Road Test: 2017 Lexus LX570

True off-road capable luxury SUVs are in a small class of their own. With Land Rover known as the go-anywhere vehicle of choice, Lexus knows they have to come fully prepared to take them on. Every component of the driving experience, from comfort to capability, needs to be top-notch in the new LX570.

Ride and Handling
The LX570 comes with an adjustable air suspension that can raise or lower the LX by XX inches, depending on terrain and the drive mode selected. Crawl control with turn assistance makes off-roading a cinch, and trailer sway control making towing safer.

The ride is supple and luxurious, but not floaty. The shock absorbers and stabilizer bars in the front and back are electronically controlled. This is one of the best riding vehicles we’ve experienced, but that comfortable ride does give up any intentions of being sporty. Even in the LX570’s lowest suspension height setting, it leans and dips quite a bit around turns, but in a controlled manner.

20″ wheels are standard with mud and snow tires; our tester was equipped with 21″ alloys.

Braking
Firm pedal feel and large ventilated rotors at all four corners provide a secure feeling when bringing this 6,000-lb SUV to a stop.

Powertrain and Fuel Economy
The LX570 is aptly named, as the only engine offered is a 5.7L V8 producing 383 HP and 403 lb-ft of torque. The massive engine provides more than enough power to move this large SUV to where it needs to go, and fast. Power is routed through a silky-smooth 8-speed automatic transmission.

A Torsen limited-slip center differential routes power where it needs to go, as full-time 4WD is standard.

Fuel economy after a week of local and highway driving (30%/70%) averages in at 18.0 mpg. The EPA rates the LX570 at 13/18/15 (city/highway/combined). That’s impressive given the heft and capability of the LX570, as V6 sedans just a decade ago used to average that.

Noise
What noise? The only “noise” is the warm hum of the V8 which is nearly silent after the engine warms up or is at cruising speed.

Headlights
Superb HID headlights project a wide, distant path of light in both low and high-beam mode. LED foglamps illuminate directly in front of the LX and LED taillights are creatively designed to accentuate the rear profile.

The headlights are adaptive and swivel in accordance with the steering wheel angle and vehicle speed.

Interior Fit and Finish
Superb. Everything is swathed in leather, padded or soft materials. Every mating surface and gap is tight and the craftsmanship is clearly evident.

Seating
The seats are incredibly comfortable, supple and supportive with a number of power adjustments in every way, a power-sliding second row and power folding third row. Thickly padded elbow rests are appreciated.

Front seating is heated and cooled, while the second row is heated. The steering wheel is heated as well.

The third row is usable by tall adults on shorts trips, but best for shorter statures.

Visibility
Tall side glass windows, a large rear window and thin pillars provide the ultimate panoramic view. The 360-degree camera ensures every angle is covered.

Gauges and Controls
Clear, large, illuminated gauges and controls provide all information at a quick glance. Knobs and buttons use large fronts and symbols.

Heads-up display is crisp and helpful, with several options for information that can be displayed.

Climate Concierge is included and is exactly what it sounds like. The system uses algorithms and 13 sensor inputs to synergistically make each occupant feel whatever temperature they set their control to.

Infotainment
The large presence of the LX570 deserves an equally large 12.3″ screen mounted on the dashboard for infotainment. The Lexus navigation system works well and quickly responds to voice and physical inputs through the screen or Remote Touch controller. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are still not available, but Siri Eyes-Free mode helps with getting information, making calls and sending messages. Call quality is exceptional thanks to the ultra-quiet cabin.

Knobs and buttons are intuitive and easy to use while driving with quality and reassuring tactile feedback.

A Qi wireless phone charging tray is located ahead of the shifter and keeps the phone secure but still quickly accessible.

Music doesn’t get any better than what is heard on the Mark Levinson 19-speaker, 450-watt surround sound system.

Crash-Avoidance
Lexus Safety + is standard and includes a pre-collision preparation system, automatic emergency braking, all-speed dynamic radar cruise control and lane departure alert. The radar cruise is well-calibrated, and we’d like to see lane-keeping assist added.

Parking sensors front and rear put an audible measure on proximity to other objects, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert are very much appreciated.

Crash Test Results
The LX570 has not been crash tested by the IIHS or NHTSA, but we expect performance to be excellent.

Summary Scorecard (1-10)
Ride and Handling 9
Braking 9
Powertrain and Fuel Economy 7
Noise 10
Headlights 10
Interior Fit and Finish 10
Seating 10
Visibility 8
Gauges and Controls 9
Infotainment 7
Crash-Avoidance 10
Total Score 90
Facts
Make: Lexus
Model: LX570
Trim Level: Standard
Engine: 5.7L V8
Transmission: 8-Speed Auto
Options: Luxury Package, Mark Levinson Audio
Base Price: $89,380
As-Tested Price: $95,765

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