Lexus LX Review: Unpacking the Luxury and Ruggedness of the LX 600

For years, the charm of large SUVs eluded me. I, like many car enthusiasts, often dismissed these leather-clad, off-road behemoths as excessive and impractical, vehicles seemingly purchased to flaunt wealth rather than explore their purported capabilities. My perspective, however, began to shift as I spent time behind the wheel of these machines, slowly understanding their appeal. The 2024 Lexus LX 600 stands out as a prime example, converting even skeptics like myself with its unique blend of luxury and ruggedness.

Based on the global market 300 Series Toyota Land Cruiser, a model unavailable in the U.S., the LX 600 carries the torch for Toyota’s robust off-road heritage in the American luxury segment. While the U.S. market welcomes the new, smaller 2024 Land Cruiser, it’s the LX 600 that offers the closest experience to the powerful, V8-equipped Land Cruisers of the past. Its Land Cruiser DNA is evident from the first glance.

With its commanding hood, strong lines, boxy silhouette, and the signature imposing Lexus grille, the LX 600 projects an aura of strength and capability. Despite its luxurious wheels and Lexus emblems, it exudes a more utilitarian vibe than many of its luxury SUV counterparts, establishing a distinct character. This character is not just skin deep; it resonates profoundly from the driver’s seat, making the LX 600 a captivating and undeniably charming powerhouse.

Delving into the LX 600 Basics

Without a direct side-by-side comparison to the Toyota Land Cruiser 300 Series, discerning nuanced differences in driving feel remains speculative. However, the shared DNA is unmistakable in their aesthetics and engineering. Both vehicles are built upon Toyota’s robust TNGA-F body-on-frame chassis, a platform also underpinning the Toyota Tundra and Sequoia, emphasizing its rugged foundation.

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Aesthetically, the Lexus LX 600’s design, particularly its front fascia, can be polarizing. The expansive grille dominates the front, stretching from bumper to hood and nearly across the entire width. The test vehicle featured a dark matte gray finish on the grille and trim, part of an appearance package. While this subdued the visual impact slightly, it arguably diminished the sense of premiumness. However, the Nori Green Pearl paint of the test car was undeniably striking. For a more balanced aesthetic and enhanced ride comfort, smaller wheels paired with chunkier tires would be preferable.

Inside, the Land Cruiser influence is more apparent, which is not a drawback. While not identical, the dashboard and center console architecture clearly echo the Land Cruiser’s functional design. Lexus has integrated its new 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, consistent with other recent Lexus models, offering a modern and user-friendly interface. However, the supplementary smaller screen below, managing climate controls and displaying off-road data, feels less intuitive. Its diminutive size makes it challenging to read and operate while driving, suggesting that traditional physical buttons, as found in the Land Cruiser, might have been a more practical choice.

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The remainder of the LX 600’s cabin is undeniably luxurious, characterized by premium materials, supportive and comfortable seats, and a steering wheel that feels excellent in hand. However, interior space is surprisingly constrained. With two child seats installed in the second row, front passenger legroom becomes limited, and the third row is best suited for smaller occupants. Considering the LX 600’s substantial exterior dimensions, the somewhat cramped interior is unexpected, as it appears capable of accommodating significantly more passenger space.

Powering the LX 600 is a 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6 engine, delivering 409 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. This engine is coupled with a 10-speed automatic transmission and a full-time all-wheel-drive system featuring a Torsen limited-slip center differential.

On the Road with the Lexus LX 600: Driving Dynamics

The engine’s performance feels more energetic than its 0-60 mph time of 6.9 seconds suggests. The 10-speed automatic transmission operates smoothly and unobtrusively. While the powertrain isn’t particularly groundbreaking, it effectively supports the LX 600’s overall character without detracting from the driving experience – precisely what one expects from a large, off-road-capable luxury SUV. However, the hybrid V6 powertrain found in the Toyota Sequoia might offer an even more refined driving experience in this application.

Lexus engineers have remarkably tuned the rugged body-on-frame chassis to deliver enjoyable on-road handling. Although the ride isn’t flawless, exhibiting some truck-like firmness, particularly on the tested model’s 22-inch wheels, driving the LX 600 remains a special occasion. The steering is a standout – well-weighted, surprisingly responsive, and precise. The LX 600 feels more agile than its size implies, and forward visibility is excellent. While it may not reach the ultimate luxury of a Range Rover or the outright truck-like nature of a Sequoia, it strikes a compelling balance, making each drive feel unique and engaging. Getting behind the wheel of the LX 600 consistently brought a sense of excitement.

However, the LX 600’s charms are most appreciated from the driver’s seat. Passengers may be less enamored, noticing the somewhat bumpy ride on imperfect roads and the limited interior space. The passenger experience doesn’t quite match the driver’s enthusiasm in the LX 600.

Despite its luxury positioning, the Lexus LX 600 retains serious off-road credentials, stemming from its Land Cruiser heritage. While rigorous off-roading was avoided during the test to protect the large 22-inch wheels, light off-road scenarios involving mud and sand were easily managed, showcasing its inherent capabilities. Although most LX 600 owners are unlikely to venture onto challenging trails, its inherent off-road prowess is a reassuring aspect of its character.

High Points and Minor Drawbacks of the LX 600

Despite some objective shortcomings, the LX 600 possesses a compelling charm that grew throughout the week-long test. Its aesthetics, initially perhaps challenging, became increasingly appealing. The white and brown leather interior was particularly attractive, and even the somewhat cramped interior became more acceptable in the context of its rugged capabilities. This trade-off between space and robustness feels almost justifiable.

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However, certain drawbacks are undeniable. The firm ride, limited rear passenger space, virtually unusable third row, and minimal cargo capacity with all seats in place detract from its practicality as a family SUV. While folding the third row expands cargo space to a respectable 41 cubic feet, the LX 600 is best suited for families of four or fewer. The price point, nearing $110,000 as tested, is also a significant consideration.

Lexus LX 600: Features, Options, and Market Rivals

As expected for a vehicle with a base price around $93,000, the LX 600 is well-equipped even in its standard configuration. Heated and 10-way adjustable seats, a heated steering wheel, 20-inch wheels, an 8,000-pound towing capacity, and the advanced 12.3-inch touchscreen are all included. A base LX 600 offers a comprehensive set of features, satisfying most needs without requiring upgrades.

The “Luxury” trim tested added further enhancements. Standard models are five-seaters, while the test vehicle accommodated seven. The Luxury package also includes quad-zone climate control, a “Cool Box” refrigerator in the center console, and a high-fidelity Mark Levinson surround sound system. The $1,295 Appearance Package replaced chrome trim with dark gray accents on the grille, door trim, and roof rails. Active air suspension was an additional $1,300, and a dual-screen rear entertainment system added a significant $2,240 to the price, bringing the total to $109,945.

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While expensive, this price aligns with the luxury SUV segment. The Range Rover, a key competitor, starts at approximately $109,000 and can easily exceed that, offering comparable seating and off-road capability, if not superior. The Mercedes G-Wagen, another rival, starts above $141,000 and accommodates only five passengers. In this context, the LX 600 presents a relatively competitive value proposition.

Fuel Consumption: LX 600 Economy

Unsurprisingly, fuel efficiency is not a strong suit of the Lexus LX 600. Hauling nearly 6,000 pounds requires considerable power, resulting in significant fuel consumption from the twin-turbo V6. EPA ratings are 19 mpg combined, but real-world testing yielded just over 17 mpg during the week, even without particularly fuel-conscious driving. This is slightly less efficient than some competitors.

EPA

However, fuel economy is unlikely to be a primary concern for LX 600 buyers. This is a six-figure, three-row, three-ton, leather-lined SUV, where priorities lie elsewhere.

Concluding Verdict: Value and Overall Impression

Assessing the value of a vehicle like the Lexus LX 600 is complex. It is, by its nature, a vehicle of excess, making traditional value metrics less relevant. Buyers in this segment purchase based on desire and affordability, rather than strict practicality.

However, compared to its direct rivals, particularly the Range Rover and Mercedes G-Class – the main off-road-focused luxury SUVs in the U.S. market – the LX 600 emerges as a strong value proposition. While it lacks the advanced locking differentials of the Range Rover and G-Wagen, its off-road capabilities are more than sufficient for most buyers in this category. Interior quality is on par with these competitors, although the Range Rover offers a more refined ride, while the Lexus retains a more truck-like feel.

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This truck-like ride quality, however, contributes to its distinctive character. The Lexus LX 600 feels inherently robust and capable, cloaked in luxury. While compromised as a spacious family vehicle and not as plush as a Range Rover, its charmingly brutish nature is undeniably appealing. The LX 600 may not suit every luxury SUV buyer, but for those who appreciate its unique blend of ruggedness and refinement, it’s a truly compelling and awesome vehicle.