2019 Lexus LX Review

The zenith of luxury and comfort is embodied in this flagship three-row SUV from Lexus: the spacious, powerful and imposing LX 570 also boasts remarkable off-roading capabilities and has a track record spanning more than a decade. Under the hood of the LX 570, a 5.7-liter naturally aspirated V8 engine produces 383 horsepower and 402 lb-ft of torque, sending these figures to an all-wheel-drivetrain via an eight-speed automatic transmission. The LX 570 shares its underpinnings with that of the Toyota Land Cruiser but is deemed as the aggrandized version of the Japanese off-road SUV. Desperately in need of an upgrade, the LX 570 - for all its glory and strong points - feels somewhat outdated, and with esteemed rivals such as the Mercedes Benz G-Class, Infiniti QX80, and the Land Rover Discovery, an overhaul couldn't come sooner. That being said, the LX 570 remains a distinguished competitor, offering exceptional luxury and comfort and, at the same time, providing high-caliber off-road capabilities. The charm of the LX 570 is in the effective balance between these characteristics, leaving the question open-ended: is this luxury SUV still relevant?

What's the Price of the 2019 Lexus LX?

For buyers interested in the two-row LX 570, a starting MSRP of $86,230 can be budgeted for. The three-row version costs $91,230, excluding Lexus' delivery, processing and handling fee of $1,295. Both prices also do not include US taxes, registration, and license fees. Prices may vary from dealer to dealer, and dealer-specific incentives and accessory options may also be offered. The LX 570 is slightly more expensive than the popular Toyota Land Cruiser but marginally cheaper than the fully-loaded BMW X7.

2019 LX Exterior

Dimensions

2019 LX Performance

Handling and Driving Impressions

Despite its plush appearance, this SUV is in its element when off-road, and it is appropriately geared with all-terrain features that include crawl control, adaptive variable suspension with active height control, a locking center differential, and a two-speed transfer case, constituting the LX 570 as one of the most capable off-road SUVs in the class. The excellent traction management system and adjustable suspension offer acute articulation, and the ability to increase ground clearance makes for a versatile adventurer. On the road, however, the LX 570 can be incongruous, presenting an unsteady and rougher ride than most rivals with plenty of body roll around turns. It is also limited in close-quarter maneuverability due to its wide turning circle.

Spacious and comfortable inside, ride comfort in the LX 570 is soft but lacking in composure and support which is expected from a luxury all-terrain vehicle. Tracking straight is a breeze in the LX 570; steering is responsive to driver inputs and minimal effort is required to keep it steady. But with a load of weight to carry and an off-road focus, the steering can feel excessively heavy around turns. Although brakes are adequately powerful for the hefty SUV, the pedal feels spongy and responds inconsistently which detracts further from a generally mediocre drive.

There are four selectable drive modes which all illicit noticeable adjustments in ride feel. In comfort mode, the vehicle feels tall and produces apprehensive body roll around bends. This is exacerbated in Sport mode, where trifling jitteriness becomes even more evident. The normal and ECO modes make for the most bearable ride quality, but still lacks the aplomb desired from a luxury vehicle.

2019 LX Interior

2019 LX Trunk and Cargo Space

Warranty

Verdict: Is the 2019 Lexus LX A Good SUV?

By virtue of the LX 570s superior off-road capability, excellent build quality, and comfortable interior, the answer to this question is yes. But with conditions. With exceptional predicted reliability ratings and a comprehensive range of safety and advanced driver-assist features as standard, the LX 570 has everything needed to qualify as a luxury SUV. That said, it does trail behind many of its rivals in several key areas, including ride composure, handling and infotainment systems. With its large dimensions and heavy steering, ride comfort is not always luxurious and with limited maneuverability feels ponderous for the most part. Fuel-efficiency - although similar to some competitors - is dismal, even by SUV standards. The biggest drawback for the LX 570 is that it is a decade overdue for a major refresh - like the Land Cruiser, it is desperately in need of modern touches and perhaps a more relevant look overall. So, whilst it is a good luxury SUV, it doesn't feature near the top of its class and some shopping around is suggested for buyers in this market.

What Lexus LX Model Should I Buy?

It makes sense to opt for the three-row LX 570, although at $5,000 more, it comes with exclusive availability to some impressive standalone options such as a head-up display, wireless charger, and the brilliant Mark Levinson surround-sound audio system. Additionally, the rear-seat entertainment system with dual 11.6-in displays, HDMI input, and wireless headphones could be beneficial to larger families who often take extended road-trips. As the saying goes, it's better to be safe than sorry - and if you need more seating, the three-row has it. When not in use, seats can be stowed, leaving you with the same features as the five-seater version. However, if you don't require seating for eight and would prefer the cargo space or don't need those exclusive additional options, then the two-row LX 570 will suffice. It boasts the same vehicle features and delivers identical performance specs to the three-row model, just with regular five-passenger seating capacity.

2019 Lexus LX Comparisons

2019 Lexus LX vs BMW X7

The BMW X7 is an all-new model from the German powerhouse and falls within an almost identical price range as the 2019 LX 570 if you opt for the fully-loaded version. At the entry point to the range, the X7 costs only $74,895 but features a significantly smaller engine and less onboard features. The top-spec X7 is the equivalent of the three-row LX 570, featuring the similar three-row configuration but with seating for only seven occupants. It offers a more refined, more powerful engine comprised of a 4.4-liter turbo V8, with outputs of 456 hp and 479 lb-ft. This is quite a bit more than what the Lexus manages to produce. Exterior and interior features are relatively similar between the rivals, but the X7 is on-road focused where the LX 570 caters to more off-road adventure. The LX 570 holds a higher maximum towing capacity than the X7's 5,400 pounds, but the third-row seats in the X7 are at least adequate for slender adults. In typical BMW fashion, the X7 feels smoother on the road than the LX 570 and has an available Dynamic Handling Package which further improves ride comfort. The BMW X7 manages to better harmonize its limited off-road capability with its on-road comfort, making it the better luxury SUV in this comparison.

2019 Lexus LX vs Toyota Land Cruiser

The basic design and underpinnings are the same between the LX 570 and the Land Cruiser, so their ability to produce power, speed, and fuel economy is fairly equal. While the Land Cruiser has the benefit of an enigmatic reputation for its off-roading prowess, the LX 570 is unquestionably more luxurious, presenting an opulent, feature-rich interior. The Land Cruiser seems to neglect passenger consideration with limited comfort and convenience features available, for the already dolorous second and third-row seats. Overall features in the LX 570 are more comprehensive than in the Land Cruiser, and there are more options available to add on in the Lexus. The Land Cruiser does exhibit slightly better handling dynamics and ride composure both on and off-road, and it has a better towing capacity with more cargo space than the LX 570. Although the Land Cruiser is backed by Toyota's esteemed history and undeniable reliability, the LX 570 portrays plenty promise, and that - combined with its good value for money - make it the better option, but not by very much.