The sleek body-side mold, a heavily powerful engine, and a commanding aura that this car evokes makes the 2013 Lexus LX one of the best luxury SUVs this year.
An all-around luxury SUV inspired by the legendary off-road monster Toyota Land Cruiser, the Lexus LX reverses every major aspect of it being an off-roader and brings an entirely new luxury experience.
Specifications
| Vehicle Type: Luxury SUV | Base Price: $80,930.00 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity: 24.6 gallons (93 liters) | MPG: 12 city / 17 hwy |
| Length: 197 in. (500.5 cm) | Wheel Base: 112.2 in. (285 cm) |
| Height: 75.6 in. (192 cm) | Width: 77.6 in. (197.1 cm) |
| Curb Weight: 6000 lbs | Ground Clearance: 8.9 in. (22.6 cm) |
| Luggage Capacity: 83.1 cu ft | Maximum Seating: 8 people |
| Engine: 5.7L V8 DOHC | Compression Ratio: 10.2: 1 |
| Horsepower: 383 HP | Max RPM: 5600 RPM |
| Torque: 403 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm | Transmission: 6-Speed Auto/ECT AWD |
| 0-60 mph: 7.5 seconds | 1/4 Mile: 15.7 seconds |
| Max Towing Capacity: 7000 lbs (3175 kgs)* | Maximum Speed: 138 mph (220 km/h) |
Engine
The 2013 LX comes with a 383 horsepower, 5.7-liter V8 engine, capable of producing 403 pound-feet of torque at 3,600 RPM. Thanks to the intelligent system called the dual VVT-i, short to ‘Variable Valve Timing,’ which monitors the engines performance, automatically increasing torque at slower speeds and boosts performance at faster speeds by adjusting the intake and exhaust valve timing.
The durability and efficiency of the engine is optimized by the 32 valves and a chain-driven Dual Overhead Camshafts. The transmission is electronically controlled, with a sequential shift feature that mimics the feel of driving a manual transmission.
All details are noticeable like the chrome-plated door handles and the rear door’s clamshell design. Plus all this power is topped off with a very beautiful and elegant look that rightfully defines the word luxury.
Performance
The raw power of its 5.7 liter V8 engine is combined with an intelligent system that optimizes the vehicle performance regardless of speed and terrain. At high speeds, the Lexus LX improves its aerodynamic functions by lowering about 2.4 inches in front plus 1.6 inches at the back.
Likewise, when used in off-road terrain, the system automatically raises the vehicle about 2 inches in front and 2.4 inches at the back for a higher ground clearance. Additional ground clearance can be gained thru the Active Height Control function for extreme off-road situations.
With completely automated features, it’s never been easier to drive. The LX helps you drive through tight spaces with a backup camera, as well as help you drive reverse with another camera above the rear license plate. The Navigation System is displayed in full color with built-in sensors that detect how close you are with surrounding objects.
Reliability
The SUV is also built with a concern for safety. Standard safety protocols like airbags and new technology are fused altogether for the maximum possible safety. It boasts a smart access feature which allows you to use a credit card size access card to start the engine, and a dynamic radar cruise control which automatically adjusts the throttle and applies brakes to maintain a pre-set distance depending on the vehicles in front of you.
Interior
The interior is everything you would expect from a luxury SUV. Complete standard features like a navigation system, nine-speaker stereo system, Bluetooth audio streaming plus a power-closing tailgate.
It seats up to eight people spread over three rows, ventilated and heated seats that are seriously made from a chock full of high-quality materials. In addition, there is a 14-way power-adjustable, superbly comfortable and luxurious driver seat.
The interior is available with an optional Mark Levinson Surround Audio System, so music entertainment will never be a problem. The interior can also be fully customizable to what you’ll wish, but as it is it’s already overkill.
The cargo bay is around 15.5 cubic feet of space, though it can expand to around 41 cubic feet with the third row power folded. For maximum cargo space however, the second row can be tumbled manually to obtain around 83.1 cubic feet of cargo space.
The entertainment system is also linked to the navigation screen, allowing you to view and track your favorite music through the navigation panel. This makes easier personalizing your entertainment while driving.
Exterior
As for the exterior, the Lexus LX offers a whole new class of style. Its bold lines and molding gives it a powerful and refined look, matching the 10-spoke, 20-inch aluminum alloy wheels.
It has a fully automated power rear door, with controls inside as well as a dual adaptive front lighting, which help illuminates curves ahead depending on the steering input. These combined with daytime running lights and automatic headlamp washers, helping ensure a clear view of the road.
Its other features include a backup camera, a front wiper de-icer, a wide-view front and side mirror.
Since this car is meant for those who enjoy luxury, regular folks should opt for other good off-road SUVs like the Toyota Land Cruiser (MSRP $78,765; 13 city / 18 hwy). Other vehicles that the LX can be compared with include the Cadillac Escalade AWD (MSRP $66,715; 13 city / 18 hwy), Land Rover HSE (MSRP $80,275; 12 city / 18 hwy), and the Mercedes Benz GL Class (MSRP $86,175; 12 city / 17 hwy).
Even with all these features, the 2013 Lexus LX still has some disadvantages, with the primary one being it is not the most sensible SUV around, along with its expectedly high fuel consumption. But you can still gather a lot of attention by merely driving it.
Overall Rating
73 out of 100
What others say:
“Carryover performance from the 2011 model year means ample torque but hefty driving feel in the Lexus LX.”Car Connection
“The steering is too light for our tastes but is quick and has good feedback. Fairly tight turn radius aids maneuverability. This SUV exhibits 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.”Consumer Guide
“The LX 570 is the full-size luxury SUV from Lexus that gets a new look for 2013 with the Lexus spindle grille, new LED daytime running lights to complement the new headlight design and updated taillights.”MSN Auto-ConsumerReports
