Verdict
–Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
The previous Lexus LX was a little bit of a dinosaur, comparatively talking. Lexus would inform you that was a part of the enchantment. However I’d argue its less-than-stellar drive expertise and torpid V8 made the LX one of many least compelling selections amongst newer, higher rivals.
However Lexus lastly shed the previous bones of its predecessor for a spiffy new chassis. With main upgrades beneath the pores and skin (shared with the Toyota Tundra), Lexus’ body-on-frame SUV is rather more interesting than the earlier model, and most significantly, you will not miss that dated V8.
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The brand new twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6, additionally borrowed from the Tundra, is certainly one of our favourite powertrains available on the market right now. It delivers easy torque and the upscale refinement you anticipate of a luxurious automobile. This pretty new engine replaces the outdated naturally aspirated 5.7-liter V8 and boosts the output to 409 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. That is an additional 26 hp and 76 lb-ft over the outgoing LX.
And even for as massive because the Lexus LX is – longer and taller by an inch than the earlier technology – it would not really feel any much less underpowered. You will not must bury your toes deep into the pedal to get it up to the mark; the 2 turbos spool up rapidly and provides the LX sufficient low-end energy for simple overtakes and seamless onramp entries.
The ten-speed transmission is new too, and it shifts rapidly and seamlessly. There are paddle shifters behind the steering wheel, positive, however there isn’t any cause to play with them. Even beneath onerous acceleration, the gearbox is fast to downshift and by no means acts confused.
The LX comes with six drive modes to select from: Eco, Consolation, Regular, Sport, Sport S+, and Customized. Each provides the LX a singular driving character. Eco and Consolation make for simple cruising with a softer pedal really feel whereas Sport and Sport+ sharpen the throttle response for a extra participating drive; though, that is nonetheless a big luxurious SUV, not a sports activities automobile.
With this new engine, the LX lastly seems like a real competitor as an alternative of a distinct segment different, reworking it from a dinosaur to a contemporary off-roader. The Lexus LX 600 begins at $88,245 with the $1,345 vacation spot payment included, and with the F Sport bundle geared up (like on the model examined right here) rapidly crests $100,000.