2022 Lexus LX

Few vehicles will last longer than a Lexus LX. Introduced in 1995 as a luxurious Land Cruiser variant, the LX has outlived its Toyota sibling in the US market for the 2022 model year. Though we won't get the Land Cruiser stateside, the 2022 Lexus LX 600 is a worthy replacement. It's completely fresh, starting from the ground up with a new TNGA-F architecture shared with the new Toyota Tundra. This new LX 600 also shares its engine with the Tundra (and the LS 500); a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 with 409 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque - providing better gas mileage and towing capabilities than the old V8.

The fourth-generation LX faces stiff competition from the USA, including the redesigned Cadillac Escalade, updated Lincoln Navigator, and newly-introduced Jeep Grand Wagoneer, plus the less expensive (but older) Infiniti QX80. The American rivals are bigger with more powerful engines, but none comes to the signature resale value of the LX. The outgoing LX 570 was woefully outclassed by its full-size rivals but still managed to capture a loyal customer base. After testing the new LX 600 on-road and off-road in New Mexico, we are happy to report Lexus has improved its flagship SUV in every measurable way.

The previous LX was anything but subtle and the same description applies to the new one. Lexus says that the A-pillars have been pulled rearward to create a cab-backward design, but the first thing you're likely to notice is the larger spindle grille. It contains seven sets of floating bars as part of its three-dimensional shape, and endows the new LX with considerable presence. There are new L-shaped clearance lamps, muscular rear wheel arches, and a redesigned rear end with 'LEXUS' lettering instead of a logo. The taillamps have a new L-shape design too. All models have triple-beam LED headlights, LED taillights, a power moonroof, and a power tailgate. Wheel sizes range from 18 to 22 inches, with the F Sport getting especially sporty forged alloys with a Dark Gray metallic finish. Speaking of the F Sport, it stands out with unique fender badges and mesh grille inserts. The Luxury trim and above get power-closing doors.

The new Lexus LX is very similar in size to its predecessor, which already had gargantuan dimensions. Both share a 112.2-inch wheelbase, but the new one is marginally longer at 200.6 inches, or 200.2 inches in the case of the F Sport. The new LX 600 has a width of 78.4 inches and a height of 74.2 inches (74.6 inches with 22-inch wheels). Ground clearance varies between 7.9 inches and 8.3 inches, the latter figure applicable to models with 22-inch wheels and the height-adjustable suspension. Approach and departure angles, meanwhile, are 21 and 21.7 degrees, respectively.

Despite all the new technology, the new LX 600 is lighter than the LX 570 it replaces. The curb weight starts at 5,665 pounds (the previous two-row model weighed 5,800 pounds) and goes up to 5,945 lbs (as opposed to 6,000 lbs for the previous LX).

A total of seven colors are on offer for the new LX. Atomic Silver, Caviar, and Nori Green Pearl are all no-cost options. Eminent White Pearl costs $500 and Manganese Luster is $595. Reserved exclusively for the F Sport are either Black Onyx or the $500 Ultra White, but this model can also be finished in Atomic Silver and Manganese Luster. It's quite a reserved color palette but this approach does suit a car of the LX's stature.

Lexus has introduced a modernized powertrain for the 2022 LX 600. Gone is the large-capacity, naturally-aspirated V8 and in its place is a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6. This engine is familiar, serving under the hood of the Lexus LS 500 and new Toyota Tundra. A full-time four-wheel-drive system transmits power to all four corners. The LX has never been about dramatically quick sprint times, but for what it's worth, the new model is quicker than the previous one. It takes 6.9 seconds for the 0 to 60 mph sprint and will hit a top speed of 130 mph. Not only is the new LX 600 more powerful, but it is also lighter by up to 440 lbs. Torque is now produced lower in the rev range, improving around-town drivability. The towing capacity is now 8,000 pounds, a useful increase of 1,000 lbs over the previous model.

Forced induction finally arrives for the Lexus LX lineup, and with it comes greater efficiency and more power. The 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 generates 409 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque, and maintains maximum torque from 2,000 rpm up to 3,600 rpm, significantly lower than the outgoing V8. Lexus says that this makes the SUV more capable in both on- and off-road driving situations. Some buyers may scoff at a turbo V6 replacing a V8, but this engine offers impeccable smoothness and a throaty roar that won't leave former LX 570 owners missing the old engine.

Paired with the V6 is a new ten-speed automatic transmission. In tenth gear on the highway, efficiency is improved and engine noise is decreased, while the low first gear improves acceleration. Shifts from the transmission are imperceptibly smooth, a huge improvement from the already buttery eight-speed in the old LX. Low range, Crawl Control, and the Multi-Terrain Select system with Sand, Mud, Rock, Dirt, and Deep Snow modes allow the big LX to be taken off-road with confidence.

The outgoing LX 570's handling could best be described as school bus-inspired. Its massive proportions created a floaty driving experience that felt ready to tip over at every off-ramp. Lexus went back to the drawing board with the LX 600, improving every flaw without ruining what made this SUV feel unique. A new electronic power steering system replaces the old hydraulic unit, giving drivers far more confidence to place the front end when approaching a corner. With up to 440 pounds shaved from the curb weight thanks to extensive aluminum use for pieces like the doors, fenders, hood, doors, and roof, the new LX features a lower center of gravity that does wonders for the handling characteristics. It no longer feels like a mid-2000s dinosaur lumbering around in the modern era.

The drive modes in the outgoing LX felt completely superfluous, but the LX 600's drivetrain noticeably changes between Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Sport + mode. The latter tightens up the steering considerably and prompts the transmission to hold gears longer. This is still an enormous vehicle, but the tighter electric steering rack makes it feel smaller when in motion. Lexus managed to eliminate the LX's ponderous nature while keeping the ride smooth and relaxing. We'd rank the comfort right up there with the Escalade, Navigator, and Grand Wagoneer.

Lexus didn't just improve the on-road dynamics, the new LX 600 remains a total beast off-road. Our limited time driving the car at altitude in New Mexico proved this SUV should stand up to owner abuse. The standard crawl control system enables the LX to crawl up and coast down steep elevations without the driver needing to touch the throttle or brake pedals. There's also a cool trail-turn feature that brakes an inside wheel to help the LX get around tight corners. The Multi-Terrain monitor shows useful information, including a surround-view monitor that can show what's underneath the car. The LX made such short work of the off-road course, we didn't make use of the LX's Multi-Terrain Select system, which tunes the drivetrain for sand, mud, rock, dirt, and deep snow. Even the most novice off-roader can conquer challenging terrain in the LX without worrying about breaking it.

The new LX has taken a big step forward in terms of its fuel economy specs. The new V6 returns EPA-rated gas mileage figures of 17/22/19 mpg city/highway/combined, compared with just 12/16/14 mpg for last year's V8-powered LX 570. Equipped with a 21.1-gallon gas tank, the LX 600 should be able to cover approximately 400 miles between visits to the pumps.

Lexus has never had trouble putting together a luxurious, high-end cabin, but it has sometimes struggled with integrating technology in a user-friendly fashion. Fortunately, our test drive proved the new LX 600 is a great combination of traditional Lexus hallmarks and modern controls. As expected, quality is supreme - the LX is expensive but feels worth the price in all trim levels. The Lexus Interface multimedia system comprises a 12.3-inch upper touchscreen and a seven-inch lower touchscreen to control major functions. Drivers can also use voice controls to manipulate various features. While the base model seats five and most models seat seven, the new Ultra Luxury variant accommodates four occupants in cushy semi-aniline leather seats. Other competitors don't offer this lavish option. Those second-row seats recline by 48 degrees and are ventilated with massage function. However, even the base LX 600 is handsomely specified with features like blind-spot monitoring, four-zone climate control, and a power moonroof.

Whereas the previous-generation Lexus LX could be specified as an eight seater, the new one can only seat a maximum of seven. The base trim level only offers five seats, while the remaining middle grades add a third-row with two additional seats. Seating in the second row is more spacious than the outgoing LX, but trails American rivals in legroom and headroom. Ditto for the third row, which feels tight, especially compared to the Grand Wagoneer and extended-wheelbase Escalade and Navigator. Getting into the third row is rather inelegant as well, requiring a tumble-forward second row that would require removing an installed car seat. Lexus at least lets owners electronically lift and lower the third row from the trunk or second row.

Though it's by far the least practical option, the Ultra Luxury trim is the most comfortable way to travel in an LX. This trim level replaces the conventional rear bench seat with electronically controlled captain's chairs and a center console. Both seats recline using a touchscreen on the console, and the passenger-side seat has the option to push the front seat forward for additional legroom with a footrest to stretch out further. Other luxuries in the four-seater configuration include a rear wireless charger, airplane-style reading lights, and seat massage function. Buyers can opt for dual entertainment screens as well, but with no built-in Amazon Fire TV capability, they are less useful than the systems offered in the Jeep and Lincoln.

Black, Palomino, and White Peppercorn are the three interior color choices for the LX 600. If you go for the F Sport, you can only choose between Black and Circuit Red. The base model comes with leather upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, while the F Sport adds aluminum pedals, semi-aniline perforated leather upholstery with embossed F Sport headrests, and an F Sport steering wheel. The Luxury model has semi-aniline leather along with a wood and leather steering wheel, while the Ultra Luxury gets diamond stitching for its semi-aniline leather seats. Black open pore trim inlays are paired with Black upholstery or White Peppercorn semi-aniline leather, while Brown open pore inlays are paired with Palomino leather. For the F Sport, racier inlays in "samurai-inspired" Hadori Aluminum are used in place of wood.

Because the new LX is pretty much the same size as its predecessor, its cargo space hasn't improved. In fact, it's worse in some aspects. There are now 11 cubic feet behind the third row, down from 12.1 in last year's LX 570. Behind the second row, there are 44 cubes in three-row models, 46 cubes in two-row models, and 41 cubes for the Ultra Luxury. In three-row models, there are 64 cubes behind the front seats, and in two-row models, 71 cubes behind the front seats. While cargo space will be very tight for seven occupants, five will have no issue cramming in their luggage. For daily needs, there is enough space behind the 3rd row.

A power tailgate is a useful touch when accessing the cargo area, and a kick sensor is equipped for most trims. The Luxury model gets power flat-folding third-row seats, and one-touch auto-arrange power-folding seats are added on upper trims.

Unsurprisingly, interior storage space is generous. There is a large console box that is cooled on some models, door pockets, and multiple cupholders. Map pockets are found on the back of the first-row seats, and the Ultra Luxury comes with a rear center armrest and storage table.

At an MSRP of well over $80,000 for the base model, Lexus has included many standard features to justify that high price. The base model comes with four-zone automatic climate control, a power rear door, a power moonroof, wireless charging, power-adjustable front seats, and heated front seats. Safety equipment is equally generous and includes a panoramic view monitor for images of the space around the vehicle, an intuitive parking assistant, blind-spot monitoring, all-speed dynamic radar cruise control, and rear pedestrian detection. Moving up to the Premium adds ventilation for the front seats, heating for the second-row seats, multi-color thematic ambient lighting, and a color head-up display. The Luxury derivative has ventilated rear outboard seats, a heated steering wheel, and the convenience of power closing doors. Rivaling an S-Class for rear-seat comfort is the Ultra Luxury. Its second-row captain's chairs are truly indulgent and can recline up to 48 degrees. These seats also have a massage function, while the passenger-side rear seat has a power footrest. Rear-seat wireless charging is also added here.

The old LX was outdated in the dashboard, but this new model fast-forwards with the latest and greatest of automotive infotainment technology. A new 12.3-inch touchscreen packs updated software with a new user interface, standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, cloud-based navigation, OTA updates, and intelligent voice command. Below it, a seven-inch screen displays the climate controls or off-road menus for quick access. Having two screens seems a bit redundant, but Lexus says its customers enjoy being able to quickly change certain settings without leaving what's on the upper screen. One suggestion we have, however, is that we wish the lower screen could show audio information to avoid leaving CarPlay or Android Auto when switching a radio station. 10-speakers come standard on the LX, or buyers can opt for a more powerful 25-speaker Mark Levinson system with a 2,400-watt 16-channel amplifier.

Lexus is traditionally one of the best performers in reliability and ownership satisfaction surveys in the US and globally, so this bodes well for the new LX. The 2021 LX scored 83 out of 100 for quality and reliability according to J.D. Power, but as the 2022 model is an all-new model, this rating can't accurately be used to assess the LX 600's dependability. No recalls were issued for the 2021 LX, and there are none for the still-new 2022 model either.

Like other Lexus models, the LX comes with a four-year/50,000-mile basic warranty and a powertrain warranty that runs for six years or 70,000 miles, whichever comes first.

No safety review of the Lexus LX has yet been published by the NHTSA or IIHS in the USA, but this is no surprise since it is a new arrival. It's possible that no safety reviews will take place for the new LX at all since high-priced SUVs aren't often crash-tested.

Even though it may not have an official safety rating yet, the Lexus LX SUV is a big, brawny vehicle that's stacked with safety gear so we have little doubt that it will successfully shield its occupants in the event of an accident. The Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 ships as standard and includes a long list of driver aids. Every LX 600 has intersection turning assist, emergency steering assist, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, dynamic radar cruise control, road sign assist, intelligent high beams, rear cross-traffic alert, rear pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, and parking sensors. Pedestrian and cyclist detection works in both daytime and low-light conditions.

A suite of ten airbags is standard, and another two are available, taking the total count to 12. Trailer sway control is a valuable extra for a large SUV that will likely be towing at some point, and the LX also gets crawl control with downhill assist control for off-roading. Along with the usual rearview camera is a panoramic view monitor; this is crucial for aiding visibility when maneuvering the chunky SUV.

The outgoing LX 570 was tricky to recommend on a basis other than reliability or resale value. It felt outdated and impractical compared to rivals, so unless you were shopping for supreme off-road capability and durability, we would have sent you in the direction of Cadillac or Lincoln. With the 2022 LX 600, Lexus flips the script and makes a stronger case than ever for its full-size SUV. The LX finally feels on-par with the competition under the hood and in the dash, offering the same off-road ability that will exceed its rivals. We love the addition of the four-seat Ultra Luxury and athletic F-Sport trims, though the former may have quite limited appeal as a chauffeur-driven vehicle.

Cadillac, Lincoln, and Jeep still hold the edge in power, towing, passenger space, and cargo capacity. If these are your priorities, we still recommend the larger American options. But if unparalleled build quality, a smooth driving experience, and incredible reliability and resale top your checklist, the LX 600 deserves a long look. Lexus managed to improve nearly all of the LX's imperfections while retaining what kept customers loyal to the nameplate. As far as refreshes go, the LX 600 is a decisive victory.

The price of the Lexus LX 600 starts at $86,900 for the Standard model. The Premium costs $95,000 and the F Sport is the first six-figure LX model at $101,000. The Luxury has an MSRP of $103,000 and the Ultra Luxury $126,000. These prices exclude a destination charge of $1,345.

Looking at the competition, the 2022 Cadillac Escalade starts at a less expensive price of just over $76,000.

The 2022 Lexus LX is available in a choice of five trims: Standard, Premium, F Sport, Luxury, and Ultra Luxury. All are powered by a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 making 409 hp and 479 lb-ft. AWD and a ten-speed automatic transmission are standard. Four-, five-, and seven-seater configurations are on offer depending on which trim you choose.

The LX 600 Standard seats five and its base price will get you a power moonroof, a power rear door, and LED exterior lighting. It has leather seats which are both heated and power-adjustable in front. Like the rest of the lineup, a 12.3-inch touchscreen is complemented by a seven-inch touchscreen lower down. Rounding out the features on this model are four-zone climate control, wireless charging, a panoramic view monitor, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control.

Next is the Premium. Besides all the features already mentioned above, it seats seven occupants instead of five. It gets ventilated front seats, heated second-row outboard seats, a color head-up display, and an adaptive variable suspension.

The most extroverted member of the LX 600 lineup is the F Sport. It's no faster than the rest and it doesn't matter how much Lexus tries, this will never be a sporty machine to pilot, but it does get a uniquely tuned suspension with front/rear performance dampers and a Torsen limited-slip differential for tidier handling. It is available with a Circuit Red cabin, and the seats are trimmed in semi-aniline perforated leather. Various stylistic differences set it apart including a mesh grille and 22-inch alloy wheels.

The Luxury retails for only $2,000 more than the F Sport but will suit a more relaxed driver seeking a plush, sophisticated look and feel. It gets power-closing doors, heated/ventilated seats in the first two rows, a wood/leather steering wheel, and the magnificent Mark Levinson Reference 3D surround sound system.

Finally, the Ultra Luxury loses the third row and seats only four, but in exceptional comfort. Diamond stitching is added to the semi-aniline leather, and those in the second row can recline their seats by up to 48 degrees. Rear-seat wireless charging, a rear touchscreen, and a power rear footrest make this an ideal vehicle to be chauffeured in.

Premium and Luxury models have access to the $1,295 Appearance Package. This adds various black chrome adornments outside along with a matte gray grille, dark gray roof rails, and black mirror caps.

Exclusive to the Premium is the Interior Upgrade Package for $670. It replaces the standard leather with semi-aniline leather, heats and cools the second-row outboard seats, and equips a cooled center console storage box.

The most expensive package is the $2,660 Mark Levinson Reference surround sound system. Available for the Premium and F Sport, it dials up the volume with 25 speakers, 2,400 watts of power, a digital sound processor, and a 7.1-channel speaker architecture. The last package applies to the Luxury trim and is the rear entertainment system for $2,160. This tempting option adds dual 11.4-inch screens at the back, dual wireless headphones, and an HDMI input.

A notable standalone option is Active Height Control for $1,300, applicable to the F Sport and Luxury models but found standard on the Ultra Luxury.

We'd be tempted by the four-seat LX 600 Ultra Luxury, but it's high price tag and reduction in practicality would steer us towards one of the lower trim levels. The LX 600 Luxury offers most of the important features we enjoyed - like the Mark Levinson audio and semi-aniline leather - for $103,000, $23,000 less than the Ultra Luxury. From there we'd think about adding active height control for $1,300 if you plan to take the LX off-roading, plus the $1,295 appearance package that opens up a no-cost 18-inch wheel option to have a thicker sidewall. If you plan to stick to the pavement at all times, the stock LX Luxury with 22-inch wheels is just fine as-is.

If you want a big, powerful Lexus SUV that's great off-road but your budget doesn't stretch to the LX, the dated GX could fit the bill. It's inferior to the fresh LX in almost every aspect, though. Yes, the GX enjoys lusty V8 power, but it's much heavier on gas, slower, and can't tow as much as the LX's twin-turbo V6. Both SUVs can seat up to seven occupants, but they'll be happier in the newer LX. In the LX, you also get a larger touchscreen interface and more features. Even just looking at the two, the GX's age is undeniable. Then again, not everyone has over $80,000 to spend on a luxury SUV, and the GX's much lower $55,425 starting price may just find it a few buyers.

Sadly, the all-new Toyota Land Cruiser 300 - which the new Lexus LX is based on - will not be coming to America. That means that this is a bit of a lopsided comparison as the much fresher LX goes up against the older Land Cruiser 200. Should you spend the extra cash on the new LX or go for an almost-new, very capable but less luxurious Land Cruiser 200 instead? Well, the latter uses a far thirstier naturally-aspirated V8 engine making 381 hp. The LX, meanwhile, uses a new 3.5-liter turbocharged V6 with a healthier 409 hp, while consuming a lot less gas and towing 1,000 lbs more. That said, the older Land Cruiser has superior approach/departure angles, as well as greater ground clearance. It's also proven to be bulletproof. The new LX is unquestionably a nicer SUV, but the outgoing Land Cruiser's tough-as-nails demeanor still commands respect all these years later. It's biggest flaw, however, is its age, as it delivers an uninspiring and very dated driving experience.