There are three words that describe the 2014 Lexus LX570 5-Door SUV: big, roomy, and comfortable. This SUV from Lexus is a true luxury vehicle, with advanced safety, comfort and quality features. But the downside (or upside, depending on how you look at it,) is it’s also a big, heavy vehicle that can be hard to maneuver in the city. But for those who live in a rural or country setting, this monster SUV is a real treat.
What’s new for 2014?
The Lexus LX570 remains unchanged for 2014.
What hasn’t changed is the LX570’s ability to handle big loads, haul heavy cargo, and transport people and gear in comfort. It comes with the same heavy-duty architecture as the stout Toyota Land Cruiser, but this SUV hauler is all about Lexus luxury. This LX570 tester features technological advances such as wide-view parking monitors, adaptive front headlights, active damping suspension control system and Intuitive Park Assist system. A Mark Levinson 19-speaker audio system is also a Lexus exclusive, and the interior is built using a higher level of materials and finish you would expect from Lexus.
If you live in a snowy climate, the LX570 is highly capable, and is aimed at the luxury car owner who needs guaranteed control on a snowy or icy road leading to a ski area, or safe traction on the dirt road leading to a mountain house or headed to the mountains for a weekend biking or hiking trip. Need to pull something for recreational use? The LX 570 can even tow boats or horse trailers up to 7,000 pounds.
Lexus LX570 comes well equipped
The 2013 Lexus LX570 comes in one trim level: the LX570 ($81,780). It comes loaded with standard equipment like leather upholstery, 20-inch wheels, power rear door and tailgate, moonroof, heated power outside mirrors, HID headlamps, 10-way power driver seat with three-position memory and Easy Access feature and heated front seats. It also comes standard with HDD voice-activated Navigation that includes Bluetooth hands free phone and automatic phonebook download capabilities and music streaming.
The Luxury Package ($1,510) upgrades to semi-aniline leather, heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, more mahogany interior accents, a cool box for beverages, a heated steering wheel, and Smart Card keyless entry and starting.
This tester also came with a DVD rear-seat entertainment system ($2,005) that includes dual screens and wireless headphones. Also available is a 19-speaker, 450-watt Mark Levinson Surround Sound audio ($2,350) and Intuitive Park Assist ($1,000) that includes wide-view front and side monitors.
LX570 on the road
Out on the road, the 2014 Lexus LX570 is smooth, quiet and comfortable for long trips. The high seating position gives the driver and passengers a commanding view of the road ahead. It left us with a feeling of superiority over the rest of the crowd on the highway. And the big 5.7-liter V8 with 383 hp and a massive 403 pound-feet of torque helped with that superior feeling. We were able to power by anyone who was going too slow by pushing the gas pedal to the floor. The big V8 responded well and took us anywhere we wanted to go quickly.
We had another spring snow storm and this all-wheel-drive SUV worked well in the snow and ice we encountered this week. The LX 570 four-wheel-drive system has four modes, actuated by a toggle switch on the center console. It can be operated by locking the center differential in high range or low range. We encountered patches of ice on the road, and locking the center differential helped maintain grip as individual wheels encountered the slippery surfaces.
The LX570 is a big vehicle and the only downside is parking and maneuvering the big SUV in the city which can be challenging. But parking is made easier with its low-effort steering at slow speeds. Visibility was an issue as we headed over the crest of a hill in the mountains because the hood is tall and we lost sight of the road as we approached another car. But out on the open road, it works as an advantage.
Conclusion:
The 2014 Lexus LX570 offers luxury, exceptional capability off road, towing power, and Lexus build quality. The LX570 is relaxing to drive on long trips, gliding down the open highway with ease. For those who live in the country or a rural setting, LX570 is highly capable and will handle big loads, haul heavy cargo, and transport people and gear in comfort.
