2023 Lexus LX
Overview
The Lexus LX is a big, modern, full-size luxury SUV that hasn’t sacrificed its off-road toughness. Based on the new Toyota Land Cruiser, which is no longer offered in North America, the LX600 is powered by a 409-hp twin-turbo V-6 with a 10-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive. Rivals such as the BMW X7 and Cadillac Escalade offer a grander experience with a more adult-friendly third row, but the LX600 has other virtues. Instead of cold and corporate, it’s made for people who don’t mind getting sand between their toes. The LX600 is the epitome of glide, with a supple ride, adjustable air suspension, and comfy seats. But its stout body-on-frame construction and Land Cruiser DNA make it a luxury SUV that’s happy to go where the dirt is.
What’s New for 2023?
Lexus delivered a completely new-generation LX last year and doesn’t make any major changes to it or 2023.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
LX600
$89,160
LX600 Premium
$97,110
LX600 F Sport Handling
$103,370
$105,110
LX600 Ultra Luxury
$129,250
We think the Luxury trim represents the best value here—value being a relative term when you’re talking six-figure SUVS—as it adds niceties such as semi-aniline leather upholstery, a Mark Levinson stereo system, and handsome 22-inch wheels among other features. If you’re looking for luxury that rivals the Range Rover or top-spec models from BMW and Mercedes, you’ll want to go with the Ultra Luxury trim, but doing so limits the cabin to just four seats.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The LX600 is powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V-6 engine that makes 409 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. A 10-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive are both standard. This powertrain launched in the new Toyota Land Cruiser, which shares its mechanical underpinnings with the LX. Given Lexus’s penchant for hybrid powertrains, we wouldn’t be surprised to see a gas-electric setup under the LX’s hood, similar to the one used in the 2022 Tundra pickup, but so far the company only offers this non-hybrid powertrain. On the road, the twin-turbo V-6 provides ample power as well as a refined nature suitable for a luxury vehicle such as the LX. In our testing the LX600 managed a 6.1-second zero-to-60-mph time, which will be more than enough for most drivers. Most models deliver a compliant ride, but those swooning over the F Sport model and its more aggressively-tuned suspension will have to put up with some ride harshness.
Towing and Payload Capacity
Every Lexus LX600 has an impressive towing capacity of 6000 pounds.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The LX600 earned fuel economy ratings of 17 mpg city and 22 mpg highway from the EPA, but we haven’t had a chance to test it on our 75-mph highway fuel economy route. For more information about the LX’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Inside, the new LX’s luxurious makeover is evident starting with a wide center console between the front seats that creates a cozy cockpit environment. Quilted leather upholstery, a leather-wrapped dashboard, wood trim, and smoked-chrome accents give the LX a high-end appearance and luxe ambiance. The entry-level Standard trim comes with room for five across in two rows of seats; the Premium, Luxury, and F Sport trims come with a third row of seats that increases passenger capacity to seven. The top-spec Ultra Luxury model is only offered as a four-seat layout, with dual captain’s chairs in the second row divided by a center console, plus rear-seat entertainment displays and wireless smartphone charging capability.
The Car and Driver Difference
Infotainment and Connectivity
The LX’s dashboard comes with three standard displays: an 8.0-inch screen for the gauge cluster, a 12.3-incher for the infotainment, and a separate 7.0-inch screen for climate and vehicle controls. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both standard. Wireless charging is offered, and Lexus says audiophiles can upgrade the stereo to a 25-speaker Mark Levinson surround-sound system—if they have popped for either the LX Luxury or LX Ultra Luxury trim.
How to Buy and Maintain a Car
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
A suite of driver-assistance features is standard on the LX and includes automated emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. For more information about the LX’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian-and-bicyclist detection Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist Standard adaptive cruise control
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
The LX comes with the same warranty package as all other new Lexus models, including a year’s worth of complimentary scheduled maintenance.
Limited warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles Powertrain warranty covers 6 years or 70,000 miles Complimentary maintenance is covered for 1 year or 10,000 miles
Specifications
Specifications
2022 Lexus LX600
Vehicle Type: front-engine, four-wheel-drive, 4–7-passenger, 4-door wagon
PRICE
Base/As Tested: $88,245/$127,940
Ultra Luxury base price: $127,345; Manganese Luster premium paint, $595
ENGINE
twin-turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 24-valve V-6, aluminum block and heads, port and direct fuel injection
Displacement: 210 in3, 3445 cm3
Power: 409 hp @ 5200 rpm
Torque: 479 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm
TRANSMISSION
10-speed automatic
CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: control arms/live axle
Brakes, F/R: 13.9-in vented disc/13.2-in vented disc
Tires: Dunlop Grandtrek PT5A
F: 265/50R-22 112V M+S Extra Load
R: 265/50R-22 112V M+S Extra Load
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 112.2 in
Length: 200.6 in
Width: 78.3 in
Height: 74.6 in
Passenger Volume: 109 ft3
Cargo Volume: 41 ft3
Curb Weight: 5901 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 6.1 sec
1/4-Mile: 14.6 sec @ 96 mph
100 mph: 15.7 sec
130 mph: 31.4 sec
Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.4 sec.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 6.6 sec
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 3.4 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 4.4 sec
Top Speed (C/D est): 130 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 194 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.73 g
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 17 mpg
FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 19/17/22 mpg
C/D TESTING EXPLAINED
More Features and Specs
