Development of the current-gen 200 Series Toyota Land Cruiser and subsequently the Lexus LX570 began all the way back in 2002. When the pair broke cover in 2007, they illustrated the arrival of two of the most robust off-roading SUVs money could buy. From 2007 to 2021, the Lexus LX570 underwent massive changes, giving the off-roader a sleeker look while retaining its original architecture and powertrain.
The exact model I’ve been testing is the 2021 Lexus LX570 finished in a strikingly beautiful shade of Nori Green Pearl over a light tan interior with dark brown wood throughout. While this SUV starts at $91,930, my tester came in a hair over $100,000 as tested. While that price tag is nothing to scoff at, it’s clear why the LX570 is a legend within its segment.
A Continuously Refreshed Face
As mentioned earlier, the 2021 Lexus LX570 is by no means the new kid on the block. However, that isn’t to say that it’s carried the same face throughout its 14-year run. In fact, the current generation sports its fourth major refresh. This latest iteration adopts the sizeable front grille design we’ve seen across the entire Lexus model range. Given the size of this SUV, its in-your-face design language works well.
It only takes one glance at the Lexus LX570 to know that it’s a very expensive machine. While its Land Cruiser sibling sports a rounder design overall, the LX is chiseled. Add in that aforementioned sparkly green paint with chrome touches, and you’ve got an SUV that, while not overly modern, manages to retain a classy aesthetic.
Thanks to these updates, this 14-year-old SUV doesn’t stick out as an old-timer on the road. While the next-gen 2022 LX600 builds on this design, it isn’t revolutionary. As a result, opting for a current-gen LX570 won’t leave you feeling like you’re driving an outdated machine.
A Massive V8 We’ll Miss Dearly
While I’ve been driving the 2021 Lexus LX570, the Japanese carmaker announced its replacement, the all-new 2022 model, which sports some significant changes. The first is an all-new powertrain under the hood. The current generation LX570 houses a naturally-aspirated 5.7-liter V8 developing 383 hp and 403 lb-ft of torque. In contrast, its replacement is powered by a 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6 generating 409 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque. While the added power is undoubtedly welcomed, it remains to be seen if the new engine will match the legendary reliability of the current powerplant.
Around town, the LX570 behaves like you’d expect a six-figure SUV would. While its eight-speed automatic transmission is far from the quickest shifter, it smoothly manages gear changes, leading to an excellent daily driving experience. In terms of suspension, the LX570’s adjustable air suspension smooths bumps on the road, despite its tremendous off-roading prowess.
Unfortunately, Florida doesn’t have any massive mountains to climb or off-roading parks to challenge the LX570 truly. As a result, I spent all of my time in it commuting around the city. Regardless, it is worth mentioning that the LX570 comes equipped with a sophisticated all-wheel-drive system with locking differentials, adjustable dampers, and tons of off-roading tech. As a result, the LX570 may be a large luxury SUV, but it can practically go anywhere.
A Luxurious Interior With A Solid Build
There is no denying that the 2021 Lexus LX570’s interior is an excellent place to be. Since most surfaces are covered in either leather or wood, the LX570’s cabin certainly feels premium. However, there are some drawbacks. For example, while my tester featured a massive infotainment screen, it lacked compatibility with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Additionally, you interact with the screen by utilizing Lexus’ mouse-style controller, making it difficult to sort through menus while driving accurately.
Tech drawbacks aside, the LX570 feels solid. While plenty of the buttons you interact with are made of plastic, they feel as though they’ll last a lifetime. Sitting inside of the LX570, you get a sense that it was built to last. At speed, you’re shielded from excessive road noise thanks to excellent insulation, which adds to the overall luxurious feel.
In terms of space, the LX570 has plenty to offer. While you can have your LX570 with two or three rows of seating, you’re looking at 83.1 ft³ of space with all of the seats folded down. As a result, the LX570 makes for a tremendous family-focused adventure vehicle.
Is The 2021 Lexus LX570 Worth $100,000?
Whether or not the 2021 Lexus LX570 price is worth it or not comes down squarely to how you intend to put it to use. If the goal is to have a sizeable cushy SUV around town, the LX570 is undoubtedly great but not the best in its segment. However, if the goal is to put some of its off-roading chops to good use, the LX570 is seemingly in a lane of its own.
While the six-figure price point gets stiff competition from other SUVs such as the Range Rover and Mercedes G-Class, the LX570’s proven reliability record gives it some undeniable upsides. Additionally, the Lexus LX570 has historically proven that it will hold its value well over multiple decades. As a result, you pay up to have one, but it’s designed to last well past 100,000 miles.
If my week with this massive off-roader is anything to go by, I’m looking forward to the future of the LX line. While U.S. buyers won’t be able to put a brand-new Land Cruiser on their driveways anytime soon, thankfully, its luxury-oriented sibling seems like it’ll stick around for a while.
