Overview: 2021 Lexus LX 570
Rooted in Toyota Land Cruiser bones, the 2021 Lexus LX 570 blends truck-like ruggedness with impeccably crafted luxury features—think massaging seats and a silicone-trimmed interior rich in tactile details. As Lexus’s flagship, this three-row SUV delivers adventure readiness for off the beaten path excursions (a trait I tested on muddy trails), yet its pavement manners lag behind technologically advanced rivals like the BMW X7. The infotainment system impresses with standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto compatibility, and Amazon Alexa integration, though its screen size feels cramped. Advanced driver safety aids, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and crisp digital instrumentation add modern refinement, while its engineered safety technology secures strong Expert Rating nods. Daily drive? Enjoyable but thirsty; luxury purists might crave the SUV lineup’s newer hybrids.
What’s New in the 2021 Lexus LX 570?
Stepping into the 2021 Lexus LX 570, the refreshed exterior styling immediately stands out, especially with the bold black badging and blacked out exterior trim on the Sport package. My drive revealed how the 21-inch wheels enhance stability, while smoked lenses on the exterior lighting elements add a sharp, modern edge. Opt for the Inspiration Series #2 package to get striking Eminent White Pearl or Atomic Silver paint jobs paired with a Black Onyx interior—a combo that radiates sophistication.
Pricing, Trim Levels, and Best Choice
Competitively priced at $106,590, the 2021 Lexus LX offers two trim options: the Sport Package ($6,100) for rugged styling and performance-enhancing adaptive suspension, or the Luxury Package ($2,350) with heated and ventilated seats in first-row seats and second-row seats, four-zone automatic climate control, and an unparalleled entertainment system. As an owner who’s tackled cross-country trips, I swear by the Mark Levinson stereo and leather upholstery—they turn long drives into effortless luxury. The as-tested price nears $112k, but features like puddle lights and auto-dimming exterior mirrors justify the price tag. Rivals like the Hummer EV SUV and Range Rover are vehicles that may offer unique capability, but the LX’s blend of tech and comfort—plus a base price under $90k—makes it a sophisticated choice. Opt for the Luxury trim if you prioritize refined off-road capability and in-cabin indulgence.
Powertrain, Transmission, and Driving Dynamics
Launching the heavy LX 570, its V8 spins up low-end torque effortlessly, though 0-60 mph in 7.5 seconds feels lazy compared to quicker luxury SUVs. During testing, the gas pedal’s light response confused me at parking lot speeds, but it thrives in straight-line sprints on pavement or off-road. The steering’s numb, poor on-center feel demands patience in turns, while brakes—grabbiness aside—require a gentle modulate to avoid abrupt stops. Yes, this tall vehicle leans like a ship in corners, but its capable chassis hides heft well during freeway cruising. Personal gripe? Don’t expect drift fun—it’s built for stability, not play.
Fuel Efficiency and Driving Range
Unsurprisingly, the large luxury SUV prioritizes brawn over sipping skills. The EPA-estimated 14 mpg combined (12 city, 16 highway) reflects its thirsty nature—a trade-off for hauling nearly 6,000 pounds. During my 115-mile evaluation route blending highway cruising and mixed-driving, the LX managed 14.8 mpg, slightly above its city estimate but still underwhelming. Heavy traffic caused a noticeable dip to single digits, reinforcing its poor fit for stop-and-go commutes. While its gas tank grants a decent driving range, frequent fill-ups sting—something I’ve gritted through during weekend getaways. For a large SUV, these numbers are average, but rivals do better. If fuel efficiency tops your list, the LX 570 disappoints; it’s built for capability, not frugality.
Towing and Off-Road Capability
Hauling? The LX flexes a 7000-pound rating, outmuscling its Land Cruiser cousin by an extra 1100 pounds—ideal for trailers or boats. During a weekend test, its capability shone on rocky trails, though its weight demands careful throttle control. A Toyota dealer tech reminded me to check the cooling system if towing near max capacity, calling it a serious concern in hot climates. Personal take: It’s no featherweight, but the LX balances brawn with poise, whether crawling slopes or navigating tight turns.
Premium Interior and Comfort
Step inside, and the LX greets you with a cabin that blends comfort with rugged intent. Front seats mimic armchairs—supportive yet cushy—while adjustments cater to both shorter drivers and those craving a commanding driving position. The second row shines with roomy extra legroom and flat floor height, though knees might brush the high seats during long drives. Visibility impresses thanks to tall glass and expansive mirrors, but cluttered buttons and cumbersome infotainment interfaces struggle to match its luxury badge (I fumbled with labeled controls mid-traffic). Climate Concierge mode maintains Zen-like calm, masking road noise at freeway speeds and ironing out bumps via buttery suspension. Yet sharp edges on high step rails and faint wind noise remind you it’s built for off-road features, not pampering alone. That large SUV arrangement? Practical, but expect a struggle with toe room near the driving position.
Cargo Space and Practicality
Storage-wise, the LX makes a great showing for a vehicle its size, balancing daily needs with adventure-ready flexibility. Behind the second-row seats, you’ll find 53.7 cubic feet of storage space—enough for long space gear or small personal items stashed in handy pockets and a bucket-like armrest bin. Fold those seats independently (or forward for max cargo space), and the flat floor creates room for camping trip essentials—or even lets two adults sleep snugly, as I tested during a weekend getaway. Passenger comfort doesn’t suffer: upright back seats offer ample legroom, though taller riders might bump front seatbacks during sharp turns. Up front, organization shines with door bins and front seats that adjust to free up toe room. While competitors offer more clever layouts, the LX’s brute-force approach works—especially when you tow its 7,000 pounds capacity. Just don’t expect magic: those bucket-like rear haunches limit rear visibility, and the driving experience feels bulkier when packed to the roof.
Infotainment, Connectivity, and Smart Tech
Navigating the infotainment system feels like wrestling the worst generation of Lexus tech—poorly labeled menu structures and a finicky joystick controller test patience, especially at freeway speeds. While the Mark Levinson stereo delivers excellent sound quality, Bluetooth audio stumbles with confusing settings, and no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto leaves the segment lagging behind class leaders. The optional driver aids, like adaptive cruise control, handle stop-and-go traffic smoothly, though reactive lane alerts can feel unpleasant. Personal gripe? USB ports in the second row are hard-to-find and simplistic—I fumbled mid-drive to charge my phone. At least the Lexus navigation software works… when you endure its outdated interface.
Safety and Driving Support
Balancing awful visibility in tight spaces, the LX 570’s surround view cameras became my lifesaver during parking—until its Forward Collision Mitigation system stole the spotlight by preemptively applying brakes when a missed vehicle darted into city traffic. While adaptive cruise control maintains distance smoothly in stop-and-go scenarios, some jerky systems in other cars pale against Lexus’ refined low-speed modulation. The blind spot monitoring buzzing subtly during highway merges feels effortless, though pedestrian detection once triggered abrupt slams when a cyclist crossed unexpectedly. Personal note? 2021’s safety features excel at automatically detects risks but demand trust—like when it warns of potential collisions yet lets you adjust speed or braking instinctively.
Lexus’s Warranty
Securing a well-built reputation, the LX’s standard warranty outshines competitors in the body-on-frame SUVs class, covering quality materials that resist creaks and rattles even on rough surfaces. While its starting price towers over less expensive segment rivals, the solid-feeling vehicle justifies costs with plush padding and optioned-up features that age gracefully. During test drives, I pressed every contact point—doors, panels, switches—and found typical Lexus precision, from the body’s heft to the high-grade finishes. Personal take? It’s built to endure, not just impress.
