2010 Lexus LX 570

Essentially a carryover from 2009, the 2010 Lexus LX 570 features a couple of minor technological changes that further enhance an already well-endowed full-size luxury SUV. With eight-passenger seating in three rows, the four-door LX 570 is delivered in only one trim level and is equipped with full-time four-wheel drive for those snowy highways and muddy back roads. The 2010 LX 570 also offers electronic hi-lo gear selection in case a bit of off-roading is desired.

Powering the 2010 LX 570 is a 5.7-liter DOHC V8 that, in combination with its six-speed auto-manual transmission with descent and hill-holder control, puts out 383 hp and 403 lb-ft of torque. All those horses are good to tow some 8,500 pounds, but eat gas at a prodigious 12/18 mpg. Those who can afford a Lexus, however, are not apt to worry much about fuel prices. And the 2010 LX 570 offers a self-leveling, height-adjustable suspension that provides a supremely comfortable and luxurious ride.

Standard appearance, comfort, and convenience features for the 2010 Lexus LX 570 include 20-inch alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, roof rack, trailer hitch and wiring, power moonroof, step running boards, multi-level-heated, power-adjustable front seats with driver's memory settings, voice-activated DVD navigation, steering-wheel-mounted cruise and audio controls, a universal remote garage door opener, and a 6-CD changer with nine speakers and satellite radio. The standard luxury offerings that define this luxury SUV include leather upholstery, wood, leather, and alloy cabin accents, parking-assist sensors, a rear-view backup camera, and remote window and door lock activation.

Options for the 2010 LX 570 include radar-enhanced adaptive cruise control, a chilled storage bin, Intuitive Park-Assist with a front and passenger-side-mirror camera system, rear-seat DVD entertainment, and Smart Card entry.

Lexus has provided for the safety of 2010 LX 570 passengers with four-wheel disc ABS featuring electronic brakeforce distribution, traction and stability control, dual front side-mounted airbags, three-row head airbags, daytime running lights, adaptive headlights, and a remote anti-theft alarm system. The usual child-seat anchors, active headrests, and front fog/driving lights are also among the plethora of safety features in this luxury Sport Ute.

Hard as it may be to believe, owners of the ’09 LX 570 found a few things to complain about, with gas mileage, those pesky power-folding third-row seats that fold up sideways instead of into the floor, and some plain-ish styling, especially in the rear, making the list. By and large, however, those who have the means to purchase the ‘09 Lexus LX 570 are highly impressed with its standard luxury and technological features, seat comfort, and luxurious fittings, as well as its over-the-top ride and handling. There’s no reason to believe the 2010 LX 570 will be any less impressive.

By Eric Tallberg