2017 Lexus LX 570

If you've got an adventurous spirit and a large family to bring along with you, several vehicles can get you where you want to go. But if you expand your wish list to include things such as a sophisticated four-wheel-drive system, fancy leather seats and wood grain on the dash, then your options dwindle considerably. Lexus just might have the vehicle you're looking for, though, with the 2017 LX 570.

Built on time-tested Toyota Land Cruiser architecture, the 2017 Lexus LX 570 is a big three-row SUV with the capability to travel pretty much anywhere. It comes with a well-equipped interior, a standard and capable four-wheel-drive system, and the ability to tow heavy trailers. This formula has kept the LX 570 at the forefront of luxury SUVs for quite some time. But if you do some research you'll find there are some drawbacks. The LX gets poor fuel economy, it can't tow quite as much as top rivals, it's low on cargo space, and the interior, though full of bells and whistles, just isn't as impressive as it used to be.

So what else should you consider? For starters, a couple Land Rovers, the Range Rover and the LR4, have richly detailed interiors, more engine choices and sophisticated 4WD systems of their own. And if you don't need all that off-road capability, we certainly recommend the class leader in three-row luxury comfort, the Mercedes-Benz GLS. The Lincoln Navigator is a capable luxury SUV in its own right and costs less, too. Certainly, the 2017 Lexus LX 570 has undeniable niche appeal, but we recommend a look at some rivals before you make up your mind.

The 2017 Lexus LX 570 comes standard with antilock brakes, traction and stability control, trailer sway control, front-seat side airbags, front knee airbags, second-row side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags. Other safety features include a 360-degree camera system, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, forward collision warning and forward collision mitigation with automatic emergency braking.

Also standard is Lexus Safety Connect emergency communications with automatic collision notification, stolen vehicle location, an emergency assistance button and enhanced roadside assistance.

The 2017 Lexus LX 570 is a full-size SUV with seating for eight passengers. The third-row seat is a 50/50-split design that folds up against the sides of the cargo compartment when not in use.

The LX 570 is offered in a single trim level with a long list of high-end standard features. Starting with the exterior, the LX comes with 20-inch wheels, a height-adjustable adaptive suspension, automatic load leveling, full LED exterior lights (automatic and adaptive LED headlights, foglights and taillights), automatic wipers, auto-dimming and power-folding mirrors, front and rear parking sensors, a rearview camera, a 360-degree surround-view parking camera system, a blind-spot monitoring system, rear cross-traffic alert, a lane departure warning system, adaptive cruise control, a sunroof, running boards, a roof rack, a power liftgate, a tow hitch, rear privacy glass, and keyless ignition and entry.

Inside, the LX 570 comes with four-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, wood trim, 10-way power-adjustable and heated front seats (with four-way driver and two-way passenger lumbar adjustment), driver memory settings, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a 60/40-split second-row seat (reclining and power-sliding), a 50/50-split power-folding third-row seat, manual second-row window sunshades and a 120-volt household-style power outlet in the cargo bay. The infotainment system utilizes the Lexus Remote Touch interface, a 12.3-inch display, a navigation system, voice controls, the Lexus Enform suite of smartphone-based services (including Pandora, Slacker, Yelp and iHeartRadio), Siri Eyes Free technology, Lexus Enform Remote smartphone vehicle control, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, and a nine-speaker audio system with satellite radio and HD radio, USB ports (front and second row) and a media player interface.

The optional Luxury package adds heated and ventilated seats up front and in the two outboard second-row positions and upgraded leather upholstery. Also available are 21-inch wheels, a dual-screen rear entertainment system, a head-up display, a heated steering wheel, a wireless smartphone charging tray and a 19-speaker Mark Levinson surround-sound audio system.

The 2017 Lexus LX 570 is equipped with a 5.7-liter V8 engine that produces 383 hp and 403 pound-feet of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission is standard, as is a full-time four-wheel-drive system with hill start assist, crawl control and a driver-selectable multiterrain system. A Drive Mode Select system enables drivers to specify certain powertrain and suspension configurations via a console-mounted dial. The LX can tow up to 7,000 pounds when properly equipped.

Lexus claims the LX 570 will accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 7.3 seconds, which is about a second slower than the average for this class of vehicle. EPA-estimated fuel economy for the LX checks in at a disappointing 15 mpg combined (13 city/18 highway).