2008 Lexus LX570
By Nina Russin
2008 Lexus LX570 Quick Facts
| Base Price: |
$73,800 |
| Price as Tested: |
$80,665 |
| Horespower: |
383 Hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Torque: |
403 lbs.-ft. @ 3600 rpm |
| 0 to 60: |
7.4 secs |
| ABS Brakes: |
Standard |
| Side Curtain Airbags: |
Standard |
| EPA Fuel: |
12/18 m.p.g. city/highway |
| Towing Capability: |
Yes |
| Off-Road Capability: |
Yes |
| First-Aid Kit: |
Not available |
| Notes/Additional Info.:
|
Base price does not include a $765 delivery charge. |
This year, Lexus replaces the full-sized LX470 with a new model that builds on its off-road heritage, and adds a more powerful engine. Full time four-wheel drive with two gear ranges, a crawl control system, and adaptive suspension give the LX exceptional traction on unpaved roads. I wouldn't be surprised to see one scale the side of a Mayan ruin.
On the downside, I'd hate to think what a trip across the Rubicon trail would do to the white pearl paint on the test truck. The vehicle's sixteen-foot length and six-and-a-half foot width makes its less maneuverable than smaller sport-utility vehicles.
In the real world, the LX570 is a high-luxury, eight passenger vehicle that handles unpaved roads, ice and snow with aplomb. It has a powerful air conditioner tested in the Arizona desert, and special ceramic heating units that warm the interior up quickly on a cold Chicago morning. An option on the test car adds climate control seats for front-row passengers.
Adjustable ride height ensures that the LX570 will be able to clear the deepest snow banks the upper Midwest can muster, while mud and snow tires enhance traction. Active safety features such as multi-terrain antilock brakes, and electronic stability control help the driver to maintain directional control on wet, hilly roads.
A towing capacity of 8500 pounds gives the LX570 enough power to haul a boat or a large trailer. Engineers maintained the body-on-frame construction and solid rear-axle on the previous model: the design makes the truck more robust and rigid for towing. Adjustable suspension damping gives the driver more control when towing a trailer.
