Toyota Land Cruiser fans will lament their beloved off-road-ready SUV being discontinued in America. But the good news is that it lives on as a Lexus. Meet the all-new 2022 Lexus LX, the more premium and expensive version of the overseas-only 300 Series Land Cruiser. This isn't just a mid-life refresh but rather a complete redesign. The LX, which first hit the market in 1995, was last redesigned in 2007, meaning this new fourth-generation model has a long list of updates and improvements.
Lexus says over 500,000 LX models have been sold globally during its lifetime and we have no doubt it'll remain popular despite its high price tag. Like before, the new LX offers the complete package luxury SUV buyers crave: tons of features, ultra-comfort, and go anywhere off-roading capabilities. But unlike previous LX generations, the new model lacks a V8 engine. That doesn't mean the power isn't there; quite the contrary. The 2022 LX 600 takes into account new global emissions standards while continuing to offer plenty of power.
Beauty Meets Performance Styling
A tough yet elegant SUV design was the core goal here and Lexus seems to have pulled it off. The SUV attitude still remains fully intact as the front A-pillars are pulled rearward resulting in a cab-forward design. And yes, the brand's signature large spindle grille returns, only now it boasts a three-dimensional shape consisting of seven floating bar slots that are precisely measured to enable the ideal amount of air inside to help cool the engine. The side radiators feature larger openings for similar cooling purposes, while the L-shaped headlights and taillights also take on a 3D shape.
Lexus describes the rear wheel arches as "muscular" and we agree. They look good with the quarter pillars that begin at the roof. Newly designed 22-inch forged aluminum machined black wheels are standard while 18- and 20-inch wheels are optional. The top trim Ultra Luxury adds high-gloss paint, and all trims feature the brand's redesigned logo. There's also the F Sport trim, a first for the LX. It comes with its own uniquely designed 22-inch wheels, an F mesh grille with jet-black chrome and an exclusive Ultra White exterior color.
Next-Generation Luxury Interior
Interior luxury and refinement are two major Lexus hallmarks and the all-new LX's cabin is no exception. With three rows of seats, the LX comes standard with leather upholstery, high-end build materials, and much more. Drivers will enjoy the standard 12.3-inch touchscreen along with a 7-inch lower screen. The upper screen contains things like navigation, audio controls, and the Multi-Terrain Monitor for off-roading. The lower screen handles climate control and doubles as a support screen for the MTM.
The main touchscreen includes the new Human Machine Interface (HMI) that can be controlled via sight, touch, and voice. The new Voice Assistant is expected to be the main way drivers and passengers will use the multimedia system that includes dual microphones with strategically located speakers. The Lexus Interface has a new user profile feature where one's smartphone is used to create a profile. Personalized settings are then transferred to a cloud and made accessible via Bluetooth, a smart key, or manual login on any Lexus model with this system.
Audio lovers will appreciate the optional 25-speaker Mark Levinson Surround Sound system. The F Sport also gets its own unique Circuit Red interior color.
Power, Off-Roading, And Safety
The naturally aspirated V8 is no more, replaced by a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 with 409 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque, the latter available up to 3,600 rpm for better on- and off-road handling. A 10-speed automatic transmission with close gear ratios and quick shift times is also standard. Lexus says the low first gear increases the driving force at low speeds for both smooth starts and slow-speed rock crawling. At the opposite end of the spectrum, tenth gear keeps the engine speed low during highway driving to help conserve fuel.
On-road driving is aided by systems like Active Height Control and Adaptive Variable Suspension. The F Sport trim gets a Torsen limited-slip differential for even sharper handling. Off-roading has been made easier thanks to a new Electronically Controlled Brake system and Electric Power Steering. Like all previous models, the new LX rides on a body-on-frame platform, only this one is entirely new. Called GA-F, this architecture is 20 percent more rigid than the old setup with 441 pounds less weight.
Standard safety comes by way of the Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 suite featuring radar cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane departure alert with steering assist.
Pricing And Competition
Lexus has not released official pricing though don't expect the 2022 LX to cost less than the outgoing model, which starts at $86,930. Sales are due to get underway nationwide in the first quarter of next year.
Like before, the LX's main rival will be the one and only Cadillac Escalade, which has also recently been redesigned. However, there's a newcomer to the ultra-luxury large SUV segment: the Jeep Grand Wagoneer. Two pricier rivals are the Bentley Bentayga and Rolls-Royce Cullinan.
There's no question Lexus has captured the spirit of the dearly departed Land Cruiser. The new LX will do everything asked of it and so much more. Those who demand luxury, refinement, and tough as nails durability and off-roading performance can't do much better.