Review: 2008 Lexus LX 570

Introduction

What’s New: Gone is the LX470, replaced for 2008 with the LX 570 using the same 5.7-liter V-8 engine found in versions of the Toyota Tundra and other Toyota products. Styling has been worked over a bit, the price has jumped, and there’s more luxury and off-road technology.

Competes With: Hummer H2, Land Rover Range Rover, Toyota Land Cruiser

What We Think: It’s hard to find fault with a comfortable and powerful full-size rig like the 2008 LX 570, unless of course you consider that it performs comparably to the nearly-identical Toyota Land Cruiser that goes for about $10,000 less.

Lexus LX 570 – 2008 Review: Conspicuous consumption. It can be seen with the labels on our clothes, the brands we buy at the supermarket, the houses we live in, the choices we make from the menu, and yes, the cars we drive. The phenomenon feeds into our fascination with celebrities (think MTV Cribs), and has us gradually considering it normal for a well-to-do couple to live in a 10,000 square-foot mansion with eight bathrooms. Peer behind the gates, into one of the couple’s many garage bays, and you just might spot a 2008 Lexus LX 570.

To be fair, Lexus’ full-size SUV comes to the table with much to praise, from its strong V-8 engine to its bounty of luxury and supreme comfort for first- and second-row passengers. Plus, there’s no denying that is one high-quality vehicle. But with fuel economy registering only 12 mpg in the city, an exorbitant $74,000 starting price, and impressive off-road technology that is almost guaranteed never to be used by any buyer, the 2008 Lexus LX 570 screams conspicuous consumption. Some would argue that efficiency and price are on par with the competitors, a point that’s at least partially justified. However, what’s different here is that a nearly-identical vehicle, with comparable capability can be had for about $10,000 less. That’d be the Toyota Land Cruiser, another full-size SUV with some conspicuous consumption issues of its own.

But for those for whom only a Lexus badge will do, you’d do well to hurry – word is the LX 570 doesn’t stay on lots for long, and with only 9,500 units available, your chances of getting one are rapidly declining.