2014 Lexus LX 570 5-Door SUV

Luxury on a monumental scale

Lexus LX 570 SUV (Courtesy of Lexus)

It’s tall (75.6 inches), heavy (6,000 pounds), fast (0-60 in 7.5 seconds), powerful (383 hp. 403 lb.-ft. torque), and speeds along the highway getting 17 mpg. This is a general description of the 2014 LX 570.

Now a good number of folks will be attracted to the LX and would love to own one, but the price is not for the faint of heart. Manufacturer’s suggested retail price is $81,780.

There is a Luxury Package that includes leather everywhere with wood-trimmed door switch, dual screen DVD rear seat entertainment, intuitive parking assist, wide-view front and side monitor (camera on front grille and passenger side outside mirror), and a Mark Levinson Audio System that can add as much as another $5,000. 

Of these added features, I liked the wide-view front and side monitors the best. There is a front mounted camera that helps drivers see around blind corners, such as when exiting a crowded parking garage. A second camera located underneath the passenger’s side mirror provides additional visibility that makes navigating narrow passageways like alleys and small parking spaces more convenient and safe. 

The LX cabin has a climate control system that is divided into four zones, enabling passengers to set their own temperature for the 8-passenger seating that encompasses power sliding second row seats and power folding third row seats. The third row seats fold to the side with the push of a button. 

The powerful 5.7 liter quad-cam V8 engine in the LX 570 has a 90 percent aluminum block and heads, and four valves per cylinder with Dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i). The vehicle direction is controlled through an engine speed sensing, progressive power assisted rack-and-pinion Variable Gear-Ratio Steering (VGRS). 

The power routed through a six-speed sequential-shift automatic transmission allows for a smooth, controlled drive thanks to the suspension. The front is independent, double-wishbone with coil springs, electronically controlled shock absorbers, and stabilizer bar. While the rear is four-link with coil springs, electronically controlled shock absorbers, and a stabilizer bar. The suspension adds a balance to the frame with the ability to adjust as the road surface changes. 

All this surefooted comfort in driving is accompanied by state-of-the art Lexus technology that rests on 20-inch split 5-spoke wheels with liquid graphite finish. There is also a full-size spare tire with an alloy wheel provided that rests comfortably in the rear, ready in case it is needed. This vehicle has a turning circle of 38.7 feet curb-to-curb. 

A back up camera, HID headlamps and LED tail lamps, Bluetooth, navigation technology, and my favorite, illuminated running boards and side mirror lights, are standard equipment. There is even a light at the base of the front doors that automatically turns on as the doors are opened. 

The Lexus is a fine entry into the luxury utility category that started nearly two decades ago. There is a feeling of oneness when you drive the LX. Just you and the car. The power explodes from the engine with just a gentle tap of the foot on the accelerator. Finger tips command the LX’s movement. 

Inside the environment is controlled by some of the finest technology in the industry. Smell the leather, enjoy the comfort, as you admire the professional accoutrements and appreciate the luxury of the interior, safe in the knowledge that all is well.

Safety Technology (all standard):
Pre-Collision System
Safety Connect with Automatic Collision Notification
Enhanced Roadside Assistance
Stolen Vehicle Location
Crawl Control with Turn Assist
Smart Stop Technology
Trailer sway control

Durhl Caussey writes a car column read around the world. He may be reached at this paper or [email protected].