LX

Make
Lexus
Segment
SUV

For the first time since 2007, Lexus has an all-new flagship SUV. The 2022 Lexus LX arrives on the scene as the fourth-generation for the longstanding nameplate, now sporting a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 under the hood. Lexus finally ditched its tried and true 5.7-liter V8, but don't think the V6 is a downgrade because it produces 409 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque (up from 383 hp and 403 lb-ft from the V8). This engine is also used in the latest Toyota Tundra and Land Cruiser, though the latter will no longer be sold in the US.

Lexus hasn't released official pricing for the new LX 600, but we estimate it will cost more than the outgoing LX 570, which started at $86,930. If you're in the market for a full-size luxury SUV with the ability to carry seven people, tow a boat, and do some light off-roading, we've come up with six used alternatives to consider.

Warning: Used car prices are elevated as of this writing due to supply chain shortages and may not reflect normal averages.

Lexus LX 570

If that $87,000 starting price is simply too steep but you really want a Lexus LX, why not opt for the outgoing LX 570? The third-generation LX lasted from 2007 to 2021, getting is first substantial facelift in 2012, then another in 2015. In our honest opinion, the LX 570 became increasing gaudy with the addition of the Lexus spindle grille in 2010, so we prefer the earlier ones if you can find one with low miles. Even older examples with over 100,000 miles command over $20,000 on the used market, but we found plenty with under that mileage starting around $40,000. There are plenty available for more, but we wouldn't want to spend over $50,000 on anything other than a pristine one.

Lexus GX

Perhaps you still want a three-row Lexus SUV but the $20,000 budget of the LX 570 is still too high. If that's the case, check out the Lexus GX 470. The original GX is quickly becoming coveted by off-road enthusiasts for its bulletproof reliability and overall capability. Based on the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado platform, the GX first arrived to the US in 2003 and lasted in its first generation until 2009. The GX 470 used a 4.7-liter V8 with 235 hp, which was later upped to 270 hp.

Despite the crazy used car market, prices have remained reasonable, ranging from $6,000 to $10,000 for very high-mileage examples with over 200,000 miles. You can nab a mint one for around $30,000 max, making it more reasonable than its LX sibling.

Infiniti QX80/QX56

Though it's less capable off-road, the Infiniti QX80 (also called the QX56) is superior to the Lexus LX as a family and cargo hauler with its tremendous size and potent 5.6-liter V6 engine. The QX80 as we know it today debuted in 2010 as the QX56 before being renamed the QX80 in 2014. It's essentially a more luxurious version of the full-size Nissan Armada, also called the Patrol in other markets. The cheapest QX56s start at around $12,000 while the newer QX80s begin at around $19,000. We estimate you can get a nice QX56 for around $25,000 or a low-mileage QX80 in the mid-$30,000 range.

Land Rover Discovery

This next choice might not be for everyone, but if you're willing to take a larger gamble on reliability you can get some pretty cool SUVs for way less than a new Lexus LX. Our choice is the Land Rover Discovery, often the most overlooked model in the Land Rover family. You can pick one of these up for less than $40,000, powered by either a 3.0-liter supercharged V6 or a rarified V6 turbo-diesel. Out of all the Land Rover models available on the used market, we feel the Discovery is the simplest and offers the best practicality. As you'd expect of a Land Rover product, it's pretty great off-road.

Kia Telluride

As we mentioned, the new car market is out of wack at the moment, and some dealers want to charge customers Lexus-level prices for their new Kia Telluride inventory. If you can get one at MSRP, or perhaps find a year-old example with low miles, the Telluride offers a ton of bang for the buck. Kia's 3.8-liter V6 can't match Lexus' twin-turbo unit, but in terms of passenger and cargo space, the Telluride stacks up well against the LX. We can't say the Telluride matches the LX's luxury, but with an official starting price of $44,590 for the top SX trim, it's way more than half the car for around half the price.

Dodge Durango SRT

Our oddball choice for this list is the most performance-oriented. The Dodge Durango SRT comes with a 6.4-liter HEMI V8 pumping out 475 hp. Dodge introduced this three-row muscle SUV back in 2018 and prices have remained relatively strong since then. We found early examples starting at around $50,000, which is not bad considering the performance, size, and capability. It's easily the most exciting vehicle on this list without compromising on practicality (aside from fuel economy).