New 2018 Lexus LX SUV New 2018
Lexus LX SUV

The Lexus LX 570 now offers its Enform Safety and Service Connect telematics for the first 10 years at no charge (previously offered with a one-year trial period).

For all its luxury trappings, underneath that sexy sheetmetal and copious acreage of leather and real wood beats the heart of a true off-road-capable SUV. Yet despite its size and sturdy body-on-frame design, the 2018 Lexus LX 570 isn’t a beast in the civilized world. While not sporty by any measure, the LX 570 corners confidently and its ride is smooth without feeling tippy. The big wheel/tire combo does produce more in-cabin noise than one might expect from a Lexus, but of course most Lexus are not equipped with a sophisticated 3-mode independent suspension setup, locking differential or low-speed transfer case. Challenge an Audi Q7 or a Cadillac Escalade to follow the LX 570 into the bush and you’ll soon have both calling AAA for assistance. In fairness, a Land Rover Range Rover could easily keep up, and its on-road ride and handling are superior to the LX’s. And while none of these large SUVs are fuel-economy champs, the LX 570 rates near the bottom of the pack.

ACTIVE SAFETY AND DRIVING AIDS
A well informed driver is a safe driver, which is why the LX 570’s impressive list of standard equipment includes adaptive cruise control, a pre-collision warning system with automatic braking and pedestrian detection plus blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

CRAWL CONTROL
For those times when you do get the LX 570 out into nature, Lexus’ Crawl Control can come in handy. The system regulates throttle and brake inputs helping the LX creep down steep grades while you focus on avoiding damaging obstacles.

All 2018 LX 570 models feature a leather-lined 3-row/7-passenger configuration. But this big SUV differs from most others in that in addition to folding forward, the pair of small, power-operated 3rd-row seats also flip up against the sides to create a flat floor behind the second row, which also slides forward and back. Atop the center of the dash is a huge 12.3-inch widescreen that displays navigation, audio features and Apple Siri Eyes Free integration. We wager some of the prominent controls near the transmission selector will never be used; they're for low-range gearing, locking the differential and setting off-road crawl speed.

The 2018 LX 570 wears a face that makes this big brute hard to ignore. Look at the size of that "spindle" grille -- it could swallow a Yaris. The rest of the LX 570 is classic Land Cruiser DNA -- tall, boxy, imposing. The rear features a clamshell tailgate, with the top portion opening and closing at the push of a button, and below that a manually operated tailgate like that of a pickup truck. While not quite as large as a Cadillac Escalade, the LX is a sizable rig. Make sure you have ample space in the garage if you intend to park it there.

Every 2018 LX 570 comes with 4-wheel drive, a V8 engine and the active safety and driving aids referenced in "Favorite Things." Standard equipment includes quad-zone climate control, a power moonroof, power tilt/telescoping steering wheel, leather interior, and a 14-way driver's seat. This latest-gen Lexus LX conveys standard navigation and other infotainment functions on a 12.3-inch screen that utilizes the Lexus Remote Touch Interface controller. That includes a 9-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system with HD Radio, Bluetooth streaming audio, and USB and iPod inputs. In addition to 10 airbags, there's a system that can automatically send help after an accident.

There are relatively few options for the 2018 Lexus LX 570, but those that are available are easy to recommend. Among them is the 19-speaker Mark Levinson audio system that will do wonders for your ears. A rear-seat entertainment system with twin 11.2-inch dual screens is available, as is a center-console cool box for keeping drinks chilled. The Luxury Package bundles semi-aniline leather-trimmed interior, 4-zone climate control and heated and ventilated front and 2nd-row seats. For just $150, the heated wood-and-leather steering wheel is a tasteful and satisfying bargain. Also available is a color head-up display.

There's only one engine for the 2018 Lexus LX 570: a 5.7-liter V8 putting out 383 horsepower and a stout 403 lb-ft of torque. It gives the big Lexus a tow rating of up to 7,000 pounds. All LX 570 models come standard with full-time 4-wheel drive, a system that can make the LX ready for the trail with the press of a button to lock the center differential, and a real switch to engage the LX's low-speed transfer case. The latest Lexus LX uses an 8-speed automatic transmission, but with 6,000 pounds to haul around, it improves fuel economy only a bit. At a combined 15-mpg rating, the LX is a thirsty rig.

5.7-liter V8
383 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm
403 lb-ft of torque @ 3,600 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 13/18 mpg

The 2018 Lexus LX 570 has a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) that begins just over $91,000 including destination. With options, that price can increase a few thousand dollars. At these prices, the Lexus LX is in Range Rover territory, and tens of thousands of dollars beyond easier-to-drive and easier-to-live-with 3-row luxury SUVs like the Mercedes-Benz GLS, Volvo XC90, Cadillac Escalade and Audi Q7. If you want similar rugged looks if not quite as much off-road capability (and truly ask yourself: Will you be doing hard-core off-roading in a $90,000 luxury SUV?), check out the Infiniti QX80, which starts nearly $30,000 less. Whatever you choose, be sure to check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to see what others in your area are paying for their new luxury SUV. The Lexus LX's resale value is expected to remain high in the years to come.