2023 Lexus LX

When it comes to building cars that will last, Toyota is the king - and, by extension, Lexus. So it makes sense that the 2023 Lexus LX is one of the most dependable cars on the road. It's practically a more luxurious Land Cruiser, though it shares its architecture with the rugged Toyota Tundra - and a twin-turbo V6 engine that develops 409 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. This unique combination of characteristics draws the ire of competitors like the Cadillac Escalade, Lincoln Navigator, and Jeep Grand Wagoneer. You'll get more power if you buy local, but you may be subjecting yourself to questionable build quality and lower resale value. And while the Lexus LX may not be the hardiest off-roader, it is more than capable of a little adventure. Even without many changes for the new year, we suspect it will continue to be a hit among those who can actually afford one.

Unfortunately, the price of a new Lexus LX in 2023 is quite restrictive. The cheapest is the 600 at $90,815, while the 600 Premium approaches six figures at $98,765. Starting from the F Sport Handling, you'll need to have more than $100k to burn, as it goes for $105,025. The 600 Luxury is only slightly more expensive at $106,765. However, it is a significant jump up to the top-of-the-range 600 Ultra Luxury, which will set you back a cool $130,905. These are the MSRP prices for the Lexus LX and do not include administrative fees or the $1,345 destination charge.

First and foremost, it is important to remember that the LX is built on a body-on-frame platform. This means that handling is never going to be sharp, despite its light steering, which benefits from electronic assistance. This gives the driver a modicum of confidence about where the front end of the car will end up coming out of a corner, especially with its low center of gravity. The SUV gains a little bit of athleticism when you switch to Sport mode, which tightens up the steering and makes the transmission hang onto the gears a little longer. All of this, combined with less weight than you'd expect from such a large vehicle, makes the LX fun in a ponderous sort of way.

Comfort, on the other hand, is always guaranteed, even if you go with Sport+ mode. The 2023 LX is relatively quiet, too, thanks to a turbo-charged V6 instead of a raucous nat-asp V8. The refined engine is also more than capable of taking the flagship SUV off-road thanks to its more-than-adequate ground clearance. The LX comes with standard crawl control that takes the strain out of conquering most terrains, and the trail-turn feature allows the seemingly cumbersome vehicle to turn on a dime when needed. And if you ever feel your confidence falter, the Multi-Terrain monitor lets you see know exactly what's going on around you.

There is no shortage of large SUVs in the USA, but many consumers prefer American products and would rather buy a Caddy or Jeep over the Japanese brand. That would be a mistake, though, since Lexus knows how to make truly great vehicles that will just keep going and going. Its reliability is bolstered by a high-quality interior that oozes style, an impressive list of standard features, and an excellent safety suite. Ride comfort is naturally a priority in a flagship SUV, but what some Lexus LX reviews may leave out is that the vehicle is just as capable as anything US-made when it comes to going off-road. Though it falls behind in straight-up power, towing capacity, and trunk space, it makes up for this with its impeccable build quality and overall value for money.

You don't buy a new Lexus LX SUV if you aren't willing to spend some serious cash, but that doesn't mean you have to blow your life savings on the Ultra Luxury. You can hold onto an extra $30k by opting for the regular Luxury model. You still get cushy semi-aniline leather upholstery, a comprehensive safety system, bold 22-inch alloy wheels, and a banging Mark Levinson sound system. You also get the full seven seats, which is three more than the Ultra Luxury has since it focuses a little too much on luxurious comfort.