2020 Lexus LX 570: pricey rugged luxury

A luxury sport utility vehicle with strong attributes for off-road use is a niche offering in the vastly varied automotive marketplace. It’s a head-shaking quality of the 2020 Lexus LX 570.

The wisdom of excursions on rugged terrain in a top-line luxury vehicle may be questionable. But as one friend who’s refreshingly dispassionate about automobiles often says: “If no one bought ’em, they wouldn’t make ’em.”

For 2020, Lexus offers few changes in the LX 570, a small luxury apartment on wheels. But a new Sport Package includes a few intriguing features: a revised grille, different lower bumper styling, chrome-accented side mirrors, semi-aniline leather-trimmed seats and a black headliner. A “cool box” refrigerated console compartment is new as a stand-alone option.

The LX 570 also continues the third generation as a leader in a segment with only a few rivals. The competition includes the Cadillac Escalade, Infiniti QX80 and Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class.

2020 Lexus LX 570 powers in plushness

Available in one trim, a 5.7-liter V8 with 383-horsepower and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The LX 570 also has standard four-wheel drive and moves well considering it weighs about 6,000. It can two a 7,000-pound trailer

The only new-buyer decision is selecting the two-row or three-row version. The former seats five, that latter eight. Seating options are easy to alter without compromising safety. Ten airbags

As a luxury vehicle, the LX 570 helps define the luxury manufacturer — nearly to a fault. The standard comfort features list is exhaustive: leather-trimmed seats, wood trim, power-operated second and third rows, four-zone air conditioning, and navigation with a 12.3-inch screen.

Standard safety equipment includes a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, full-speed adaptive cruise control, and a blind-spot warning system with rear cross-traffic alert. Ten airbags ad

Luxury manufacturers thrive on outdoing the competition with stand-alone or option packages. What’s not to like in the LX 570? It has semi-aniline leather trim with contrast stitching, heated and ventilated front- and second-row seats and a dual-screen rear entertainment system. A head-up display, a Mark Levinson premium stereo, wireless device charging and a heated steering wheel are also appealing.

Interior styling also some masculine elegance. Several wood and leather options are available, including contrasting black and tan shades. It’s complemented by a Lexus signature, an analog clock.

With its interior plushness, the LX 570 provides ultimate comfort and a powerful ride. Like rivals, front-row passengers view the road from high, well-built and full-vision perches. There’s an overt sense of security on the open road.

A multi-state road trip, with some off-road side treks in the jumbo Lexus? Let’s go. Take turns driving watch movies from the back rows. Relax to the quality sounds of the symphonic-quality sound system. Cruise down the freeway without stress and drive for hours in ideal comfort.

When off-roading arrives, the LX 570 offers utilizes, a two-speed transfer case and a crawl control system that helps it negotiate rocks and an has several numerous off-road traction-control options. The suspension is height-adjustable.

It all sounds like fun, as long as it’s possible to forget a few downsides of owning a 2020 Lexus LX 570. It’s a chore to enter and exit the beast and it requires a sizable bank account to operate. Gas efficiency is pathetic: 12 miles per gallon in city driving, 16 mpg on the highway.

Regardless, enjoy the versatility of traveling on-road or off-road in luxury. But remember: it will cost you $100,540 and a healthy chunk more for proper cleaning.

Facts & Figures: 2020 Lexus LX 570

Specification	Details
Engine	8-cylinder, 5.7L
Transmission	Automatic (S8)
Drivetrain	4-Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy	12 city / 16 hwy / 14 combined mpg
Fuel Type	Premium Gasoline