2023 Lexus LX600 Ultra Luxury: The Brand’s Flagship SUV

Test Vehicle's MSRP: $132,250 (Base Model: $90,815)

Highlight: The Ultra Luxury trim is outfitted with one rear reclining rear seat with a footrest.

Seating Capacity: 4 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; a tire pressure monitoring system; and race inspired paddle shifters

Standard Equipment LX 600 Base: 20-inch alloy wheels; a 12-inch infotainment upper screen; a 7-inch lower infotainment screen; an electronic power steering system; a wireless charger system; open pore wood trims; 60/40 split second row seat; third row seating; leather trimmed seating (first and second row); heated steering wheel; and power rear door

Standard Equipment LX 600 Ultra Luxury: 20-inch forged alloy wheels with silver finish; power rear door with kick sensor; heated/ventilated front seat; thematic ambient illumination; rear manual sunshade; one touch auto arrange power folding seats; rear seat manual sunshades; heated wood and leather trimmed steering wheel; illuminated door sills; 4 passenger diamond stich semi aniline leather trimmed with embossed headrests; heated and ventilated second row captain chairs; reclining rear seats up to 48-inches; rear massaging seats; power right rear ottoman; digital rearview mirror; a heads up display; a 25-speaker Mark Levinson , 2,400 watt surround system; a rear seat entertainment system; a rear seat wireless charger; an adaptive variable suspension; and an active height control system

Options: None

Other Trim Levels:

Premium

Luxury

F Sport

Standard Audio On Base 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

What’s New: For the 2023 model year, the LX adds the following standard features: heated steering wheel and rear seat entertainment screen covers.

Moreover, the Ultra Luxury trim ups the ante with standard Takanoha wood trim.

Why: 

A true SUV

A heated steering wheel

Bucket seats (first and second row) – Ultra Luxury

Reclining rear seat with ottoman (right side only) – Ultra Luxury

A rear seat wireless charger - Ultra Luxury

Heated standard steering wheel

Rear seat entertainment screen covers are standard

Rear massaging seats – Ultra Luxury

25- speaker sound system – Ultra Luxury

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 wheels

But: 

A lot of vehicle to navigate

The humongous spindle grille??

Third row has limited headroom due to 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 – requires 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:  The current generation LX was introduced in 2022. Last year, we spent time behind the wheel of the LX 600 F Sport. This year we reviewed the Ultra Luxury vehicle. One of the unique qualities about the full body on frame SUV is that its available as a four-seater for those seeking VIP treatment. This upscale trim is designed for those seeking to be spoiled and pampered.

The rear seating area is what separates this higher level trim from others being offered on the LX. The rear seats recline. In fact, the right seat converts to a living room-like La-Z-Boy with a footrest. And the front right seat moves forward allowing for more legroom and space for the rear occupant. Furthermore, like in an airplane, the LX offers overhead vents, reading lights and sunshades. Yes and for those seeking this personalized service, one should expect a healthy price tag, a trim with a starting price of approximately $130,000.

Competition: BMW X7; GMC Yukon Denali; Infiniti QX80; Jeep Grand Wagoneer; Lincoln Navigator; and Mercedes-Benz GLS