Used 2015 Lexus LX

While it may share its basic architecture with the Toyota Land Cruiser, Lexus’ full-size LX 570 SUV for 2015 goes well beyond its humble roots, offering the kind of power and luxury befitting Lexus’ flagship SUV. The 8-passenger LX 570 is built to be as rugged as it is refined, with a sophisticated terrain-response system allowing it to traverse almost any obstacle. Realistically, we know most LX 570 models will never leave the paved road, except maybe to venture down a rutted horse trail where its 7,000-pound tow rating will likely be put to good use. Befitting its status, the LX 570 luxury SUV isn’t cheap to purchase or to operate, with fuel-economy ratings that barely break double-digits.

The 2015 Lexus LX 570 SUV is big in more ways than one. Tipping the scales at 6,000 pounds, the LX is heavier than the Infiniti QX80 and even the Cadillac Escalade. However, thanks to a sophisticated 3-mode suspension setup, the LX 570 manages its weight with the grace of an athletic linebacker, remaining firmly planted at highway speeds and proving surprisingly agile in the turns. Much of the LX’s heft comes from its stiff body-on-frame architecture, an aging design but one critical to the brutal reality of true off-road adventuring. The tradeoff versus a unit-body design (think Audi Q7) is a less compliant ride. On road, the LX’s 5.7-liter V8 can propel it to 60 mph in just 7.5 seconds. Off-road, the LX’s 2-speed transfer case and locking differential solidify its off-road abilities, as do the five terrain settings for rock, rock & dirt, mogul, loose rock and mud.

The Lexus LX 570 for 2015 provides three rows of seats and can fit up to eight passengers. The 2nd-row seats fold and tumble forward. Unlike most other 3rd-row seats, those in the LX 570 do not fold forward but to the sides. This creates a flat load floor, but eats up valuable room on the sides. Both rear rows are power-operated, a real help when you don’t have the strength or inclination to wrestle with seats. Legroom is good in the second row, but tight and adult-unfriendly in the third. Four-zone climate control, meanwhile, is standard for further passenger comfort.

The Lexus’ 2015 LX 570 retains its traditional SUV looks. In other words, it’s boxy, bold and rugged. Like its sibling the Toyota Land Cruiser, the Lexus bucks the trend of crossover SUVs that are “softer” and more rounded. This design for the Lexus LX 570 is appropriate, as it remains a formidable off-road machine. The spindle grille adds athleticism and elegance to the LX’s front, as do its distinctive LED daytime running lights and high-intensity-discharge headlights. The rear bumper is now brightened with a stainless-steel accent. Large running boards add visual appeal and, more pragmatically, they help passengers climb in.

EASY-ACCESS SYSTEM
The LX 570 for 2015 features an easy-access system that automatically retracts the steering wheel and driver’s seat upon entry, making it easier to enter and exit the vehicle.

CRAWL CONTROL
If you’ve got the guts to take an $85,000 luxury SUV to places only Jeeps and trucks roam, you’ll appreciate the LX 570’s Crawl Control mode. By controlling the brake and throttle input, Crawl Control slows the LX on steep grades, allowing the driver to focus on course corrections and obstacle avoidance.

Every LX 570 SUV has permanent 4-wheel drive, quad-zone climate control, a power moonroof, a power tilt/telescoping steering wheel, a leather interior with mahogany wood trim and a 14-way driver’s seat. On the tech and entertainment side, there are a navigation system with rearview camera, Lexus’ Enform infotainment system and a 9-speaker AM/FM/CD player with HD Radio, Bluetooth streaming audio, and USB and iPod inputs. Safety features include 10 airbags, stability control, Emergency Assistance Button, and a system that, in the event of a severe accident, notifies an agent who will attempt to contact the driver and can send help if needed.

With so much offered as standard, what features are optional on the 2015 Lexus LX 570? Most extras are bundled into packages. Such options include ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, heated 2nd-row seats and a center-mounted cool box for food and beverages. Tech features include radar-based cruise control and pre-collision system, a dual-screen DVD rear-seat entertainment system, surround-camera system and – for audio enthusiasts – a superb Mark Levinson audio system with 19 (yes, nineteen) speakers.

The Lexus LX 570 is powered by a refined 5.7-liter V8 that makes 383 horsepower and a stout 403 lb-ft of torque, which help this SUV tow up to 7,000 pounds. The LX has a full-time 4-wheel-drive system with a Torsen limited-slip differential – with manual locking – and 2-speed transfer case. The transmission is a 6-speed automatic.

5.7-liter V8
383 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm
403 lb-ft of torque @ 3,600 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 12/17 mpg