2021 Lexus LX570 S review: Big SUV is coming to the end of its life

Fans of old school machines will love this luxurious and classy off-roader, but time is running out for those keen on getting one.

2021 Lexus LX570 S.

The Lexus LX is one of the last of a dying breed of big SUVs and recent updates have made it more desirable than ever.

Here are five things you need to know about the Lexus LX 570 S.

FAMILIAR FEEL

If the Lexus LX looks familiar it’s because it borrows heavily from the Toyota LandCruiser, albeit with higher quality materials and extra comfort and luxury features throughout the cabin.

An asking price of about $180,000 is a big ask.

These extras will cost you, though. The fully-loaded LX 570 S tested here costs about $180,000 drive-away, roughly $50,000 more than the LandCruiser Sahara.

Less tech-savvy buyers will enjoy the old-school charm of the cabin. Unlike competitors, who have moved to touchscreens, the LX570 still has a heap of buttons and knobs controlling its climate, navigation and entertainment functions. A CD player and analog clock give it a very turn of the century vibe that could appeal to some, but the absence of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in a car this expensive is a misstep.

PEACE AND QUIET

The LX 570’s cabin is a haven from the hustle and bustle of the commute. Extensive sound deadening and solid build quality make it one of the quietest cars on the road.

Tyre roar and road noise is almost non existent and there is only a distant rumble of the big V8 chugging along. The LX is built for an around-Australia road trip, ironing out bumps and corrugations on even the roughest roads.

It can seat eight comfortably and has an enormous cargo area.

It can seat eight comfortably and even with the third row of seats in place the load area is still a respectable 349 litres. With the rear pews folded away it is a cavernous 1048 litres.

There is an impressive full suite of driver aids and thankfully they don’t assault the senses with incessant chimes and flashing lights.

IT’S THE CAR THAT TIME FORGOT

As car makers rush to put out hi-tech electric cars, the LX 570 feels like an analog machine in a digital age.

Weighing in at more than 2500kg, it is powered by a 5.7-litre naturally aspirated V8 petrol engine making 270kW and 530Nm. Outputs are adequate to shift the LX about town and gobble up steep hills with ease.

The cabin has a very turn of the century vibe.

Lexus claims the fuel economy is 14.4L/100km. In city driving with little weight in the car we regularly saw low 20s and mid-teens at highway speeds.

Rumour has it the next generation LandCruiser — and LX — will feature smaller turbocharged six-cylinder engines.

NOT JUST A PRETTY FACE

The LX shares its bones with the LandCruiser so it is a genuine off-roader.

It has a full-time four-wheel drive, high and low-range gears and multiple terrain modes including mud and sand, loose rocks, moguls and rock and dirt for when the going gets tough. When 4WD low is engaged, a multi-terrain monitor tech provides an under-the-vehicle view to help the driver spot rocks, crevices and ruts.

The LX 570 S is extremely well equipped.

There are two massive fuel tanks holding a combined 138L and it can tow up to 3500kg.

Active ride height control allows for three different ride heights to aid over rough terrain and make it easier to enter and exit.

YOU NAME IT, YOU GOT IT

There are no option boxes to tick.

Passengers are treated to plush leather-accented seats ideal for long-haul trips. The front pair and outer second-row duo are both heated and ventilated, as is the steering wheel.

Four-zone climate control and two rear 11.6-inch entertainment screens add to the cabin experience. Giant 21-inch alloy wheels give the LX street appeal.

You also get a membership to the Lexus Encore Platinum member benefits program, which includes valet parking at selected shopping centres, gourmet food events and Lexus vehicles on demand, allowing members to pick up a complimentary premium vehicle at participating dealerships and airports around Australia for trips away.

Originally published as 2021 Lexus LX570 S review: Big SUV is coming to the end of its life