Lexus LX570

Lexus LX generations at a glance

First generation: LX 450 (J80)

Lexus entered the luxury off-road class late. Production of the LX 450 started in November 1995, and US sales began in January 1996 as a 1996 model, with Canada following in 1997. It was a Land Cruiser 80 with a Lexus grille, leather and wood, and more sound insulation. The 4,477 cc 1FZ-FE straight-six produced 160 kW (215 hp) and 373 Nm.

The base price in early 1996 was 47,995 US dollars, roughly €38,000 at the exchange rate of the time. Lexus sold more than 5,000 in 1996 and more than 9,000 in 1997. It lasted only two model years before a successor designed with the next Land Cruiser arrived.

Second generation: LX 470 (J100)

The LX 470 appeared at the Los Angeles Auto Show in December 1997 and went on sale in spring 1998. It used the new Land Cruiser 100 and Toyota's 4,663 cc 2UZ-FE V8. Output started at 172 kW (230 hp), rose to 175 kW and reached 205 kW (275 hp) for 2006, with 445 Nm of torque. By our calculation, that is a 19 % gain in power over the life of the LX 470, and 28 % more than the LX 450's straight-six.

The LX 470 introduced two technologies that became LX trademarks. Adjustable Height Control (AHC) used hydraulics to raise or lower the body, and Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) changed the damping. For the final 2007 model year Lexus built 400 Limited Edition cars. In the United States the LX 470 peaked at 14,732 sales in 2000, still the highest annual figure for any LX.

Third generation: LX 570 (J200)

The LX 570 was revealed on 4 April 2007 at the New York International Auto Show as a 2008 model, based on the Toyota Land Cruiser 200. Its 5,663 cc 3UR-FE V8 is the largest engine ever offered in an LX. Power depends on the market: 286 kW (383 hp) and 546 Nm in North America, 277 kW in Japan from 2015, and 270 kW with 530 Nm in other markets. It can tow up to 3,900 kg.

The J200 stayed in production for 14 years, so it was updated several times:

• 2010 (2011 model year): a mild update.
• 2012 (2013 model year): a larger spindle grille and LED daytime lights, shown in Detroit.
• August 2015 (2016 model year): a major facelift revealed at Pebble Beach, with new body panels, a 12.3-inch screen and, according to the old version of this page, an eight-speed automatic in place of the six-speed.

From 2015 to 2021 some markets, among them Australia, India and South Africa, also got the LX 450d. Its 4,461 cc 1VD-FTV twin-turbo diesel V8 delivers 200 kW (268 hp) and 650 Nm. The old version of this page quoted 226 mm of ground clearance and a boot of 258 litres behind the third row, figures typical of the seven-seat versions.

Fourth generation: LX 600, LX 500d and LX 700h (J310)

Lexus revealed the current LX on 13 October 2021. Like the Land Cruiser 300, it rides on Toyota's GA-F ladder-frame platform and is about 200 kg lighter than the LX 570. The V8 is gone: the LX 600 uses the 3,445 cc V35A-FTS twin-turbo V6 with 305 kW (409 hp) and 650 Nm, and the LX 500d a 3,345 cc twin-turbo diesel V6 with 227 kW and 700 Nm. Both use a ten-speed automatic.

By our calculation, the LX 600 has 7 % more power and 19 % more torque than the US-market LX 570 from an engine 39 % smaller. The cabin has a 12.3-inch upper screen, a 7.0-inch lower screen and an 8.0-inch digital instrument panel. Versions range from the F Sport, with a Torsen limited-slip differential and firmer suspension, to a four-seat VIP model with two individual rear seats and more legroom. Japan also has an Offroad trim with three locking differentials.

The LX 700h hybrid arrived in 2024 and is now the most powerful LX, with 341 kW and 790 Nm. On 10 October 2024 Lexus added the Overtrail version. Like the Japanese Offroad trim, it has front, centre and rear differential locks, aimed at owners who really leave the road.

Lexus LX sales in the United States

The United States is the LX's best-documented market. These figures show how a 14-year-old LX 570 kept selling and how the new car revived demand:

By our calculation, the LX 700h accounted for about 39 % of US sales in 2025, and the 2025 total was more than double the last full year of the LX 570. In China, another key market, Lexus sold 4,092 LX in the same year. The company's wider history, from the LS saloon to the hybrid range, is in our article on how Toyota built Lexus.

LX or Land Cruiser: which one to choose

Every LX shares its frame, engine family and four-wheel drive with a Land Cruiser of the same era, so the difference lies in equipment, comfort and price. The LX adds adaptive and height-adjustable suspension, a quieter cabin, more luxurious seats and Lexus dealer service. The Land Cruiser is cheaper, simpler and in many markets offered with a wider range of engines. For the current generation, our article on the Toyota Land Cruiser 300 explains the base car.

Inside the Lexus range the smaller Lexus GX is the other body-on-frame SUV, while the RX is a car-based crossover. Our size comparison tool sets the LX against these alternatives, and the fuel cost calculator shows what a big petrol V8 or V6 costs to run.