Price: $88,300- $92,875
6.8 /10
Rating
Pros
- Legendary Toyota reliability backbone
- Lavish, quiet cabin ambiance
- Capable off-road performer
Cons
- Outdated infotainment interface
- Thirsty V8 fuel economy
- Firm ride quality
Overview: 2021 Lexus LX 570
The 2021 Lexus LX 570 sits proudly as the flagship of the brand’s SUVs, blending burly off-road chops with tuxedo-like refinement. Under its hood lies a V-8 engine that rumbles with verve, delivering quick acceleration—though it drinks gasoline like a heavy, inefficient relic of old-school mechanical design. Its platform-mate, the Land Cruiser, shares the same intrinsic character but the LX 570 feels gussied-up, trading utilitarian rawness for an impeccably crafted interior swathed in luxury materials. I’ve driven this three-row vehicle through both city sprawl and all-terrain adventure, and while its handling lacks nimble grace, its engineered ruggedness exudes real cred. The Heritage Edition adds cool factor with retro features, a reminder of its derelict-defying roots. For drivers who adore large, modern SUVs but still love the component-shifting standards of vehicles past, the LX 570 is like wearing a T-shirt and jeans to a black-tie event—unapologetically cool, yet polished enough to fit the Lexus lineup.
What's New in the 2021 Lexus LX 570?
The 2021 Lexus LX 570 continues its legacy as a full-size SUV, but this year, it arrives with some updated elements that cater to modern expectations while preserving its classical charm. The Limited-production LX Inspiration Series enhances the appearance of this already largest luxury model, adding a Sport package that brings a more aggressive styling approach. This package introduces a unique exterior with new paint options like Atomic Silver, Black Onyx, and Eminent White Pearl, ensuring an unmistakable road presence.
Pricing, Trim Levels, and Best Choice
When considering the LX, it’s essential to take note of its price tag, which can soar up to an astronomical $106,590 as-tested. Starting under $90k, this luxury SUV offers an array of options to elevate your driving experience, such as the sport package for $6,100 and the premium Mark Levinson stereo for $2,350, ensuring an unparalleled entertainment system. If you opt for the Luxury package, you’ll enjoy top-tier features like leather upholstery, four-zone automatic climate control, and both heated seats and ventilated seats for the first-row seats and second-row seats, making long drives more comfortable. The Range Rover might be a direct rival, but the LX holds its own with features like elegant puddle lights integrated into the exterior mirrors. If you’re looking for an alternative, the upcoming Hummer EV SUV may offer similar performance, but at a comparable price point. Overall, when you factor in all these details, the LX stands tall in a competitive class of vehicles, balancing luxury with capability, and offering something truly unique at this price range. Bottom line, it’s a sophisticated choice for those who demand excellence.
$88,300
$92,875
Powertrain, Transmission, and Driving Dynamics
Behind its 6,100-pound frame, the LX 570 packs a 5.7L V8 naturally aspirated powertrain delivering 383 horsepower and 403 pound-feet of torque—a setup that feels refreshingly quick in straight line bursts (hitting 0-60 MPH in 7.3 seconds) but unmistakably rooted in the mid-2000s. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, shifts are smooth yet occasionally hesitant under load. On-center steering remains vague, requiring small corrections to counter its wandering attitude, while brake feel lacks precision, leading to noticeable nose dive during stopping power tests. Swap to Sport mode or Sport Plus mode, and the throttle sharpens while the gearbox holds ratios longer, though handling retains a numb, truck-like pitch over bumpy pavement. Having spent decades behind the wheel of luxury SUVs, I’ve grown accustomed to disconcerting compromises in heavy vehicles—this Lexus excels in highway ride refinement but struggles when pushed beyond its parameters.
Fuel Efficiency and Driving Range
Drivers eyeing the 2021 LX 570 for its large luxury SUV appeal should temper expectations if save gas is a priority. The EPA ratings of 12 miles per gallon in the city and 18 highway (with a 14.6 MPG combined estimate) paint a clear picture—this isn’t your neighbor’s Prius. During a week of mixed-driving testing, including a rigorous 115-mile evaluation route mimicking real-world commutes and weekend adventures, the LX 570 hovered around 14 MPG, averaging numbers that’d make eco-conscious buyers shudder. While its gasoline-guzzling habits might feel like a worst nightmare for efficiency seekers, it’s hardly surprising given the SUV’s brawny purpose. Personally, after years of evaluating vehicles that balance power with frugality, the LX 570 disappoints only if you ignore its intent: dominance over thrift. Even its 12-mile-per-gallon city figure feels predictable for a machine built to conquer terrain, not save at the pump.
Towing and Off-Road Capability
Few luxury SUV giants like Range Rover, BMW, or Mercedes-Benz can stand toe-to-toe with the 2021 Lexus LX 570 when the beaten path devolving into rough stuff. Behind its full-size proportions lies a magician of off-road grit. The standard air suspension adjusts ride height controls for 11 inches of ground clearance, letting it excel over breathtaking bumps, gravel, or dirt without comfort devolving into compromise. Its two-speed transfer case and lockable center differential locker ensure torque applies smartly, while crawl modes with speed selection handle trail transitions at moderate speed. I’ve navigated tight terrain courses where the tight-turn assist and second-gear start function proved invaluable, preventing inside wheel slip on small, technical stretches. The array of terrain modes—five in total—mix AWD control with brake-based traction tricks, while 4Low and switches on the center console keep technology accessible. Even on road, the LX sticks to its stupendous composure, stretching its duality between luxury and capable ruggedness. Few rivals blend this mix so seamlessly.
Premium Interior and Comfort
Stepping into the LX 570’s cabin feels like entering a sanctuary of luxurious style, where leather-filled surfaces, classy wood trim, and insulated materials cocoon occupants from the outside world. The three rows of super comfy seats—including heated and cooled options for the second row—deliver comfortable support, though the third row might remind taller adults of a kindergarten chair wedged against a cinder block. Lexus doesn’t skimp on practicality: separate climate controls, a dual-screen DVD system, and 81.3 cubic feet of cargo space (with rear chairs folded) ensure versatility. What truly stunned me during a motorway drive was how remarkably quiet the SUV remained, thanks to aerodynamic properties and sound-deadening engineering that rivals the Rolls Royce Cullinan—at half the price. Even with its big footprint, clever design avoids the dreaded lower knees stance in the two front rows, while isolating occupants from engine noise and road intrusions. It’s a lavish, wonderful balance of interior space and refinement, proving luxury doesn’t have to sacrifice usability.
Cargo Space and Practicality
Settling into the LX 570, I immediately noticed its versatility. With three rows of seats, the vehicle adapts effortlessly: deployed, the third row offers a fine place for friends hanging out, while stowed, it unlocks a massive 81.3 cubic feet of cargo space—ideal for hauling gear on a camping trip. The split tailgate, electronically operated, became my go-to for quick access during tailgating or balancing a takeout dinner on the lower half. Need more room? Fold the second-row seats independently to carve out long space on one side for skis or lumber, or drop both rows for that 53.7 cubic feet storage space behind the back seats. During a weekend getaway, I even managed to sleep inside after clearing the two rows—though you’ll need to forgo a passenger or two. Towing up to 7,000 pounds? It handled my trailer without breaking a sweat, a great showing for a luxury SUV.
Infotainment, Connectivity, and Smart Tech
Sliding into the 2021 Lexus LX 570, the 12.3-inch center display immediately stands out—large and fairly crisp, yet burdened by a general setup that feels older than iOS 6. Lexus’ Enform technology underpins the system, but its integration of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is marred by an overly-sensitive joystick that turns simple tasks like adjusting voice settings or mute directions into a distracting chore. I’ve fumbled with this atrocious controller mid-drive, accidentally exiting menus or triggering the persnickety in-dash navigation—a monstrosity compared to new iterations in rivals. The classic icons and graphics hint at a not well thought out design, and Amazon Alexa support is not offered, which is too bad for a luxury SUV. Charging options include USB Type-A ports, a wireless charging pad, and one 12-volt plug, but the absence of a 120-volt outlet leaves second-row passengers and third row users wanting. While the rear seat entertainment system placates families, the outdated interface and difficult control make me wish Lexus had prioritized a full-blown overhaul over clinging to older aspects. Frankly, the whole setup feels like it’s stuck in the second term of the Obama administration—functional but harder to love.
Safety and Driving Support
Navigating heavy city traffic in the 2021 Lexus LX 570 felt effortless, thanks to its safety features that blend adaptive cruise control and low-speed modulation—perfect for slowing smoothly in stop-and-go scenarios. The Forward Collision Mitigation system automatically detects if the car in front stops abruptly, warns you, and brakes automatically to avoid a potential collision. What impressed me most was how the pedestrian detection tech worked even in awful visibility, preemptively applying the brakes if someone stepped into the road. Three standout driving aids:
Key features:
✅ Surround view cameras eliminated blind spots while parking, a lifesaver in tight spaces.
✅ Blind spot monitoring stayed vigilant during highway merges, buzzing subtly if I missed a vehicle.
✅ The system’s ability to adjust speed and maintain distance without abrupt slams felt refined, unlike jerky systems in other cars.
Lexus's Warranty and Maintenance Plan
Owning the 2021 LX 570, I’ve found Lexus’s warranty structure refreshingly robust. The limited warranty spans 4 years or 50,000 miles, paired with a powertrain warranty stretching to 6 years or 70,000 miles—surpassing rivals like the Range Rover or Mercedes-AMG GLS63. What truly impressed me during my drives was the complimentary scheduled maintenance for two years or 10,000 miles, a rare perk in luxury SUVs. Lexus even throws in an additional 1 year of coverage, a subtle advantage over brands that leave you guessing with mystery fees.
Key Features:
✅ Longer Powertrain Peace of Mind: 6 years/70,000 miles coverage outlasts competitors, reflecting Toyota’s engineering confidence.
✅ No-Cost Care: Complimentary scheduled maintenance for 10,000 miles slashes ownership costs—I saved over $800 in my first year.
✅ Transparency Wins: Unlike some luxury brands, Lexus offers clarity—no hidden terms, just straightforward vehicle protection.
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