2008 Lexus LX 570

With all the talk about big SUVs being too thirsty for today’s realities, the fact is many buyers still want them, especially those that are oriented towards luxury. So ready to attract those intenders is the new Lexus LX 570. In its third generation, LX designers have outfitted this premium SUV with more exterior appeal, more power, and more interior glamour. So for drivers who truly love their posh SUVs, and are willing to forgive their thirst, will the new LX ring their bell?

Loads of choices and sky-high gas prices have made the large sport-utility market competitive to the extreme. Indeed, hefty supplies and hefty discounts have become the norm. So Lexus had to make big changes to its all-new 2008 LX 570 to make it a luxury standout.

Heavily based on the Toyota Land Cruiser, the LX 570 name reflects its most obvious change, the addition of the Tundra’s larger 5.7-liter V8. In the LX it delivers 383 horsepower and 403 pound-feet of torque. That’s 115 horses and 75 pound-feet more than the 4.7-liter V8 it replaced.

Mated to a new 6-speed automatic transmission with a manual shift mode, this powerful combo gives the body-on-frame LX 570 an impressive 8,500 pound towing capacity.

But government fuel economy ratings of 12 city/18 highway on premium gas, along with a thirsty Energy Impact Score of 22.8 barrels of oil per year, won’t haul it onto any greenie must-buy lists.

The Active Height and Adaptive Variable suspension systems have been upgraded to provide a greater range of adjustment and faster response time, while the full-time two-speed four-wheel-drive system boasts a new lightweight transfer case, and center limited-slip locking differential. Both traction control and Vehicle Stability Control are standard, along with larger 20-inch wheels which are stopped by bigger 4-wheel disc brakes with multi-terrain anti-lock and brake assist. 

And the LX 570 is a multi-terrain vehicle, as we found out on California desert trails that rarely, if ever, see any Lexus utility.

That’s a shame, because the LX is one capable ground-pounder. The new high-mount double wishbone front suspension has 9-inches of total travel, and along with Hill-Start Assist, the transmission features a new Crawl Control that modulates power delivery and braking force when driving on rough surfaces.

With all systems online, the 570 easily tackled sand and rocks that would slow many a high-end sport-ute. Slap some knobby tires on this baby, and you might give the folks at the local off-road meet a real surprise.

But it’s on-road in the urban jungle where the LX 570 displays the boulevard ride that Lexus vehicles are known for.

The suspension’s new “posture control” reduces body roll in corners, and variable spring rate control in the front shocks gives the LX a tighter feel on corner entry.

Unfortunately, the speed-sensing steering has a mushy, disconnected feel that clouds these improvements.

But a popular improvement for many luxo SUV fans will be how the LX automatically drops 2-inches when the ignition is off which eases entry into a larger, and even more sophisticated, cabin.

As with all Lexus models, the LX 570 is packed with upscale amenities, from leather-clad power seats that puts your favorite recliner to shame to a more powerful 4-zone climate control system and voice activated navigation with Bluetooth and a rear back-up camera.  The rear camera can be integrated into an optional front and side view camera system that helps you park.

Audio choices include an optional 450-watt 19-speaker Mark Levinson surround sound system with a 30-gig hard drive, and rear seat DVD.

There are plenty of airbags as well. The LX boasts 10 of them, including side curtains for all three rows. Plus, the optional Pre-Collision System works with the Adaptive Cruise Control to prepare for any potential crash.

And there’s plenty of versatility for both cargo and passengers. In a class first, the reclining second row seats feature a power-sliding function, as well as optional heat, while the third-row seats are not only adult sized, but offer standard power fold. Total cargo space is 83.1 cubic feet, all easily accessed through the powered hatch.

Your access to the LX 570, however, depends on whether you can swing the $74,565 base price.

Yes, the 2008 Lexus LX 570 is still a big, pricey, and thirsty SUV. But it is also a vehicle that adheres to the highest standards of luxury, technology, and capability. So, while you may not be able to paint it green, the new LX will still fill other SUV owners with envy.