The fourth-generation Lexus LX 600, which underwent a redesign last year, builds on the principles of its predecessors and occupies a unique position at the top of the automaker’s SUV hierarchy. The renowned Toyota Land Cruiser still shares its chassis and all-terrain characteristics with this vehicle. The more modest Toyota, however, is now exclusively sold in international markets after years of Americans favoring the LX far more often. At the same time, Lexus has increased its focus on refinement and luxury. The LX 600 (there is just one model) is quicker and more effective than its predecessor from about 2008.
Although redesigns are sometimes described as being “from the ground up,” in this instance, it isn’t an exaggeration. The previous gas-guzzling V8 has been replaced with a more powerful and effective twin-turbo V6, and many other features, including the design, interior, infotainment, and many others, are new. Although it may seem paradoxical to SUV brawn, it has 26 more horsepower and a 1,000-pound towing capability than before. Its computerized systems are brand-new and more accessible to operate than ever before. The LX’s expensive pricing finally seems justified in the cabin. Yet everything still seems to follow the tried-and-true LX recipe.
The new LX is around a second quicker and gets 5–7 more mpg than the previous model, with zero–to–60 rates in the 6-second range and a combined EPA rating of 19 mpg. These are all significant improvements, yet the LX competes with the Cadillac Escalade, the recently released Jeep Grand Wagoneer, the Mercedes-Benz GLS, Land Rover’s new Defender 130, and the Infiniti QX80 in the competitive full-size SUV market. The LX can haul a lot of weight and compete with the greatest of these off-roaders, like the Range Rover, but it isn’t as family-oriented as domestic vehicles.
Like the Land Cruiser and the smaller GX, the Lexus LX is known for its off-road prowess. However, while being a vast off-roader, it isn’t particularly fierce on the pavement, and its peaceful demeanors show why this SUV has long been a go-to for affluent families traveling to dunes and ski slopes. However, the optional third row is compact and uncomfortable, and the absence of second-row captain’s seats in all but the expensive top-level trim is a drawback. Additionally, there seems to be a little less cargo room than previously.
Putting such peculiarities aside, the inside of this LX is far better than previous ones. The furnishings exude the high-quality vibe that helped build Lexus’ reputation three decades ago, and the design is sleek and straightforward. Finally, fully current, the infotainment system is another improvement. Touch and voice instructions are used instead of the traditional joystick and small displays in extensive, attractive machines. The digital assistant is available when you say, “Hey, Lexus,” and there are intricate settings for driving and temperature. The two-piece clamshell tailgate has been replaced with a traditional tailgate.
Of course, none of this is inexpensive. Starting at $92,160, the highest trim of the LX may cost over $130,000, at which time the Mercedes-Benz G-Class becomes more alluring. With its enormous cowcatcher grille, the LX’s style divides opinion, but this large SUV is much superior to the one it replaced, and because it was introduced last year, there are no revisions for 2023. It’s a suitable replacement for the Land Cruiser for people with the means who wish to go anywhere in luxury, whether it be the dunes or the school drop-off line.
Performance: Lexus LX 600
The Lexus LX 600 is a large vehicle that weighs 5,700 pounds. When it’s impossible to completely ignore that it leans and plows like the large, towering SUV it is when driving, it is also smooth and comfortable. When the adjustable suspension is set to its highest point, it seems eerily light, like a Citroen 2CV on steroids. Because of its size, the driver has a commanding perspective of the road, and every passenger does too. Even with the optional 22-inch wheels, this vision is largely unaffected by even the worst bumps.
A 10-speed automatic gearbox is linked to a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine that produces 409 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. The most capable four-wheel drive system in a premium SUV, full-time four-wheel drive is standard. More spring and shock travel is made possible by upgraded and distinct suspension mounting locations that support that system.
Lexus has also introduced Active Height Control and Active Variable Suspension; however, you must upgrade to the $100,110 LX 600 Premium to receive them. It is worth the money because it provides up to 11.9 inches of ground clearance and significant improvements in critical off-road angles. It may also lower the SUV by 2 inches to a support height of 6.9 inches to enhance on-road performance. According to track testing, it isn’t quite as roly-poly as a 5,700-pound off-roader might be.
Crawl control, terrain settings, and a locking differential are all included in the 4WD system, which is standard on all trims. At the Northwest Automotive Press Association’s (NWAPA) annual MudFest event in 2022, we tested the LX 600 on an off-road obstacle course. It efficiently handled a 30% gradient of loose mud, deep moguls, and other terrains that smaller SUVs could not. All of this was accomplished when it was raining a lot and quickly.
Although 6.1 seconds from 0 to 60 mph isn’t exactly “fast,” it is swift for a giant beast like this, and the LX 600 has more than enough power for the highway. Additionally, it has a respectable rating of 8,000 pounds of towing capacity.
Fuel efficiency: Lexus LX 600
Although the new LX is far more fuel-efficient than the previous model, it is still significant and hefty. The EPA scores it at 19 mpg combined (17 urban, 22 highways), which is a substantial improvement over the previous model’s 14 mpg rating, but in actual usage; it still consumes a lot of fuel. In two different journeys, we recorded 15 to 16 mpg combined mileage.
While not outstanding, that compares well to or surpasses the plus-sized rivals of the LX 600. Many competitors are 1 to 3 mpg poorer in most tests, except the Mercedes-Benz GLS and the available diesel engine for the Escalade.
The Lexus also needs premium gasoline, which adds to the inconvenience while filling up. The SUV’s large 4WD gear and mechanical lag on the engine may be partly blamed for the LX 600’s poor fuel efficiency. Although Lexus doesn’t now provide a hybrid, it seems probable that it will work in the future, given that the enormous Toyota Sequoia already offers one. Unconfirmed industry speculations state that a high-performance hybrid LX might debut around 2024.
Safety and driving aids:
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) have not evaluated the 2023 Lexus LX 600. However, the Australian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP), an Australian organization that conducts testing like those done by IIHS, awarded the basic design (as the Land Cruiser) five stars. We also think the LX’s sturdy construction and ten airbags translate to adequate crash protection.
Regarding active safety features, Lexus offers significantly more basic driver-aid equipment than Mercedes-Benz. Every function of the upgraded Lexus Safety System+ comes standard, including surround-view cameras, lane keeping, rear cross-traffic warnings, and automated emergency braking on all grades.
Room and Comfort:
Although this is a sizable SUV, the seating is just average compared to full-size vehicles like the Escalade and GLS, which are much more prominent on the exterior. This is due in part to size and in part to configuration decisions. The optional third row is difficult to access and not exceptionally spacious, and the absence of second-row captain’s seats in all but the most expensive top-level trim is a drawback.
This is not the most excellent option for purchasers who want three rows. Only the limber can climb into the third row because of the quick ingress/egress and high ground clearance that must be overcome while folding and flipping center-row seats. Additionally, it prevents the installation of a kid passenger car seat on the access side. It also has less third-row legroom than most of its rivals in this market, with just the Land Rover Defender 130 managing slightly more with 31.1 inches. Even some midsize competitors fall short in the second row (36.6 inches).
However, the inside of the cabin is top-notch regarding materials and features. Backseat occupants get access to a complete temperature control panel, which includes heated seats (Premium and above) and USB connections.
Infotainment: Lexus LX 600
Although the LX 600’s infotainment system is new and cutting-edge, specific tasks may be performed without displays. Hey, Lexus, navigate to the Getty Center; Hey, Lexus, call the Getty Center” are just a few examples of the many voice-controlled features that Lexus has added. The system can do almost everything by voice dictation, from turning on the windshield wipers to setting navigation, finding the phone number of your destination, and placing a phone call.
All the media features, including navigation (cloud-connected navigation is free for three years, after which it requires a subscription), music, car settings, and more, are included on a central 12.3-inch screen. For vehicle settings, a second 8-inch screen is located underneath. This screen is helpful for off-road situations and viewing trail cameras. With so much screen real estate, it would be tempting for many manufacturers to become screen-happy. Still, Lexus cleverly includes intricate buttons for necessary features like HVAC and audio control.
Transport and Storage
The LX 600’s dimensions and construction are unchanged from the previous version. Therefore, only minor changes have been made to the load capacity, which is oddly smaller than previously in certain sections. While the space behind the third row has decreased from 16.3 to 11.6, it has increased from 41.6 to 46 cubic feet behind the second row when the third row is folded. Although the Ultra Luxury grade only receives 41 cubic feet, the two-row version only has 46 cubic feet behind its second seat, down from 53.7 in the previous model. The three-row model’s maximum cargo capacity is 64 cubic feet, while the two-row model is 71, much less than the 81.3 cubic feet it had last year.
The large domestic SUVs offer more cargo space, notably Lincoln’s Navigator, the GLS, and the Defender 130.
A tiny cubby under the center console that is generously proportioned and accessible even for passengers with big hands and deep luggage beneath the center armrest may be ordered as a cool box (for $670). Two decent storage choices are available in the front seat. Both sides of the armrest console open, and a button on the back gives access to the back passengers.
Design: Lexus LX 600
Like many recent Lexus designs, the LX will undoubtedly spark different opinions about its appearance. It’s enormous, and the company’s “spindle” grille in its oversized belted form is strikingly spot on. But it is undeniably a Lexus, and it pays to stand out in such a massive SUV class; the automaker has done a great job keeping the attractive aesthetic cues adored by current consumers while giving it a fresh design. Both the fine detail and proportions are excellent.
With a more opulent and contemporary cabin, the 2018 LX outperforms the previous model most on the inside. Even if it lacks some of the finery of the Range Rover or the top-trim Escalades, it doesn’t feel like a jazzed-up Land Cruiser anymore. Although the new design doesn’t significantly advance other fields, it does modernize the technological features and multimedia system.
Is the Lexus LX 600 Worth it?
It’s difficult to appropriately compare the Lexus LX to some of the more prominent top-tier big men since it’s smaller than most full-size luxury cars (200.6 inches long, it straddles the border between medium and large). It can, however, transport you practically everywhere in upscale luxury, and a third row may be added even if that seat is a bit difficult to enter.
The $100,110 LX 600 Premium is the variant we’d recommend above the original LX 600 ($92,160 plus $1,345 for destination) since it has the adjustable, adaptive suspension that makes this SUV a genuine off-road all-star and improves its performance on the road as well. Although it costs six figures, we believe it to be the most outstanding value among the available models.
The more expensive LX 600 F Sport Handling ($106,370) has new interior color options, a more aggressive appearance akin to previous F Sport models, and, as the name suggests, handling modifications that enhance on-road performance. The LX’s off-road reputation does not match its stylish appearance. With its executive-style seating arrangement and higher-quality inside materials, the top-of-the-line $132,250 LX 600 Ultra Luxury can only accommodate four people.
However, every model has a reliable 8,000-pound tow capability and the muscular build of Lexus’ top-notch assembly. Lexus LX 600 offers when it comes to mature, sophisticated stuff that will be trustworthy for years, if not decades, to arrive.
How Much Does the Lexus LX 600 Cost to Insure?
The LX 600’s insurance costs are not inexpensive but comparable to its rivals. The average yearly premium for an LX 600 Premium for a typical 30-year-old female driver with a clean driving record is $3,446; however, this figure covers all 50 states. The Grand Wagoneer Series II costs $3,447, the Cadillac Escalade Premium Luxury costs $2,996, the Mercedes-Benz GLS costs $2,507, and the Cadillac Escalade Premium Luxury costs $3,522.
Verdict
The 2023 Lexus LX draws on the principles of its predecessors and was recently revamped last year (for the first time in more than ten years). The Toyota Land Cruiser’s outstanding ability to travel anywhere remains there, but the LX has been enhanced in many ways. The cabin is more upscale than ever, equipped with far more cutting-edge technology, and the now standard twin-turbo V6 offers more speed and improved fuel efficiency. Although the aesthetic is divisive, it is undoubtedly striking. The negatives? It still isn’t fuel-efficient or as upscale as other alternatives; the seating arrangements are awkward, and the third row isn’t valid.
