If you’re looking for a large luxury SUV that is a delight to drive in all conditions, with off-road talent to boot, Lexus LX 600 answers to all.
It will just take a six-figure budget to get it and premium gas to operate it.
The largest in Lexus’s line-up, and also the brand’s flagship SUV, was completely redesigned in 2022 on a new platform sharing the same underpinning as the Toyota Tundra pickup. With the Toyota Land Cruiser now discontinued in the U.S., the LX 600 is now the cat’s meow for a luxurious off-roading experience. The 4WD systems, standard on all trims, includes crawl control, terrain settings and locking differential. Off-roaders will opt for Premium level trim to get Active Height Control and Adaptive Variable Suspension.
A twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 replaced the previous V8 on the 2022 LX 600. The smaller more efficient engine mated to a ten-speed automatic transmission adds 26 horsepower and adds 1,000 pounds of additional towing capacity while improving mpg. The new model makes 409 hp with 479 lb-feet of torque, tows 8,000 pounds and is rated at combined MPG of 19, average among the 6,000-pound big boys.
The exterior styling retains the lines, proportions and bold details that define the LX series, adding a new front grille, revised headlights and gate-spanning taillights under a light bar that spells out Lexus. A traditional style tailgate replaced the previous two-piece version on the LX 600.
Like the others in the Lexus stable, LX 600 makes an undeniable statement in elegance, luxury and technology inside, too. Toggles and dials were replaced with touchscreens and voice activated commands. Infotainment, including Mark Levinson audio, is controlled via a 12.3-inch screen for media, nav and vehicle settings. A second 8.0-inch screen displays climate, off-road settings and trail camera views. Rear passengers have 36.6 inches of legroom, USB ports and their own full panel of climate controls including heated seats (Premium and above). Lexus Safety System+ on all trims includes lane trace assist, adaptive cruise control, surround-view cameras, and rear cross-traffic alerts with automatic emergency braking.
The 2023 model adds to the standard features across the board a heated steering wheel and screen covers for the dual-screen rear entertainment system. The Ultra Luxury model also got new Takanoha wood trim.
