2013 Lexus LX570 SUV

It’s safe to say that the LX570 is not a priority for Lexus, but it does receive some minor changes for 2013. The brand’s ?spindle? (pinched in the middle) grille has been applied to the front, along with de rigueur LED running lights. The interior sees minor changes. There are new colors inside and out.

A unique selection among the Lexus lineup, the LX570 is a large sport utility vehicle with generous proportions. The new hourglass-shaped grille seems oddly mismatched to the LX570’s stern, two-box design, though it’s not as flamboyant as some of the competition in its class. Headlights and the rear of the vehicle have been revised as well, adding a bit more pizzazz. Offering a fairly simple and straightforward design, the LX570 bears a classic SUV style, looking quite similar to the Toyota Land Cruiser. One trim level is available, and it comes equipped with 20-inch, painted alloy wheels with all-season tires, automatic and adaptive xenon headlamps, a power liftgate, step running boards, a power glass sunroof with remote operation, and power-folding heated mirrors. The LX570 also includes a rear spoiler, a roof rack, and privacy glass, both equipped standard. The Lexus LX570 comes in a choice of several body colors, including Noble Spinel Mica, Satin Cashmere Metallic, and Nebula Gray Pearl.

While not much has changed in terms of the Lexus LX570’s interior style, a few new gadgets appear. As is typical for a vehicle of its luxury status, all materials are high quality, and the design is tasteful and functional. The upright instrument panel is crafted with fine details and includes matte-metallic accents. The cabin is decked out lavishly with perforated leather and fine wood finishes. The dark-toned metallic trim and mahogany paneling is quite handsome, as well as the cashmere leather embellishments. A larger information display is now equipped, featuring readouts for various things, including speed and navigation directions. A new multimedia system is included with Lexus Enform, which functions with a smartphone, making several media applications accessible, such as Pandora or MovieTickets.com. There is a generous 41 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row of seats, and when the second and third rows of seats are folded down, up to 83 cubic feet of space is available. A host of great standard features is included with the 2013 Lexus LX570 as well, befitting its luxury status. Highlights of equipped standard features include cruise control, four-zone climate control, and a rearview camera. Audio and cruise controls are conveniently placed on the steering wheel, and the LX570 also includes a standard universal remote transmitter. One excellent advanced feature is the memorized settings for up to three drivers. Entertainment includes an AM/FM in-dash single CD player with MP3 playback stereo, nine total speakers, a USB connection, and a three-month subscription to Sirius XM satellite radio. In addition to the navigation system and Enform service, Bluetooth wireless connectivity for hands-free calls is included as well.

The 2013 Lexus LX570 includes all the basic safety features one would expect, plus a few advanced features not found in many vehicles today. Standard safety features include four-wheel anti-lock brakes; stability and traction control; front, rear, and third-row head airbags; and dual front and dual rear side-mounted airbags. Advanced features include a glass breakage sensor, a post-collision safety system, and adaptive headlights. The Lexus Enform service features several great offerings as well, including stolen vehicle tracking, an emergency service button, and airbag deployment notification. One great piece of safety equipment included standard for all LX570s is a rearview camera, and a front-end camera is available as an option, which comes recommended due to the vehicle’s tall height and flat front-end. The Lexus LX570 comes to a stop from 60 mph in a cool 119 feet, which is great considering the vehicle’s size.

A rather large and heavy vehicle, the 2013 Lexus LX570 still manages to accomplish excellent acceleration. Powered by a hefty 5.7-liter, eight-cylinder engine, it makes a whopping 383 horsepower and 403 lb-ft of torque. Zero to 60 mph is accomplished in 7.5 seconds, impressive for a large SUV. Handling is also surprisingly good for such a large vehicle, and bumps on the road are barely noticed due to its electronically controlled suspension. A six-speed automatic is the sole transmission offering, though it works rather smoothly and contributes to its deft ability at passing other vehicles. One welcome attribute is the LX570’s ability to handle any terrain with rugged precision, as well as it use for towing. Towing capacity for the LX570 is 7000 pounds. As to be expected from a vehicle in its class, the LX570 does not get phenomenal fuel economy. Estimated gas mileage stands at 12/18 mpg city/highway.

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