The 2024 Lexus LX 600 Ultra Luxury is ready for its red-carpet role, but it is also pure off-road elite, including an underbody trail cam

Table of Contents

Heritage and Inheritance
2024 Lexus LX Pricing
Off-Road Credentials
Ride and Handling
Twin-Turbo V-6 Performance
Interior Function
Ultra Luxury Assets and Liabilities
Why Buy the 2024 Lexus LX 600 Ultra Luxury?
Specifications

BY MARK MAYNARD

The 2024 Lexus LX 600 Ultra Luxury is big, bold, brassy, and unapologetic. This body-on-frame SUV has a 6,000-pound curb weight, an 8,000-pound towing capacity, and a 409-hp V-6 that can return fuel economy of 22 mpg on the highway.

Since its launch in 1995, the Lexus LX was the luxurious counterpart to the vaunted Toyota Land Cruiser. But while Toyota discontinued the old-spec Land Cruiser for North America in 2021, Lexus powered forward with a completely redesigned and re-engineered LX 600 for 2022. (Toyota will continue the Land Cruiser nameplate with a slightly smaller and less expensive model based on the Lexus GX; it is expected in dealerships this spring. Take a look at it here. And read my review of the 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser)

Luxury SUVs are common now, but just a few are built with off-roading credentials. The most recognizable are the Land Rover Defender 110 ($96,950) and its prettier alter ego, the Range Rover Autobiography ($142,575), Mercedes-Benz G-Class ($140,000) and Mercedes-Benz GLS ($87,000).

Garden-variety gas-powered luxo-SUVS will include the BMW X7 ($95,000), Cadillac Escalade ($98,000), and Infiniti QX80 ($87,500).

The ‘Golden Ratio’

Separating the Lexus LX 600 from most of its competitors is what Lexus calls the “golden ratio” of a 112-inch wheelbase. This stubbier span between axles has been carried over from the 1995 first generation. The LX 600 wheelbase is 7 inches shorter than the Land Rover Defender 110 and 6 inches shorter than the Range Rover.

A shorter wheelbase is nimbler for off-road maneuverability and to avoid the awkward potential of getting high-centered on a pointy trail crest. But creating a luxurious ride on a shorter wheelbase takes special finesse — an adaptable variable suspension.

There is much to unwrap about this credentialed but old-school SUV.

Heritage and Inheritance

For its fourth generation, the Lexus LX was moved to a new 20 percent more rigid GA-F platform. Lexus says it is a robust and rigid foundation for its body-on-frame build. Compared to its predecessor, the curb weight is reduced by 441 pounds due in part to aluminum doors and a lighter engine.

Lexus grew its range of LX trim levels to five, including the entry LX Standard ($92,915) for those who actually would drive their LX off-road. And there is a new F Sport model for those who will not drive off-road and prefer a taut and tuned ride quality. (Pricing is listed below.)

Where once there was a V-8 powering the LX, there is now a high-output, high-torque 409-hp, 3.4-liter V-6 twin-turbo gasoline engine. With a new Direct Shift 10-speed automatic transmission, the LX 600 has some of this segment’s best achievable fuel economy ratings.

On-road or off-road, Lexus credits refined vehicle control to the electronically controlled brake system and electric power steering. With 22-inch wheels, the LX has a turning circle of 39.4 feet, which is 2.7 feet tighter than the Land Rover Defender.

Automotive News reports that the Lexus LX will be due for a reengineering in 2027.

2024 Lexus LX 600 Pricing

The big Lexus SUV is sold in five trim levels with seat configurations of seven, five, or four. All trims have permanent four-wheel drive, a 409-horsepower, twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V-6, and 10-speed automatic transmission.

Each trim level is well equipped with just limited option packages, but there is a range of accessories for pet carrying and sporting gear, and off-roading equipment by ARB.

The entry LX 600 starts at $92,915, including the $1,350 freight charge from Toyota, Aichi, Japan;

• LX 600 Premium: $100,865;
• LX 600 F Sport Handling: $107,125;
• LX 600 Luxury: $108,865;
• LX 600 Ultra Luxury: $133,490

There are seven paint colors. Three are no-cost choices (Atomic Silver, Nori Green Pearl, and Caviar); Eminent White Pearl is $500, and Manganese Luster is $595. Black Onyx and Ultra White are exclusive no-cost colors for the LX 600 F Sport Handling.

There are five interior color choices: Palomino, White/Peppercorn, Circuit Red, Black, and Sunflare.

Today’s LX 600 Ultra Luxury tester in Atomic Silver with Sunflare semi-aniline leather and Takanoha wood trim came to $135,870 with five accessories (highlighted in the specs box at the end of this review). The Ultra Luxury base MSRP is $2,735 more than in 2023, not including a $5 bump to the freight charge.

Find current pricing here. And find special offers here.

LX 600 Safety Features

All LX trim levels have 10 air bags and extensive safety technologies in the Lexus Safety System 2.5. The collection of features allows level II semi-autonomous driving that is state-of-the-technology accurate. System features include:

• All-speed dynamic cruise control,
• Precollision system with pedestrian detection,
• Lane-tracing assist,
• Lane-departure alert with steering assist,

(Other safety features are listed below in the specs box.)

Off-Roading Credentials

Toyota says the LX inherits the golden ratio of a 112-inch wheelbase, carried over from the first generation in 1995. The LX has a climbing ability of 45 degrees and a maximum water crossing depth of 27.5 inches, the same level as the previous model.

Active height control can raise or lower the ride height from 1 to 3.3 inches. When parking, the ride drops another inch below the standard ride height, making the standard step rails unnecessary, except for loading gear to the roof rails (with the $450 cross bars).

LX 600 Ride and Handling

It is an engineering marvel that Lexus has created such a vaultlike and secure presence for the LX 600. The cabin is just so quiet that every drive feels like a respite from the calamity of traffic.

There doesn’t seem to be a wide difference in driving modes between Comfort and Sport-plus, except more body lean in the Comfort and Eco modes. And Eco is annoyingly resistant to throttle input for something this big and heavy.

For around-town driving, I kept the transmission in Sport or Sport-plus for its quicker acceleration uptake. Comfort mode is tuned for fuel savings and rolls out at a more relaxed pace.

It is somewhat surprising for Lexus to source the Dunlop Grandtrek PT5A tires. These 22-inch Dunlops are summer touring tires, which do not get great rave owner reviews for winter driving, and the tread face doesn’t appear traction-ready for the trail. But a full-size spare will fit under the cargo area. Replacing one of the Dunlops will run about $350 each, but alternatives are limited for a 22-inch 265/50 tire.

Suspension

A lot is going on under the skin of this SUV. Much of the LX performance is focused on a high level of off-road driving performance — carried over from previous years — but also its on-road handling and stability.

The real magic is in the adaptive vehicle suspension, a sophisticated array of sensors, actuators, and advanced algorithms. These electronics monitor such elements as vehicle speed, steering input, body roll, and road conditions, then make immediate adjustments for stability and control.

Though the LX 600 is 74.6 inches tall, it absorbs speed bumps, driveway dips, and street transitions with next-to-no head toss. I’ve tested luxury sedans that are not as composed.

Twin-Turbo V-6 Performance

The twin-turbo 3.4-liter V-6 gasoline engine (V35A-FTS) is more powerful than the outgoing naturally aspirated 5.7-liter V-8. The V-6 produces 409 hp and peak torque of 479 foot-pounds at 2,000 to 3,600 rpm.

Fuel economy ratings are 17 mpg city, 22 highway, and 19 mpg combined, using the recommended premium fuel. At 18.5 mpg, I got close to the official combined rating and would not complain in this market of $100,000 SUVs. The 21.5-gallon tank is large enough by today’s engineering, but for off-road exploring or vacation travel, I’d prefer 25 gallons or more, as you’d get in the old days. But weight savings are crucial to meeting EPA mileage standards, and the added weight of more fuel in a bigger tank is an awkward calculation. And fitting a full-size, 22-inch spare in the undercarriage takes more space where a bigger tank could go.

The Direct Shift-10AT is heavy duty for managing the curb weight, climbing power, and Sport-plus performance. Gear shifts are unnoticeably smooth, but the transmission has a low ratio first gear for steady starts on a hill, street, or trail. High gearing in 10th keeps the engine speed low at interstate speeds, benefiting mileage and a quieter ride.

Interior Function

Inside the LX 600 is a leather-wrapped sanctuary with a charcoal-color headliner, muted and soft-touch accents, and Takanoha wood trim. The glossy wood treatment around the shifter console and upper doors is a wooden mosaic with a hawk feather pattern. Japanese woodworkers hone, polish, and then shave the piece three times while changing angles to bring out the feather pattern.

The instrument panel features Lexus Interface with dual display screens. A 12.3-inch navigation and infotainment screen is at the top, with a 7-inch screen just below for climate controls and drive-mode settings.

Upon first view of the driver area, there might seem to be an overwhelming array of buttons, switches, and knobs, all with graphic readouts. The access points span from the door panel window and lock controls to the digital gauge array, the steering wheel and side stalks, and the stack of center screens. Like any computer, I quickly figured out what I needed and the ones I could ignore until needed, like locking differential controls and multi-terrain switches.

True to the LX heritage as a superior off-roader, the camera system includes an underfloor view of transparent-underfloor images showing wheel positions, front and rear. While on the trail, knowing where the differentials are is imperative to avoid that steel-busting rock in the road.

Notable Ultra Luxury features include power door closers, second-row massaging and reclining captain’s chairs, a right-rear power recliner with sliding ottoman, heated and ventilated front and rear seats, dual-screen rear entertainment system, a front center console cool box, active ride height control, and 25-speaker 2,400-watt Mark Levinson surround-sound system.

Ultra Luxury Assets and Liabilities

Creating this four-seat LX 600 Ultra Luxury seems like a progressive choice for an executive-class “car.” Typically, an off-roadable SUV has a tall transmission-exhaust tunnel that compromises rear center seat footroom, so why not add a commanding console of entertaining features and a pair of massaging seats fit for a VIP?

Elements of the Ultra Lux package are all about Hollywood glam — for the two back-seat celebs. However, packing all the luxury features into this size of SUV creates a feeling of close quarters, in the front or back seat.

The second-row captain’s chairs look rich and regal, but legroom is tight at 33.8 inches. It is a chauffeur-like configuration. The front passenger seat can be moved forward for more legroom (up to 43 inches), and the seatback reclined. The curbside seat also has a footrest, but nothing for the seat behind the driver. There is also a separate air conditioning system with overhead ceiling vents.

This 2+2 configuration, however, takes away nearly all cargo versatility. The seatbacks do not fold, nor is there a ski passthrough. Cargo space is OK at 41 cubic feet stacked to the headliner.

And while there is a full 22-inch spare under the rear cargo area, the spindly jacking equipment is concerning for a three-ton lift, especially if performed on a trail.

Why Buy the 2024 Lexus LX 600 Ultra Luxury?

The LX 600 Ultra Luxury is a formidable choice for its luxurious refinement and tractor-like determination in snowy travel or to access the country property.

But it will be a specific buyer who seeks a four-seat, $134,000 SUV that makes molehills out of mountain trails on the way to the red carpet.

2024 Lexus LX 600 Specifications

Body style: Large, 4-seat, 5-door full-time 4WD body-on-frame SUV

Engine: 409-hp, twin-turbocharged and direct-injected four-cam 3.4-liter V-6 with four valves per cylinder; 479 lb.-ft. torque at 2,000 rpm

Transmission: 10-speed direct-shift automatic with paddle shifters and multi-terrain select modes; full-time 4WD with electronic locking center differential; crawl control with turn assist

Fuel economy: 17/22/19 mpg city/hwy/combined; premium fuel recommended

0-60 mph acceleration: 6.9 seconds, per Lexus

Tow rating: 8,000 pounds

BY THE NUMBERS

Fuel tank: 21.1 gallons

Cargo space: 41 cubic feet

Front head/leg room: 37.8/41.1 inches

Rear head/leg room: 38.7/33.8 inches

Length/wheelbase: 200.5/112.2 inches

Width/height: 78.3/74.6 inches

Curb weight: 5,945 pounds

Turning circle: 39.4 feet

FEATURES

LX 600 Ultra Luxury features include: 4-passenger diamond-stitch leather upholstery with embossed headrests, 2nd row massaging and reclining captain’s chairs, right-rear power recliner with sliding ottoman, heated and ventilated front and rear seats, dual-screen rear entertainment system, driver Lexus memory system, 4-zone climate control system with console cool box, heated wood and leather steering wheel, rear side sunshades, active ride height control, power door closers, 25-speaker 2,400-watt Mark Levinson surround-sound audio system, 2nd-row wireless charger, illuminated door scuff plates, thematic ambient illumination;

Exterior Ultra Luxury features include: triple-beam LED headlights and taillights, 22-inch forged alloy wheels with 22-inch Dunlop Grandtrek PT5A 265/50, roof rails, tow package and hitch;

Standard equipment includes: Smartkey entry and push-button ignition, Takanhoha wood trim, power heated side mirrors, 10-way power driver seat with cushion extender, 8-way power front passenger seat with cushion extender, digital rearview mirror, 12.3-inch digital infotainment touch screen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, panoramic view monitor with guidance lines, power moonroof, power tailgate with kick sensor, intuitive parking assist with rear cross-traffic alert and auto-braking, rear center armrest and table, headlight washers;

Safety features include: 10 air bags, trailer sway control, stability and traction controls, hill-start assist;

Lexus Safety System 2.5 includes:

• All-speed dynamic cruise control,
• Precollision system with pedestrian detection,
• Lane-tracing assist,
• Lane-departure alert with steering assist,
• Road sign assist (readout in gauge array),
• Intelligent (auto-dimming) high beams;

SUSPENSION COMPONENTS

Brakes: 4-wheel vented discs, 13.1 inches front, 13.9 inches rear; w/4-sensor, 4-channel multi-terrain ABS, brakeforce distribution, brake assist, and four-piston front calipers;

Steering: electric power; 39.4-foot turning circle

Tires-wheels: 22-inch 265/50 tires; forged alloy wheels with silver finish

Suspension: adaptive variable with active height control; front wishbone, rear multilink;

PRICING

Base price: $133,490, including $1,350 freight charge; price as tested $135,870

Options on test vehicle: 3M door edge film $95; illuminated cargo sills $475; dash cam $375; wheel locks $95; cross bars $450; all-weather floor protection $340

Where assembled: Toyota, Aichi, Japan

Warranties: 4-years/50,000-miles bumper to bumper with roadside assistance, free first and second scheduled maintenance appointments, and lodging expense for emergency breakdown 100 miles from home; 6-years/70,000-miles powertrain