2008 Lexus LX 570: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

The 2008 Lexus LX 570 replaces the LX 470 as the largest, costliest SUV at Toyota's luxury brand. It shares the basic redesign of the 2008 Toyota Land Cruiser. Both have three-row seating for up to eight passengers. A 383-hp 5.7-liter V8 engine and 6-speed automatic transmission supplant a 268-hp 4.7 V8 and 5-speed automatic. Maximum towing capacity is 8500 lb, an increase of 2000 lb over the LX 470. All-wheel drive with low-range gearing remains standard. So do a height-adjustable suspension and self-adjusting shock absorbers. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, front side airbags, and 2nd-row side airbags. Driver and passenger front knee airbags are also included. Lexus' Pre-Collision Safety System is a new option, as is remote engine starting. A newly standard CRAWL control limits speed in low range to settings of 1, 2, or 3 mph. Also newly standard are a 60/40 split power-sliding 2nd-row seat, 50/50 power-fold 3rd-row seat, power liftgate, four-zone automatic climate control, keyless entry/pushbutton engine start, and 20-inch wheels instead of 18s. An included navigation system with rearview camera (optional on Land Cruiser) is now available with front and side-view cameras too.

COMPETITION

Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Typically based on mainstream Large SUVs, Premium Large SUVs are super-sized luxury liners. All are powerful, pricey, and extremely thirsty at the pump.

Our Best Buy is the Cadillac Escalade. Our Recommended picks are the Audi Q7 and Mercedes-Benz GL-Class.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Lexus LX 570 and Toyota Land Cruiser.