For years, the perception of large SUVs, especially amongst car enthusiasts, often leaned towards skepticism. The idea of oversized, leather-clad, off-road vehicles primarily used for mundane family duties seemed wasteful to some. However, experiencing vehicles like the 2024 Lexus LX 600 firsthand begins to shift that perspective. This robust SUV, sharing its foundation with the global market Toyota Land Cruiser 300 Series, offers a compelling blend of luxury and capability that’s hard to dismiss. While the U.S. market welcomes the new 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser, it’s the smaller, hybrid variant. For those seeking the full-sized, V8-spirited experience, the Lexus LX 600 stands as the closest and arguably more luxurious option available stateside. From its commanding presence to its confident performance, the LX 600 proudly displays its Land Cruiser DNA.
With its imposing hood, powerful stance, boxy silhouette, and signature expansive grille, the Lexus LX 600 makes a bold statement. Even with its stylish wheels and Lexus emblems, it exudes a more utilitarian vibe compared to many luxury SUVs, giving it a distinct character. Crucially, this character translates directly to the driving experience, making the LX 600 a genuinely appealing and powerful luxury SUV.
Lexus LX 600: Delving into the Basics
It’s difficult to definitively comment on the nuanced differences between the Lexus LX 600 and the Toyota Land Cruiser 300 Series without direct side-by-side testing. However, the shared lineage is undeniably evident both inside and out. Both models are built upon Toyota’s robust TNGA-F body-on-frame chassis, a platform also underpinning the Toyota Tundra and Sequoia, known for its durability and strength.
Image: Front, side, and rear quarter views of the 2023 Lexus LX 600 in Nori Green Pearl paint, highlighting its boxy design and large grille.
Aesthetically, the Lexus LX 600 presents a distinctive, and for some, challenging facade. Its massive grille dominates the front end, extending from the bumper to the hood and nearly spanning the entire width. The front design prioritizes grille surface area, leaving minimal open space. The tested model featured a dark matte gray finish on the grille and exterior trim, which, while subtly toning down the visual impact, arguably diminishes some of its premium feel. However, this darker trim complemented the excellent Nori Green Pearl paint. Visually, smaller wheels paired with more substantial tires could enhance both the look and ride comfort.
Stepping inside, the Land Cruiser influence is more apparent in the LX 600’s interior design, which isn’t necessarily a drawback. While not identical, the dashboard and center console layout clearly echo the Land Cruiser’s functional design. Lexus’s integrated 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, consistent with other new Lexus models, is a positive upgrade. However, the smaller secondary screen beneath it is less user-friendly. This lower screen manages climate controls and displays off-road data, but its size makes it difficult to read and operate effectively while driving. Retaining the Land Cruiser’s physical buttons for these functions might have been a more practical approach.
Image: Interior shots of the Lexus LX 600, showcasing the dashboard with dual screens, leather seats, and steering wheel.
Beyond the infotainment system, the LX 600’s cabin is undeniably luxurious, featuring high-quality materials, supportive seats, and a comfortable steering wheel. However, interior space is surprisingly limited. With two car seats in the second row, front passenger legroom becomes restricted, and the third row is best suited for smaller occupants. Considering its substantial exterior dimensions, the LX 600’s interior space feels less generous than expected.
Powering the Lexus LX 600 is a 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6 engine, delivering 409 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a smooth 10-speed automatic transmission and a full-time all-wheel-drive system, incorporating a Torsen limited-slip center differential for enhanced traction.
Driving Dynamics: Experiencing the Lexus LX 600 on the Road
The engine performance of the LX 600 feels more responsive than its 0-60 mph time of 6.9 seconds might suggest. The 10-speed automatic transmission operates seamlessly, effectively fading into the background during normal driving. While the powertrain isn’t particularly exhilarating, it’s certainly competent and allows the other positive attributes of the LX 600 to stand out. It performs its role effectively in a large, luxury SUV designed for both on and off-road adventures. However, the hybrid V6 powertrain found in the Toyota Sequoia could potentially offer a more engaging driving experience in this context.
Lexus engineers have impressively managed to imbue this body-on-frame chassis with surprisingly enjoyable on-road driving characteristics. While the ride isn’t flawless – the 22-inch wheels likely contribute to a somewhat firm, truck-like feel – driving the LX 600 is consistently engaging. The steering is a highlight: well-weighted, surprisingly responsive, and precise. The LX 600 feels more agile than its size would indicate, and forward visibility is excellent. It might not reach the ultimate luxury levels of a Range Rover, nor the outright truck-like nature of a Sequoia, but it strikes a pleasing balance, making each drive feel distinct and enjoyable. Getting behind the wheel of the LX 600 is consistently a positive experience.
However, the LX 600’s appeal seems to be most appreciated from the driver’s seat. Passengers may be more aware of the firmer ride on uneven surfaces and the less spacious interior. Therefore, passenger enjoyment might not fully mirror the driver’s enthusiasm for the LX 600.
Despite its luxury focus, the Lexus LX 600 is designed with off-road capability in mind, rooted in its Land Cruiser heritage. While rigorous off-road testing with the reviewed model wasn’t undertaken, light off-road scenarios like mud and sand were handled effortlessly, underscoring its inherent capability. Although most LX 600 owners may not frequently venture onto challenging trails, its off-road prowess is a reassuring and valuable aspect of its design.
Highs and Lows: Assessing the Lexus LX 600’s Strengths and Weaknesses
Objectivity aside, the Lexus LX 600 has a way of growing on you, prompting a degree of leniency towards its shortcomings. Over a week of driving, the positive aspects became increasingly prominent. The white and brown leather interior is particularly appealing, and even the somewhat cramped interior becomes more acceptable in the context of its rugged capabilities. This slight compromise in space is, perhaps, the trade-off for robust off-road performance.
Image: Close-up details of the Lexus LX 600 interior, highlighting the leather seats, dashboard stitching, and door panel trim.
However, the LX 600 is not without its drawbacks. The firm ride, limited rear-seat space, practically unusable third row, and minimal cargo capacity with the third row upright detract from its family SUV credentials. With the third row folded, cargo space expands to a more practical 41 cubic feet, but the LX 600 is realistically best suited for families of four or fewer. The price point, with the tested model nearing $110,000, also positions it firmly in the luxury segment.
Lexus LX 600 Features, Options, and Market Competition
As expected for a vehicle in the near-$93,000 starting price range, the Lexus LX 600 is well-equipped even in its base configuration. Standard features include heated, 10-way adjustable seats, a heated steering wheel, 20-inch wheels, an 8,000-pound towing capacity, and the advanced 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. A base model LX 600 offers a comprehensive set of features that would satisfy most buyers.
The “Luxury” trim level of the test vehicle added further enhancements. While the standard model seats five, the Luxury trim increases capacity to seven. Additional features include quad-zone climate control, a center console “Cool Box” for beverages, and a high-end Mark Levinson surround sound system. The $1,295 Appearance Package substituted 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 the rear-seat dual-screen entertainment system added a significant $2,240 to the price. These options elevated the as-tested price to a substantial $109,945.
Image: Lexus LX 600 front three-quarter view in motion on a paved road, and a close-up of the LX 600 wheel and brake detail.
While expensive, this price is competitive within its class. The Range Rover, a key competitor, starts at approximately $109,000 and can easily exceed that, offering similar seating and comparable, if not superior, off-road capabilities. The Mercedes G-Wagen, another rival, has a starting price exceeding $141,000 and accommodates only five passengers. Viewed in this context, the Lexus LX 600 presents a relatively compelling value proposition within the high-end luxury SUV segment.
Fuel Efficiency: Examining the LX 600’s MPG
It’s no surprise that the Lexus LX 600 isn’t particularly fuel-efficient. Moving nearly 6,000 pounds requires considerable engine effort, resulting in significant fuel consumption. EPA estimates are 19 mpg combined, and real-world testing yielded just over 17 mpg during the review period. While driving style during testing wasn’t explicitly fuel-conscious, the LX 600 is less efficient than some competitors.
Image: Screenshot of the EPA fuel economy rating label for the Lexus LX 600, showing city, highway, and combined MPG figures.
However, fuel economy is likely a secondary concern for buyers in this segment. The LX 600 is a six-figure, three-row, three-ton, leather-lined SUV, where priorities typically lie beyond maximizing miles per gallon.
Value and Final Verdict: Is the Lexus LX 600 Worth It?
Assessing the “value” of a vehicle like the Lexus LX 600 is subjective. It’s undeniably a discretionary purchase, where “want” often outweighs “need.” Buyers in this segment prioritize desire and affluence over strict value calculations.
However, when comparing the LX 600 to its direct competitors—primarily the Range Rover and Mercedes G-Class—it emerges as a strong value contender. While it may not possess the advanced locking differentials of the Range Rover or G-Wagen, its off-road capability is more than sufficient for the vast majority of luxury SUV buyers. Interior quality is comparable to these rivals, although the Range Rover offers a more refined ride, while the Lexus retains a more truck-like feel.
Image: Lexus LX 600 driving on a dirt road, showcasing its off-road capability in a natural environment.
This truck-like ride characteristic contributes to the LX 600’s distinctive character. It conveys a sense of robust capability beneath the luxury veneer. While interior space and ultimate refinement might be compromised compared to some rivals, the Lexus LX 600 offers a charmingly rugged appeal that is genuinely enjoyable. It may not be the ideal luxury SUV for every buyer, particularly those prioritizing spaciousness and plush comfort above all else. However, for those who appreciate a blend of luxury with genuine off-road DNA, the Lexus LX 600 is a compelling and impressive choice.
