The Lexus LX is the Japanese luxury brand's version of the Toyota Land Cruiser. It's the biggest and most luxurious SUV that Lexus makes, and for 2022 it's getting a full redo from the wheel nuts up. Based on the recently announced 2022 Land Cruiser (that Toyota won't be selling here in the United States), the 2022 LX gets fresh underpinnings to make it more capable than ever before.
Under the hood the LX is identical to the Land Cruiser. Both cars are powered by a 3.4-liter twin-turbocharged V6 that makes 409 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. Both numbers are way up from last generation's V8, which only managed 383 hp and 403 lb-ft. (Note: Lexus says the V6 displaces 3.5 liters but if you check the specs you'll see that it actually displaces 3,445 cc, which rounds down to 3.4.)
And since the LX won't be used to scale the Rubicon Trail, it's probably best to focus on the new SUV's luxury features — and there are plenty. The first is the addition of a new trim called Ultra Luxury. The new trim ditches the second-row bench seat in favor of two six-way-adjustable captain's chairs with a full center console between them that features a touchscreen to control seat position and the new massage function. The right rear passenger can also recline the seat to an almost flat position and, potentially, take a nap. Now that's luxury.
Inside the LX 600 has its own take on luxury. There are screens everywhere. Two screens are stacked one on top of the other in the center console. The lower 7-inch screen controls climate functions while the upper 12.3-inch display handles infotainment duties. The software is essentially the same as the one found in the new NX, with the main difference coming in the form of the secondary touchscreen that's dedicated to the climate controls. We're hopeful this new system is a lot better than the LX's previous system, which was outdated and distracting to use while driving.
Lexus hasn't released fuel economy estimates for the new LX, but we assume that the new V6 and 10-speed automatic will fare better in the EPA's testing than the old 5.7-liter V8, which got 14 mpg combined.
Edmunds saysThe past few years of the prior-generation LX 570 were seriously outdated, so this new LX 600 can't come soon enough. The new technology features help bring it up-to-date and make it a more compelling pick among SUV rivals such as the BMW X7, Cadillac Escalade, Land Rover Range Rover Sport and Mercedes-Benz GLS.