Lexus introduced its premium SUV, the LX 570, for the 2008 model year. With the exception of a new, optional Luxury Package and tinted rear side windows, the 2009 LX 570 remains pretty much the same as the introductory model. This middling-large, luxury Sport Ute comes in only one trim level, called simply the Base. With a potent powerplant, a plethora of standard features, decent on- and off-road capability, and a pedigree of reliability, not to mention a luxurious and comfortable ride, the LX 570 is a couple hundred notches above the ordinary base SUV. A 383-hp 5.7-liter V8 is mated with a six-speed auto-manual transmission to give the ’09 LX 570 some 403 lb-ft of torque, enough oomph to tow some 8,500 pounds without straining, and enough acceleration to power from 0-60 in 7.4 seconds. Gas mileage, however, is a whole other thing, with the EPA estimating a wallet-thinning 12/18 mpg. On the road or the trail, the ’09 Lexus LX 570 rides (almost) as smooth as silk on standard 20-inch alloy wheels, a front independent suspension, active, self-leveling, double-wishbone suspension, a solid rear axle, and front and rear stabilizer bars. Off-road, the height-adjustable suspension and variable-tuned shock absorbers help make the rocks and crevasses of the back-country into pebbles and dips. The 2009 Lexus LX 570 comes loaded with standard comfort and convenience features, including a power liftgate, power sunroof, leather upholstery, wood interior trim, power-adjustable front seats with driver memory, four-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth hands-free communication technology, premium 6-CD changer with nine speakers, satellite radio, a voice-activated hard-drive navigation system with real-time traffic information, and a rear backup camera. Options include the Luxury Package with upgraded leather, a chilled center console bin, along with keyless entry and ignition. Further options feature climate controlled front seats, adaptive cruise control, a 19-speaker Mark Levinson premium surround-sound system with 30GB of music storage, park-assist, and a rear-seat entertainment system. Safety is certainly a priority in the ’09 LX 570, with such standard safety features as four-wheel disc ABS with brake assist, front side-mounted airbags, front seat knee airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, active front headrests, stability and traction control, and the Lexus Pre-Collision System. Owners of the ’08 and ’09 Lexus LX 570 have a number of issues, as well as a car-load of kudos for this plush SUV. Topping the list of complaints is poor gas mileage, with a lack of cargo space, iffy handling, price, lack of maneuverability in tight parking situations, and cramped second- and third-row seating also causing some owner discontent. However, smart styling, a ton of standard features, posh and comfortable seating, power, performance, along with a smooth ride and a quiet, refined cabin simply overwhelm any complaints. Most owners find the 2009 Lexus LX 570 a pleasure to drive.