Used 2011 Lexus LX

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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