2022 Lexus LX review

Based on the reliable and rugged new Toyota LandCruiser, this plush new off-road blends limousine-style luxury with go-anywhere ability.

The new Lexus LX is the automotive version of glamping.

Based on the new Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series, it brings rugged off-road ability with a healthy dollop of opulence for those with a hankering for pampering.

Buyers can choose between four model levels, with a choice of diesel or petrol power but disappointingly no hybrid. For the first time a limousine-style four-seat layout joins five- and seven-seat versions.

The Lexus LX is based on the rugged Toyota LandCruiser.

Prices start at $148,800 (before on-road costs) for the base seven-seat version with a 3.3-litre twin-turbo diesel engine making 227kW and 700Nm. The 305kW/650Nm 3.5-litre twin-turbo petrol costs an extra $3500.

The five-seat Sports Luxury versions cost $165,800 (diesel) and $169,300 (petrol). The sportier-styled five-seat F-Sport is a further $6000 for each. Topping the range is the petrol-only, four-seat Ultra Luxury costing $210,800.

Lexus Australia boss, John Pappas, says interest in the luxury 4WD has been strong and this year’s entire supply is already spoken for.

It comes in four, five and seven seat layouts.

Due to global supply constraints Australia will only receive about 50 vehicles per month or 400 for 2022. Rising fuel prices don’t appear to have dimmed buyers’ enthusiasm for the petrol twin-turbo V6, which accounts for roughly 60 per cent of orders.

The first new LX in 14 years comes with comprehensive upgrades and a cabin resplendent in soft-touch surfaces and high-quality materials.

The cabin is exceptionally well presented.

Buyers of the cheapest versions can expect 20-inch alloy-wheels, LED head and tail lights, heated leather accented seats, ambient lighting and wood trim panel among other luxury items.

All models score a 12.3-inch infotainment screen paired with a second seven-inch display below for climate controls, as well as an eight-inch digital instrument cluster that also comes with some analog dials. A 25-speaker Mark Levinson stereo is one of the best in the business. USB charging points and cup holders cover all rows.

The F Sport grades dial up the visual appeal with chunky 22-inch wheels, a black grille and unique bumpers. The sport theme continues inside with snug F Sport seats, aluminium pedals, red leather and alloy interior highlights.

The second row of the Ultra Luxury is the place to be.

The push button starter comes with fingerprint recognition – up to 10 prints can be saved – that can be linked to seat and other memory settings.

Soft-close doors and rear seat entertainment screens add to the car’s appeal. The Ultra Luxury is business class on wheels. Two spacious, heated, ventilated and massaging second row seats recline up to 48 degrees. The lucky rider behind the passenger seat can have a metre of legroom and an ottoman.

It’s a big beast, but an array of cameras provides 360-degree views of your surroundings, while auto braking and parking sensors front and rear make shopping centre car parks manageable.

Only the base virions get seven seats.

Both the diesel and petrol engines provide ample grunt, but neither is particularly economical. Claimed average fuel use is 8.9L/100km for the diesel and 12.1L/100km for the petrol. Both will do more in the real world.

The petrol delivers superior on road performance and surprising acceleration for its size. The diesel, with its extra torque, will suit those wanting to tow and head off-road. Both will tow 3500kg. In city traffic the LX is comfortable and quiet with meaty steering that’s dependable and accurate. On the open road it can feel a little floaty as the suspension struggles to keep the vehicle’s ample weight under control. On gravel and dirt roads the LX shines with an uncanny ability to iron out bumps and corrugations of all sizes.

Both engines are powerful, providing decent acceleration and off-road grunt.

It will go places you’d never take an ultra luxury SUV, thanks to dedicated off-road driving modes, high and low range gears combined with locking differentials, hill descent control and rock crawl functions. It barely broke a sweat on an off-road track with steep rock climbs and descents.

Capped price servicing only covers three years and is necessary every six months/10,000km. A five-year warranty matches the industry standard.

It also comes with a three-year membership to the brand’s Platinum Encore program, which offers vehicle loans on demand, complimentary service loan vehicles and valet parking at select shopping centres.

VERDICT 4/5

A luxurious, capable 4WD packed with ownership perks, although a hybrid version would be welcome.

LEXUS LX VITALS

PRICE From about $160,000 drive-away

ENGINE 3.3L turbo diesel, 227kW and 700Nm

WARRANTY/SERVICING Five-years/unlimited km, $3570 over three years

SAFETY 10 airbags, auto emergency braking, lane keep assist, blind-spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert with auto braking and radar cruise

THIRST 8.9L/100km

SPARE Full size

LUGGAGE 767 litres

Originally published as 2022 Lexus LX review