San Antonio Express-News (Sunday)
Lexus rolls out new LX 600 to lead its full lineup of SUVs
Lexus, the luxury brand created by Toyota more than 20 years ago, has a full lineup of sport-utility vehicles, including its newest flagship, the LX 600, introduced for 2022.
Replacing the previous year’s LX 560 in the lineup, this newest Lexus three-row SUV offers the ultimate in luxury, performance and capability for a full-size model. The LX is a more-luxurious take on the now-discontinued Toyota Land Cruiser, from which it was derived.
Other Lexus SUVs include the GX 460 – based on the Toyota 4Runner architecture – and crossovers such as the RX, NX and UX.
Lexus GX 460
Now in its second generation, the seven-passenger Lexus GX 460 full-size sport utility has a starting price of $57,575 for the base model and $67,080 for the top-of-the-line Luxury version.
For 2023, Blind Spot Monitor with Rear CrossTraffic Alert are among standard features at no extra cost. Also, the Lexus Enform Safety Connect and Service Connect features are complimentary for 10 years, and Lexus Enform Remote, which brings smart-watch and Amazon Alexa integration, is included on all models.
The premium models are created by adding the Premium Package to the base GX, bringing leather seats, mahogany wood interior trim, rain-sensing wipers with windshield de-icer, 18-inch split-spoke alloy wheels, LED fog lights, intuitive parking assist, heated/ventilated front bucket seats, heated outboard second-row seats, three-zone automatic climate control, touch-screen navigation with voice control, and the Lexus Enform telematics/connectivity system with app suite and destination assist.
Additional features on the Luxury model include the Adaptive Variable Suspension, self-leveling rear air suspension, semi-aniline leather interior trim, wood- and leather-trimmed heated steering wheel, power-reclining and folding third-row seats, headlight washers and a cargo-area cover. Under the hood of the GX is the 4.6-liter V-8 rated at 301 horsepower and 329 foot-pounds of torque, connected to a six-speed automatic transmission.
Lexus NX
The Lexus NX compact crossover was redesigned and expanded for 2022, including the new NX 350 model that includes the performance-oriented F Sport version with a 275-horsepower, 2.4-liter turbocharged gasoline engine.
Lexus has also introduced NX 250 models with a 2.5-liter normally aspirated four-cylinder engine.
Other models in the lineup include the LX 350 standard gasoline model with the same 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine as the F Sport, as well as the NX 350h hybrid, and the NX 450h, the first plug-in hybrid version of the brand.
Entering their second generation for 2022, these five-passenger luxury crossovers essentially are fancier versions of the Toyota RAV4. The NX is an impressive vehicle, taking the already well-designed Toyota cousin up a few notches in styling, luxury and technology. The new signature spindle grille with an exaggerated U-shaped frame might be the most-notable feature, and might also take some getting used to. At the rear is new Lexus “block” badging and a full-width taillight.
Prices for the NX begin at $39,755 for the base NX 250 front-wheel-drive gasoline-only model, and range as high as $58,955 for the NX450h F Sport plug-in hybrid version.
The lowest-priced hybrid model, which does not include the plug-in option, is the NX 350h ($43,105). The highest-priced regular gasoline model (not F Sport) is the NX 350 Luxury ($50,965).
The NX 350 F Sport gasoline-only model is ($48,615), and it also comes in an F Sport Luxury version for $51,915..
Exclusive to the F Sport are such visible features as Dark Graphite Aluminum ornamentation, a unique meter, bolstered sport seats, a newly developed steering wheel, aluminum pedals and scuff plates.
It also comes with perforated interior trim in Black and Circuit Red NuLuxe (faux leather), included on the seats, steering wheel and center console.
Outside are the special F Sport grille, new front and rear bumpers, 20-inch gloss-black aluminum wheels framed by color-keyed over-fenders, black roof rails, and daylight-opening window framing.
The F Sport Luxury Package brings a 14-inch infotainment touch screen, unique headlights, special ambient interior illumination, power rear hatch with kick sensor, intelligent parking assist, and ventilated front seats..