2021 Lexus LX 570 review: First Class on and off the Highway

Introduction

Just because the Lexus LX 570 is in its third generation doesn’t mean it’s outdated, even though some reviewers have called it a dinosaur and a relic. Look at its profile. It’s as imposing as a T-Rex with the same destructive bent when it comes to dirt, but there’s certain elegance to it, too.

Brief overview of the LX570

I’m sure you already know this, but in case you don’t, the LX 570 shares a platform with the legendary Land Cruiser, which means you get the solid dependability and terrain-conquering off-road capabilities that made the Land Cruiser the world’s favorite off-roading vehicle. If you buy an LX 570 and don’t go play in the dirt, you’re missing out on one of the biggest and most impressive features of this vehicle. Sure, it looks nice in your driveway or when you take the kids to school, but this vehicle is made for mud and rocks.

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Introduction to key features and what sets it apart

You might be asking if these two vehicles are the same, why not save a few bucks – the Land Cruiser is a tad bit cheaper – and buy a Land Cruiser?

Here are a few key features why these are two separate entities:

• Luxury Interior and Premium Materials
• Advanced Suspension and Ride
• Exclusive Technology and Infotainment
• Exterior Styling
• Market Position and Brand

The difference is like riding in the back of a rugged pickup versus cruising in a stretch limo. Not to say the Land Cruiser is a rough ride, but it’s definitely built to handle the tough stuff!

What makes it different from a Land Cruiser?

The standout differences between the two vehicles come from the last key feature: Market Position and Brand.

When you think about the Land Cruiser, you might remember the Jurassic Park Land Cruisers where the main characters hid during T-Rex’s rampage. You think tough, rugged, indestructible, and able to hold up to raging dinosaurs. This is the epitome of the Land Cruiser, and it’s marketed to adventure seekers who don’t mind getting mud on their boots or floor mats while screaming through the underbrush.

Even though the Lexus LX 570 has the same thundering heart under the hood, there will be no dinosaur snot on the windows. It’s too sophisticated for all of the noise and chaos. It’s so well insulated – the doors thump shut -, that the sound of a battle would never penetrate the cabin and disrupt the music from the Mark Levinson stereo system. Lexus is marketed to the moms taking kids to see Jurassic Park, rather than the guys who want to live in Jurassic Park.

Gigantic Size of Lexus LX570

At 200 inches long, 78 inches wide, and 75 inches tall, the LX 570 is huge compared to the average midsize SUV like the Highlander, which is 10 inches shorter and 1,800 pounds lighter. The LX 570 is classified as a full-size SUV, but it isn’t as long as some of its competitors like the Lincoln Navigator or the Cadillac Escalade. Regardless, the LX 570 can be a challenge to park.

Good thing it has a lot of cameras guiding you into a parking space.

The great thing about the larger size is the increase in the cabin space. There is lots of room for legs, kids, dogs, and cargo. One of the best places to sit in the LX 570 is in the back seats. Stretch your legs out, get comfy in your seat, set your climate control, and enjoy the ride.

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Spectacular Off-Road Driving Experience

I’ve talked about the LX 570 having the same genes as the Land Cruiser, so here are a few of its most significant features that give that muscle flex you need to outrun Velociraptors:

Multi-Terrain Monitor (MTM)

Lexus put cameras all over this SUV, so you can see every nook and cranny of the body, and even underneath the chassis. With all of these views – easily switchable, I might add – there should be no bouncing off of trees or putting it in the ditch. I did tell you these cameras could help you parallel park. The cameras also detect obstacles in real-time. No more blind spots, which is nice for precision tire placement on a trail.

Multi-Terrain Select (MTS)

The LX 570 is not just for taking the kids to school. Give them an outdoor day and head to a remote location for classes on rocks, bugs, fish, and vegetation. With 5 modes – Rock, Mogul, Loose Rock, Mud and Sand, and Normal options – it doesn’t take much to get you to your destination. In case you wanted to know, Mogul mode is for deep, rutted, bumpy terrain; it prevents wheels from spinning in midair.

CRAWL Control

Think of the CRAWL control as your cruise control for rocky surfaces, and you get to choose your pace. This system keeps the throttle steady, so you can concentrate on getting through the trail and over the rocks.

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Active Height Control (AHC)

Need more height? The AHC can raise or lower you depending on speed, terrain, and your chosen driving mode. Control freaks can select their height settings manually. This system easily integrates with the MTS.

Center Differential Locker

This works perfectly for low-traction situations like mud, snow, or rocks. It provides steady movement, so you don’t slip or get stuck.

See, the Lexus LX 570 is not just another pretty face; it’s a fierce monster in the mud. So, take the family out for some mountain fossil hunting.

Efficient Fuel economy of Lexus LX570

As much as I love the LX 570, I don’t love the Lexus fuel economy. It’s a V8. It might get 13 MPG. The 5.7L is a mid-2000 motor tied to an 8-speed automatic transmission with slow acceleration that could be attributed to the fact it weighs about 6,000 pounds and has a 7,000-pound towing capacity.

No one had a good thing to say about the fuel efficiency, but the V8 does have 383 horses and 403 pounds of torque to power over rocks and out of deep mud. So, there’s that. Once the momentum reaches through the gears, it smooths out.

You trade off the MPG for the outstanding luxury interior and dinosaur-busting off-road performance. It can be worth the swap.

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Advanced safety features of Lexus LX570

If you know anything about Toyota’s safety features, you won’t be surprised that the LX 570 is equipped with some mind-blowing safety systems. I still can’t get over how the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) gives you precision stopping distance as it accelerates or decelerates when driving or how the Lane-Keeping Assist knows the difference between lanes. While it’s not magic – radars, cameras, and all –, it gives you a sense of safety from making a bad move or from mistakes of other drivers.

In addition to pre-collision systems with pedestrian detection and rear-cross traffic alert, there are 10 airbags, brake assist, intelligent high beams, and a head-up display for the windshield.

Luxurious interior of Lexus LX570

I know this is what you’ve been waiting for. Let’s look at all of the reasons these SUVs are priced so high. You can only use the word “luxury” so many times before it loses its meaning, but this is a luxury vehicle comparable to the BMW, Mercedes, and Range Rover. All names that smell like money.

Lexus pulled out all of the stops to make the interior as first-class as it can be and every curve, surface, and accent piece has been created for a tactile reaction. Soft-touch surfaces abound, and real wood accentuates the trim lines. You can tell that the focus was on craftsmanship for an upper-echelon client with discerning tastes. From the soft leather seats with their detailed stitching to the chrome dash accents, everything exudes wealth.

Heated, ventilated front and back seats, ample legroom, climate controls for everyone, and power seats make being a passenger as much fun as being a driver. The third row is for people under 6 feet tall, but they also get their own cup holders and AC vents.

The power supplies are dated; no one uses the A USB ports anymore, but as an old-school music listener, I like the CD player with my favorite music rolling out of the 19-speaker Mark Levinson Reference Surround Sound system. However, if I wanted to synch my Android to the clunky infotainment center, forget it. It only has Amazon Alexa. The best I can do is open and close my garage door.

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Another annoying thing about the screen is the joystick/mousepad interface. With touchscreens prevalent, I was surprised to find the screen didn’t have it. The upside is there aren’t any fingerprints on the screen. Additionally, since everyone has their own tablets and phones, the rear entertainment system seems obsolete.

All of the knobs, switches, and gadgets you need are strategically located on the center console, so switching between driving modes is easy to do. There‘s nothing decorative about them; they are all functional and purposefully placed for your use.

Aggressive exterior of Lexus LX570

Let’s talk about the exterior of the LX 570. I know I compared it to the T-Rex with its muscles and imposing front grille, but that’s not all that makes it a dominant beast. The wide stance gives it an aggressive appearance that reminds you that it’s an off-road vehicle.

It’s a bit of a box. Not J70 boxy, but bulky enough. I suppose that’s to reinforce its off-road heritage while keeping the suburban sense of style. The chrome accents are flashy, and the legendary spindle grille – designed to be recognized at a glance – is a defining feature. A pair of sleek and angular LED headlights put a serious look on its face.

The tailgate is a two-piece that gives you a place for an impromptu picnic on your mountain retreat.

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Lexus LX 570 Grade and Price

The price reflects the luxury, performance, and reputation of the vehicle. Depending on the trim level, the LX 570 can range from $90,000 to over $100,000, which is in line with other luxury SUVs in its class. As a bonus, you get a vehicle with outstanding off-road capabilities that many of the competitors can’t claim.

Here are the trim levels and prices for the Lexus LX 570:

Lexus LX 570 Two-Row

Starting Price

~$86,000

Overview

The two-row configuration of the LX 570 offers ample space for five passengers and prioritizes cargo room over additional seating.

Key Features

• Two rows of seating for five passengers
• 50/50 split-folding second-row seats
• Larger cargo space compared to the three-row model
• Standard features include a 12.3-inch touchscreen, Lexus Safety System+, and a 9-speaker audio system
• Premium leather upholstery and wood trim
• Active Height Control (AHC) and Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) standard

You’ll find the extra cargo space useful if you frequently carry large items or are an avid traveler and pack a lot of luggage.

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Lexus LX 570 Three-Row

Starting Price

~$91,000

Overview

This version offers three rows of seating, with room for up to eight passengers. It’s the ideal choice for larger families or anyone needing more seating.

Key Features

• Three rows of seating, with the third-row seats folding flat to increase cargo space
• Power-folding third-row seats for easier access and configuration
• Advanced features include a 12.3-inch touchscreen, Lexus Safety System+, and available Mark Levinson 19-speaker premium audio system
• Premium leather upholstery, heated and ventilated seats for both first and second rows
• Off-road-ready with the same AHC and AVS systems for adaptable ride height and suspension

This is a more family-friendly trim level, and the extra seats are just as comfortable as the first two rows.

Fully Loaded Three-Row Model

Prices can go up to $100,000+ depending on optional features such as the Luxury Package, which includes upgraded leather, a premium audio system, and additional advanced safety features.

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How much is the used car market for the Lexus LX5 70?

Given the high initial cost of the Lexus LX 570, I was curious to see how it holds its value over time. It should be no surprise to anyone who knows Toyota’s reputation for longevity to see that the LX 570 retains a good portion of its value compared to other luxury SUVs. It’s just as popular with used car buyers as it is with new car buyers, and the used car buyers aren’t afraid of a few extra miles on the odometer.

Kelley Blue Book states that a 2021 Lexus LX 570 with a starting MSRP of $93,225 could be worth $65,969 in today’s money, which is a 60 to 70 percent residual rate. Of course, that depends on condition, mileage, and wear and tear.

What are the competitors of Lexus LX570?

The Lexus LX 570 has competition, including from the Land Cruiser itself, here are some of its competitors and their specs:

Toyota Land Cruiser

The Lexus LX 570 shares many of its underpinnings with the Toyota Land Cruiser, including the engine, transmission, and four-wheel-drive system. The Land Cruiser is a lower price but focused on off-roading.

Infiniti QX80

The Infiniti QX80 is a direct competitor to the LX 570, offering similar performance with a more modern design and lower price point.

Cadillac Escalade

The Cadillac Escalade is another luxury SUV rivaling the LX 570, with a focus on size, technology, and bold styling. The Escalade ESV model provides additional room and storage.

Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class is another top-tier competitor, combining luxury and performance with a modern, tech-filled interior.

Lincoln Navigator

The Lincoln Navigator is a big, bold SUV with an emphasis on luxury and technology, and competes directly with the LX 570 in terms of size and features.

BMW X7

The BMW X7 brings sportier handling and a more dynamic driving experience to the luxury SUV segment, competing directly with the LX 570.

Rivian R1S

The Rivian R1S is an all-electric luxury SUV that competes with the LX 570 by offering impressive performance and off-road capability without the need for gas.

The Lexus LX 570 is still holding its own with plush interior, serious off-road chops, and that reliable Lexus name. But when it comes to tech and fuel efficiency, some rivals like the Cadillac Escalade, Lincoln Navigator, and BMW X7 are stepping up the game. On the off-road front, the LX 570 outshines models like the Infiniti QX80 and Escalade, but with newer rides like the Rivian R1S coming onto the scene, its off-road dominance might have some competition.

FLEX Automotive is the best place to buy Lexus LX 570

If you’re in the market for a Lexus LX 570, don’t overlook FLEX Automotive for your next vehicle. While they are the number 1 Land Cruiser dealership in Japan, their San Diego division has access to both Land Cruisers and Lexus models, as well as hard-to-find JDM cars.And, they have access to tremendous inventory in their Japan dealerships.

In addition, FLEX has the Renoca Series, which you won’t find anywhere else. It’s their blend of the old with the new, and they can take a new model with all of the high-tech features and give it a makeover with a restomod body. A 100 Series wearing a 60 Series face is like nothing else on the market.

Image Gallery

Check out the details of the Lexus LX 570:

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FAQ

Here are a few of the frequently asked questions we get about the LX 570:

How much bigger is the LX 570 than the GX 460?

The Lexus LX 570 is definitely the big sibling compared to the GX 460, both in size and space. While the GX 460 is a solid mid-size SUV, the LX 570 is full-size, meaning it’s wider, longer, and taller. That translates to more room for passengers and cargo. For example, the LX 570 has a roomier third row and seats up to eight, while the GX 460 usually fits seven. Plus, the extra size gives the LX 570 serious road presence and tons of space for gear, making it perfect for bigger families or anyone who likes to pack everything for trips.

Is the LX 570 the same as the Land Cruiser?

Even though the Lexus LX 570 and Toyota Land Cruiser share the same platform and a bunch of mechanical parts, they’re absolutely not the same ride. The LX 570 is like the luxury version of the Land Cruiser, designed to give you a premium experience. It’s packed with upscale features, higher-quality materials, and a more refined interior. Think leather seats, wood trim, and a much quieter cabin thanks to better insulation.

When it comes to off-road performance, they’re nearly identical and both handle rough terrain really well. You just have to decide if you want utilitarian or upscale features.

What is the difference between LX 570 and LX 600?

The Lexus LX 600 is the upgrade to the LX 570, and it comes with a bunch of improvements. One of the biggest changes is under the hood—the LX 600 swaps the old 5.7-liter V8 for a new twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6. This engine not only gives the LX 600 more power and responsiveness but also improves fuel efficiency, making it smoother and better on gas compared to the LX 570.

The LX 600 also steps things up when it comes to interior tech. It’s got the latest Lexus infotainment system, with a large touchscreen and more modern connectivity features. In contrast, the LX 570, while still luxurious, feels a bit outdated on the tech front. Plus, the exterior of the LX 600 has been given a makeover, with sharper, more modern lines that make it look sleeker than the LX 570’s more traditional and bulkier SUV design.

If you’re choosing between the two, the LX 600 is definitely a big leap forward in terms of performance, efficiency, and technology. But if you prefer the classic V8 engine and a more rugged look, the LX 570 is still a solid option.

Are you looking for more options or are leaning toward a less-expensive off-road vehicle? Then check out the Land Cruisers at FLEX Automotive. They have been the leading Land Cruiser dealership in Japan since the mid-1960s. Their San Diego showroom is home to a variety of used and modified Land Cruisers. Check out their Renoca Series where they blend the old with the new into an exciting vehicle with new technology and the retro face of the early models. If you need help, then contact us now.