Lexus’ big SUV with a truck frame underneath has been around since early in 1996 and the current offering was introduced as a 2008 model in eleven countries, including all of North America.  The LX is a deluxe version of Toyota’s Land Cruiser, Lexus being  the luxury division of Toyota Motor Company.

I was asked to test a 2015 Lexus LX570 recently, and it was the first time I entered or drove the big SUV.  When I say big, I mean dimensions such as these; weight – 6,000 lbs., length – 197 “, height – 75.6″ wheelbase – 112.2″, towing capacity – 7,000 lbs. and passengers – eight.  A Cadillac Escalade, for example, weighs 5,840 lbs. and is 116” long, seating seven passengers.  They have similar M.S.R.P.s, that of the Lexus being $90,720.00.  My test LX had a base price of $82,930.00 and added onto that was a luxury package ($1,510.00), Mark Levinson surround sound/DVD system ($2,350.00), intuitive park assist ($1,000.00), rear seat entertainment ($2,005.00), and a freight charge of $925.00.

Power for the LX comes in the form of a 5.7 liter V-8 with 383 horsepower (5,600 rpm), and 403 lb. ft. of torque (3,600 rpm).  Fuel economy ratings are 12 mpg for the city, 17 mpg for highway, and 14 mpg combined.  The tank holds 24.8 gallons of premium unleaded fuel.  Zero to 60 acceleration is reportedly 7.5 seconds and top track speed is 137 mph.  A six-speed sequential-shift automatic transmission is on hand in the full-time four-wheel drive Lexus LX.

Inside the Lexus with its long equipment list are items such as semi-aniline leather upholstery, four heated and two air conditioned seats, heated steering wheel, a console cooler, and a Mark Levinson 19-speaker stereo system.  Cameras are installed in the front, rear, and right-hand side of the Lexus for viewing on the dashboard infotainment screen.  The interior is indeed sumptuous and quiet with tasteful woodgrain appointments seemingly everywhere near the driver.

Styling of the LX is traditional Lexus with the big grill and windows, lighted side steps and concealed trailer hitch under the rear bumper.  The paint was Nebula Gray Pearl metallic, giving the car an understated, formal attitude for driving around Greeley and parking at all the Black Friday shopping venues.  Ten-spoke alloy wheels were on hand with 285/50R20 Dunlop PT2A GranTrek mud & snow radials wrapped around them.  The power tailgate is a two-piece affair, and a spoiler and alloy luggage rack are installed.

I went to Denver twice in big Lexus and it was a pleasure, including great visibility, handling, guidance, ride, and a lack of road noise.  Shoppers in the luxury SUV segment need to consider the LX570 before making a purchase or lease decision.