The Toyota Land Cruiser has been discontinued. The Toyota Land Cruiser 2022 Lexus LX 600 has been discontinued. The iconic SUV was what brought the Toyota Land Cruiser into 21st century with major upgrades. The LX is a luxury SUV that can compete against the Mercedes-Benz GLS or Cadillac Escalade.
The Land Cruiser isn’t dead but we don’t have it here in the U.S., at least not yet. Many of the new SUVs’ design features are concealed beneath the LX. The new twin-turbo V6 is 409 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. This engine is used as a replacement to V8 and is paired up with Toyota’s 10-speed auto. According to rumours, the hybrid engine that powers the Toyota Tundra or Sequoia will soon be available for the LX.
Although the Land Cruiser is known for its off-road capability, the LX we tested was not. Instead of a 4×4 that locks the front and back axles for new terrain, we were given a Torsen Limited Slip Differential, F Sport suspension, performance dampers, and massive 22-inch wheels. This is not the purpose of F Sport.
The LX 600 can still perform the usual SUV tasks. The LX 600 measures nearly 17 feet long and features a fold-flat third. It is, however, one foot shorter than the standard Escalade. This is partly why the third row has utility seating, and not family transport. The third row has good headroom but not enough cargo space. If you really need the third row, you can rent a trailer that can tow 8,000 pounds.
The LX’s full-time 4WD standard with limited-slip differential, and standard full time 4WD do not have to be combined with the LX’s offroad crawl mode. Despite having 22-inch wheels, the LX was able to handle Michigan’s winter garbage very well. We did not see much snowfall in our week with the truck but we did see a lot of slush and crust around the suburbs of Detroit where the LX was being used.
It isn’t very comfortable, even though it can be used on rough terrain. The F Sport would be more successful on a smoother, cleaner, and curvier surface. The F Sport is not a performance SUV but it drives and rides like one. Every crack, seam, and expansion joint is a reflection of the 22s. The Lexus F Sport suspension is Lexus’ most sporty model, but it is still a large SUV with soft springs. This contrasts with the engine’s powerful and taut nature. It can sometimes feel slow and monotonous because it accelerates so fast. This is probably true for luxury six-figure cars. The problem is that the rear ends dive with every push of the throttle. All anchors removed will cause the front to sink.
The F Sport Handling model did not come with the Active Height Control. This suspension system is hydraulic and not air. It can only be used at low speeds because it is easier to access the LX in “Low” mode. Its existence isn’t considered to be significant. Although the LX feels like a smaller car, it accelerates as fast as a smaller one. The LX is smoother on roads with minimal traffic. It can become a little messy if you make changes to the formula too often.
Interior mission of the LX is more consistent. The F Sport Handling model is the middle tier in LX’s interior mission. It’s very impressive. F Sport Handling models come standard with heated and ventilated second and first row seats, a power sunroof, variable ambient lighting, and a 12.3-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, and a HUD, digital cluster display and HUD. Our tester also had the $2,600 Mark Levinson soundsystem. It is the only option.
The infotainment system has a lot of praises. Toyota and Lexus finally have a combination of hardware, software, and it looks great. The voice controls are easy to use and don’t seem lower the volume of music when you speak to the computer. It doesn’t appear that this is hindering the microphone’s and infotainment ability to understand commands. However, it can be frustrating.
The LX does not have a dedicated home screen (the navigation map is the default view), and split-screen functionality. You will need to toggle between the common functions rather than have them side-by as in older Lexus models. The LX also has a second screen located below the primary panel. This screen displays information about the vehicle and controls the heating/cooling system. The NX does not have this screen. It is however a great substitute for a configurable side-by-side display.
Circuit Red upholstery on F Sport is not for everyone. However, it’s just one option of many interior options. Black leather can be ordered for the F Sport. Some variants offer more distinctive looks. The Ultra Luxury’s wide-porewood is especially delicious. The LX’s interior is equally as good in the back seat of the Escalade, but it has a lower quality. It was a mid-grade model, and cost $105,005 plus $13,345 for destination. For an Ultra Luxury model, prices range from $88,245 up to $127,000 No engine upgrade is available.
The Escalade and Lincoln Navigator, Jeep Grand Wagoneer, Escalade and Escalade are LX’s low-end cousins. While the Mercedes-Benz GLS, BMW X7, Range Rover, and Range Rover are the higher-end options, the Escalade and Lincoln Navigator are the Escalade’s high-end counterparts. The larger American cars are more valuable than the smaller ones. These cars offer more room for passengers and cargo, better off-road performance and more tech features (including GM Super Cruise or Ford Blue Cruise). The Europeans, particularly the new Range Rovers, are smaller than the LX’s but have a different pricing strategy.
The LX’s value proposition may not be compelling but its strength lies in its luxury pretensions. Land Cruiser DNA in the LX will make it more attractive to SUV lovers, especially those who are already Toyota/Lexus loyals. We hope Lexus will take advantage of the hybrid option to make Lexus’ LX more attractive. Although the F Sport’s performance veneer might not be as attractive as it appears, those who have maintained their roads will appreciate the compromises. If you are having trouble, you can always opt for one of the more luxurious trims. Your spine will be blessed by you.