2002 Lexus LX 470: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

A navigation system is standard instead of optional on Lexus' full-size SUV for '02. The LX 470 is basically an upscale Toyota Land Cruiser with Lexus styling cues. It has more standard equipment than Land Cruiser, but the same V8, automatic transmission, traction/antiskid control, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, and all-wheel drive that includes low-range gearing. Exclusive to LX 470 is Adaptive Variable Suspension with driver-adjusted shock-absorber damping and selectable ride height. For '02, the navigation system gets revisions aimed at greater convenience. These include multiroute calculation, simplified graphics, and route preview, along with a faster computer designed to speed up route processing and map scrolling. The system can also play DVD movies on its dashboard screen, but only with the transmission in Park. LX 470 performance and accommodations are similar to those of Land Cruiser.

COMPETITION

Though this segment has cooled somewhat with the rise in fuel prices, it's still one of the hottest. Our Best Buys are the Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban.

Recommended are the Ford Expedition and GMC Yukon. For a few more bucks you can get the Toyota Land Cruiser. Its high price is the only thing holding back this refined and drivable SUV. We love the size, comfort, and power of these big SUVs but wish they got a few more miles per gallon.