The review for the 2022 Lexus LX 600 showcases a new third row feature. The revamped LX 600 is a spacious SUV that offers seating for either five or seven occupants, or just four in the latest Ultra Luxury variant. It competes with a range of vehicles such as the Infiniti QX80, Jeep Grand Wagoneer, and BMW X7. Overall, this full-size SUV has undergone significant enhancements, including improvements in power, fuel efficiency, and an array of standard safety and convenience technologies. Although the third row is compact, its ability to fold flat into the floor is a notable upgrade.
Recognizable on the outside and inviting on the inside, the LX 600 exudes refined luxury. The distinctive Lexus spindle grille, now in a horizontal configuration, makes a bold statement. While maintaining a similar size and proportion to its predecessor, slight adjustments to the A-pillars and extended nose provide a more visually appealing look with additional cooling vents at the lower section. The flat sides transition into an eye-catching rear quarter window design, which is often a challenging aspect to refine in three-row SUVs. The interior boasts a high-quality finish, earning praise for its luxurious ambiance.
Under the hood, the LX 600 boasts a more robust and efficient powertrain. With a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V-6 engine, the LX 600 achieves an impressive 0-60 mph time of 6.9 seconds, delivering agile performance for its size. Weighing around 5,800 lbs, the LX 600 has shed over 440 lbs through the utilization of weight-saving measures like aluminum doors and a transition to the GA-F platform, shared with the 2022 Toyota Tundra.
While the Tundra contributes its twin-turbo V-6 to the LX, the possibility of integrating the Tundra’s hybrid V-6 into the LX 600 has not been confirmed by Lexus. This responsive V-6 engine pairs seamlessly with a smooth-shifting 10-speed automatic transmission, channeling the impressive 409 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque effectively. The vehicle offers six drive modes, from Eco to Sport +, which can be adjusted via a console switch to modify engine mapping, shift timing, and steering response. While acceleration from a standstill may exhibit a slight delay, gradual acceleration unleashes abundant power. The LX 600 boasts a towing capacity of up to four tons (8,000 lbs). Notably, despite its impressive power, the serene and quiet ride of the LX 600 belies its truck-based platform. However, tire noise from the optional 22-inch wheels may be noticeable. The lower center of gravity enhances stability, while revised suspension components and shock absorbers at the solid rear axle enhance ride comfort. The F Sport variant features a Torsen limited-slip rear differential to improve rear grip during cornering. Despite its large size, some body lean is inevitable due to its design.
Standard across the lineup is a four-wheel drive with a 2-speed transfer case and a central locking differential, ensuring the LX 600 is well-equipped to tackle diverse terrains and conditions effortlessly. The vehicle offers multiple terrain modes, complemented by an available adaptive suspension for enhanced off-road capability. Adjusting to varying conditions becomes seamless with features like the ability to engage the center differential lock on the go. The inclusion of auto, dirt, sand, mud, or deep snow modes, selected through a console switch, empowers the driver to adapt to a range of challenging scenarios. Noteworthy is the transition to 4L mode, unlocking a new level of capability.
The 7.0-inch center screen displays vital information regarding torque allocation, wheel slippage, pitch angle, and a turn assist function. At speeds of up to 7 mph, the overhead screen offers four distinct camera angles, providing enhanced visibility, including a transparent view underneath and around the front axle. Hill descent control with five speed settings, restricted to a maximum of 3 mph, aids in climbing or descending slopes effortlessly, with the option to override via gas or brake input. Negotiating tight turns is simplified by the turn assist feature, which locks the inner rear wheel.
Equipped as standard on the Ultra Luxury trim and available on F Sport and Luxury grades, the active suspension system with hydraulic springs enables the LX 600 to vary ground clearance, ranging from 8.3 inches (with 22-inch wheels) in standard mode to nearly two inches higher in H2 setting in 4L mode. In 4H mode, the system raises the vehicle approximately an inch in H1. The system can also autonomously adjust in Auto mode. Claimed to wade through 27.5 inches of water, the vehicle offers practical off-road abilities, despite not matching the capabilities of a purpose-built Jeep Wrangler Rubicon or Ford Bronco Badlands. However, the enhancements on the LX 600 greatly simplify moderate off-road driving, minimizing risks.
The impressive fuel efficiency of the LX 600 stands out as a significant upgrade. The four-wheel-drive variant of the LX 600 achieves an EPA rating of 17 mpg city, 22 mpg highway, and 19 mpg combined. This represents an improvement over the previous model and fares favorably against competitors like the Lincoln Navigator and Infiniti QX80. While a hybrid option has not been confirmed yet, it may be expected in future iterations.
Lexus has equipped the LX 600 with a comprehensive set of driver-assist features, typically offered as costly add-ons by other luxury brands. Although crash tests by IIHS and NHTSA have not been conducted on the LX 600, the vehicle boasts an array of driver-assist technologies. Standard features include automatic emergency braking with detection for pedestrians and cyclists, blind-spot monitors, and automatic high beams. Additionally, Lexus goes a step further by including a surround-view camera system, adaptive cruise control, active lane control, and park assist with automatic braking, features often bundled as part of premium packages by other manufacturers.
A redesigned central stack takes center stage in the cabin, hosting a 12.3-inch touchscreen above a 7.0-inch climate and off-road screen, accompanied by mirror displays. The interior layout combines traditional controls with a diverse array of dials, buttons, and switches, offering a tactile alternative to touch-based interfaces prevalent in other luxury vehicles. The broad central console hints at a robust utility aspect commonly found in truck designs. Upholstery options span various grades of leather, with contrasting open pore wood accents adorning the door panels and console. F Sport models showcase red on black semi-aniline leather with sleek aluminum trim panels, while Ultra Luxury variants feature diamond-stitched leather.
Noteworthy seat upgrades in the 2022 Lexus LX include a fold-flat power third row. The LX 600 stands out with exceptional front seats akin to thrones, spacious second-row seating, a seven-passenger capacity, and 46 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row. However, certain limitations exist across these areas, with the front seats, though luxuriously appointed, offering limited adjustment range despite heating features. The cabin design, including a sizable center console, prioritizes passenger comfort, ensuring extended journeys are pleasurable. Standard on most trims is a second-row 60/40-split bench, offering ample legroom and individual amenities like a USB port and climate control.
Notably, Premium, F Sport, and Luxury trims add a third row with constrained legroom and headspace, tailored more for brief occupancy rather than extended travel. The versatile sliding functionality of the rear seats enables additional cargo options, although the limited room may restrict tall occupants’ comfort. Designed with children in mind, the third row accommodates young passengers and includes dedicated cupholders. The tight head and legroom confines this space primarily to passengers under 5-foot-10, emphasizing its suitability for shorter journeys.USB ports and overhead vent openings, however, folding down or adjusting the second-row seating from the rear necessitates a sturdy lever that children will likely find more challenging to operate compared to a simple push-button release found on many other SUVs. There is limited storage space behind the rear seats, measuring a narrow 11 cubic feet; a cooler would not fit, but a set of golf clubs might. On the positive side, the power-fold third-row seats effortlessly fold flat into the floor, revealing up to 64 cubic feet of cargo space when the second-row seats are flat (reducing to 44 cubic feet when they are up).
The Ultra Luxury variant introduces a new level of opulence for Lexus, catering to the luxurious tastes prevalent in over 50 countries where the LX 600 will be available. This model features no third row, with the second row replaced by a pair of captain’s chairs separated by a console containing a 7.0-inch tablet for adjusting the massagers or reclining each seat up to 48 degrees. Additionally, a power footrest extends from the back of each front seat for optimal relaxation. Both front seatbacks are equipped with an 11.4-inch entertainment screen, serving more as a luxury feature than a practical necessity, especially considering the cargo cover is attached to the rear seats (although they can be detached with a screwdriver).
Lexus equips the LX 600 with abundant luxury amenities and upgraded technology. Loaded with standard features, optional features include massaging rear seats and a significantly improved touchscreen and infotainment system. The $88,245 Standard edition is the sole trim level offering five seats, including a second-row bench seat. This variant includes 20-inch alloy wheels, a power sunroof, leather upholstery, heated power front seats, and a four-zone climate control system. Even in the base model, there is a revamped dual-screen interface featuring a 12.3-inch touchscreen with smartphone compatibility and a wireless charging pad. The new system surpasses its predecessor in terms of usability, with exceptional voice command functionality. The lower 7.0-inch screen manages climate controls and off-road settings when engaging the 2-speed transfer case to 4L. A wireless smartphone charger and a 10-speaker audio system round out the tech upgrades offered throughout the lineup.
The $96,345 Premium version caters to those seeking a third row, although it is most suitable for brief journeys with smaller occupants. This trim level adds two USB ports for every row, ventilated front seats, heated second-row outboard seats, power-folding third-row seats, a crisp head-up display, a hands-free power liftgate, and a heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel. The Ultra Luxury variant, featuring rear captain’s chairs, tops the range at $127,345, approximately $20,000 more than the top model from the previous year. Lexus provides a 4-year/50,000-mile warranty that covers the initial year or initial 12,000 miles of scheduled maintenance.
Irrespective of the trim level, the 2022 Lexus LX 600 does not make compromises in its classic yet modern approach to luxury SUV design. It remains one of the few luxury SUVs that can genuinely handle off-road terrains if desired. It also maintains the hallmark characteristics associated with Lexus vehicles: a refined driving experience, impeccable craftsmanship, and outstanding reliability. The LX stands out as an exceptional model that deserves recognition for its straightforward approach, which Lexus has diligently updated with refreshed styling, an efficient powertrain enhancement, and cutting-edge technology.
Image Source: Overdrive
