2022 Lexus LX 600 goes big, luxurious, expensive

James Raia

New for 2022, the Lexus LX 600 replaces its lackluster LX 570 stablemate and beams anew as the manufacturer’s latest, biggest and most luxurious sport utility vehicle.

Debuting the vehicle’s fourth generation, The LX 600 is equipped with a 3.4-liter, turbocharged V6 with 409 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. It’s an impressive leap. Last year’s turbocharged V8 with 382 horsepower.

The new Lexus advances on a new chassis the carmakers said is 20 percent more rigid and with lower overall weight. The combination substantially changes the SUV’s dynamics. It hasn’t transitioned into a sports car, but it is more sporty.

The 2022 Lexus LX 600 F Sport is the biggest and most luxurious SUV the carmaker offers.
The 2022 Lexus LX 600 F Sport is the biggest and most luxurious SUV the carmaker offers.

The LX 600 is available in five trims, ranging from the five-passenger, two-row LX to three mid-level offerings — Premium, Luxury and the review F Sport Handling. The trio has three rows of three seating for as many as seven passengers.

Remove the third row of seagoing and the middle seat of the second and Lexus calls its top-line LX 600 its Ultra Luxury trim. All trims are propelled by a 10-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive.

The LX 600 has 41 cubic feet of storage space behind its second row of seats and its towing capacity is 8,000 pounds. Both numbers are average among large luxury SUVs. Estimated EPA mileages are 17 miles per gallon in city driving, 22 mpg on the highway.

Quality materials, heavy-duty construction, firm but comfortable seating and lots of extras reign. The LX 600 is no doubt luxurious and it should have keen qualities and lots of stuff. But they come with a hefty price, the same pricey status as the LX 600s’ competitors.

The interior of the 2022 Lexus LX 600 F-Sport trim adds a sporty appearance.
The interior of the 2022 Lexus LX 600 F-Sport trim adds a sporty appearance.

The lineup-starting LX trim provides far more than might be expected: 20-inch wheels, a sunroof, heated front seats, a navigation system and a dual-touchscreen infotainment system with a 12.3-inch upper screen and 7-inch lower screen.

A 10-speaker audio system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, four USB ports, a wireless charging pad, Wi-Fi hotspot are all included.

Safety is a Lexus signature. Throughout the LX600 lineup, there’s plenty to help, including forward collision mitigation, blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control and an automated parking system in lower-level trims.

Premium trims add adaptive suspension dampers, a hands-free liftgate ambient lighting, a heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats, heated outboard second-row seats and a power-folding third-row and six USB ports

The sharply styled F Sport Handling includes 22-inch black-painted wheels, an aerodynamic body kit, sport-tuned suspension, illuminated doorsills, upgraded leather upholstery and aluminum pedals. A refrigerated cabinet is located in the center console.

For appearance-oriented buyers, F-Sport Handling pushes the price to more than $100,000. How about a black mesh grille and bumper trim, aluminum interior trim, and a Torsen limited-slip rear differential? Why not order the $2,660, 25-speaker, 2,400-watt Mark Levinson audio system and the $1,300 height-adjustable air suspension?

Is either option necessary? No. Will friends and neighbors be impressed? Yes. But it’s your checkbook that’s opening.

Competition is brisk in the full-size, body-on-frame, three-row luxury segment. In many ways, Lexus LX 600 and the GMC Yukon Denali, Cadillac Escalade, Jeep Grand Wagoneer and Lincoln Navigator are the same vehicle.

The Lexus stands aloe with off-road functionality. The F Sport Handling trim features like crawl control, six driver-selectable terrain modes and low-range gearing. A bunch of cameras helps the rugged negotiation of the off-road LX 600

It all means a family or a bunch of friends can travel in style and safely while cruising along in big and powerful luxury automobile. Take a deep breath, count your money while it’s still in your possession and enjoy the ride. It’ll cost you $107,585.

Article Last Updated: April 18, 2023.

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