The Lexus LX is Lexus’ flagship SUV and the luxury twin of the Toyota Land Cruiser. It arrived in 1996 as the LX 450, and every generation since has combined Land Cruiser toughness — body-on-frame construction, serious four-wheel drive and famous durability — with a Lexus interior. The current LX 600 (2022) uses a twin-turbo V6, and a hybrid LX 700h followed. An Ultra Luxury version turns it into a four-seat chauffeur SUV.

At a glance

Generation Years Engine
LX 450 1996–1997 Inline-six
LX 470 1998–2007 4.7L V8
LX 570 2008–2021 5.7L V8
LX 600 / LX 700h 2022–today 3.4L twin-turbo V6; hybrid

Built on a legend

The Land Cruiser is one of the most respected off-road vehicles in the world, used by aid organizations, militaries and explorers in the harshest environments. The LX inherits that engineering and adds luxury: leather, wood, advanced suspension and quiet cabins. It is especially popular in the Middle East and Russia, and in the U.S. with buyers who want a luxury SUV that will last.

LX 470 and LX 570

The LX 470 introduced a V8 and height-adjustable suspension. The LX 570 grew larger with a 5.7-litre V8 and a more aggressive grille, becoming a common luxury SUV in affluent suburbs.

LX 600: modern Lexus

The current LX moved to Toyota’s new TNGA-F platform with a lighter body, a twin-turbo V6 replacing the V8, and modern technology. The Ultra Luxury trim configures the rear as a two-seat lounge with reclining seats, footrests, a refrigerator and entertainment screens — a direct rival to the Mercedes-Maybach GLS.

LX vs American full-size SUVs

The LX is famously durable and capable off-road, but its third row and cargo space are smaller than those of full-size American SUVs like the Chevrolet Suburban or Cadillac Escalade ESV. For chauffeured groups with luggage, American long-wheelbase SUVs are more practical — see our Chevrolet Suburban.