2008 Lexus LX 570: Road Test
2008 Lexus LX 570 ▼
Select a Trim ▼
- MSRP: $74,700 -
- Invoice: $64,989 -
Reviews & Ratings
Features & Specifications
Compare Vehicle
Related to Lexus LX 470
Previous Year's Reviews
View Another Vehicle
Our road test for the 2008 Lexus LX 570 includes a full evaluation of the 2008 Lexus LX 570 from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2008 Lexus LX 570, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2008 Lexus LX 570 help you decide if a 2008 Lexus LX 570 is right for you.
Advertisement
ACCELERATION
| Base | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 6 | 5.9 |
Lexus says 0-60 mph takes 7.2 seconds, which seems right to us. LX 570's muscular V8 and smooth, responsive transmission deliver good highway-speed passing punch.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Base | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 3 | 2.4 |
In Consumer Guide testing, an LX 570 averaged 14.1 mpg. Lexus recommends premium-grade gas.
RIDE QUALITY
| Base | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 6 | 6.4 |
Comfortably composed despite the low-profile 20-inch tires and billy-goat off-road ability. Still, small bumps can induce mild side-sway, and Lexus' Adaptive Variable Suspension--those self-adjusting shock absorbers--do little to enhance ride quality on any of the three available settings.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Base | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 4 | 4.2 |
The steering is too light for our tastes but is quick and has good feedback. Fairly tight turn radius aids maneuverability. Stable highway feel and fairly modest cornering lean, but high build and hefty weight demand lots of slowing for tighter bends. The brakes have ample stopping control with progressive, well-weighted pedal action.
QUIETNESS
| Base | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 7 | 6.8 |
LX 570 maintains Lexus' library-quiet reputation. Highway wind rush is impressively low, but coarse-surface tire thrum is noticeable. So, too, is the V8's classy-sounding growl at full throttle.
CONTROLS
| Base | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 6 | 5.9 |
The gauges are legible except in bright sunlight. The dashboard has no fewer than 49 buttons and switches, and an overhead panel adds several more. Most are easily accessed, though a few icons take learning. The navigation system is standard Lexus/Toyota fare. It's simple to program but annoys by absorbing some basic audio and climate functions, such as air conditioning on/off.
DETAILS
| Base | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 8 | 7.4 |
Another Lexus interior that impresses for high-quality materials and thorough detailing. Still, despite plentiful padded surfaces and handsome real-wood trim, cabin decor lacks the richness of other premium rivals, looking more "upscale Toyota" than true elite class.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Base | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 9 | 8.6 |
Ample space on supportive but rather flat seats. The three-position seat memory and power tilt and telescopic steering wheel cater to most any size driver. LX 570's high stance and rear-roof styling hamper visibility, but that's offset by large door mirrors, standard front and rear obstacle detection, and rearview camera. The available front and side cameras are also useful, though maybe not at night. Standard lighted running boards mitigate tallish step-in, as does the "Easy Access" feature that lowers the suspension about two inches to assist entry and exit.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Base | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 8 | 7.1 |
Second-row seat sections power about four inches fore and aft, providing more than ample leg space at full stretch. Foot space is tight without the front seats elevated some, but there's good headroom despite the standard sunroof. The low-set 3rd-row bench has only short-trip space for adults, so it's best left to kids, who'll have an easier time squeezing in or out of there. Both rear seat rows are comfortably padded but need longer cushions, especially the 3rd row. Small door openings complicate entry and exit.
CARGO ROOM
| Base | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 8 | 8.5 |
LX 570 mirrors the '08 Land Cruiser with total cargo volume that's sub-par for the class. There's only grocery-bag space behind the 3rd row. That seat conversion remains clumsy: Though each half now power-folds up to the side, they still hinder visibility--and the middle headrest must be removed and stowed first. Second-row seats tumble and fold easily, but are no less bulky. The cargo deck is a bit high for heavy loads. It demands dealing with a power liftgate and a stubby manual-drop tailgate that can't be opened separately. Ample interior storage includes bi-level dashboard glovebox, twin-lid console bin, and large map pockets on doors and seatbacks.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| Base | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 4 | 5.3 |
The redesigned "Lexus Land Cruiser" still doesn't have quite the cachet of the Audi Q7, which will soon offer thrifty diesel power. Nor does it offer the in-your-face style of the Cadillac Escalade, which is adding a fuel-saving gas/electric hybrid version. In spite of this, LX 570 offers plenty of room, refinement, and luxury; laudable safety and performance features; and is highly capable off-road. The only reason to pay more for LX 570 over the Land Cruiser is Lexus' reputation for kid gloves customer treatment.
Total Score
| Base | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 69 | 68.5 |
Total Score: 69
Scores for all Premium Large Sport-utility Vehicles
Next Step: Get a price quote from your local dealer ►
Car Buying Resources
Advertisement
Locate a dealer
