Redesigned from the ground up just the previous year, the 2023 Lexus LX 600 continues to solidify its position as a premier luxury SUV, building upon its acclaimed 2022 model with a series of thoughtful, customer-centric updates. Since its inception in 1995, the LX has cultivated a distinguished identity, characterized by an intriguing duality. It masterfully blends the serene comfort and opulent amenities expected of a high-end, long-distance cruiser with the robust off-road engineering and time-tested durability required to conquer terrains across more than 50 countries globally. This inherent versatility has cemented the Lexus LX 600 as an icon in the luxury SUV segment.
At the heart of the LX 600 lies a potent 3.4-liter V6 twin-turbo gasoline engine, engineered to deliver both high output and substantial torque. This powerful engine is complemented by a suite of sophisticated control systems, including the Electronically Controlled Brake (ECB) system and Electric Power Steering (EPS), ensuring refined vehicle management whether navigating city streets or tackling challenging off-road trails.
Stepping inside the 2023 LX 600 reveals a meticulously crafted cabin, prioritizing both comfort and intuitive usability. The instrument panel is dominated by the advanced Lexus Interface, featuring a dual-display configuration. A prominent 12.3-inch upper screen works in concert with a 7-inch lower screen to provide a wealth of information and control options, enhancing the overall driving experience. The LX offers a curated palette of five interior color options, allowing for personalization: Palomino, White/Peppercorn, Circuit Red, Black, and the sophisticated Sunflare.
The exterior design of the LX embodies a fusion of athletic dynamism, practical functionality, and striking visual appeal, a design philosophy initially showcased in the 2022 NX. The LX’s optimized proportions are key to its design, projecting an image of both refined sophistication and commanding presence. For the exterior, Lexus offers seven color choices, including Eminent White Pearl*, Atomic Pearl, Manganese Luster*, Nori Green Pearl, Caviar, Ultra White (exclusive to F SPORT Handling), and Black Onyx (also F SPORT Handling exclusive).
*Premium paint fee of $595 applies.
Advanced Engineering and Performance of the Lexus LX 600
GA-F Platform: Foundation for Superior Ride and Handling
The 2023 LX 600 proudly retains the GA-F platform, a cornerstone of the redesigned 2022 model. This robust platform significantly enhances body rigidity, a crucial element in achieving the Lexus Driving Signature – characterized by a smooth, composed ride and exceptional comfort. The GA-F platform empowers the LX to deliver predictable and balanced handling during various maneuvers, including cornering, acceleration, and deceleration, while also bolstering stability when venturing off the paved road.
To seamlessly blend high-level off-road capability with refined on-road handling, the LX employs a meticulously engineered front high-mounted double wishbone suspension. Optimized suspension geometry and coil springs contribute to both excellent vehicle stability and a comfortable ride quality. Recognizing the importance of suspension stroke for off-road prowess, the LX boasts a generous stroke, with 100 mm (3.93 in.) of bound and 145 mm (5.7 in.) of rebound. This extended stroke is instrumental in achieving exceptional performance across diverse driving conditions, both on and off-road.
Twin-Turbo V6 Engine and Direct Shift-10AT: Power and Smoothness
Powering the 2023 Lexus LX 600 is a formidable 3.4-liter V6 twin-turbo gasoline engine (V35A-FTS engine). This engine delivers an impressive 409 horsepower (415 PS) and a substantial 479 lb.-ft. of torque. Notably, the engine sustains peak torque across a broad rev range, extending up to approximately 3,600 rpm. This characteristic enhances drivability in both everyday on-road scenarios and challenging off-road situations, where low-speed control and torque delivery are paramount.
Alt Text: Side view of the powerful twin-turbo V6 engine in the Lexus LX 600, showcasing its advanced engineering and high-performance capabilities.
Complementing the potent engine is the Direct Shift-10AT transmission. This advanced transmission provides the smooth initial acceleration expected from a torque converter while also offering the direct acceleration feel reminiscent of a manual transmission. This is achieved through the activation of lockup across nearly the entire operational range, except during initial vehicle start-up. The transmission’s cross gear ratio setting, with closely spaced gear ratios, and rapid gear shift times result in crisp, rhythmic gear changes that harmonize with the engine’s sound, enhancing the driving experience.
The LX’s transmission employs a wide range of gear ratios, optimizing both initial acceleration and high-speed cruising. The low first gear amplifies driving force at lower speeds, ensuring smooth starts and robust low-speed off-road performance. For added durability in off-road environments, an oil pan guard is integrated into the lower section of the automatic transmission. This protective measure helps mitigate the risk of oil pan damage from impacts encountered on rough terrain.
Lexus Driving Signature: Seamless On-Road Performance
The Lexus Driving Signature is further enhanced in the LX 600 through the integration of the high-output twin-turbo engine, Electronically Controlled Brake (ECB), and Electric Power Steering (EPS) systems. These components work in concert to deliver a driving experience characterized by seamless transitions between deceleration, steering, and acceleration in all driving conditions. Furthermore, the Active Height Control (AHC) system and Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) contribute to improved grip, traction, and control, fostering a sense of confidence and security behind the wheel.
Active Height Control (AHC) Suspension and Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS)
The Active Height Control (AHC) suspension system equips the LX 600 with adjustable ride height, adaptable to diverse driving environments. The system offers a range of ride height positions, managed through a sophisticated combination of shock absorbers, gas and hydraulic springs, and metal springs. Rear wheels also benefit from a spring rate switching mechanism, reducing ride height adjustment times. Three on-road height settings are available (Normal, Hi1, and Hi2), along with a Low setting designed for easier passenger entry and exit.
The system intelligently adjusts vehicle height in response to Drive Mode Select or Multi-Terrain Select activation and the transfer case selection. Ride height status is conveniently displayed on both the gauge panel and the 7-inch touch display. Beyond height adjustment, AHC actively responds to changes in vehicle posture, such as pitch and roll, optimizing spring rates to stabilize the vehicle during cornering, acceleration, and braking.
In coordination with the transfer case in L4 range or Multi-Terrain Select mode, the suspension automatically adjusts to Hi1 or Hi2 based on road conditions. When Hi1 or Hi2 is engaged, the system dynamically adjusts vehicle height according to speed, minimizing potential road surface interference and enhancing handling stability.
The suspension tuning intelligently adapts to varying driving scenarios. It softens for a more comfortable ride over urban bumps and stiffens when cornering to ensure a flat and stable experience. Adding to convenience, vehicle height automatically lowers when stationary, facilitating easier passenger access.
The adoption of a linear solenoid valve system in the AVS offers exceptional damping force switching responsiveness. This translates to nuanced and smooth control, adapting seamlessly to road surface variations and driving dynamics.
Electric Power Steering (EPS) and Electronically Controlled Brake (ECB)
The Electric Power Steering (EPS) system in the LX 600 replaces conventional hydraulics with a motor and reduction gear. This modern system enables precise steering tuning, providing light steering feel at lower speeds, beneficial for off-road maneuvering, and progressively increasing steering weightiness at higher speeds. The vehicle responds faithfully and linearly to driver input. The light steering at low speeds reduces driver fatigue, while the moderate steering force at higher speeds aligns with the Lexus Driving Signature philosophy.
The Electronically Controlled Brake (ECB) system employs a sensor to precisely detect brake pedal input and modulates hydraulic braking force for more linear braking characteristics. When Multi-Terrain Select is engaged for off-road driving, the ECB system enhances driving stability through detailed braking control, effectively mitigating wheel slip or spin.
Wheels, Tires, and Rear Torsen® Limited Slip Differential (LSD)
Complementing its off-road capabilities, the LX 600 offers optional 22-inch forged aluminum wheels, the largest in the Lexus lineup, which also enhance on-road performance and aesthetics.
Alt Text: Close-up of the 22-inch forged aluminum wheels available on the Lexus LX 600, emphasizing their size, design, and contribution to both on-road and off-road performance.
Exclusive to the F SPORT grade, a Torsen® Limited Slip Differential (LSD) is incorporated to optimize rear tire traction. During cornering acceleration, the LSD intelligently distributes driving force between the rear wheels based on load, enhancing control. In straight-line driving, it reacts swiftly to road condition changes, contributing to overall stability.
Heritage and Off-Road Prowess
The LX 600 proudly inherits the 2,850 mm (112 in.) wheelbase, a golden ratio carried over from the original 1995 LX, ensuring both exceptional off-road performance and a spacious interior. Crucially, the ground obstacle angles (approach angle, departure angle, and ramp break angle), a maximum stable inclination angle of 44 degrees, a climbing ability of 45 degrees, and a maximum river crossing depth of 700 mm (27.5 in.) are maintained at the same high standards as the previous model, underscoring its enduring off-road DNA.
Intuitive Technology and Advanced Displays
19.3-Inches of Screen Access with Lexus Interface
The instrument panel of the LX 600 is designed to be informative and non-distracting, featuring a combination of a 12.3-inch upper screen and a 7-inch lower screen. The upper 12.3-inch display primarily handles navigation, audio controls, and the Multi-Terrain Monitor during off-road excursions. The lower 7-inch touch display is dedicated to climate control and serves as a driving-support screen for Multi-Terrain Select. This dual-screen setup allows for simultaneous display of camera views on the upper screen and real-time vehicle status on the lower screen, enabling drivers to monitor off-road conditions without display switching.
Evolved Multi-Terrain Select (MTS) and Off-Road Assistance
The LX 600 is equipped with Multi-Terrain Select (MTS), offering six selectable modes – Auto, Dirt, Sand, Mud, Deep Snow, and Rock – to optimize performance across diverse off-road conditions. Beyond conventional brake hydraulics, MTS integrates control of drive power and suspension, adapting them to the chosen mode for optimal driving performance on varied terrain.
The operational range of Multi-Terrain Select extends across both low range (L4) and high range (H4). The Auto mode intelligently utilizes sensor data to assess road conditions in real-time, automatically optimizing brake hydraulic pressure, driving force, and suspension control. This allows drivers to maintain ideal performance in various driving scenarios without manual mode switching.
Crawl Control and Downhill Assist Control
When engaged in low range, Crawl Control enables the LX 600 to proceed forward or reverse at one of five driver-selectable low-speed settings: LO, MIDL, MID, MIDH, and HIGH. Crawl Control intuitively manages engine output and hydraulic braking pressure to minimize tire slippage and optimize chassis behavior in challenging off-road situations.
For steep descents, Downhill Assist Control automatically regulates hydraulic brake pressure at all four wheels, ensuring stable downhill travel without wheel lockup. The driver can maintain a selected vehicle speed via a switch, allowing them to focus on steering while the system manages braking and acceleration, reducing driver workload.
Multi-Terrain Monitor (MTM) for Enhanced Visibility
The Multi-Terrain Monitor (MTM) system utilizes four cameras to provide comprehensive visibility around the vehicle. Images from the front, side, and rear cameras can be displayed on the entire 12.3-inch screen, enabling drivers to assess often-obscured road conditions.
The Back Underfloor View feature provides a transparent-underfloor perspective by displaying pre-captured foreground images. Superimposing vehicle and wheel positions onto this image allows drivers to evaluate underfloor conditions and front-wheel placement. Another view mode renders the vehicle transparent, magnifying the area around the rear wheels, aiding in assessing rear wheel conditions and obstacle proximity.
Ultra Luxury and F SPORT Grades: Tailored Experiences
Ultra Luxury Grade: Elevated Rear Seat Experience
The four-seat Ultra Luxury grade elevates the LX lineup, placing a premium on rear passenger space and comfort. The front passenger seat can move forward, and the rear seat recline angle is adjustable up to 48 degrees, maximizing rear space. The rear seat display behind the front passenger seat can fold down to enhance forward visibility, creating an airy VIP seating environment with a generous 1,100 mm (43 in.) of legroom. A single button press on the rear control panel achieves this seating configuration. A deployable footrest behind the front passenger seat further enhances comfort.
Alt Text: Luxurious interior of the Lexus LX 600 Ultra Luxury grade, highlighting the spacious rear seating area, reclining seats, and premium materials designed for ultimate passenger comfort.
Ultra Luxury-exclusive curved headrests, seatbacks, and cushions gently cradle occupants, mitigating lateral G-forces and road irregularities. The VIP seating is designed to maintain secure posture, utilizing soft urethane with superior vibration absorption to minimize unwanted movement, even during off-road driving.
Additional standard comfort features include sunshades for side and quarter windows, reading lights, and a rear seat display. An Ultra Luxury-exclusive air conditioning system features overhead ceiling vents for a full-body comfort breeze. The rear control panel, managing all rear passenger functions, is meticulously crafted for intuitive use. The wireless charging space is lowered for visibility in reclined positions. Lidded cup holders offer a scratch-resistant, self-healing surface for use as a note table when closed. A large console box provides ample storage, with DC power supply, USB, and headphone jacks for added functionality.
F SPORT Handling Grade: Sportier Dynamics and Styling
For those seeking a sportier aesthetic and driving feel, the F SPORT Handling grade offers unique design elements and enhanced handling.
F SPORT Handling styling cues include exclusive 22-inch forged aluminum wheels and an F mesh design spindle grille with a jet-black chrome frame. The interior features a textured genuine leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, adorned with the F SPORT emblem. Custom F designed seats enhance lateral G-force support. Ultra White exterior with Circuit Red interior is an exclusive F SPORT Handling combination.
F SPORT Handling performance enhancements include uniquely tuned front and rear performance dampers, a Torsen® LSD, and a rear stabilizer. Special EPS and AVS tuning delivers focused response and handling characteristics unique to the F SPORT Handling grade.
Next-Generation Design and Lexus Interface
Exterior Design: Striking Aesthetics and Functionality
The LX 600’s exterior and interior design seamlessly blend superior functionality with stunning aesthetics. The forward-positioned A-pillars create a cab-backward silhouette, while a robust torso and 22-inch wheels convey dynamic driving prowess. The spindle grille features a three-dimensional structure of seven floating bars, optimized for cooling and visual appeal. Side radiator grilles with large openings ensure cooling and enhance aerodynamic efficiency.
The headlamps feature L-shaped clearance lamps with daytime running light function, incorporating layered inner lenses for depth and visual interest. The side profile projects unity and mass, with a strong horizontal torso flowing into muscular rear wheel arches. The quarter pillars taper from roof to rear window, and a chiseled flow from the rocker panels to the rear tires adds visual dynamism.
The redesigned rear LEXUS logo signifies Lexus’s next generation. Rear combination lamps integrate L-shape elements with a continuous axial flow from front to rear silhouette.
Lexus Interface: Intuitive and Connected Multimedia
The North American-developed Lexus Interface multimedia system ensures seamless integration and navigation. The LX 600 features a 12.3-inch upper touchscreen and a LX-exclusive 7-inch lower touchscreen, providing intuitive technology access. The Human Machine Interface (HMI) enhances user interaction through sight, touch, and voice, balancing accessibility.
Lexus Interface incorporates a human-centered Voice Assistant, designed as the primary interaction method. Dual microphones with speaker location and noise cancellation enable voice-first control of navigation, media, phone, and vehicle settings.
The Lexus Interface User Profile feature allows drivers to save personalized settings in the cloud, accessible in other Lexus Interface-equipped vehicles via the Lexus App, Bluetooth® device, smart key, or manual login.
The native Lexus Interface navigation system emphasizes ease of use and visual appeal. Cloud-based with integrated Google Points of Interest, it offers faster, more accurate directions and mapping. Over-the-air (OTA) updates provide real-time map updates and enriched media experiences. Offline mode pre-downloads maps and services in areas with low connectivity.
Lexus Safety System+ 2.5
The LX 600 comes standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, a suite of active safety technologies. The Pre-Collision System (PCS) includes Frontal Collision Warning (FCW), Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), Pedestrian Detection, and Bicyclist Detection, with enhanced lens camera and millimeter-wave radar for expanded range. At intersections, the system can recognize oncoming vehicles during left turns and pedestrians during left/right turns, activating PCS functions as needed. Emergency Steering Assist (ESA) aids steering within the vehicle’s lane when driver-initiated.
All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) operates above 30 mph, maintaining vehicle-to-vehicle distance down to 0 mph and resuming from a stop. DRCC includes smooth overtaking assistance. Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/ SA) alerts drivers to lane departures above 32 mph and provides corrective steering. Lane Tracing Assist (LTA) centers the vehicle in the lane when DRCC is active.
Additional Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 features include Intelligent High Beams and Road Sign Assist (RSA), displaying road sign information on the MID.
The 2023 Lexus LX 600 is available for sale since the end of 2022.
Updated July 28, 2023.
