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2011 Lexus LX

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2013 Lexus LX

Overview

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2011 Lexus LX Review

By KBB.com Editors

Despite staring straight down the barrel of ever-steeper fuel prices, the luxury SUV segment is far from finished. The 2011 Lexus LX 570 can hold its fascia high among a crowd that includes vehicles from Cadillac's Escalade to the sophisticated Audi Q7. With an excellent interior and an impeccable reputation for quality and reliability, it can be argued that the LX 570 stands at the front of the pack. That's not to mention the strong 5.7-liter V8 or the six-speed transmission, either. For 2011, Lexus has built in additional safety features and interior options to keep the platform sharp.

You'll Like This Car If...

Despite its high-society exterior, the LX 570 is more than capable off-road. Its powerful V8 engine, real four-wheel-drive system and substantial towing capacity quietly underscore the "utility" in SUV. Additionally, flexible seating and cargo configurations make the interior very adaptable.

You May Not Like This Car If...

Consumer consciousness is continuing to turn against symbols of conspicuous wealth and consumption, and the LX 570 is nothing if not the poster child for both. If you're concerned about how your vehicle reflects on your lifestyle choices, this luxury SUV may not be for you.

What's Significant About This Car?

In the wake of concerns over unintended acceleration in Toyota and Lexus vehicles, the 2011 LX 570 now comes with a brake override system as standard equipment. Lexus calls its system Smart Stop Technology and, under certain conditions, if both the accelerator and the brake are depressed at the same time the vehicle will automatically cut power to the engine to reduce the likelihood of an accident. There are also some changes to the optional Luxury Package and some new interior colors.

Driving the LX

Driving Impressions Though large in size, the 2011 Lexus LX 570 is stable at freeway speeds and on curvy roads. It's equally as comfortable off-road as well. The driver can choose "Comfort,"...

"Sport" or a default ride setting that offers the best of both worlds. We found the Sport setting to be stiff enough to handle spirited driving, though the default setting resides on the firmer side of the spectrum as well. The Comfort setting is perfect for everyday driving while still providing a stable ride. In the off-road environment, the Crawl Control feature made tackling steep grades as simple as setting the cruise control. There isn't even a need to touch the throttle or the brake.

Favorite Features

Crawl Control
Should drivers decide to head off the beaten path, Lexus includes Crawl Control as standard equipment on the 2011 LX 570. When activated, the driver can select a speed between one and three miles per hour and the SUV handles crawling up or down uneven terrain without requiring any throttle or brake inputs from the driver.

Mark Levinson Reference Surround Sound System
If beating through the underbrush isn't on your to-do list, the LX 570 is available with an excellent Mark Levinson Reference sound system. With 19 speakers and 450 watts of power, the stereo delivers a harmonious balance of mid-range, high-pitch and deep-bass sounds that are crisp no matter what the volume setting.

2011 Lexus LX Details

Interior

Lexus has carried over a number of interior conveniences from the 2010 LX 570, including the segment's first power-reclining rear seats and a third row that retracts with the push of a button to allow for greater cargo versatility. With the third row configured for passengers, the luxury SUV delivers seating for up to eight individuals and, thanks to a clever cabin design and an additional four inches of wheelbase, occupants enjoy plenty of legroom.

Exterior

Lexus worked to toe the line between finesse and brawn with the exterior design of the LX 570. A wide stance and accentuated fender arches help convey the impression of muscular capability. Meanwhile, the company's "arrowhead" grille and splashes of chrome throughout the cabin do much to relate the big SUV with its more svelte family members. Running boards tucked close to the LX 570 body and large wheel and tire choices give the vehicle an athletic look, despite its size.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

Befitting a vehicle of this price point, the 2011 LX 570 arrives with a veritable laundry list of standard equipment. Buyers can expect to find 20-inch alloy wheels, an adaptive front lighting system, a power-folding third-row seat, navigation system with back-up camera, four-zone climate control, active height control for easy ingress and egress, an adaptive variable suspension that adjusts the shock absorbers for optimal handling, full-time four-wheel drive for slippery situations and Crawl Control.

Optional Equipment

Don't expect too many changes to show up on the option sheet for 2011. Lexus continues to offer climate-controlled front seats with a heated second row, a 19-speaker Mark Levinson Reference Sound System, Pre-Collision System with Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, a rear-seat entertainment system that includes a nine-inch screen and headphones and Intuitive Parking Assist. This parking system incorporates a wide-view front and side monitor that draws from cameras in the front grille and under the passenger-side mirror to help the driver see unseen objects or obstacles, a benefit when parking or maneuvering in tight spaces.

Under the Hood

The LX 570 is powered by a refined 5.7-liter V8 touting 383 horsepower and an impressive 403 pound-feet of torque, which is instrumental in providing the vehicle's 8,500-pound tow rating. A six-speed automatic transmission handles shifting duties and a Torsen limited-slip center differential provides full-time all-wheel drive with a 40:60 power split (front/rear, respectively). The transfer case allows for an impressively-low 2.62:1 gear ratio for tackling off-road obstacles.

5.7-liter V8
383 horsepower @ 5600 rpm
403 lb.-ft. of torque @ 3600 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 12/18

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2011 Lexus LX Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

9.3

Out of 10

Based on 19 Ratings for the 2008 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

9.0/10

Quality

9.6/10
Reliability

9.6/10

Performance

9.3/10
Comfort

9.5/10

Styling

9.4/10

Incredible SUV for the mountains

By Princess Stephanie (CO) on Monday, February 18, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 1,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "rugged luxury"

Cons: "over-priced ??"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"My husband surprised me with a 570 for my Birthday. What a gift! It's the nicest car (SUV aside), I've ever driven. We live in Vail, CO most of the year and it's incredible in the snow as well as powerful and quiet while climbing the mountain passes on a dry road. I liked the body style of my 470 better, but 570 puts it to shame in every other way. Stephanie C."

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Truly Great SUV, almost NOTHING BREAKS!!

By Gina (CA) on Friday, January 04, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 45,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Reliable, incredible quality, low service costs"

Cons: "Gas mileage"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"We have owned one LX570 (45,000 miles currently) and two LX470s (180k miles on our current one!). The LX570 is a fine continuation of the LX470 model,however I preferred the slightly narrower wheel base/size of the LX470 which makes it more maneuverable and those incredible lighted running boards had us standing and staring at it, with our jaws dropped, in the garage after we brought our first 470 home. I consider the LX470 a collectors item - was perfect for taking my son and friends to overnight soccer games (Lexus has THE BEST Navigation - much better than our BMWs, Ford truck), good for pulling a horse, like a rolling house! The LX570 takes that tradition farther by having the built-in refrigerator in front arm rest and we have DVD w this one (but rarely use - don't lose remote control as necessary to operate it!) But as an engineer, what really sold me on the Lexus SUVs when first driving them in comparison to Lincoln, Infinity, and other brands is their Engineering! I personally like the engine timing better on the LX470 than my husbands BMW645i (I know that is blasphemous) but the 470 just runs so smoothly. Became loyal Lexus buyers because almost NOTHING HAS BROKEN on 4 Lexus cars we have had aside from brake changes (I made to 80,000 highway miles on the RX450h we own and that my daughter now drives), the LX470/570s typically go ~65k for brakes with me driving. We do the minimally recommended maintenance and my husband changes the oil!! Our dealer service (very reasonable . . gives labor discounts & much cheaper overall than the BMW service) states he has 470s with 300k miles still running perfectly. All the electronics, engine, etc. are incredibly well engineered. The RELIABILITY of these cars is phenomenonall! The gas mileage is NOT!! I picked up the 570 last year right after the tsunami out of concern they might become scarce and we wanted to have one for when the 470 wears out, also hoping the larger engin might be better for pulling 26ft boat. Still, wish they had kept the LX470 body, however, until such large SUVs get phased out as fuel standards increase, these are too useful to be without. Truly great SUVs, I cannot imagine any European or American brands measuring up to these."

3 people out of 4 found this review helpful

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This is a fantastic vehicle.

By Mike (VA) on Thursday, June 14, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 27,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Lacks literally nothing in convenience."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"It's pricy and don't gripe about the fuel mileage. But as a master of the road it's simply the best vehicle I've ever owned. I've had 5 large domestic SUV's. They simply don't compare. The quiet smooth ride compares to that of an Audi A-8 which I've owned as well. It will "gadget" you to death which leads to it's plump owner's manual. It is truly a creature of comfort and style. It's price tag is hefty - but there's nothing that compares if you want a reliable, quiet, powerful SUV that is fully capable of off roading, but drives like the smoothest sedan you could find. Go ahead and spoil yourself."

11 people out of 12 found this review helpful

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Better than any other SUV on the Road

By nick (North Brunswick, NJ) on Tuesday, January 18, 2011

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 10/10

"Also owned 2000 model LX470 this is better more luxury and best of the features than any other SUV on the Planet. What a fun to drive and 19 speaker 450 watts is amazing."

8 people out of 10 found this review helpful

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LEXUS LX570 LUXURY

By andrew (NEWPORT BEACH, CA) on Thursday, December 09, 2010

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

"JUST BOUGHT THE CAR TONIGHT, THE CAR IS VERY FAST FOR A BIG SUV AROUND 6.1 SECOND O-60, VERY SMOOTH, THE LEATHER IS PERFECT. LOVE THIS CAR"

1 person out of 6 found this review helpful

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Very Disappointing LX 570

By NH (Fort Lauderdale, FL) on Wednesday, September 15, 2010

10 5.0

overall rating 5 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 5/10
Value: 7/10
Reliability: 8/10
Quality: 6/10
Performance: 6/10
Styling: 5/10
Comfort: 5/10

"I purchased my 2010 Lexus LX 570 in mid December 2009. At first I was delighted then after 3 to 4 months I began to notice the wear on my seats and the severe back pain that I was getting. I tried to increase the lumbar suppport but it was maxed out. I then relaised that my seat was too high and that the center console arm rest was too low but the seat was at the lowest setting. Now I have to drive with both my arms stretched out in front of me which gets tiring after about 100 miles! My dealer told me that they could redo the foam in the seats but could not get my seat any lower. The air venting in the seats is also very weak and not what I expected. The other problem that I am having is that my LX drinks gas. Without the power shifting on it was getting less than 10mpg and now with it on I am lucky to average 14.5mpg and I have to fill up several times a week. Not having the 3rd row rear seats folding flat is also unfortunate. The rest of the vehicle is superb, the phone works seamlessly unlike my old LX 470 and the sound system is amazing. I am trading it in this week for a Mercedes GL 350 turbo diesel which will get close to double the miles per gallon in the city, I think and my back pain will be gone! If you are tall with a thinner body type (I am 5ft 9in female) don't even think about the LX 570! Also my real estate clients say they are uncomfortable in the back seat too!"

5 people out of 10 found this review helpful

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See all 19 reviews