2016 Lexus LX 570 – Bold & Rugged, Yet Highly Refined

Lexus has given its full-size SUV, the LX 570, an overhaul with a much more aggressive presence.

Grabbing your attention first is the restyled front end. The LX 570 has a sharper version of Lexus’ signature signature spindle grille, and new LED headlights, turn signals and fog lights.

The rear end of the LX 570 also sees new taillights and bumper, while it rides on new 10-spoke 20-inch wheels with 21’s an option. After all is said and done, the only exterior panels that are carried over are the doors and roof.

The cabin gets a refresh as well. New wood trim selections are available for 2016, as well as a new wood-rimmed steering wheel.

LX 570 passengers will be comfortable regardless of the outside temperature. Heated and ventilated front seats were already standard, but now the middle row also has the same luxury.

Climate Concierge is standard and automatically monitors the temperature of the four separate climate zones. This adjusts not only the fans, but also the temperature of the seats and steering wheel individually.

Further relaxing rear passengers, the standard dual screen Rear Seat Entertainment system features twin 7-inch screens.

A new 12.3-inch display with Remote Touch Interface (RTI) headlines the upgrades to the infotainment system. The screen can be split three ways to display different functions at the same time. Also, Siri Eyes Free is available to iPhone owners.

Lexus also wants the occupants of the LX 570 to be safe. It comes standard with 10 airbags as well as a wide array of driver-assist technologies.

New for 2016 is Lexus Safety System +. This system is standard on the LX 570 and combines Pre-Collision System (PCS) with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert (LDA), Intelligent High Beam (IHB) and All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control.

While the LX 570 has good outward visibility, Lexus provides standard Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) for extra help. Keeping the driver’s eyes down the road is a new Heads-up Display (HUD). Also, the now standard panoramic view camera makes hitching a trailer or navigating a tight spot easy.

Based on the Toyota Land Cruiser’s robust body-on-frame structure, the LX 570 remains one of the few luxury SUVs that combines a comfortable ride with true off-road capability.

Powered by a familiar 5.7-litre V8 producing 383 hp and 403 lb-ft of torque, the LX 570 is able to tow up to 7,000 pounds. An 8-speed automatic transmission replaces the old 6-speed to improve performance and efficiency.

A Torsen limited-slip locking centre differential gives the LX 570 full-time 4-wheel drive. Under normal conditions, torque is split 40:60, but the differential automatically responds on the move to adjust as necessary.

If needed, the driver can lock the differential to handle challenging off-road surfaces. The 4-wheel Active Traction Control system (A-TRAC) also helps control wheel slip. Further more, the driver can tailor the Multi-Terrain Select system to the conditions. Selectable drive modes include Rock, Rock and Dirt, Mogul, Loose Rock, and Mud and Sand.

If that’s not enough, the transmission has a driver-selectable low range to provide low-speed crawling for steep hills. Supporting that capability is Crawl Control with Turn Assist, Hill-Start Assist Control and Variable Gear Ratio Steering.

What do you think about the updated 2016 Lexus LX 570? How does it compare against its old Range Rover rival?