Quick Take: 2022 Lexus LX 600
Occasionally, the Cartrast team will have an opportunity to sample something that showcases the best of what luxury vehicles have to offer. We found ourselves with that chance during the Western Automotive Journalists Media Days event in Half Moon Bay this past week, where we got to try out the Lexus LX 600. Now fitted with a 409-horsepower twin-turbocharged V-6 in place of the old 5.7-liter V-8, the redesigned LX has become more powerful yet more fuel-efficient while introducing shoppers to an updated level of luxury.
We drove an LX 600 with the performance-oriented F Sport trim level, which brought more aggressive styling on the outside, 22-inch forged alloy wheels, sport-tuned suspension with a rear stabilizer bar, as well as sport-oriented heated and ventilated front seats along with aluminum pedals. Options included a 25-speaker Mark Levinson surround sound system that we enjoyed listening to while driving on Highway 1 and active height control, which helps when venturing off the pavement.
Standard equipment was numerous, including triple-beam LED headlamps, a panoramic view monitor, multi-terrain monitor, a head-up display, power-folding 3rd-row seats, heated and ventilated second-row seats, and an infotainment system with a center 12.3-inch display. All of these features were significantly valued during a warm day while in Half Moon Bay’s local traffic. Despite being in a sport-oriented version of the LX 600, ride quality was buttery smooth with the seat comfort exceptional. Handling was also excellent on the sinuous roads near Highway 1, likely helped by the adaptive variable suspension along with a Torsen limited-slip differential.
All in all, the LX 600 was a preeminent representative of what a dedicated luxury SUV can be and showed what many shoppers can appreciate from a high-end vehicle. Hopefully, many of the features we experienced in the LX 600 trickle down into the mainstream compact SUVs and family SUVs, making them even better for consumption.
