2014 Lexus LX 570

NEW FOR 2014:

- Trim line consolidation

Most owners of near-six-figure SUVs won’t take their vehicles off road. But in the even they should so happen to be piloting the 2014 Lexus LX 570, they needn’t worry – it’s one of the world’s most capable four-wheel-drive vehicles. Essentially a gentrified Toyota Land Cruiser, the LX has the off-road technology and equipment to back up its legendary heritage.

Lexus’ flagship sport utility vehicle enters 2014 effectively unchanged after a facelift last year. The eight-seat SUV offers a rugged body-on-frame chassis, as well as air suspension, and a low-range transfer case. It can literally go the extra mile too, thanks to a unique Crawl Control system which uses the on-board traction management system to maintain a constant, albeit low speed. When engaged, all the driver need do is steer the vehicle. Hear that? It’s the sound of the LX 570 laughing at your winter commute.

The LX 570 is powered by a 5.7-litre quad-cam V8 engine which develops 383 horsepower and 403 lb-ft of torque, of which 90% is available from just 2200 rpm. It’s mated to a full-time four-wheel-drive system and a six-speed automatic. Thanks to its sturdy frame, and beefed up running gear, it can tow up to 7,000 lbs – but don’t expect the very good fuel economy. It has a prodigious thirst for premium fuel.

Inside, the LX receives is finished with Lexus’ finest materials – supple premium leather upholstery and highly polished Mahogony wood trim are at your fingertips.

For 2014, Lexus has consolidated the LX 570 into one trim level, which includes four-zone climate control, power tilt and telescoping steering column, around-view monitor, power tailgate, chilled cooler box, heated wood and leather-wrapped steering wheel, power-folding third-row seats, power-sliding second row seats, heated and ventilated 12-way power driver’s seat, dual-screen entertainment system, 19-speaker Mark Levinson sound system, radar cruise control with pre-collision warning, and more.