Used 2020 Lexus LX

The 2020 Lexus LX 570 is a full-size luxury SUV based on the now-legendary Toyota Land Cruiser. Which means that it has off-road abilities to match a Range Rover, even though it’s doubtful that owners of either vehicle are often tempted to take their expensive rides through the Sonoran Desert or the jungles of Belize. It’s just that with the LX, there’s a better chance of making it back home. Like every other Lexus (and Toyota, for that matter), the LX has a staunch reputation for reliability.

No matter how harsh the conditions may be outside, all is calm and leather-lined inside the LX. It comes as a 2-row/5-seater or a 3-row/8-seater.

Despite its truck-like body-on-frame construction, the LX still drives like a luxury vehicle, able to take corners with the same levels of confidence as it could handle a steep and muddy trail, albeit in a stately manner rather than speedily. While performing everyday duties, it’s comfortable and capable. The transmission shifts between its eight forward gears with a pleasant silkiness. Only some road noise from the large wheel/tire combination breaks the sumptuous spell.

And despite the cosseting trappings, the Lexus LX 570 is a true SUV. With multiple all-wheel-drive (AWD) settings, a locking center differential and low-range gearing, it can tackle the toughest off-road challenges — things that would leave car-based SUVs beached, stuck and/or broken. Towing capacity is 7,000 pounds.

No one buys a large luxury SUV expecting to keep fuel bills low, but the LX 570 is one of the thirstiest in its class.

Fine leather and attractive wood trim adorn a cabin that’s a little dated but still put together in an exemplary fashion. The dashboard is dominated by a huge 12.3-inch screen that can be split into three separate sections to show different functions, like navigation, audio and the quad-zone automatic climate control.

The 2nd-row bench in both models is power-adjustable in the fore/aft directions. An optional Rear Seat Entertainment System brings a pair of 11.6-inch screens, plus 2nd-row USB ports, and auxiliary controls for the air conditioning and audio. However, those screens make folding the 3rd-row seats tricky (they fold up to the sides).

The 5-seater offers 34.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind its rear seat, while the 8-seater has 44.7 behind its power-folding second row. Maximum cargo space behind the front seats is 83.1 cubic feet.

The LX isn’t as long as a Chevy Suburban, but it still takes up plenty of space in the average garage.

Let’s leave the merits or otherwise of the massive “spindle grille” Lexus hallmark for another time. Or possibly never. The grille is grafted onto a tall and imposing one-box design. But whatever aesthetic shortcomings the Lexus LX may or may not have, the overall design makes practical sense, from outward vision to the 2-piece tailgate. Speaking of which, the top part is power-operated.

The optional Sport package that’s new for 2020 brings, among other things, a sculpted grille (similar to F Sport variants of other Lexus vehicles) and 21-inch alloy wheels.

MULTI-TERRAIN SYSTEM
This allows the driver to choose from five off-road settings (Rock, Rock and Dirt, Mogul, Loose Rock, Mud and Sand) that calibrate the LX 570’s AWD setup according to the conditions.

CRAWL CONTROL
Think of it as low-speed cruise control for off-roading. Using automatic throttle and brake adjustments, the LX will make a slow and steady climb up steep boulder-strewn paths. Active Height Control raises the LX about three inches if extra clearance is necessary.

There aren’t any trim levels as such. The 2020 LX 570 is a single model with a choice of seating and a ton of standard equipment.

This includes the Lexus Safety System Plus (see Safety section below), navigation, 12.3-inch display, satellite/HD radio, leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats (driver: 14-way, passenger: 12-way), self-dimming mirrors, front/rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, folding/reclining 2nd-row seats, quad-zone automatic climate control, 120-volt outlet, compatibility with Amazon’s Alexa, panoramic/multi-terrain monitor, 10 airbags, and a 9-speaker audio system.

The new Sport package for 8-seater versions of the 2020 Lexus LX 570 is admittedly pricey, but it includes that different grille, plus a revised front fascia, body-colored side mirrors with chrome accents, semi-aniline leather upholstery (in Black, Cabernet or Moonlight White), black headliner and the contents of the Luxury package.

So yes, available by itself or part of the Sport package, the Luxury bundle features 21-inch alloy wheels, heated/ventilated seats (in the first and second rows), wireless charging, head-up display, heated wood/leather steering wheel, upgraded climate control, and a 19-speaker Mark Levinson surround-sound system.

Other options include the dual-screen rear-entertainment system, cargo net, cargo mat, trailer hitch, and a chilled compartment in the center console.

Although far from frugal, the aluminum 5.7-liter V8 powering the 2020 LX runs sweetly and produces 383 horsepower, along with a muscular 403 lb-ft of torque. This output goes to a permanent all-wheel-drive system through an equally syrupy 8-speed automatic transmission.

Lock the center differential, engage the low-range gearing, and this big Lexus SUV keeps plugging along, no matter how rough or slippery the surface beneath. At 6,000 pounds, though, the LX 570 is a heavyweight. As the poor EPA fuel economy ratings attest.

5.7-liter V8
383 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm
403 lb-ft of torque @ 3,600 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 12/16 mpg