LEXUS LX570 REVIEW: 001 Reviews The Most Bulletproof And Luxurious SUV On The Planet

Exterior Design

The LX 570 luxury utility vehicle adopts characteristics of the brand's L-finesse design theme. A wide stance and muscular cabin proportions are accented with subtle character lines and luxury touches such as chrome-plated door handles and moldings. The wide grille, with its "arrowhead" corner treatment, character lines integrated into the bumper, and large projector headlights convey a distinctly purposeful look. Pronounced wheel arches add an element of ruggedness to the elegant profile. Standard running boards fit closely to the body for an integrated appearance.

Wide rear combination lights emphasize the large size of the sculpted rear door. They employ high-intensity LEDs and a specially designed diffusion pattern to project "radiance" and to give drivers following behind ample visibility of the LX 570. Tasteful chrome accents set off the lights and the license plate surround.

Interior Design

The new-generation LX 570, while occupying the same footprint as the previous LX 470 model, provides best-in-class front seat legroom. The result is an even more inviting and comfortable space for up to eight passengers and their cargo. Optitron® instrument gauges are a traditional and functional Lexus design feature. The first-in-class standard power-sliding second-row seat slides forward and aft 4.1 inches for passenger comfort and cargo storage versatility. The second-row seatbacks provide a convenient 40/20/40 split. The second row seat is specially engineered to make tumbling it forward easy for anyone – with Lexus fluid smoothness. A power retractable third-row seat is standard. The split rear tailgate features a power upper door, while the bottom section raises and lowers with minimal effort.

I can tell you personally that NOTHING on the market is made as well and puts the driver in an environment of pure luxury SUV decadence like the LX570.

Yes, the Range Rover has a better looking exterior and performs better off road but the LX does something the RR can't.

IT WORKS.

NOTHING ever goes wrong. EVER.

I TRIED my best to break it.

I couldn't.

No Land Rover customer on the planet has ANY idea what that feeling is like.

It also has better electronics and has a third row seat.

Not a GOOD third row seat, but it HAS one.

Forget that on the RR.

And it doesn't handle as well as a BMW X5.

But if there was ever one SUV you would want to get in when you want to be bathed in luxury and comfort, the LX is your truck.

The X5 is great but it's a TOTALLY different experience.

If I had to put my money on ONE vehicle that could potentially last FOREVER, I'd put my money on this Lexus.

In my opinion, it's simply the best Lexus EVER made.

And very few vehicles if any, will ever be built this well ever again in your lifetime.

This is the KEEPER.

The one you buy and hold forever.

If I were to give it a rating from 1 to 5 stars this bad boy gets a 6.

Yea, it's THAT good!

So dream about the Range Rover or BMW X5, but BUY the Lexus.

Twenty years from today, people will be looking for this future classic.

Want the most bulletproof and luxurious SUV?

NOBODY comes close to the LX570.

Hey, Lexus, does this mean I get to keep it for another year? ;)







2009 Lexus LX570 Photo Gallery

XYZZ - 5/12/2009 3:27:26 AM

+16 Boost

Incredible!

a lexus lx570 review without a single mention of the TOYOTA land cruiser on which it is based! which, lest i be misunderstood, is not a fact to be swept under the rug, but a fact to BE PROUD OF!!!

it too, of course is indestuctible in over 125 countries. current Automobile magazine also reports on a whole year of living with the LC. and does mention the Lexus version is so great, it actually outsells its lower priced cousin.

Agent001 - 5/12/2009 3:29:47 AM

+10 Boost

If someone doesn't know that by now, they need help.

001

david999 - 5/12/2009 4:05:16 AM

+1 Boost

I have always maintained that this luxury SUV is the one that all others should be judged against. As you point out, and others have unfortunately learned the hard way,
the Range Rover is slightly prettier but never ever take it on a long road trip.

Bill - 5/12/2009 10:15:50 AM

-5 Boost

In the early 1980s I owned a Range Rover and it never gave me any major troubles. I was younger then and eagerly took long-distance camping trips in those days with my Range Rover.

The poor reliability of Range Rovers is overrated. Most of the time it is a small problem (malfunctioning electric window system etc.) that doesn't leave you stranded.

And you contend that the LX570 is the benchmark in this class? I respectfully disagree. Design wise it is hideously ugly, inside and out. I don't doubt the offroad performance and comfort and qualities it offers but just remember that there are other contenders in this class such as the Audi Q7, Mercedes G and GL-Class, RANGE ROVER and so forth. All of them are good cars, too.

Agent001 - 5/12/2009 10:56:32 AM

+4 Boost

From one of the hundreds of sources for Land Rover unreliability...

Consumer Reports magazine ranks Land Rover vehicles as "much worse than average" for reliability but also displays in graph form how much worse than average Land Rover vehicles actually are. When compared among 48 other midsize SUV's, the Range Rover, LR3 and Range Rover Sport all ranked between -129% to -195% in reliability (a score of zero is perfectly average reliability, with 22 other mid size SUV's scoring above average). Again Land Rover is dead last for reliability. For the premium price paid for these vehicles you can expect Land Rover to only issue recalls when forced to do so by the government and you will spend lots of time, hassle and money on frequent repairs. Be warned! Look very carefully at the data out there in the press, Land Rovers are expensive pieces of junk.

001

MrBratwurst - 5/12/2009 12:44:32 PM

+1 Boost

— Bill:

| The poor reliability of Range Rovers is overrated.
| Most of the time it is a small problem (malfunctioning
| electric window system etc.) that doesn't leave you stranded.

Do you really think anyone believes in what you wrote? As long as you quote no solid references directly or construct a logical reasoning on them, your credibility is virtually non existing.


5-year real life estimated costs:

REPAIRS costs:
1. 2004 Lexus LX470: $3,341 [1]
2. 2004 Cadillac Escalade: $6,090 [2]
3. 2004 Range Rover HSE: $13,395 [3]

TOTAL COSTS of ownership:
1. 2004 Cadillac Escalade: $53,974 [2]
2. 2004 Lexus LX470: $59,208 [1]
3. 2004 Range Rover HSE: $74,639 [3]


| In the early 1980s I owned a Range Rover and it
| never gave me any major troubles. I was younger
| then and eagerly took long-distance camping trips
| in those days with my Range Rover.

Drawing conclusions from singe experiments is statistically freaking meaningless. Didn't they tell you this in a primary school?


| And you contend that the LX570 is the benchmark in this class?
| I respectfully disagree. [...] there are other contenders in this
| class such as the Audi Q7, Mercedes G and GL-Class

Audi Q7 is not in LX class, neither is the GL! Q7 and GL are big SUVs. LX is is an off roader with luxury limo add-ons, built to handle rough conditions all the time, not on Christmas only.

The only vehicle comparable is the G. But it's an 30-year-old design.


[1] http://www.edmunds.com/used/2004/lexus/lx470/100321684/cto.html?setzip=10007&vdp=off
[2] http://www.edmunds.com/used/2004/cadillac/escalade/100273857/cto.html?setzip=10007&vdp=off
[3] http://www.edmunds.com/used/2004/landrover/rangerover/100338576/cto.html?setzip=10007&vdp=off

jagspeed - 5/13/2009 9:15:51 PM

0 Boost

OO1 your review is most suspicious and is clearly biased. I know many newer Range Rover owners and their vehicles have been pretty reliable. As far as ownership cost, the Range Rover is an expensive vehicle to begin with just like a Bentley, Maserati Quattroporte or Mercedes S-Class. My guess is that Lexus LX570 sales have tanked (they were never big sellers anyway) in this economy and Toyota want you to help boost sales.

My Lexus LX570 opinion

Exterior: LX570 looks like a bloated Toyota Rav4 just like its clone the TOYOTA Land Cruiser. The LX570 is essentially a rebadged Toyota.

Interior: Sure, it’s luxurious but not the most luxurious SUV interior I have seen. The 2010 Range Rover is much more luxurious but then you are essentially comparing a Toyota/Lexus to a Bentley. The Toyota LC / LX570's interior packaging is very poor, with no fold flat third row seating either.

As far as reliability, it's a Toyota. I also know that Land Rover's reliability continues to improve year over year and I would buy one today without a second thought. Like I said above, I know many newer Range Rover owners and their vehicles have been pretty reliable. If ownership cost is a concern then get Land Rover to throw in a 100,000 warranty when you negotiate your purchase.

The full size Range Rover has always been a cut above everything else and has always been the benchmark with no real competition in the SUV segment in blending luxury, on-road refinement, style and off-road capability. As far as direct competition, I would say that the Toyota LC / Lexus LX570 compete more with the new 2010 Land Rover LR4 and Mercedes GL with three rows of seats.

However, when comparing off-road capabilities, interior specs, pricing (if priced similar to the LR3) and prestige to the new Land Rover LR4 then the Toyota/Lexus just cannot compete. Period. I will be putting my money down on the new 2010 Land Rover LR4 – and I think its new 5.0L JagLR V8, that is also in the 2010 Range Rover and Range Rover Sport, only requires servicing every 15,000 miles, which is significant. Meanwhile my parents Lexus GS450h requires servicing every 4,000 miles or so, which has me suspicious... hmmmm...........

Type707 - 5/12/2009 4:39:13 AM

-2 Boost

Bulletproof Luxury? More like an expensive Highlander. Land Rover Defender...now thats Bulletproof Luxury

XYZZ - 5/12/2009 7:11:28 AM

0 Boost

highlander is based on the camry platform.

lx570 is based on the land cruiser, THE choice of people who actually drive in the bush, and want to RETURN without having to worry about problems.

land rovers are considered the LEAST RELIABLE vehicles not made in the old Eastern Bloc. people tend to not drive them beyond a limited radius from repair facilities.

Agent001 - 5/12/2009 9:55:02 AM

+9 Boost

Sorry dude. I agree the Defender is Bulletproof (literally), but luxury and Defender do NOT go hand in hand.

001

528i - 5/12/2009 4:42:25 AM

+4 Boost

One of the best SUVs our there.

B7FAN - 5/12/2009 7:25:53 AM

+6 Boost

I have to give it to lexus on this truck they make a heel of a SUV. My mom has the new 09 Sequoia and I can officially say that truck was well put together it was a little pricey but I think the trucks are well made. this LX570 is crazy I would pick one up of course it has to be fully loaded but this truck I think was well put together for an oversized luxury truck. I like it more than the escalade.

BozzorTheGreat - 5/12/2009 7:40:29 AM

+7 Boost

I have owned a Landcruiser for a while and I must say it is not the prettiest, the best driving, the fastest or the most economical SUV experience. But in terms of trusting your life to it - as I have more than a few times in rmeote areas - there is no car on I would rather be in. And having also driven the Range Rover, I can say that the Landcruiser runs a very close second to it in terms of ultimate offroad capability.

And the LX is even better. Whatever you may think of Toyota or Lexus, the Landcruiser/LX is as much an icon for the brand as is the 911 to Porsche.

WorldofLuxury - 5/12/2009 8:25:40 AM

+4 Boost

Awesome review! I'm definitely taking this vehicle over the LFA!
Great timing, btw (;

Great pictures too! How come I wasn't aware that you had this vehicle during this whole time?

More important question: Can you please take a look at the steering wheel and into the space between the steering column and the dash... and see if you can see the empty chamber where the front, left wheel is supposed to be and along with its suspension works? (I hope you understand that.)
The reason is that my LX 470 lets me see the ground that way, and it might be a weird engineering flaw. Top Gear Australia complained about dust collecting in the cabin when testing the new LX 570 in sandy environments.

Agent001 - 5/12/2009 9:57:57 AM

+1 Boost

I've mentioned it a number of times throughout the year.

You haven't been paying attention!

001

WorldofLuxury - 5/12/2009 6:49:01 PM

+1 Boost

hehe... my bad.

mocashflo924 - 5/12/2009 9:30:15 AM

0 Boost

one of the ugliest SUVs out there. I'd take a GL class over that thing anyday.

Agent001 - 5/12/2009 10:00:16 AM

+4 Boost

I like the GL as well and that is made really well also but it is not a comfortable truck as a daily driver.

It's also not the best truck I've driven on the highway either.

001

Agent00J - 5/12/2009 9:30:48 AM

+3 Boost

Killer house shots as well, the Lexus looks like it belongs in front of the house you shot the pics at.

-00J

PlanB - 5/12/2009 10:05:10 AM

0 Boost

Its a good truck I'm sure. But there is one better IMO that you failed to mention. The Mercedes GL.

Agent001 - 5/12/2009 10:24:23 AM

+5 Boost

The GL is a bulletproof product for sure and the luxury is OK.

But all around this Lexus is the best thing they make.

001

Agent001 - 5/12/2009 10:26:37 AM

0 Boost

Hmmm, fatty frog?

Are you sure you're not referring to the new Infiniti FX? ;)

001

Agent001 - 5/12/2009 10:43:13 AM

+5 Boost

The wood looks fake?

Sorry, pal.

The wood in mine is as nice as in a Maybach.

Look at the photo(5 from the bottom).

Yes, I will agree and I stated that it does not have an exterior as nice as the RR, but it looks good in black.

And there are NO squeaks or rattles in mine.

Quiet as a mouse.

So while your RR is on a flatbead gong back and forth to the dealer for service, I'll be driving the LX trouble free for many years to come.

Just look at the resale value of the LX even in this economy.

Still VERY strong.

And regarding getting paid...The photos are taken where I live.

Does it look like i need the dough?

People may disagree with my opinion but NO ONE doubts if I call them like I see them.

001

Lecsucks - 5/12/2009 2:32:36 PM

+1 Boost

If that's your house, nice job, but you're definetly missing a Ferrari in front of that bad boy.

EL34 - 5/12/2009 10:32:14 AM

-4 Boost

Ugly glitzy SUV.

*fart*

JUGNU - 5/12/2009 10:44:16 AM

+4 Boost

I drive different cars almost every week. And LX570 together with Land Cruiser are the SUVs i keep most. In a month i atleat drive/keep these 2 for half the month. Especially LX570, it's everything what a Land Cruiser is but there is times more luxury and lot more power. On road it's great, very comfortable and handles/turns good too for a SUV. Every weekends i take it to offroad, sand dunes...etc and it's effortless offroader. I have taken Porsche Cayennes, X5 and Yukons and there is no comparison. Even Toyota's own Prado and Fortunner is no match.

Difference between LC and LX570 is that LC comparably looks and feel rough, and obvious lot less luxury. You push it more both on road and off road, maybe also because it's cheaper than LX570. But You don't need to push LX570 that much and still it produces same power and results. One has to drive both to find differences.

To me LX570 is the best allrounder. Great balance of luxury and capabilities. Atleast whatever i want from an SUV, LX570 full fills it and delivers even more.

JUGNU

answer - 5/12/2009 10:54:19 AM

+5 Boost

I wish all vehicles in the Lexus line-up were as well built. Lexus used to be that way, but their growth has caused some quality pains.

schnell330i - 5/12/2009 11:47:50 AM

0 Boost

I agree with everything you say in term of reliability and how great the LX is, 001, but (IMO) I have to say I think it is the worst looking SUV out there!! Those proportions!!!! eeeeeek!! Every single angle of the car looks gaudi as hell!!! Major respect to it tho ;)

LexusKindaGuy12 - 5/12/2009 1:05:45 PM

+5 Boost

the center stack is just gorgeous

SP2Hybrid - 5/12/2009 1:41:53 PM

-1 Boost

While taste and perception are always subjective (even more so when there's a free loaner and/or money involved), why exactly is this Lexus so great?

Here's the heresy:
1. Looks: "L-finesse". Finesse? Did you ever park it next to another luxury SUV, e.g. the GL?
2. Interior: Quite dated dashboard. Take a good look at the Q7 for comparison. Thoroughly impractical and low-tech third row. Again, look at the Q7 and XC90 to see how it's done properly. Seriously, removable 3rd rows in such an expensive vehicle? They're nothing more than a cushion with backrest snaped into a flat floor. Try sitting on one of those, then tell us how great they are. Even the laughable 3rd row in the X5 is miles ahead of this one.
3. Practicality: Small trunk for an SUV this size. With the third row up there's no space whatsoever for anything. The point of a big vehicle is to carry a lot of people, usually a whole family. Kids come with a lot of stuff (diapers, spare clothes, soccer balls, bikes). If you have room for everyone but none for their stuff, that's not very clever now, is it?
4. Driving: 001, you are a car enthusiast and you know it drives like a turd. Drive up into the Sierra in the Lexus then do the same in an X5, Q7 or MDX. You can't compare them.
5. Off-road capability: Most of these vehicles are driven on the road at all times with a bit of occasional gravel in the driveway or from the road down to the lake when it's time to pick up the boat. As such, what matters really are the on-road abilities. This truck-style 4x4 system can't hold a candle to Audi's Quattro or even to the one in the MDX for that matter. Again, drive up to Tahoe on a wet winter day in the Lexus and then do the same in an Audi. The Audi will run rings around the Lexus (4 rings to be exact).
6. Reliability: It didn't break down in one year. Good. Neither did my Volvo nor my Audi. Not breaking down in one year is not exactly something to aspire to. The reliability ratings you read about show very close scores. Maybe you do have to take your BMW to the dealership once more over 4 years when compared to the Lexus. Would that make you choose the Lexus over the BMW in a your money and your heart scenario? (Rhetorical question, of course).

So really, what exactly does it make it so great (aside from being free for a year which certainly beats having to buy or lease one)?

Knowing that I may have upset some of the Corolla-driving Lexus fan-base, here's one for you, kids: Work hard, make money, test-drive everything under the sun, forget the badge and pick what makes you happy.
There's a good chance it's not a Lexus.

david999 - 5/12/2009 3:30:41 PM

+3 Boost

David969 is a troll.

david959 - 5/12/2009 6:13:22 PM

-2 Boost

I am the real deal. Everything Lexus or Japanese is pure trash. European is the only way to go. You have to believe me, even if I'm wrong!

DiamondJim - 5/12/2009 4:04:34 PM

+1 Boost

that's funny, as i'm looking at the pictures, i say to myself, "THAT IS 001's HOUSE!" i can imagine all the hot chicks sitting at the fountain waiting for me as i drive up, then my fantasy is shattered as i realize 001 has a wife :-( if you ever have one of those playboy parties i know you can cook up, i'm in!

oh yeah, i also think the LX is kinda ugly, but you can't go against 001's word that it's a classic. i'm not in the market for this so it doesn't matter to me. ;-)

Carboy - 5/12/2009 4:29:02 PM

+1 Boost

The front driver and passenger areas are fine, but from there on, it goes wrong. Obviously I haven't been in one of those things, but how on earth are human beings supposed to sit in the third row! The 2nd row seats look like they are an upright position and there isn't even a rear center console. There isn't even a rear entertainment system. In such an expensive vehicle, I would expect luxuries like comfortable seats, fold flat, and a rear center console. I'd love to go on, but I haven't driven one yet and until I do, Lexus better improve.

Denali - 5/12/2009 5:17:17 PM

+1 Boost

@ SP2Hybrid

u know why its the best, its base off the LANDCRUISHER...FACT
dont really care about the 3rd row seats, cause ill will never sit there, lol.
Q7, GL, RR and Caddy, looks way better then the LX...FACT
what SUV has more LUXURY then a FULLY LOADED LX...NONE...FACT
MDX n X5 not to be mention in the same sentence as the LX...FACT
my uncle traded in his new Caddy for n new LX, kept it for an year before he trade it for an used GL AMG this year, i know my trucks...FACT

Carboy - 5/12/2009 5:57:35 PM

+1 Boost

They never made a GL AMG... Maybe you're referring to the GL550 with the AMG wheels?

I95SPEEDINGTICKETS - 5/13/2009 7:50:44 AM

+1 Boost

Denali
You sure you know your Trucks ?

GL AMG !!!!!

NOT FACT

theoptimisticpessimist - 5/12/2009 5:25:39 PM

-1 Boost

The four wheel drive ability of the LX are moot, the only off-roading it will ever see is its owner accidently drives on the verge. As one who spends week in the backcountry each year I have never seen a Lexus there. I have seen every sort of Land Rover. The LX 570 is a great luxury car, but that’s it no matter how capable the SUV maybe the owner don’t venture on to road that may get the dusty or is to far from a Starbucks.

Poom - 5/12/2009 7:29:54 PM

+1 Boost

Overpriced Land Cruiser, yumm.

But all jokes aside, this is a really great looking machine. They didn't try to just slap lipstick on a beast, but, looking at this another way, they built a machine from the ground up that had the capabilities for adventurous families while surrounding them with so much comfort and warmth.

TehShibbs - 5/12/2009 7:31:17 PM

+1 Boost

lol @ the 125 mile range with half a tank. This thing literally gets 10 mpg under combined driving. This is the one area that this thing REALLY needs improvement.

Ricks2Dogs - 5/12/2009 7:32:24 PM

+4 Boost

After a year of owning an LX, it continues to impress me and my passengers. It really can't be beat for what it is. It's a tank, but not at all unmanageable. My wife drives it with ease, never a complaint. Only one single minor problem to date...a glitch with the Lexus remote starter: the outside mirrors did not automatically fold out after a remote start. This was known at the time of delivery, so there were no surprises and was fixed at the 1st service. Lexus reliability is still quite impressive...any bad publicity of late is not warranted. The only other vehicle I test drove it against was the GL550 which was also very impressive as anything in this price range should be...I chose the LX because my prior experience with Lexus was 99% positive.

I95SPEEDINGTICKETS - 5/13/2009 7:54:52 AM

+1 Boost

If it was remote started then the driver would not need the use of the Side mirrors until they got into the vehicle.

When you open the doors or put it into gear did they not unfold ?

Denali - 5/12/2009 9:07:07 PM

+1 Boost

@ carboy

your right, i just confirm it to my uncle, its an GL450, with custom wheels, not even AMG, lol i guess whoever own it was tryna 2 hard...i apologize

Rupert - 5/12/2009 10:10:16 PM

-3 Boost

The third row is pathetically dated - the same system is used on early 90s Mitsubishi Shoguns! No knee space at all, and a pathetic trunk for a car that size with the seats up.
Fuel economy is terrible too - 125 miles range on half a tank? That's laughable.
For the kind of market this car is aimed at, it's hopelessly outclassed by rivals like the GL or Q7.

Rupert - 5/12/2009 10:12:52 PM

-2 Boost

Oh dear... 'Tasteful chrome accents set off the lights and the license plate surround.'
Tasteful? Ha.

And that...ahem... 'wood'. If they want us to believe that it has ever seen a tree, why is it bright red??

TexLandRover - 5/12/2009 10:26:29 PM

+1 Boost

We've owned a 99' LX470. It was a high quality, good vehicle. Funny thing was we hated the third row seats, completely unuseable. I could not figure out why Lexus could not put a GOOD third row in. Now I look at the 2009 LX, a full 10 years later and I see the SAME poor third row. Come on, that is a JOKE. Not to mention, No HID headlights. And they want like $85K ... WTF? We currently own a 06' LR3 and 06' RR Sport. Love both trucks, and NO problems or issues. I can't say that Consumer Reports is doing a "hack job" on Land Rover, but I think they are presenting a false impression. Land Rovers roll over their competition; styling, power, capability, nothing compares. I recommend the current Land Rovers. Honestly, if you can afford one, you will own one. Not to mention in just a few months when the 2010 models hit the lot; The competition will be in BIG trouble.

XYZZ - 5/13/2009 5:07:50 AM

+1 Boost

everyone offended by their ratings says CR is biased, but the repairs are reported BY OWNERS, not CR which merely compiles and presents the statistics.

for the record, the oldest LX reported on has all of ONE problem area: the audio system. the land rovers listed also have that problem, AND a whole slew of other problems from body hardware and integrity to the drive sysem and tranny. and in the case of the LR3, the problems start from at least year 3. (maybe even sooner, but the number of respondents on 1 and 2 yr old models are too few for valid statistical analyses.)
the engine itself is OK.

xj13 - 5/12/2009 11:42:12 PM

-1 Boost

Give me a Range Rover any day over this opinionated article.
Bulletproof what a joke, 001 you’ll say anything for a freebie.

Anthony - 5/12/2009 11:58:56 PM

+1 Boost

The exterior looks have grown on me alot. I saw one in person. It looks like an LS on stilts from the front and sides. It is very handsome.

XYZZ - 5/13/2009 6:07:27 AM

0 Boost

some years back, C&D published an article written by a guy who hung out with the Ethiopian rebels, and wrote about their rides.

being rebels, they could "liberate" any vehicles they desired. not impressed like sissy westerners by style, 'prestige'/high sticker prices, etc., they TURNED THEIR NOSES UP at land rovers. their preference was for tough, rugged, reliable trucks that would get to action and back to base without being stranded and exposed.

their vehicle of choice: toyota land cruisers.

the author wrote of an incident where a rebel LC had been hit by a rocket fired from a gov't plane. the strike was directly into or under the engine bay. later, the rebels determined the truck was salvageable, and they went to tow it back.

first, they tried rough field fixes: replacing damaged hoses and wiring. then they cranked the engine. it FIRED RIGHT UP! the recovered LC was then just driven, not towed, back to base.

THAT is the heritage of Lexus LX570s. whatever minor quibbles anyone mite have about minor sissy details, there is no questioning it's rugged durability and ALWAYS MAKE IT HOME tuffness!

hyundaifansdotcom - 5/13/2009 10:53:30 AM

+3 Boost

In countries outside the US, the Land Cruiser is king. I have had the pleasure of driving and being driven in a few of them. These things tackle any terrain and more importantly safely get you back to civilization.

XYZZ - 5/28/2009 6:45:43 AM

+1 Boost

"These things tackle any terrain and more importantly safely get you back to civilization."


in newsclips, movies, documentaries, etc., i seem to see a LOT of land cruisers in afghanistan and other 'outposts' of civilization. it cannot be an accident, that toyota products tend to be so highly favored in such places.

BEYOND the cities and out in the boonies, you almost see NOTHING but toyotas. (except maybe chinese army trucks! OR old russian jeeps.)

people buying the Lexus versions of toyota workhorses, apparently want to be safe too, from the highjackers in dealer service departments. who tend to be ESPECIALLY RAVENOUS when it comes to luxury suvs.

TexLandRover - 5/14/2009 6:38:57 PM

+1 Boost

No one is going to hurt my feelings if you want to drop $85K on a LX570. I say "go for it" if you so are inclined. I'm quite happy with my Land Rover(s). Much better value and utility IMO. Since I do own LRs, I can speak from "experience" and not conjecture. I'm just glad I didn't LISTEN to CR to make my decision. Always good idea to verify the facts in any situation.

kpaxx - 5/14/2009 9:43:26 PM

-1 Boost

If this thing has the POS engine that is in the tundra...then this car is far from bulletproof!

XYZZ - 5/15/2009 6:42:10 AM

+1 Boost

yeah, suuuure.

from bratwurst's research:


5-year real life estimated costs:

REPAIRS costs:
1. 2004 Lexus LX470: $3,341 [1]
2. 2004 Cadillac Escalade: $6,090 [2]
3. 2004 Range Rover HSE: $13,395 [3]

quizz - 5/17/2009 1:09:05 PM

+1 Boost

LX is overkill for the typical family who doesn't go beyond a visit to the park. Why spend extra on off road utility when you can put that money into the parts of the car you do use - say performance. I'd spend $80,000 on an X5M or 750i before I'd spend that much on the LX. Obviously, if I'm towing stuff or an avid camper, then the LX is the way to go, but most people shouldn't spend money on features that they never need.

On the other hand, who doesn't enjoy that extra performance and handling in day to day driving?