As a car reviewer, there's a question I get asked all the time: what are some of my favorite vehicles to drive? Well, if asked today, I'd certainly say the 2022 Lexus LX 600 F Sport makes the cut. (The smaller Lexus GX does too). Both manage to entice with old-school charm yet feel modern at the same time. That's especially true for the new redesigned LX 600 which truly has re-invented itself but not so much as to disengage its fans. It's sporty while luxurious, powerful yet comfortable and full of updated technology - and on top of all that plenty capable. All things that make it a stand-out large luxury SUV. You do have to like a very large grille though.
Deciding between a new or used LX? We've reviewed it several times since 2020. Here's a list of those reviews.
The Lexus LX is the brand's all-new flagship SUV with Lexus' latest tech upgrades and the LX's first-ever F Sport trim.
I spent some time behind the wheel of the same three-row LX 600 twice earlier this month. Once on an off-road course at the Texas Auto Writers Association's Texas Truck Rodeo where it proved itself more capable (and still looked good bathed in dirt!) The second time for this weekly review - when it also proved that a $100K SUV is the perfect way to haul home a straw bale from the local farmer's market.
Yes the grille is massive. It sports an F mesh design spindle with a jet-black chrome frame flanked by Lexus' Triple-Beam LED headlights. My test model sports an Atomic Silver hue and the 22-inch F Sport forged aluminum wheels (22-inch wheels are the largest ever offered by Lexus).
In back, I love the redesigned tail end with the new Lexus logo lettering - first introduced on the NX. On top you find roof rails. It's also equipped with a power moonroof, but I'd like to see a panoramic fixed glass roof up there.
The LX 600 is a substantial SUV with the power to back it up. Riding on a new platform, it's powered by a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 that delivers 409-horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. The V6 is mated to a smooth shifting 10-speed automatic transmission. The result is the confident power and acceleration you need for a heavy 5,600 pound SUV.
The LX 600 comes with standard all-wheel drive and and Torsen limited differential. An integrated tow hitch gives it an 8,000 pound towing capability.
The LX 600 F Sport cabin - which seats seven - impresses immediately with its premium multi-textured materials, exclusive Circuit Red semi-aniline seats and just its overall user-friendly re-design. You'll find the F Sport emblem throughout. The custom-crafted seats are also designed just for the F Sport. They're cushiony, and quite comfortable, all the while being supportive. Both the front and second-row (outboard) seats are heated and ventilated. The driver is additionally treated to a seat extender.
The center console is notably wide -- as well as unusually high and quite ergonomically accessible. And surprise! There's no Lexus Remote Interface touchpad on it. The LX features the brand's new multimedia interface with a 12.3-inch upper touchscreen. You can also control it via Lexus' new Voice Assistant. It's compatible with Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. I was unable to check out the next-gen Navigation system as it was subscription only and deactivated during my time behind the wheel.
Underneath that there's a second screen - a newly added LX-exclusive 7-inch lower touchscreen which displays powertrain setting and drive modes. Both screens display great graphics.
Under the 2nd screen, you'll find the knobs to adjust Drive Modes and off-road setting on the center stack along with your climate controls.
The center console hosts controls for the electric parking brake, brake hold and height functions. I found the convenient placement of the optional wireless charger, right in the middle, very handy. In place of a traditional center console bin, you'll find a Cool Box.
And wow, talk about headroom. There is plenty of it in the LX 600. Leg-room too. The 2nd-row seat is super roomy for two or three people. Passengers can enjoy a drop down center console with cupholders and manual sunshades. They'll also get their own climate controls, audio speakers in ceiling and of course A/C vents.
The 2nd-row folds up to give you access to the third row. Power fold-flat third row seats are easy to operate and also recline. While there's not an enormous amount of 3rd-row space, I found it to be ok for me, and more than in some 3-rows. A power kick sensor lift gate reveals the cargo space. With the third row down, you can easily fit a straw bale back there.
F Sport features also include 4-zone climate, red-trimmed carpet mats, a wireless charger, F Sport aluminum pedals and F Sport heater leather steering wheel. Lexus says the textured genuine leather improves style and grip (it looks great, too).
Wonderful grab handles and running boards are also a plus. Both will help those with mobility issues.
The LX 600 offers an exceptional ride and drive. It's very smooth and quiet. Driving modes include with Sport giving you the most engaging ride. The LX is far easier to maneuver than its size might indicate and I was pleasantly surprised by its tight turning radius.
The F Sport has uniquely tuned front and rear performance dampers and this model is equipped with optional Active Height Control.
I can also share that the Lexus LX 600 is capable on the off-roading course, as I discovered first-hand at the Texas Truck Rodeo. I took it up and over a rock incline into a water pit at the Eagles Canyon Raceway off-road circuit near Decatur, Texas in early October.
The LX F Sport comes with a panoramic view monitor and a Multi-Terrain Monitor and this one's also outfitted with optional Active Height Control.
The 2022 LX comes standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.5. It's an impressive safety suite that includes the Pre-Collision System (PCS), which includes Frontal Collision Warning (FCW), Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), Pedestrian Detection and Bicyclist Detection. Lexus' safety system is impressive. Other +2.5 features include Intelligent High Beams and Road Sign Assist.
The LX 600's heads-up display is also terrific with easy to read graphics.
Options include an outstanding 25-speaker Mark Levinson Sound system ($2660) and Active Height Control ($1300.) Price as equipped is $106,305. I'd say that price fits this SUV well though I'd like to see a fixed glass roof, power rear shades and massage seats included.
The 2022 Lexus LX 600 has a place in my heart as one of my favorite large SUVs. It's such an enjoyable ride- the perfect blend of sport and luxury.