This week I bring you the 2023 Lexus LX 600 F Sport Handling. Lexus' flagship SUV in its sporty, performance-oriented variation that in my opinion is worth every penny of its triple-figure price. It drives like a dream, blends luxury and sportiness effortlessly in an incredible interior all while delivering impressive capability.
Yes, the LX is large, or better yet, commanding. A King of the road SUV with a large grille and wheels to prove it. 22-inch F Sport forged aluminum Dark Gray Metallic finish wheels are the largest wheels ever offered on a Lexus.
On the exterior, the F Sport treatment includes F Sport front fender badges, front facia and mesh grille insert and an F Sport rear bumper.
As expected you get Lexus' Triple-Beam LED headlights up front. In back, an LED blade tail light stretches across the tail end along with LEXUS new lettered logo. On top, roof rails denote that it's ready for adventuring when you are.
Powertrain
The LX 600 moves thanks to its 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 that delivers a confident 409-horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. The V6 is mated to a very smooth shifting 10-speed automatic transmission. Acceleration is confident and well-matched to this 5,665 pound SUV. All-wheel drive is standard and the F Sport exclusively features Torsen limited differential.
Interestingly, the new LX delivers better fuel economy (19 mpg combined) than the smaller 2023 GX Luxury I recently reviewed. Though I expect that will change with the all-new 2024 GX recently unveiled.
The LX 600 F Sport cabin is simply a wonderful place to spend time in. Detailed craftsmanship, premium materials and build quality live up to Lexus' reputation for luxury. Aluminum trim adorns the door panels and canter console adding to the Circuit Red and black interior's sporty vibe.
Semi-aniline F Sport specific front seats with F Sport badging on the headrests look and feel great - providing the support and side bolstering you expect without sacrificing comfort. They are heated and ventilated and the 10-way power driver's seat gets a seat cushion extender.
Above the steering wheel sits an 8-inch digital driver info display.
Unlike other recently designed Lexus models like the NX and RX, the LX sticks to traditional switchgear for climate controls - great for people who aren't ready to ditch them just yet.
Down on the wide center console you'll find cup holders, USB ports and controls for a number of things including an electric parking brake, brake hold and height functions along with the F Sport's large wireless charger.
A "cool box" replaces a traditional center console bin with cold air that impresses.
Slightly stadium style 2nd-row seating is comfy and passengers can control their climate fate with a large digital climate control command center and manual sunshades. The F Sport also nets heated second-row outboard seats and a drop-down center armrest with cupholders. (A rear seat entertainment system is reserved as an option for the LX Luxury.)
The 7-passenger F Sport is roomy until you get to the third row where leg-room is pretty questionable for adults. The 2nd-row folds up easily to give you access to the third row. Power fold-flat third row seats recline.
Other F Sport features include a standard moonroof, 4-zone climate, red-trimmed carpet mats, thematic ambient lighting, F Sport aluminum pedals and a F Sport heated leather steering wheel.
As far as utility goes, it's well-equipped with a power kick sensor lift gate, interior door grab handles, and static running boards.
Technology
The LX's dual display touchscreens provide impressive graphics and responsiveness.
A 12.3-inch touchscreen runs the new Lexus Interface multimedia system compatible with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, Bluetooth and more. The map quality looks great, too, as do the camera views. The "Hey Lexus" Intelligent Assistant (that requires a subscription to Drive Connect) is also very responsive.
A second LX-exclusive 7-inch lower touchscreen on the center stack displays powertrain and drive modes settings. You can also control the climate using the touchscreen.
The optional 25-speaker Mark Levinson sound system is absolutely wonderful.
Ride and Drive
The LX 600's ride and drive quality is superb. It rides and drives like a dream. It's smooth, quiet and powerful. Sport+ drive mode gives you the most engaging ride with a tighter steering feel.
The F Sport's uniquely F Sport-tuned suspension, front and rear performance dampers and optional Active Height Control play a role in its exceptional ride. Braking is also excellent.
I found the LX to be far easier to maneuver than its size might indicate, and was pleasantly surprised by its tight turning radius.
The LX is, in a word, capable. It can tow up to an impressive 8,000 pounds with a standard Tow Package and hitch. It can off-road. In fact I've been off-roading in an LX 600 F Sport before where I had a chance to check out its off-roading skills and use the Multi-Terrain Monitor.
The LX doesn't yet have Lexus' latest 3.0 safety system that has some enhancements over LSS 2.5+. But the 2.5+ suite that's standard on the LX provides a lot of great safety tech that includes Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Tracing Assist, Intelligent High Beams and Road Sign Assist.
The LX is also equipped with Blind Spot Monitor and Intuitive Parking Assist with Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Auto Braking.
Cameras include a backup camera with dynamic gridlines and Multi-Terrain and Panoramic View Monitors.
A color Head Up display is really well done with road sign and driver assistance info.
Options on my test vehicle include Active Height Control ($1300), the Mark Levinson sound system ($2660), cross bars (450), key gloves ($55), Illuminated cargo sills ($475) and Carpet Cargo Mat ($150.) Add it all up and it brings this MSRP to just over $108K including destination.
The Lexus LX F Sport is an outstanding luxury SUV with just about everything one could wish for - minus a bit more third row legroom, a panoramic glass roof and massage seats (which would sure be a treat!) Still, with its amazing interior, stylish design and exceptional driving dynamics and capability, it's an SUV that's easy to love.