Used 2008 Lexus LX

Replacing the LX 470 model, the 2008 Lexus LX 570 should give other SUVs in its class, such as the Land Rover Range Rover, Audi Q7 and Cadillac Escalade, some stiff competition. With a bigger, more powerful 5.7-liter engine mated to a six-speed transmission, an advanced suspension system and a high towing capacity, the LX 570 is a formidable successor to the 470 and proves its worth with comfortable ride characteristics both on and off the road. Those looking for Lexus luxury with the option to traverse heavy terrain will find a solution in the LX 570.

Though large in size, the 2008 Lexus LX 570 is stable at freeway speeds and on curvy roads as well as comfortable off-road. Three different ride settings are available: The driver can choose "Comfort," "Sport" or the default ride setting, which is somewhat between the other two. We found the Sport setting to be stiff, but it made the LX 570 agile enough for slower, curvy roads, and even the default setting was on the firmer side. The Comfort setting was perfect for everyday driving while still providing a stable ride. In the off-road environment, the Crawl Control feature made going up and down steep grades without having to touch the throttle or brakes as easy as setting cruise control. Our only complaints with this feature were that it was loud and sounded somewhat like a machine gun.

The 2008 Lexus LX 570 interior is comfortable and has enough room for eight passengers and a lot of luggage and gear. It has best-in-class second- and third- row legroom, thanks to a four-inch increase in interior length over the LX 470. With over 30 inches of headroom in all three rows, tall passengers can be transported without a complaint and hauling large objects is easy, as the power-sliding second row and semi-powered third row fold conveniently to give a total of 83 cubic feet of available cargo space.

Lexus wanted the LX 570 to have a more muscular appearance than the LX 470, so went with the L-finesse design theme, which includes a wider stance and more subtle design lines. The wheels arches have more definition, the running boards are fitted closer to the body to give a molded look and 20-inch wheels replace the 18-inch versions of the LX 470. Up front, the LX 570 has a wide grille and refined bumper that give it a more luxurious look, and there are chrome accents on the door handles, moldings and taillights.

Crawl Control
This feature is akin to cruise control for off-roading. When activated, the driver can select to go one to three miles per hour and have the vehicle crawl up or down rocky or uneven terrain at that chosen speed without having to use the gas or brake pedals.

Mark Levinson Reference Surround Sound System
This sound system produces 450 watts through 19 speakers to deliver a harmonious balance of mid-range, high-pitch and deep bass sounds that are crisp no matter what the volume setting.

The 2008 Lexus LX 570 comes standard with a 5.7-liter V8 engine, a six-speed sequential-shift automatic transmission, 20-inch alloy wheels, 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 and Crawl Control.

Options for the 2008 Lexus LX 570 include climate controlled front seats with a heated second row, 19-speaker Mark Levinson Reference sound system, Pre-Collision System with Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, rear-seat entertainment system that includes a nine-inch screen and headphones, Wide-view Front and Side Monitor and Electronic Park Assist. The Wide-view Front and Side Monitor uses 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 displacement increase from the LX 470 engine yields a 115-horsepower gain and a 22-percent increase in torque. This extra power becomes useful when towing heavy loads — a maximum of 8,500 pounds — or going off-road. Although it’s not a very fuel-efficient vehicle, and no one expects it to be, it is at least powerful enough to go anywhere a reasonable person would want to take it.

5.7-liter V8
383 horsepower @ 5600 rpm
403 lb.-ft. of torque @ 3600 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 12/18