For years, the world of large SUVs felt somewhat alien to me, a domain often misunderstood by true car enthusiasts. I confess, I was once among those who scoffed at these behemoths – the leather-clad, off-road-capable family haulers. Why, I wondered, would anyone need such a massive, expensive, and fuel-guzzling machine just to ferry kids around town? It seemed excessive, unnecessary, even wasteful. That was until I actually started getting behind the wheel of these vehicles. My perspective began to shift, and I started to understand the appeal. Among the SUVs that truly converted me, the 2024 Lexus LX 600 stands out as a prime example.
The current generation LX is deeply rooted in the global market Toyota Land Cruiser 300 Series, a model not available stateside. While we in the US are welcoming the 2024 Land Cruiser, it’s the smaller, hybrid four-cylinder variant. For those craving the robust V8 experience and the sheer scale of the Land Cruiser 300, the Lexus LX is the closest and arguably more luxurious alternative available in America. Its Land Cruiser DNA is undeniable from the moment you lay eyes on it.
With its commanding tall hood, powerful stance, boxy silhouette, and that signature, generously sized Lexus grille, the LX 600 exudes an aura of strength and capability. Even with its stylish wheels and prominent Lexus badging, it projects a more utilitarian vibe than many of its luxury SUV counterparts, giving it a distinct character. This character isn’t just skin deep; it translates directly to the driving experience, making the LX 600 a genuinely captivating and formidable vehicle.
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Delving into the Lexus LX 600: Platform, Design, and Powertrain
To truly understand the Lexus LX 600, it’s crucial to acknowledge its foundational link to the Toyota Land Cruiser. While a direct comparison would necessitate experiencing the Land Cruiser 300 firsthand in international markets, the shared DNA is readily apparent in both its aesthetics and engineering. Beneath the luxurious skin, both vehicles utilize Toyota’s robust TNGA-F body-on-frame chassis. This platform is not exclusive to these SUVs; it also underpins the Toyota Tundra pickup truck and the Sequoia SUV, highlighting its inherent strength and durability.
Image Credit: Nico DeMattia
Exterior Design: A Bold Statement
The Lexus LX 600’s exterior design is undeniably assertive. Its dominant front grille, stretching from the bumper to the hood, commands attention. The sheer size of the grille, dominated by horizontal slats, leaves little unoccupied space at the front. The test vehicle featured an appearance package that opted for dark matte gray for the grille and exterior trim. While this darker treatment arguably tones down the flashiness, some might perceive it as diminishing the sense of premiumness. However, paired with the striking Nori Green Pearl paint, the overall look was undeniably appealing. For a more rugged aesthetic and potentially improved ride comfort, opting for smaller wheels and chunkier tires could be a desirable modification.
Interior and Technology: Luxury Infused with Practicality
Stepping inside the LX 600, the Land Cruiser lineage becomes even more evident. While not carbon copies, the fundamental dashboard and center console layout clearly echo the Land Cruiser’s design. Lexus has integrated its contemporary 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a user-friendly and visually appealing upgrade consistent with other new Lexus models. However, the secondary, smaller screen positioned below it feels less intuitive. This lower screen primarily manages climate controls and displays off-road data. Its diminutive size can make it challenging to view and operate while driving. Arguably, retaining the Land Cruiser’s physical buttons for climate control might have offered a more ergonomic and user-friendly experience.
Image Credit: Nico DeMattia
In typical Lexus fashion, the LX 600’s cabin is beautifully appointed with high-quality materials, supportive and comfortable seats, and a steering wheel that feels premium to the touch. However, despite its imposing exterior dimensions, the interior space can feel somewhat constrained. With two car seats installed in the second row, front passenger legroom becomes noticeably limited. The third row is best suited for smaller occupants, a surprising compromise given the vehicle’s overall size and external perception as a cavernous SUV capable of accommodating large families.
Powertrain and Performance Specs
Powering the Lexus LX 600 is a 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6 engine, generating a robust 409 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a smooth and responsive 10-speed automatic transmission and a full-time all-wheel-drive system featuring a Torsen limited-slip center differential.
Driving Dynamics: On-Road Refinement and Off-Road Prowess
While the 0-60 mph sprint of 6.9 seconds might not sound overtly quick, the engine’s responsiveness in real-world driving feels more energetic than the numbers suggest. The 10-speed automatic transmission operates seamlessly, effectively fading into the background and allowing the LX 600’s other attributes to shine. While the powertrain itself isn’t groundbreaking, it performs its role admirably, providing ample power and refinement expected in a luxury SUV of this caliber, without detracting from the overall driving experience. However, the hybrid V6 found in the Toyota Sequoia could potentially offer an even more compelling blend of power and efficiency in this application.
Lexus engineers have masterfully tuned the rugged body-on-frame chassis to deliver a surprisingly enjoyable on-road driving experience. Despite its truck-based underpinnings and the test vehicle’s large 22-inch wheels (which likely contribute to a firmer ride), driving the LX 600 is consistently engaging. The steering is a standout feature – nicely weighted, surprisingly quick to respond, and commendably accurate. The LX 600 exhibits a level of agility that belies its size, and forward visibility is excellent, contributing to driver confidence. While it may not achieve the same level of plushness as a Range Rover, nor the overtly rugged character of a Sequoia, the LX 600 strikes a unique and appealing balance between luxury and capability, making each drive feel distinctive.
However, it’s worth noting that the LX 600’s charms are most appreciated from the driver’s seat. Passengers may be more attuned to the ride’s firmness, particularly over uneven surfaces, and the aforementioned interior space limitations. Therefore, while the driver might relish the LX 600 experience, passenger enjoyment could be more dependent on individual preferences and expectations.
Despite its luxurious trappings, the Lexus LX 600 is engineered for genuine off-road capability, a trait inherited from its Land Cruiser lineage. While a rigorous off-road test wasn’t conducted to preserve the expensive 22-inch wheels, the LX 600 confidently handled light mud and sand, effortlessly showcasing its inherent off-road DNA. While the majority of LX 600 owners may never venture onto challenging trails, its inherent capability provides peace of mind and underscores its robust engineering.
Highs and Lows: Assessing the Lexus LX 600’s Strengths and Weaknesses
During the evaluation, I found myself increasingly drawn to the LX 600, almost to the point of overlooking some of its shortcomings. The vehicle’s aesthetics, for example, grew significantly on me throughout the week. The white and brown leather interior exuded a sense of sophisticated luxury, and even the somewhat cramped interior began to feel like an acceptable trade-off for its inherent ruggedness.
Image Credit: Nico DeMattia
However, it’s important to acknowledge the LX 600’s drawbacks. The firmer ride quality, particularly noticeable in the rear seats, the somewhat confined second row, the practically unusable third row, and limited cargo space with the third row upright, all detract from its practicality as a dedicated family SUV. With the third row folded, cargo capacity expands to a more respectable 41 cubic feet. However, for larger families, the LX 600 might present spatial compromises. The price point, with the tested model reaching nearly $110,000, is also a significant consideration.
Features, Options, Competition, and Fuel Economy
As expected for a vehicle with a base price nearing $93,000, the Lexus LX 600 comes generously equipped even in its standard configuration. Heated and 10-way adjustable front seats, a heated steering wheel, 20-inch wheels, an 8,000-pound towing capacity, and the advanced 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system are all included as standard features. A base LX 600 offers a comprehensive suite of features, negating the need for further options for many buyers.
The “Luxury” trim level of the test vehicle added further enhancements. While the base model is a five-seater, the Luxury trim increases seating capacity to seven. Additional upgrades include quad-zone climate control, a center console “Cool Box” for beverages, and a premium Mark Levinson surround sound system. The $1,295 Appearance Package replaced the standard chrome trim with dark gray accents on the grille, door trim, and roof rails. Active air suspension was a $1,300 option, and a rear-seat dual-screen entertainment system added a substantial $2,240 to the price. These options elevated the as-tested price to a considerable $109,945.
Image Credit: Nico DeMattia
While expensive, the LX 600’s price aligns within its competitive segment. The Range Rover, a key competitor, starts at approximately $109,000 and can easily exceed that figure with options, offering comparable seating and off-road capabilities. The Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen, another rival, has a starting price exceeding $141,000 and offers seating for only five. When viewed within this context, the Lexus LX 600 presents a relatively competitive value proposition.
Fuel Economy Considerations
Unsurprisingly, fuel efficiency is not a primary strength of the Lexus LX 600. Moving nearly 6,000 pounds requires considerable energy, and the twin-turbo V6 consumes fuel accordingly. EPA estimates are 19 mpg combined, but real-world testing yielded slightly over 17 mpg during the evaluation period. While driving style influences fuel consumption, the LX 600 is less fuel-efficient than some of its rivals.
Image Credit: EPA
However, it’s unlikely that fuel economy is a primary concern for buyers in this segment. The LX 600 is a six-figure, three-row, three-ton, luxury SUV; fuel efficiency is likely a secondary consideration compared to factors like luxury, capability, and prestige.
Value and Verdict: Is the Lexus LX 600 the Right Luxury SUV?
Assessing the “value” of a vehicle like the Lexus LX 600 is subjective. It’s inherently a vehicle of excess, making traditional value metrics less applicable. Buyers in this segment typically purchase based on desire and affordability rather than purely rational value propositions.
However, when considering its competitive set – primarily the Range Rover and Mercedes-Benz G-Class – the LX 600 emerges as arguably the most compelling value. While it may lack the advanced locking differentials of the Range Rover and G-Wagen, its off-road capabilities are more than sufficient for the vast majority of luxury SUV buyers. Interior quality is on par with its rivals. The Range Rover offers a more refined ride, while the LX 600 retains a more truck-like feel.
Image Credit: Nico DeMattia
This truck-like ride character, however, contributes to the LX 600’s unique charm. It conveys a sense of underlying robustness and capability, wrapped in a luxurious package. While its compromised interior space limits its family-hauling practicality, and it might not be as overtly opulent as a Range Rover, the Lexus LX 600 possesses a captivating, brutish charm that is undeniably appealing. It won’t resonate with every luxury SUV buyer, but for those who appreciate its unique blend of ruggedness and refinement, the Lexus LX 600 is a truly compelling and rewarding vehicle.
