The Lexus LX 570 underwent a major upgrade for the 2008 model which saw a massive increase in horsepower, a great improvement in the suspension and handling, a jump of 2000lb in towing ability and an upgrade in interior comfort. All of these improvements add up to a very impressive luxury SUV, but even this may not be enough for this classy cousin of the Toyota Land Cruiser to survive the current economic downturn that is sending potential luxury SUV buyers away in droves. This year thousands of the wealthy elite are skipping their yearly vehicle upgrade or opting for cheaper and more practical SUV Crossovers as they ride out the bad times and it is vehicles like the Lexus LX that are suffering the most. Nevertheless the LX continues to be a class-act of the SUV world, offering great performance and luxury interior to rival the best in the class.
2009 Lexus LX 570 Performance
The standard powertrain for the 2009 LX 570 is a mighty 5.7-liter V8 engine that generates 381hp and 403lb/ft of torque. This saw an increase of more than 100hp last year over the 2007 model and a massive improvement in power availability, taking the Lexus to 60mph in just 7.2 seconds – pretty impressive for a big truck. This engine is paired with a new six-speed sequential-shift automatic transmission.
Last year the suspension was also upgraded to an Adaptive Variable Suspension system with cross-linked valves that means when one wheel is pushed upwards, the opposite wheel is pushed downwards to maximise the traction available. For off-road situations this is a brilliant system, although it goes without question that just a small proportion of Lexus LX 570’s will ever see a dirt road. Part of the new suspension system is a Four-Wheel Electro-Hydraulic Suspension with Active Height Control (AHC) which adjusts the height of the vehicle according to driving conditions. At highway speeds it automatically lowers the height for better handling, and then when low-range gear is engaged, it raises the height by around 3 inches for better ground clearance.
Crawl control is also featured on the 2009 Lexus LX 570, and it enables the SUV to maintain a constant slow speed over rough terrain in low range gear so that the driver concentrates on steering. Towing on the Lexus LX is outstanding with a maximum capacity of 8,500lb, making this one of the best towing and off-roading vehicles out there (aside perhaps from the legendary Range Rover and Jeep Wrangler).
The overall driving experience of the 2009 Lexus LX is smooth and refined, with extremely light steering that makes it easy to manoeuvre around the city, but with a tendency to wander at speed. Fuel economy is predictably poor averaging around 14mpg, however this is not worse than the other luxury SUVs out there.
2009 Lexus LX 570 Interior and Features
The 2009 Lexus LX offers Lexus’ famous interior cabin quality, but it does not come across quite as well in the SUV range as it does in the luxury sedans. There is no shortage of quality materials and classy design, but the seats lack the padding that others in this class offer, and the overall feel is slightly spartan. Maximum seating is for eight passengers, with power folding second-row and power flat-folding third-row. While there is plenty of leg and head room in the first and second rows, the third row is best suited for the kids. An extra-cool feature is the “easy access” suspension feature that lowers the height of the vehicle to allow easier access for passengers.
Standard features are plentiful in the LX, justifying the luxury tag, and include leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, navigation system with voice recognition, rear obstacle camera, 14-way adjustable driver seat, real wood trim, keyless access and starting, power sunroof, heated front seats and mirrors, universal garage door opener, power liftgate, steering-linked adaptive headlights, intermittent wipers and stereo system with 6-disc CD and MP3 compatability.
Options include a rear seat DVD entertainment system, upgraded leather and wood trim, Lexus Link assistance system, and a pre-crash system that closes windows and sunroof, tightens seatbelts, primes the airbags and prepares the brakes. Front and side obstacle cameras are optional to add to the rear cameras, an upgraded Mark Levinson hard-drive based stereo system is optional, as is remote engine start.
2009 Lexus LX 570 Safety
The 2009 Lexus LX features a full range of safety features including stability control, 4 wheel ABS, brake assist and anti-skid systems to prevent loss of control in emergency situations. Front seat active headrests prevent whiplash, while hill ascent and descent control offers a high level of control in off-roading situations. Dual front, front side and side curtain airbags are all included as well as front knee airbags.
- Electronic stability control, ABS, brake assist, anti-skid system
- Active headrests
- Dual front, front side, side curtain and knee airbags
- Hill ascent and descent
- Rear obstacle camera
- Tire pressure monitor
Overall the 2009 Lexus LX 570 is a class-act in the luxury large SUV field, competing admirably amongst the multitude of other offerings like the Cadillac Escalade and Land Rover Range Rover. Despite being let down by its slightly less plush interior, the LX offers serious performance and off-road credentials for the wealthy elite.