic alert; a rear camera; a vehicle stability control system; and a tire pressure monitoring system
Options: active height control; cross bars; carpeted mats; wheel lock; premium paint; and Mark Levinson audio system
Other Trim Levels:
Premium
Luxury
Ultra Luxury
Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: a 10-speaker audio system with AM/FM/HD/CD with SiriusXM
Bluetooth Connectivity: Standard
USB Connectivity: Standard
Apple/Android Connectivity: Standard
Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles
Powertrain Warranty: 5 years or 70,000 miles
Standard Engine/Horsepower: 3.5-liter twin turbo, 6-cylinder engine/409-hp
Recommended Fuel: Premium
Standard Fuel Mileage: 17-city/22-hwy
Maximum Towing Capacity: 8,000 lbs
Why:
Finally a new design
Great road vehicle
Available in five trims
A variety of driving modes
A powerful, gutsy engine
Comfortable design front seats with F Sport package
True off-road vehicle with automatic crawl feature like in its trucks
High-quality sound system, one of the best in the segment with optional 25- speaker Mark Levinson Surround Sound system
AWD availability
Three rows of seating
Ability to tow up to 8,000 lbs
Heated and ventilated second row seats
Radar activated cruise control system can be used in Sport Plus mode unlike with the Genesis luxury brand
A co-pilot assist highway driving system
High tech safety driving aids make it easy to backout of high traffic spaces
High-tech safety features make it easy to switch lanes without having to be concerned about veering into another vehicle’s lane
Easier to navigate this large SUV on the road than some of its competitors
An Active Height Control system
A new premium Ultra Luxury model is available with such interior creature comforts as curved headrests, an on-demand footrest; and an exclusive a/c system that provides full body comfort with overhead vents
An available Voice Assistant System allows the driver to interact with infotainment system
An available 22-inch wheel set
But:
With the exception of the Jeep Grand Wagoneer, the Lexus starts out at approximately $10,000 more than all of its competitors noted in this review
The humongous spindle grille??
A cluttered layout of the instrument cluster and infotainment center
F Sport interior layout exhibits the same non luxurious appeal as the Cadillac Escalade Sport
Third row has limited headroom due to the seating being placed on an incline
Cargo space is virtually non existent when third seat in use
Setting audio system requires a learning curve
Navigating the infotainment is too complicated – require users to use Voice Activation
Third row isn’t available with Ultra Luxury package
Should consider an extended wheelbase model
No hands-free highway driving like with the Cadillac and Lincoln
Standard towing capacity is lower than many of its competitors
No power side steps, even the new Tundra offers this feature on its top end trim
Verdict: For the 2022 model year, Lexus’ redesign flagship SUV wears a new name. The big body luxury SUV, with its polarizing grille, is available in five trims. Depending upon the package selected, one can opt for a two row or a three row vehicle, which is capable of seating, four, five or up to seven occupants.
The massive body on frame SUV is powered by one engine, a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged 6-cylinder, which pumps out 409-horsepower. And unlike a number of today’s flagship SUVs, this one is also designed for off-roading, climbing mountain, driving though streams and the like. Because of such features as the Multi-Terrain Monitor and Select modes and the Crawl Control feature, this Land Rover-ish type vehicle isn’t just for showcasing around town.
Moreover, the brand’s flagship SUV can also be trimmed out with the four seater Ultra Luxury. This model drops the third row, while turning the second row into a mobile recliner on wheels. Or buyers seeking a firmer tuned suspension, while riding on 22-inch wheels can opt for a F Sport like the one we tested for this review. This model doesn’t provide the same luxurious interior design as the Lincoln Navigator. The F Sport has more of a rugged feel.
Furthermore, the Lexus LX 600 lacks some of the cache we found in some of its competitors such as hands free driving combined with a radar activated cruise control system and power operated side steps. And like many of Lexus’ newer models, we’re not a fan of the cloud-based subscription navigation system and the knob-less audio system. Lexus audio engineers are making the assumption that the voice activated system will always be able to recognize the voice of the use in order to operate the infotainment system. As we all know, its new technology for the brand -- and its just not the case.
Despite the aforementioned gripes, Lexus hopes they have designed a trim package that will appeal to every type of buyer seeking a flagship SUV.
Competition: BMW X7; GMC Yukon Denali; Infiniti QX80; Jeep Grand Wagoneer; Lincoln Navigator; and Mercedes-Benz GLS
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