Adventuring empty nesters get more gear space in new two-row Lexus LX 570
They had teased us a bit leading up to the reveal which kept us wondering what new luxury or off-road capability were they going to add. After-all more and bigger is better, or is it? Well, in this case, they surprised us with not bigger, but certainly better.
We swear they had heard us along with a lot of other folks talking in the past that a three-row multi-capable SUV was nice for some, but not all. In our case – as empty nesters – and for many who have the resources to spend near $90,000 for a superbly executed multi-capable SUV, we no longer needed three rows. In fact, when we had the third row, we never used it but groused instead that more room for ‘stuff’ would be nice.
Lexus listened, and for 2018, is offering a new trim level on the LX 570, calling it simply the ‘two-row’.
Still able to carry very comfortably five full-size adventuring adults, the LX 570 offers more cargo space behind the second row plus a roof rack (with rails) standard and the same tow capacity as the three-row – for $5,000 less.
We have always loved the Lexus LX 570 finding it to be a terrific blend of luxury SUV comfort and convenience coupled very nicely with solid off-road or back country capability. Now, absent the third row and for less money, we love it even more.
Priced at MSRP of $84,980, the new LX 570 two-row single-spec trim level gives customers like us, smaller families and others – who often travel with less than 7 or 8 passengers, but much more gear or (in our case) therir dogs – more room to get it all in.
One Trim Level – One Choice
Lexus calls it a mono-spec trim level choice, we call it easy. One price, one model with the complete array of convenience, technology, amenities, comfort and performance of the three-row model – as a two-row for $5,000 less. That certainly speaks to us.
We still have to make choices though – like which of the six premium exterior finishes and two luxury interiors do we want? That’s it.
Along with the increase to 55 cubic feet of cargo space created by removing the third row – the LX 570 two-row comes with all of the standard LX570 three-row features and treatments. The ‘two-row’ has the same signature spindle grille framed in chrome trim, triple-beam LED headlamps, leather-trimmed interior, 14-way power driver/12-way power passenger seat, four-zone automatic climate control, power split door tailgate, moonroof, three-spoke wood-rimmed steering wheel and the Lexus ‘classic’ analog clock with LED indicators mounted in a housing milled from a single aluminum ingot and the rest.
Outback Adventuring
For us empty-nester types – having the resources to go ‘outback in style’ also requires that our vehicle be more than capable. Offering all of the capability of the LX 570 three-row, the added cargo space of the two-row gives us new flexibility to haul a lot more stuff for even more serious outback adventuring.
Did we say ‘haul’? Well then, what about a boat or recreational vehicles on a trailer?
With its 5.7L 383 horsepower V8 engine with 403 lb-ft. of peak torque at a low 2,200 RPM and electronically controlled 8-speed automatic transmission with adaptive shift (it ‘learns’ how you drive) technology and Hill-Start Assist; the LX 570 two row, with trailer sway control, tows the same 7,000 pounds using the standard integrated tow hitch receiver.
As for the Outback?
The LX 570 two-row runs on 20-inch wheels mounted with 285/50R20 All-Season tires selected for comfort and capability both on or off-road to the outback.
A Torsen limited-slip locking center differential provides the full-time four-wheel drive adjusting torque distribution as needed for road conditions. The four-wheel drive Active Control System helps control wheel slip in normal conditions. Using the Multi-Terrain Select system, the driver can select a drive-mode (Rock, Rock and Dirt, Mogul, Loose Rock and Mud and Sand) to meet a local condition on or off-road.
In addition, there is also a driver selectable transmission low range – supported by Crawl Control with Turn Assist, Hill Start Assist and Variable Gear Ratio Steering – that provides enhanced low-speed crawl capability for steep hills or very uneven terrain.
With its body-on-frame high strength steel ladder frame and coil spring-type double wishbone independent suspension front and four-link lateral rod-type suspension rear, the LX is tough as nails on or off-road. Factoring in its 8.9-inch ground clearance, and Approach, Departure and Break Over Angles of 25, 20 and 23 degrees respectively, it can deal with a wide variety of outback terrains.
For on or off-road and towing comfort and control, it also features the Lexus Adaptive Variable, Electro-hydraulic suspension (that continuously adjusts shock damping rates) and 4-wheel Active Height Control and automatic load leveling.
A Multi-Terrain Anti-lock Braking System automatically detects road-surface conditions and optimizes lock control by selecting an ABS profile to match the road condition providing sure braking and brake control both on and off-road.
A key feature – not found on many large SUV’s is the standard Panoramic View Monitor – with a large 12.3-inch display screen – that allows multiple views of the area all around the LX 570 to help in parking around town, navigating terrain obstacles outback or even backing up to and hitching to a trailer.
Technology
Technology offerings in the 570 two-row are the same also including the remote Touch Interface controller that manages the 12.3-inch display and operates climate control, audio, phone and turn-by-turn navigation through Apple Maps. Audio is delivered – aided by the convenience of Siris Eyes Free – through the standard nine-speaker Lexus Premium Audio System from multiple sources including iPod/USB connectivity, HD Radio with iTunes, tagging, Bluetooth streaming and CD’s.
Safety and Connectivity
The 2018 LX570 two-row features the same safety and connectivity features as the three-row including the Lexus Safety System+ with Pre-Collision System (PCS) with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert (LDA), Intelligent High-Beam headlamps and All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control and includes automatic braking with Brake Assist if necessary. Also standard is Intuitive Park Assist and Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert .
Five Lexus Enform connected services features are standard or available: including Enform Safety Connect, Enform Service Connect (manages vehicle service points), Enform Remote (control using smartphone apps), Enform App Suite and Enform Destination Assist (in car personal concierge).
Options to the LX 570?
The 2018 Lexus LX 570 ( http://www.lexus/models/LX ) is available now, but as we noted, the near $90,000 MSRP may be out of your current price range for a premium level – outback capable – three row SUV. If so, stay with the Lexus brand and take a look at the, also three-row, 2018 GX 470 ( http://www.lexus/models/GX ) which is a tad-bit smaller but has nearly all of the capability and amenities of the LX with a more affordable MSRP of $51,855.
Note: As of this writing, the availability of the LX-570 two-row had not been announced.
