Since 1995, the Lexus LX->ke497 has existed as little more than a gussied-up version of the Toyota Land Cruiser->ke1298. To compete with most luxury->ke505 automakers in the 1990s, Lexus->ke47 created its own version of the rugged Land Cruiser by adding some minor styling changes, new badges and a fancier interior, and while this formula held steady for the next 20 years, the 2016 model year finally brings some much-need attention to Lexus’ flagship SUV.

Unveiled at the 2015 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance->ke2839 alongside the restyled 2016 Lexus GS sedan->ke142, the 2016 Lexus LX 570 not only receives a distinctive exterior to set it apart from its Toyota->ke88 sibling but it also gets a new look to tie it in with the Lexus brand image. Standing as the second design update for the third-gen LX, the 2016 model year might be the most important yet as the makeover includes styling, drivetrain, interior and technology upgrades that finally makes this full-size SUV->ke145 worthy of sitting in a Lexus showroom.

Continue reading to learn more about the 2016 Lexus LX 570.

2016 Lexus LX 570

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2016 Lexus LX 570
  • Engine/Motor: V8
  • Horsepower: 383
  • Torque: 403 @ 3600
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

More than just a minor facelift, the 2016 LX gets almost completely new sheet metal, with only the door skins carried over from 2015. Lexus’ signature spindle grille design is at its most polarizing ever on the nose of the big LX, but it’s hard to argue that this design is now one of the boldest in the full-size luxury->ke505 SUV market. The grille is flanked by LED headlights with stylish daytime running lights, and the lower fascia gets angular fog light bezels to match the rest of the front end.

More than anything, it’s pretty amazing what the new shape of the side rear windows accomplishes in terms of the overall design. The D-pillar doesn’t appear to have changed at all, but the profile of the 2016 Lexus LX 570 is far less boxy looking than the previous generations. Adding to the style, the LX gets redesigned 20-inch wheels as standard equipment, while 21-inch rollers are now optional. The rear end was also given an overhaul, with horizontal, L-shaped LED taillights bringing some attitude to the LX’s rump, and Lexus kept the split liftgate, which has a top portion that lifts up like a conventional SUV liftgate and a bottom part folds town like a pickup truck->ke242 tailgate.

Side-by-side comparison

Interior

The eight-passenger cabin has been completely overhauled, but it’s the new tech that will surely draw the most attention. For starters, there’s the new 12.3-inch display mounted front and center in the instrument panel, which is controlled by the mouse-like Remote Touch Interface mounted on the center console. The redesigned gauge cluster gets a bigger, 4.2-inch multi-information display, while the back-seat passengers can now enjoy massive 11.6-inch screens with the optional rear-seat entertainment system. These laptop-sized screens replace the 7-inch screens currently available in the LX. Topping off the new tech, there’s also an optional head-up display.

Finally looking the part of a true luxury flagship, the 2016 Lexus LX gets a cleaner cabin design with fewer buttons on the center stack. The three-spoke steering wheel looks much better than the current Toyota-based four-spoke wheel, and the new wood trim options – including a matte walnut trim – finish off the big changes. There is plenty of room for second-row passengers, who can enjoy the same heated and ventilated seats as the front occupants. The third row is still a little quirky, with a pair of seats that fold up to the sides of the cargo area rather than folding flat into the cargo floor. This creates a lower and flatter load floor, but also makes it narrower.

Drivetrain

As much attention as Lexus paid to updating the exterior and interior of the 2016 LX, the big SUV’s drivetrain received some upgrades as well. Still wearing the LX 570 designation, the 2016 LX is powered by the same 5.7-liter V-8, but it now replaces the old six-speed automatic with a newer eight-speed unit. Not surprisingly, power output carries over with a rating of 383 horsepower and 403 pound-feet of torque. Lexus has not announced fuel economy figures, but the upgraded transmission should bump fuel economy slightly from its current ratings of 12 mpg city and 17 mpg highway. Full-time four-wheel drive continues to be standard, and the tow rating of 7,000 pounds remains unchanged.

Drivetrain Specifications

Type

5.7-liter V8

Output

383 HP

Torque

403 LB-FT @ 3,600 RPM


Safety

The 2016 Lexus LX comes packed with new safety features, including the standard Lexus Safety System+. This suite of safety technology includes Pre-Collision System (PCS) with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert (LDA), Intelligent High Beam (IHB) and All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. On top of that, the LX adds standard panoramic view camera, Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Siri Eyes Free, 10 standard airbags and active front headrests. Of course, if after all of these safety devices, the driver still gets into some trouble, the Lexus Enform Safety Connect (complimentary for one year) automatically dials an emergency operator.

Prices

Lexus has yet to reveal when the 2016 LX will go on sale or how much it will cost, but it shouldn’t vary too much from the current model. For 2015, the LX 570 has a starting MSRP of $83,180, which can quickly climb to a max price of $92,485 by checking all of the option boxes.

Competition

2015 Cadillac Escalade

When it comes to three-row luxury SUVs, the 2015 Cadillac Escalade->2015 Cadillac Escalade is still the leader of the pack. All new for 2015, the $72,970 Cadillac Escalade->ke245 is one of the most eye-catching luxury SUVs->ke145 or crossovers->ke288 currently available, with a new look that makes it completely distinct from other GM->ke1024 SUVs. Like the LX, the sole downside of the Escalade might be that it only offers a single powertrain, but the big Caddy packs an advanced 6.2-liter direct-injected V-8 that delivers 420 horsepower and affords a class-leading 8,300-pound towing capacity.

Read our full review of the 2015 Cadillac Escalade here.

2015 Range Rover

One of the key attributes of the Lexus LX 570 is its off-road prowess, but the all-new Range Rover->ke469 is still the leader in this regard. The go-anywhere-in-ultimate-style Range Rover is priced starting at $84,950, and it offers the broadest engine lineup in the luxury SUV segment, ranging from the base 3.0-liter diesel up to the 550-horspower supercharged V-8. Of course, nothing can touch the Range Rover’s luxury potential, considering the all-new Range Rover SVAutobiography earns its $199,465 with as much luxury as a Bentley->ke15.

Read our full review of the 2015 Range Rover here.

Conclusion

As more luxury automakers shy away from body-on-frame SUVs in favor of more-efficient crossovers, big luxo barges like the 2016 Lexus LX 570 are getting to be a niche segment. After years of being an also-ran in the luxury SUV market, Lexus has finally stepped up to the plate to deliver an LX that should look and feel more like a beefed-up version of the high-lux Lexus LS sedan, rather than a slightly modified version of the Toyota Land Cruiser.