2007 Lexus LX [ 2008 ]
Lexus LX
Overall Score - 7.9 (Good)
The LX 470 offers unparalleled interior luxury and the best off-road performance you can find in a luxury vehicle. However, it is underpowered compared to others in its class, and its design is somewhat dated. If you're in the market for an upscale large SUV, you should also consider the Cadillac Escalade and the Mercedes Benz GL Class for more up-to-date styling at a lower sticker price.
The 2007 Lexus LX 470 is a truck-based large SUV that offers an extraordinarily luxurious interior and comfortable handling, combined with off-road prowess drivers don't normally expect from a luxury vehicle. "This is not a crossover SUV built from car parts, but a thoroughly capable any-weather, all-terrain, infinite-chaos slugger," explains Edmunds, quickly adding "the LX 470's interior is opulent and well laid out." As the flagship SUV of a luxury brand known for its exceptional interiors, the LX 470 is among the most luxurious vehicles available.
However, it is underpowered for this class, and the design is outdated -- most of its major competitors have been through major redesigns or introduced completely new vehicles since Lexus last changed this vehicle in 2003. "Despite the Lexus name, the LX 470 cannot be considered the pick of the premium luxury SUV litter. Its chassis is nowhere near as refined as those from Land Rover, Cadillac or Mercedes-Benz, nor is its V8 engine as powerful -- unable to break the 300 horsepower barrier," says Kelley Blue Book.
Forbes concludes, "buy the LX 470 if you're looking for a large and luxurious SUV that's off-road ready and strikes a more-rugged pose than most 4WD poseurs; you like to drive something different than most people."
Shoppers interested in the LX 470 might like to know that in 2008 Lexus will replace the vehicle with an entirely new large SUV, sharing not one bolt with the 470, called the LX 570. Many of the complaints reviewers registered about the LX 470 had to do with its age, and the LX 570 model touring the auto show circuit now is built to address many of the concerns you'll see reflected here. It's also worth noting that the price of the remaining LX 470's may drop when the LX 570 arrives. If you genuinely love this version of the vehicle, there may be a good opportunity to get one at a discounted price when its replacement hits showrooms. The LX 470 is based on the Toyota Land Cruiser, which can be had for thousands less, though it lacks many of the amenities of the Lexus.
The 2007 LX 470 is one of the pricier vehicles in the large luxury SUV class. Despite the extraordinary price tag, the analysts at IntelliChoice have projected that the LX 470 will achieve "excellent" cost-of-ownership over a five-year period, compared with other vehicles in its class. It retains its value exceptionally well at resale.
LX Performance - 6.9 (Mediocre)
The 2007 Lexus LX 470 is a large, truck-based luxury SUV, and it drives like one. "On the road the 2007 Lexus LX 470 drives like the big, beefy hulk that it is. The steering is less than involving, the acceleration is modest and the chassis responds to course changes with more dignity than athleticism. It's always comfortable, always composed, but never much fun," writes Edmunds."Take it off-road, however, and the LX 470 seems to lose about 800 pounds of heft as it effectively conquers desperately cruddy terrain." continue
LX Exterior - 6.7 (Mediocre)
The 2007 Lexus LX 470 has not undergone a major exterior re-design since 2003, and its high-end luxury take on the classic truck-like SUV look is a bit dated. Auto Mall USA says the "overall result is a functionally handsome vehicle, although some of the newest luxury SUVs look more contemporary." continue
LX Interior - 8.8 (Very Good)
The LX 470's edge in the market is that it has quite possibly the most luxurious interior of any SUV built. "For a vehicle so tough," says Edmunds, "the 2007 Lexus LX 470 does a splendid job of being luxurious. The interior is overstuffed with luxurious toys, the leather on the upholstery is supple and perfectly stitched, the ride is well mannered and the drivetrain operates in virtual silence." continue
LX Safety - NA
The 2007 LX 470 includes some remarkable advanced safety features, but shows its age in lacking head air bag protection for third-row passengers. The LX 470 has not been crash tested by either the federal government or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the two major organizations that perform crash tests in the U.S. continue
LX Reliability - 10.0 (Excellent)
The 2007 Lexus LX reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). Based on the U.S. News analysis of reliability information from a number of different sources, the 2007 Lexus LX 470 receives excellent marks for predicted reliability. The LX 470 is covered by a four-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty. continue
