2008 Lexus LX 570
The 2008 Lexus LX 570 takes its name from its new 381-horsepower 5.7-liter V-8.
 It replaces the LS 470, which used a 268-horsepower 4.7-liter V-8
Consumer Guide's Impressions of the 2008 Lexus LX 570

Lexus corrects a deficit in its premium SUV via a significantly more-powerful V-8. But with gas prices on the rise, do we really need a larger engine in this big SUV?

What We Know About the 2008 Lexus LX 570

The 2007 Lexus LX 470, a premium midsize SUV, had one of the lowest-horsepower engines in the class. The fix was a larger V-8, 5.7 liters versus 4.7. That triggers a name change from Lexus LX 470 to LX 570. Shared with the redesigned-for-2007 Toyota Tundra, the new V-8 has 381 horsepower versus 0utgoing engine's 268. It's paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. 

The 2008 Lexus LX 570 s off-road capabilities are improved, too, with addition of a new four-wheel electro-hydraulic suspension with active height control, plus its new Crawl Control system. Referred to as cruise control for off-roading by Lexus, Crawl Control uses the throttle and brake to automatically handle ever-changing off-road terrain at low speeds. Another new off-road-capable system on the 2008 LX 570 is Lexus' multi-terrain antilock braking system. It was designed specifically to help reduce stopping distances on sand and gravel.

Subtle reshaping of some body panels gives the 2008 LX 570 a freshened look, and 20-inch wheels replace 18s as standard, for another style-conscious improvement. The LX continues to seat eight. New interior features include four-zone independent climate control, power second- and third-row seats, cooled console box, and nine-inch rear-seat entertainment screen.


2008 Lexus LX 570
The 2008 Lexus LX 570 gets a subtle style freshening and standard 20-inch wheels.
A Notable Feature of the 2008 Lexus LX 570

Lexus takes the "blind" out of blind spot with its new Blind Corner Monitor system. This uses cameras mounted on the exterior of the vehicle to monitor common blind spots. The cameras' images are displayed on the navigation screen.

Buying Advice for the 2008 Lexus LX 570

If you like the luxury name and lavish appointments, but not the bigger, thirstier engine, 2007 will be the last chance to get this premium midsize SUV with the plenty-powerful 4.7-liter V-8. Note also that the Lexus LX 570 is basically a retrimmed version of parent-company Toyota's Land Cruiser. Look for Toyota to follow Lexus' lead with a freshened Land Cruiser for 2009. 

2008 Lexus LX 570 Release Date: The 2008 LX 570 will go on sale early next year.

First Test Drive: To be determined.
 
2008 Lexus LX 570 Prices: Base 2007 LX 470 prices start at $67,395. A bigger engine will add to the bottom line. To compare, Tundra's 2007 base sticker jumped more than $5,000 after it was redesigned and given more power.


2008 Lexus LX 570
LX's off-road capabilities have been improved for 2008 with the addition of
a new four-wheel electro-hydraulic suspension and
its new Crawl Control system.

For more inside information on hundreds of new cars of today and tomorrow, check out:

  • The 2007 New York Auto Show: Learn about all the exciting new cars unveiled at the 2007 New York Auto Show in coverage by the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide. 
  • The 2007 New York Auto Show: The Auto Editors of Consumer Guide bring you the latest news, opinion, pictures, and prices on all the new cars introduced at the 2007 New York Auto Show. 
  • Consumer Guide New Car Reviews and Prices:Road test results, photos, specifications, and prices for hundreds of new cars, trucks, minivans, and SUVs from the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide.
  • 2007 Lexus LX 470:  Read Consumer Guide's full report, including ratings, prices, specifications, and fuel economy.
  • Premium Large Sport-Utility Vehicles: The 2008 Lexus LX 570 will compete in the premium large-SUV class. Here's Consumer Guide's roundup of all the premium large SUVs on sale today.
  • Fuel-economy leaders: The EPA admits its fuel economy numbers are estimates. Ours are real. Here are the fuel-economy leaders as determined in Consumer Guide tests.