Lexus LX 570 SUV Review


SUV Reviewer

The 2011 Lexus LX 570 is a robustly styled vehicle with a rough and ready look and body-on-frame truck platform designed for the serious-minded off-road driver. The vehicle is fully equipped with the latest in sophisticated off-road technologies combined with a range of luxury features. There is almost none other in its class.

New to this year's Lexus LX 570 are a black interior with leather trim and an overhauled brake system. Standard features of the Lexus LX 570 include 20-inch wheels, a power lift gate, xenon headlights, leather upholstery, a keyless system for entry and ignition, automatic climate control with four zones, a hard-drive based navigation system that is voice activated, Bluetooth connectivity and a backup camera. Optional equipment includes a surround sound audio system with 19 speakers, a cool box in the center console, cooled front seats, heated rear seats, adaptive cruise control and a rear-seat entertainment system.

Specs:

The engine in the Lexus LX 570 is a 5.7 liter V8 that produces 383 horsepower and 403 pound-feet of torque. The drivetrain is full-time all-wheel drive with a six-speed sequential shift automatic transmission that is electronically controlled. It includes an additional Craw Control mode that is also electronically controlled. This feature facilitates the vehicle ascending or descending steep slippery slopes by using its electronic throttle and anti-lock brakes. This leaves the driver free to steer the vehicle and not be concerned about braking it. The Lexus LX 570 also has an electronically controlled suspension system with adaptive ride height and damping control that makes for a smooth ride on regular pavement.

Fuel economy for the Lexus LX 570 is rated at 12 mpg in the city, 18 mpg on the highway and 14 mpg combined. The towing capacity of the vehicle is 8,500 pounds.

The interior of the Lexus LX 570 is decked out with luxurious high-quality materials and a variety of high tech electronics. Standard features include a push-button start, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, adaptive ridge height control and a driver's seat that is adjustable with 14 different controls. An optional luxury package adds perforated leather seats and Bubinga wood trim, a side monitor system with parking assist and a DVD player.

The Lexus LX 570 can seat up to eight people with a spacious first and second row and somewhat cramped third row. Cargo space is limited to 15.5 cubic feet when the third row of seats is in use but expands to 42 cubic feet of space when folded down. The maximum storage capacity is reached of 83.1 cubic feet when the second and third rows of seats are down. As both rows are power-folding, placing the seats flat is an easy task.

The 2011 Lexus LX 570 is for those drivers that want a spacious vehicle, luxurious in style with numerous high-technology electronics combined with a powerful off-roading facility for driving the family around in areas with frequent poor road conditions brought on by rain, mud or snow. Some may concerned about its poor fuel economy in the face of rising gas prices, but those that are looking for a high-end SUV will find what they are looking for in this vehicle.