2022 Lexus LX

Lexus LX 2021-2022 Review

When you think about what Lexus is best known for, there are two models that come to mind. The first is their mid-sized SUV in the form of the RX, which has been a mainstay for Lexus and arguably was the model that helped modernize the brand and keep them relevant amidst fast-shifting consumer trends. The other model is obviously the LS, which is their largest and most luxurious sedan model – and arguably the most refined among the options on the market.

You wouldn’t be faulted then for not realizing that there is a step larger than the RX in terms of SUV sizing, and for Lexus this comes in the form of the LX. The Lexus LX is, in a far more condensed way than it deserves credit for, a more luxurious version of the Toyota Land Cruiser. In that sense, the LX has been the Lexus counterpart to the Land Cruiser since the mid-1990s, when it was in its first generation and based on the J80 generation of Land Cruiser.

For Malaysians, the Land Cruiser name is strong – especially if you’re living out in East Malaysia. It’s the largest and most luxurious of the Toyota SUVs, which means that a Lexus variant takes this to even greater heights. For the longest time, the only way to get a Toyota Land Cruiser or Lexus LX was to go through parallel import channels, and both models could find homes relatively quickly.

Over the years Toyota still hasn’t chosen to offer the Land Cruiser in an official capacity – with service and warranty support – but Lexus has decided to make the LX a part of their official Malaysian line-up. It’s available in two different variants, with a singular engine option – in other markets there are three petrol and one diesel engine options to choose from.

Much like this generation of Lexus NX that has been phased out slowly this year, the Lexus LX is going to be phased out soon as well in preparation for the next-generation model that was launched in Japan in October of 2021-2022.

Lexus LX 2021-2022 Specifications

There is a singular powertrain option for the local variant of the 2021-2022 Lexus LX as we mentioned earlier. This happens to be a 5.6 litre, naturally aspirated petrol engine in the V8 form factor – a stout powertrain that makes a leisurely 362 hp and 530 Nm of torque. These figures belie just how under-stressed this engine is, though the advantage is better drivability through the mid-range.

In terms of transmission, there is an eight-speed conventional automatic unit that splits dive across all four wheels through a full-time 4WD system. Being the largest of the SUVs, it’s expect that it comes with an all-wheel drive system at the minimum, if not a hard-core 4WD system that can be really put to use when exploring the great outdoors.

Dimensionally the 2021-2022 Lexus LX is as imposing as you would expect, with a total length of 5,080 mm, a width of 1,980 mm, and a height of 1,865 mm. The wheelbase measures at 2,850 mm – which isn’t all too long surprisingly, despite having large exterior dimensions. After all, the Lexus LX is a three-seater SUV – though with the RX’s transition to a three-row option design the LX is no longer the sole three-row offering.

Lexus LX 2021-2022 Exterior

You can get your 2021-2022 Lexus LX in a variety of different paint options, though all models and variants come with 21-inch aluminium wheels. Muted tones are the name of the game here – the most popular are obviously the Sonic Titanium (a silver-grey-ish colour) or the Starlight Black Glass Flake (simple glossy black), while Sonic Quartz (a slightly pearlescent white) and Terrane Khaki Mica Metallic (a khaki green paint option) round out the choices.

As expected the 2021-2022 Lexus LX comes with items like triple L-shaped LED headlights and daytime running lights executed with LED units. There are mild differences in the front and rear bumper choices between the variants, with the Sport variant naturally getting sportier bumpers, and a different mesh grille to boot.

On top of all this, there is welcome illumination on the side steps, as well as roof rails and a moon roof – common across both variants. There is also a small rear spoiler to break up the roofline and add a touch of sportiness.

Lexus LX 2021-2022 Interior

Were it any other car, it would be surprising just how many interior trim options there are for the 2021-2022 Lexus LX – five different colours of leather to choose from, regardless of which variant you choose. Then again, when the price tag is over RM 1 million, you tend to expect a certain degree of customization. The colour options are Ivory, Black, Sunflare Brown, Garnet, and Ocher – while all models get Shimamoku dark brown wood trim.

Lexus LX 2021-2022 Safety Features

Active and advanced safety systems are present with the Lexus LX, including items such as the Front Pre-Collision System, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert, Adaptive High-beam System, and so on –these items falling under the Lexus Safety System+ umbrella. This is on top of your regular acronyms like ABS, EBD, VSC, TRC, ISOFIX and so on.

Lexus LX 2021-2022 Strengths & Weakness

If you want the largest possible Lexus model you can purchase, you’ve come to the right place. There’s no doubt that the Lexus LX has presence on the road, not merely because of its sheer size but also the fact that they’re a bit of a rarity on Malaysian roads. The off-road systems are more a part of the vehicle as a point rather than to be used, as is the case with most 4WD SUVs in Malaysia.

Unfortunately, one can’t get around the fact that you are paying north of RM 1 million for a vehicle that isn’t substantially different or unique compared to other large format luxury SUVs. The Lexus LX is a great car, but it’s essentially a large SUV with a layer of Lexus atop it, rather than one built from the ground up and hard-coded with Lexus DNA.

Lexus LX 2021-2022 Price

Pricing for this generation of the Lexus LX starts with the LX 570, which goes for a hefty RM 1,225,883.00. The higher-spec LX570 Sport bumps up the price to RM 1,281,938.00 – or a difference of RM 56,050.00 between the two models. As mentioned earlier they are mechanically identical, with marginal differences to the trim and items offered.

Lexus LX 2021-2022 Features

Keyless entry and start are always a nice place to start when it comes to features. For the Lexus LX you get this as standard, as well as a powered boot door and wireless charging, a cooler box in the arm rest that receives cold air from the four-zone automatic climate control as well as power-adjustable seats for both the first and second row of seats. Rear seat entertainment comes in the form of dual 11.6-inch screens, while the front gets a 12.3-inch screen. Mark Levinson has developed a surround sound system for the car with a whopping 19 speakers tucked away around the cabin for a truly immersive experience.

Lexus LX 2021-2022 Fuel Consumption

There is no local manufacturer quoted fuel consumption figure for the Lexus LX570, although if we look at the data from other countries we can find that the rough combined fuel consumption figure is 14 miles per gallon. This translates to roughly 6.0 kilometres per litre – though given the sheer size and weight of the Lexus LX, as well as the fact that the engine is naturally aspirated, it isn’t altogether surprising.