• 2021 Lexus LX 570 (MSRP: $86,830 – $99,310)
• “Full-Size Luxury Truck of Texas” – Texas Auto Writers Association
• Pro: Remarkable luxury blended with superior off-road capability
• Con: Technology is lacking, as is its fuel economy

The 2021 Lexus LX 570 has seemingly been around for ages as it’s currently in its third generation, which started in 2008. However, based on its outer and inner appearances, you wouldn’t think so. The LX 570 was refreshed throughout the years and now boasts the same elegantly bold styling as its updated stablemates, but it definitely falls behind in the technological department. There are some redeeming factors in the aging LX as it still exudes the type of opulence you would expect from the “L” badge in addition to its superior off-road prowess.

The 2021 Lexus LX 570 has a ruggedly sophisticated design

Despite its aging bones, the 2021 Lexus LX 570 looks gracefully youthful on the outside. Think what you want about its large spindle grille up front, which is flanked by two aggressively shaped LED headlights, but we think it gives the tall and wide SUV an imposing aesthetic. It’s a good contrast to the overall soft feeling that you get when you step inside the cabin.

Move around to the back of the LX 570 and you’ll notice its two-piece tailgate in which the top part is power-operated. For the 2021 model year, buyers can opt for a Sport package that includes a revised front grille, a sportier front bumper, and rear valence, in addition to forged 21-inch alloy wheels. Buyers can choose between four different colors: Black Onyx, Atomic Silver, White, or Nori Green Pearl.

The LX 570’s interior is cavernous and undeniably comfortable

Sitting inside the Lexus LX 570, it’s easy to get taken away by its supreme fit and finish and an overabundance of soft-touch materials. By the looks of it, Lexus didn’t skimp on the luxury portion of this SUV as the push of every button and flip of a compartment door is met with a soft and subtle operation. Even opening and closing the moonroof is super quiet.

The front row seating space is wide and open providing the driver and passenger with plenty of room to breathe. It’s even better to be a rear-seat passenger as there is ample legroom that’s supplemented by powered seat bottoms that slide forward and back. There’s even a climate control panel in the armrest along with heated and ventilated outboard seats.

As for the third row, two adults can easily fit back there, provided they are shorter than six feet tall. And they’ll be comfortable, too, as the third row its own cupholders and HVAC vents.

The Lexus LX 570 is tech-savvy but needs an update

On the electronics front, the Lexus LX 570 has some technological chops, but they could use a little updating. A large 12.3-inch infotainment display sits front and center on the dashboard. Its main highlight is that it can be split into three different sections to show the navigation, audio, and climate controls. However, it’s clunky in its operation thanks to sub-par graphics and a cumbersome joystick controller on the center console.

It also doesn’t have Apple Carplay or Android Auto phone integration, which could be considered a sin by today’s standards. But the LX 570 is compatible with Amazon Alexa.

Otherwise, the LX 570 has everything you would need in a modern SUV. My tester even came with the optional second-row entertainment system that includes two 11.6-inch screens and matching headsets, along with a USB port and HDMI port. A Mark Levinson premium audio system with 19 speakers is available and highly recommended.

The LX 570 handles decently despite its hefty size

The Lexus LX 570 has a body-on-frame construction but you wouldn’t think so by the way it handles on regular roads. No, you can’t take hairpin turns at break-neck speeds, but you can drive hastily without feeling like the SUV is going to tip over. Given the LX 570’s tall vertical structure, visibility is fantastic out of every window making changing lanes and parking a lot easier.

Speaking of parking, there’s no denying that the LX 570 is a very large SUV. That means that it could take a few tries to find the right parking spot in tight situations, however, its 360-degree camera and parking sensors help a lot.

If you like going off-road, then you’ll like the multi-terrain monitors that the LX 570 is equipped with as they show the lower sides and front of the car with a push of a button. There is also a CRAWL control feature that’s like cruise control for off-road roading, in addition to an active-height air suspension that can lift the SUV up to three inches for more ground clearance. Additionally, a multi-terrain allows for five different off-road settings: Rock, mogul, loose rock, mud, and sand.

The LX 570’s stout V8 is powerful, noisy, and not very efficient

Under the hood of the Lexus LX 570 is a 5.7-liter V8 engine that’s mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. Of course, the paddle shifters don’t provide that much sportiness, but they can come in handy when you want to hold a gear during off-road driving.

The stout V8 produces 383 hp and 403 lb-ft of torque, which is enough to get the large SUV going smoothly but not quickly. Stepping on the accelerator leads to a loud roar of the engine, but not much forward momentum until it can get up through the gears and the rpm range. That being said, the LX 570’s wide torque band and low-end grunt could prove handy in deep mud, dirt, or snow. Four-wheel drive is standard as is a 7,000-pound towing capacity.

As for fuel economy, the LX 570 has an EPA-estimated rating of 12 mpg in the city and 16 mpg on the highway. However, I managed to achieve a whopping 11 mpg in my combined driving for the week. Expect to fill up the 24.6-gallon fuel tank frequently on road trips.

The 2021 Lexus LX 570 comes in two configurations

For the 2021 model, buyers can select between two different configurations of the LX 570: two-row or three-row. The two-row version can accommodate up to five passengers, while the three-row can fit up to eight.

There’s also a new Inspiration Series trim, which gives the LX 570 a meaner look via black exterior accents, black 21-inch wheels, and a black/red interior color scheme. Take note, Lexus only plans to build 500 of the LX 570 Inspiration Series models, so serious collectors should act quickly.

Lexus knows how to do safety

In addition to the 2021 LX 570’s gargantuan size, it’s able to protect its occupants via a host of standard safety features. This includes the “Lexus Safety System +” that contains drive-assist features like a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, dynamic radar cruise control, and a lane-departure alert. There is also a rear-cross traffic alert system that warns the driver of any oncoming vehicles or pedestrians when backing up.

In addition to these safety features, the LX 570 is equipped with 10 airbags, brake assist, intelligent high beams, and a head-up display. According to Autoblog, the LX 570 received a four out of five-star rating from NHTSA when it comes to the driver’s side, passenger’s side, and overall front crash testing. But it scored a five out of five in the overall rollover testing.

Maintenance can get pricey

According to Edmunds, the 2021 Lexus LX 570’s maintenance costs add up to over $8,800 over the first five years of ownership. When it comes time to repair the LX 570, Repair Pal estimates that it will cost an average of $832 per year.

To quell any mechanic repair woes within the few years of owning it, the LX 570 is backed by Lexus’ basic 48-month/50,000-mile warranty. Additionally, its powertrain is covered by a longer 72-month/70,000-mile warranty, whichever comes first.

The 2021 Lexus LX 570 offers a beautiful blend of opulence and off-road worthiness

Anyone looking for the utmost comfort and opulence with a hefty dose of off-road worthiness should look no further than a 2021 Lexus LX 570. This lavishly large SUV provides a serene experience when driving down the road, but it can be a beast on just about any off-road course.

There are no doubts that the Lexus LX 570 will easily transport a family of five, six, or even seven to their destination in style. Wherever that destination may be. It might be aging, but the LX 570 still has plenty of redeeming features.

The 2021 Lexus LX 570 an expert rating of 7.4 out of 10

The 2021 Lexus LX 570 a 7.4 out of 10. For a full-size, three-row luxury SUV, the LX 570 offers a ton of value for the money. Its rich interior materials and supreme comfort match surprisingly well with its off-road prowess.