Unlike most big-boned sport utility vehicles, the Lexus LX was conceived in an age when large SUVs were oddities, not the status quo. Based on the Toyota Land Cruiser whose origins date back to the early 1950s, the LX launched Lexus’s SUV efforts when it joined stateside showrooms in 1996 as the LX 450. 

Think about that for a minute: So significant was the LX that it represented Lexus’s inaugural push into what would become the dominant passenger vehicle segment in the U.S. The impact of that pioneering move is not to be understated, as SUVs went from comprising a sliver of sales to over half of all passenger vehicles sold.

The centerpiece of the Lexus LX’s styling is its massive spindle grille, which is used as a signature element across the Lexus lineup. What looks too aggressive on some of the softer Lexus vehicles appears fitting on the already imposing SUV.  Lexus

The Lexus LX has evolved with only three generations since its introduction a quarter century ago, and if its cult followers have anything to say about the matter, that’s entirely fine by them. The third (or J200) and current generation launched in 2007 as the LX 570, with several facelifts over the past few years keeping the LX’s cosmetics fresh, despite the continuing side-eye from haters who refuse to buy into this high-priced and exclusive club.

The Lexus LX 570 starts at $88,550 (including $1,295 delivery fee) in its two-row form. There is only one engine choice: a 5.7-liter V8 mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission that delivers 383 horsepower and 403 pound-feet of torque. All LXs are configured for extreme off-road capability and are built with body-on-frame construction. 

The drivetrain includes a four-wheel drive system, an electronically locking center differential and a reduction gear for low-speed creeping. Multi-terrain drive modes can be configured for Rock, Rock and Dirt, Mogul, Loose Rock or Mud. It has an adaptive variable suspension with height control to lift or lower the already impressive 8.9 inches of ground clearance. A feature called Crawl Control works like off-road cruise control by managing speed at low speeds over bumpy terrain and Turn Assist tightens the turning circle by applying brake pressure on the inside wheels. 

Though the LX has admirable off road capabilities, its fuel economy is well below competitors. With only one powertrain option, it’s hard to hide the hulking SUV’s gas guzzling tendencies; it’s EPA-rated to achieve 12 mpg in city driving, 16 mpg on the highway and 14 mpg combined. Including the LX, the average across its closest rivals—the BMW X7, Land Rover Range Rover and Mercedes-Benz GLS—is 15 mpg in the city, 20 mpg on the highway and 17 mpg combined. The LX is responsible for dragging that score down, however. The X7, Range Rover and GLS all average slightly over 18 mpg combined across each vehicle’s lineup.

Familiar Lexus features can be found throughout the LX cabin, including traditionalist touches like an analog clock and a mechanically operated shift lever.  Lexus

Standard five-seat LXs are equipped with 20-inch wheels or available 21-inchers. Although the LX is equipped with a leather interior as standard, the optional Luxury Package ($1,190) upgrades to softer perforated semi-aniline leather surfaces, heated and ventilated front and second-row seats and a heated leather and wood steering wheel. Options-wise, there’s not much beyond the Luxury Package available on the base model, apart from 21-inch wheels ($745), a cool box to keep beverages or snacks chilled ($170) and a heated open pore walnut steering wheel ($150).

The three-row variant ($93,550) offers seating for up to eight passengers. The Sport Package ($6,110) adds sportier exterior and interior trim as well as 21-inch forged machined alloy wheels. The same Luxury Package mentioned above is also available in the three-row version. It can also be ordered with a 19-speaker Mark Levinson sound system ($2,350), a color heads-up display ($900), a rear entertainment system with dual 11.6-inch displays ($2,005), a wireless charger ($75) and a heated open power wood steering wheel ($150). All trim levels are only available in four exterior colors.

The Lexus LX feels definitively truck-like behind the wheel, with a commanding view of the road and an upright seating position. Steering is relatively heavy, and while the air suspension does a decent job of isolating the cabin from major bumps, there’s still a feeling of connectedness with road surfaces—and in some cases, a jostling that reminds of you the age of the LX platform. There’s a sense of nautical regality to how the LX moves through space, and that translates to how it is perceived externally as well; this is like the Grand Empress Dowager of big luxury SUVs, one whose road presence speaks to old money and traditionalist taste.

There’s plenty of legroom for second-row passengers—34.4 inches, to be precise—but third-row occupants only get 28.3 inches to stretch out with.  Lexus 

As mentioned, direct competitors to the Lexus LX are few and include the BMW X7 which starts at $75,895 but can escalate all the way up to $142,495 in Alpina XB7 trim. While the Lexus holds the line on old school, frame-on-body construction, the BMW embraces a modernized unibody chassis that incorporates more lightweighting (use of light materials to improve aerodynamics) and a contemporary interior replete with sleek design and copious digital displays. 

Also recently updated but rooted more in its past is the Mercedes-Benz G-Class ($132,800), which sticks to its boxy origins but offers a modernized front independent suspension and far greater usability than before. Perhaps more directly competitive against the LX is the Mercedes-Benz GLS ($77,050), with more refinement and road trip worthiness but less off-road capability. A high-performance AMG GLS 63 ($133,150) offers considerably more power and greater handling for quite a bit more money. 

The Land Rover Range Rover ($99,350) offers a posher, more sophisticated vision of large luxury SUV. With no fewer than six powertrain options and lofty trim package (culminating in the $184,350 SV Autobiography Dynamic Black model), the Range Rover holds the line on ultraluxury, off-road capable large SUVs. 

The Lexus LX retains a familiar silhouette that has served it well for decades, and its sister SUV the Land Cruiser for even longer. The two-row LX maintains the same 200-inch length as the original three-row variant.  Lexus

Pro tip: don’t bother comparing cargo capacity between these high-dollar competitors, as each one is more focused on satisfying intangible brand images than it is on pragmatic spec sheet stats.

The Lexus LX lacks crash ratings from either the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. On mass alone, it would probably crash well, but no crash data hurts its overall score. It does have 10 airbags and Lexus Safety System+ standard, which includes automatic emergency braking (“Pre-Collision with Pedestrian Detection”), lane departure warning, automatic high beams and adaptive cruise control (“Dynamic Radar Cruise Control”).