Lexus LX 470 Review

2007 Lexus LX 470 4dr SUV

Domestic manufacturers get much of the credit -- and blame -- for creating the large luxury SUV class. Yet Lexus was actually the first automaker to enter this market when it introduced the LX series for the 1996 model year. The Lexus LX 470 represents the second generation of this elite line of SUVs.

Like most full-size SUVs, the LX 470 uses traditional body-on-frame construction, but it has been tuned to provide a serene and forgiving ride. Unlike many competitors, though, the LX retains substantial off-road capabilities and can take on seriously gnarly 4x4 trails should you care to use it that way.

Most owners do not, of course, and the Lexus LX 470 is an easy vehicle to like even in the confines of suburbia. Although its cabin design is a bit plain by current-day Lexus standards, there's no denying the quality of the materials used to construct it. The leather upholstery is almost inconceivably supple, and the bird's-eye maple inlays are some of the richest you'll find at any price point. A standard third-row seat allows the LX 470 to accommodate up to eight passengers, and indeed it's a common sight in carpool circles at the private academies.

Our only real complaint about the Lexus LX 470 has always been its high price. Unless you're planning to make use of its all-terrain talents, there's simply no reason to spend this much money -- even on a luxury SUV. This is particularly true now that newer competitors like the Mercedes GL-Class and Audi Q7 offer equivalent luxury and superior on-road dynamics for less money. As a used vehicle choice, the LX makes a lot more sense. Depreciation puts pricing more in line with reality, while reliability is nothing short of exceptional.

Current Lexus LX 470

Introduced for 1998, the LX 470 is the oldest vehicle in the Lexus lineup, though the company has announced a replacement, called the LX 570, is in the works. The LX 470 is mechanically identical to the Toyota Land Cruiser, and differences between the two come down to luxury accoutrements – the Lexus has more of them. In standard spec, the LX is fully loaded, as amenities like DVD navigation, a rear backup camera and a premium-grade Mark Levinson sound system are all included. A visit to the options list is only necessary if you want extras like the Night View infrared imaging system or a rear DVD player.

Motivation for all Lexus LX 470s comes from a 4.7-liter V8 rated at 268 horsepower and 328 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed automatic transmission sends power to all four wheels through a permanent four-wheel-drive system. A lever on the center console allows the driver to switch to low-range gearing for maximum traction in heavy snow or dirt, while a separate button locks the center differential into a 50/50 power split between the front and rear axles. An adaptive suspension provides both driver-selectable height control and variable shock absorber damping.

The LX 470 is not especially quick for an SUV in this price range, though the engine's supremely smooth delivery somewhat offsets the lack of vigor. Most shoppers will like the LX's easygoing demeanor on pavement. Still, compared to the newer competition, the big Lexus feels floppy around corners, even with the adaptive suspension in its "Sport" setting.

Inside, seating is plush and comfortable in the first and second rows. The third-row seats are smaller than the rearmost accommodations in other large luxury SUVs. To make matters worse, the 50/50 sections do not fold flat when extra cargo space is needed. Cargo capacity is also on the low side at 90 cubic feet, though the clamshell-style tailgate provides good access to stowed items.

Past Lexus LX 470 Models

The Lexus LX 470 has received a handful of equipment changes since its 1998 debut. If you're shopping for a used one, the best years to look at are 2003 and up. During the '03 model year, the LX switched from a four-speed automatic transmission to the current five-speed, while picking up front-seat side airbags and first- and second-row side curtain airbags. The Night Vision system was added to the options list that year.

The other major update came in 2006 when Lexus equipped the 4.7-liter V8 with variable valve timing, increasing output to 275 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque. Previously, the V8 made just 235 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque (230 hp from 1998-2002). Revised SAE certification standards saw the V8's peak horsepower drop back to 268 for the '07 model year.

The excellent Mark Levinson sound system also became standard equipment in 2006; it was offered as an option from 2001 to 2005. Prior to '01, Lexus offered a well-regarded Nakamichi sound system as the premium-grade audio option. If you want a factory-installed navigation system, you'll need to look at 2001 and later models. The nav system was optional in '01 and standard thereafter. The rear camera system and Bluetooth compatibility became standard fare in 2004.

If you're looking at higher-mileage vehicles, you may come across the first-generation LX, known as the LX 450. It was basically the same size and shape as the LX 470, but drew power from a 4.5-liter V6 rather than a V8.

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* Edmunds.com maintains vehicle data as far back as 1990.