2020 Lexus LX Review: Aging SUV Still Has Plenty Of Charm

It's been around in its current basic form for over a decade, but the imposing Lexus LX just keeps going. Sharing its underpinnings with the Toyota Land Cruiser, the LX has the more premium badge and has (just about) remained in the conversation in this segment thanks to its exceptional off-road capability, typically robust build quality, and a 5.7-liter naturally aspirated V8 engine that works hard to keep this behemoth moving. While its known mechanicals will find favor with buyers wanting a dependable full-size SUV, there's no getting away from the Lexus' clumsy handling, its frustrating infotainment system, and thirsty engine. It's these flaws, and the LX's age, that holds it back against thoroughly modern alternatives like the BMW X7 and Land Rover Discovery. As charming and no-nonsense as the big Lexus may be, its replacement can't come too soon.

What's the Price of the 2020 Lexus LX?

The LX range starts with the two-row LX 570 at an MSRP of $86,480, exclusive of tax, licensing, registration, and a delivery/handling charge of $1,295. Above this is the three-row LX 570 at $91,480. By comparison, a base BMW X7 xDrive40i (less powerful but significantly quicker and more modern than the LX) costs $73,900.

2020 LX Exterior

Dimensions

2020 LX Performance

Handling and Driving Impressions

You'll want to take it easy in the LX as this is not a vehicle that rewards pressing on. The steering is not only too heavy at low speeds, but its excessive lightness at higher speeds and absence of feel make it a challenge to keep the big Lexus pointing in a straight line, which can be tiring on extended trips. Through corners, the tall body leans noticeably. The quality of the ride is better, but also not perfect; the LX is quite softly sprung and cushions occupants from nasty bumps, but it's not as controlled in its body motions as many other luxury SUVs. The different driving modes can be used to improve matters, but even in Comfort, there's too much body roll. Normal mode is, generally, the best for a balance of comfort and control.

Head off-road and the LX 570 makes a much stronger impression. The good ground clearance and a clever traction management system make it easy to clear some surprisingly challenging obstacles. The Lexus is also fitted with crawl control, a system that automatically maintains a slow, steady pace over rough terrain. A multi-terrain select system allows you to choose between five modes: rock, rock and dirt, mogul, loose rock, or mud and sand - the amount of traction is then adjusted based on the selected mode. A locking center differential, a two-speed transfer case, and excellent approach/departure angles combine to create a formidable off-road vehicle, all while keeping passengers comfortable in the plush interior. Unfortunately, the LX's on-road flaws are too easy to expose, especially relative to the competition.

2020 LX Interior

2020 LX Trunk and Cargo Space

Warranty

Verdict: Is the 2020 Lexus LX A Good SUV?

Everything about the Lexus LX is bold: from its glaring weaknesses to its imposing design, it's not an SUV that operates with much in the way of subtlety. On the plus side, there are a few traditional Lexus strengths that have been maintained, such as the comfortable seats, the impressively quiet cabin, the premium materials used inside, and the high level of dependability associated with most of the marque's products. It's also a genuinely capable off-roader, not just a poser. But in too many other aspects, age has caught up with the lumbering giant. Its infotainment system is unbelievably fiddly to operate and will be a constant source of frustration. The engine lacks the grunt to provide really brisk performance, but is also thirsty. And then there's the sub-par driving experience - the vague steering doesn't inspire much confidence and the LX feels unwieldy too much of the time. If you really will be spending a lot of time tackling rough terrain and want a tough SUV that can handle it, then the LX may still make sense. Otherwise, pick the BMW X7, Mercedes GLS or Land Rover Discovery, these SUVs are all far superior on-road and more modern inside than the aging LX.

What Lexus LX Model Should I Buy?

At over $85,000 for the Lexus LX, the three-row model's $5,000 price premium doesn't seem all that bad considering that you get a third row of seats when you need them, plus access to a range of appealing options. For large families, the rear-seat entertainment system can be a real advantage on long road trips. We don't think that either of the primary packages are essential: the Luxury Package isn't really needed over and above the already comfortable standard cabin, and the LX doesn't require the Sport Package to stand out. Plus, the latter can't be specified without adding virtually all the other options, too. Instead, we'd go for the convenience of the head-up display and add the Mark Levinson audio system.

2020 Lexus LX Comparisons

2020 Lexus LX vs Lexus GX

Like the LX, the smaller, mid-size GX has been around for some time and is fighting a bit of a losing battle as more modern competitors have hit the market. Starting at $53,000, the GX represents a significant saving if you don't require the LX's ability to seat up to eight (the GX can seat seven). Both models feature naturally aspirated V8 engines, but the GX's smaller 4.6-liter has a lower power output of 301 horsepower - both of these SUVs aren't especially sparkling performers and they gulp lots of fuel in the process. While both SUVs are well-built and likely to prove reliable over the long term, they feel old when it comes to interior tech and the poorly implemented infotainment systems that continue to be a Lexus bugbear. If you want an old-school, off-road focused SUV with a V8 engine, then both the GX and LX will still fit the bill. But the brand's slowing sales of these outdated SUVs is proof that the segment has moved on.

2020 Lexus LX vs Toyota Land Cruiser

Sharing the same basic underpinnings and V8 engines with almost identical power outputs, both the LX and the Land Cruiser offer similar on- and off-road performance, which means that they're a bit clumsy in traffic and on the highway, but perform admirably when confronted with the rough stuff. As expected, the Lexus is the more luxurious offering, both in terms of its cabin materials and its general appearance. The LX also gets a more generous standard specification; for instance, where the Land Cruiser gets a ten-way power-adjustable driver's seat, the LX gets 14-way adjustment. The Land Cruiser is a better towing machine, though, with a maximum towing capacity of 8,100 pounds exceeding the LX's 7,000-pound maximum. Considering the similar abilities of each SUV, we'd go for the more upmarket Lexus LX.