”2020 Lexus LX570”
A Capable Full Size Lap of Luxury SUV
OVERVIEW
Lexus LX models have offered an exceptional balance of luxury, off-road capability and everyday usability from day one. The Lexus LX was the first premium, full-capability prestige three-row luxury utility vehicle, and the 2020 Lexus LX 570 continues that heritage, sporting the iconic bold brand-signature spindle grille front design.
Many luxury buyers find that an all-wheel drive crossover fits their needs, while those requiring true off-pavement driving capability and high towing capacity find those capabilities with comfortable seating for up to eight in the Lexus LX 570. It’s a luxury SUV (LUV) that can transport the entire family on a road (or off-road) adventure, including towing the camper along, with its standard 7,000-pound towing capacity.
MUSCULAR PROPULSION
Thanks to its high-strength body-on-frame construction and more than ample power, which comes from a 5.7-liter DOHC, 32-valve, dual VVT-I V8 with sequential Multi-port Fuel Injection that delivers 383 horsepower at 5,600 rpm while generating 403 pound feet of torque at 3,800 rpm.
Power from the healthy longitudinally mounted front engine is geared to the standard full time four-wheel drive system through an electronically controlled sequential shift eight-speed automatic transmission.
So, if you’re looking to negotiate urban traffic in luxurious comfort with room for eight, or to wind your way over rutted, off-road trails to a hideaway vacation home, or to tow a horse trailer or boat, the Lexus LX 570 is capable of accomplishing all of those tasks with ease. And, it can do so without compromise, while providing the comfort, luxury and infotainment technology that one would expect from a Lexus flagship model. Think of it as safari ready.
No matter how you refer to the 2020 Lexus LX 570 — as an SUV, SAV or LUV (Sport Utility Vehicle, Sport Activity Vehicle or Luxury Utility Vehicle respectively), it is truly a fully capabie vehicle – perhaps then we should call it an FCV? Okay, enough with the acronyms already. The Lexus LX 570 is positioned at the top of the marque’s utility oriented model lineup. It seems that Toyota’s Lexus luxury division has all the bases covered in terms of vehicle niches, offering virtually all sizes and configurations.
PERFORMANCE
The Lexus LX 570 full-time four-wheel drive system employs a Torsen® limited-slip locking center differential that splits the power 40:60 under normal driving conditions, with the rearward power bias contributing to on-road agility. The Torsen differential responds to changing conditions, adjusting power distribution as necessary, with no driver input required. The driver may however, lock the center differential to handle especially challenging off-road trails.
The four-wheel Active Traction Control system works in conjunction with the 4WD system, helping to control wheel slip. The Multi-Terrain Select system allows the driver to select terrain type — Rock, Rock & Dirt, Mogul, Loose Rock, or Mud & Sand –optimizing the Active Traction Control. A driver-selectable low range for the transmission provides low-speed crawling capability for handling steep off-road declines. Shifting into low range also engages Active Height Control, which raises the vehicle increasing ground clearance by two inches.
Low-range capability is further augmented by Crawl Control with Turn Assist and Hill-start Assist Control. Crawl Control manipulates the throttle and brake functions, helping to maintain a steady slow, even pace on steep declines or when maneuvering over rough, uneven or difficult surfaces. The Hill-start Assist Control prevents the LX 570 from rolling backward when moving from a stop on an incline.
The LX 570’s Turn Assist feature aids in tightening the vehicle’s turning circle, applying brake force to the inside rear wheel while on trails. The Variable Gear Ratio Steering provides the LX 570 with optimal steering response in slow, rugged trail driving situations and also enhances directional control in highway driving.
The LX 570’s capability is paired with the Lexus’s renowned smooth ride quality. High-strength construction establishes the foundation for such comfort, which is aided by Adaptive Variable Suspension that continually adjusts shock absorber damping rates while on the move, ensuring a maximum comfort level even as the road surface changes. Selectable Comfort, Normal and Sport modes allow the driver to tailor both the system’s ride firmness and comfort.
COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE
Adding to the comfort quotient, Lexus LX 570 comes equipped with such standard amenities as a driver’s 14-way power adjustable front seat, four-zone independent climate control, front power-seat cushion extenders, navigation system, a rear back-up camera, a power-sliding second-row seat and power-folding and retractable third-row seats that fold up to the sides. Even getting in and out of the vehicle is made easier by the Easy Access system, which when the ignition is turned off, automatically retracts the steering wheel and moves the driver’s seat rearward. Both return to their preset memory positions the next time the driver is seated and turns on the ignition. Active Height Control, which may be engaged for off-road travel, lowers the LX 570 by nearly two inches to assist when entering or exiting. Normal height resumes automatically when the vehicle begins to accelerate.
The Lexus LX 570 is extremely versatile, and can open up a large useful cargo area when full 8-passenger seating is not needed. The 50/50 split power-retractable third row seat folds up to the sides, providing 41 cu. ft. of carrying space, and expands to 83.1 cu. ft. with the 40/20/40 split middle row folded. The clamshell-design tailgate features a power upper section, that is much more functional than a traditional one-piece hatch.
There are a host of safety touches integrated into the Lexus LX 570 including ABS and EBD, plenty of air bags and a rear backup camera with Navigation screen projection to name just a few.
CONNECTIVITY
State-of-the-art multimedia abounds in the Lexus LX 570, offering something for all occupants. Lexus Enform® is capable of making a compatible Bluetooth® smartphone even smarter. The Enform service, with Destination Assist, eDestination, and App Suite, is available with the Navigation System/Mark Levinson® Audio Package. Lexus Enform provides access to the subscription-free App Suite. The voice-enabled apps allow searching the Internet through Bing™, making restaurant reservations through OpenTable®, getting movie tickets via MovieTickets.com™, and listening to Internet radio, including: Pandora®, and iHeartRadio™, or searching business reviews on Yelp®, and checking in on Facebook Places™.
Lexus Enform with Safety Connect® is available by subscription. The Lexus Enform and the Safety Connect response centers operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—all year long. The standard navigation system features Voice Command casual-language voice recognition. Music may be played in the LX 570 via iPod®/USB connectivity, HD Radio™ with iTunes® tagging, and streaming music via Bluetooth through a nine-speaker Lexus Premium Sound system or the available, 19-speaker, 450-watt Mark Levinson Reference Surround Sound audio system. An available dual screen rear seat entertainment system allows two sources to be viewed at the same time. A 120-volt power outlet in the middle row can power a video game, laptop computer or other device.
AS TESTED
My test 2020 Lexus LX 570 came with the exterior finished in Atomic Silver metallic, with a complementing two-tone Brick Red and Charcoal interior with polished wood trim accents. The base price was set at $91,380., while the final tally came to $100,540 after adding: the option packages and extra features along with the delivery, processing and handling fee.
SUMMATION
The LX 570 is an exemplary mode of transportation for on or off-pavement exercises, albeit a tad thirsty with 12-mpg city and 18-mpg highway. It is also attractive, considering its three-ton mass.
Acceleration is stellar, as are the smooth gear transitions from the transmission.
The ride quality is both smooth and solid but never harsh, and handling characteristics reflect agility with minimal effort. With the LX 570 comes the Lexus and Toyota reputation for quality and dependability, backed by a comprehensive limited warranty program. The LX 570 delivers versatile and sumptuous interior appointments, sure-footedness on and off pavement, and an impressive level of technology.
Basically, if you’re not looking to go rock crawling the Lexus LX570 fills the bill in spades, and actually costs less than a legendary and well-known British marque.
SPECIFICATIONS: 2020 Lexus LX570
Base Price: $91,380.
Price as Tested: $100,540.
Engine Type and Size: 5.7-liter DOHC, 32-valve, dual VVT-I V8 with sequential Multi-port Fuel Injection.
Horsepower (bhp): 383 @ 5,600 rpm
Torque (ft./ lbs.): 403 @ 3,800 rpm
Transmission: 8-speed automatic with paddle shifters.
Drive Train: Longitudinally mounted front engine / Full-time four wheel drive with Torsen limited slip center differential.
Suspension: Electro-hydraulic suspension with 4-wheel Active
Height Control and automatic load-leveling Adaptive Variable Suspension.
Front – Coil spring-type double wishbone independent.
Rear – Four-link coil spring lateral rod-type.
Brakes: Power-assisted four wheel discs with Multi-terrain ABS, BA, EBD, VSC, Active Traction Control, Brake Assist, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, Vehicle Stability Control, Hill-start Assist Control and Crawl Control with Turn Assist.
Suspension: Electro-hydraulic suspension with 4-wheel Active Height Control and automatic load-leveling Adaptive Variable Suspension.
Front – Coil spring-type double wishbone independent.
Rear – Four-link coil spring lateral rod-type.
Tires: Dunlop PT2A Grandtrek P285/50 R20 all-season mounted on 10 grooved Machine face spokes with black painted inners alloy wheels.
Wheelbase: 112.2 inches
Length Overall: 197.0 inches
Width: 77.6 inches
Height: 75.6 inches w/ std. roof rack.
Curb Weight: 6,000 lbs.
Turning Circle: 38.7 ft.
Fuel Capacity: 24.6 gallons
EPA Mileage Estimates: 12 mpg city / 18 mpg highway
Drag Coefficient: 0.35
0 – 60 mph: 7.5 seconds
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