The Lexus LX has a strong reputation for real off-road capability and reliability. It has a go-anywhere sensibility paired with a high-level of luxury, which both pampers and gets you where you want to go. With features such as a full-time four-wheel drive drivetrain, a locking centre differential, high articulation suspension systems, Crawl Control, and the Multi-Terrain Select system, it’s uniquely capable of crossing sand, rocky mountains, and riverbeds without modifications.
Lexus LX Buying Guide: Cost, Reliability, and the Best Years to Buy
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What’s truly special about this full-size body-on-frame SUV, though, is that for all its capability, it still has smooth and quiet on-road manners. Another huge bonus for owners — but perhaps not for those who want to buy one used — is the fact that the LX has a strong resale value. This bougie SUV also has a strong history of standard safety features with the Lexus Safety System+ introduced in 2015 and the enhanced active safety suite, LSS+ 2.5, that came on the scene in 2022.
If you’re looking for modern functionality such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, you’ll have to look to the fourth-generation models, which begin in 2022. However, this generation has also taken a reliability hit due to a massive recall for its V6 engine in 2022 to 2024 models. It can therefore be a bit of a mixed bag, and you’ll want to do your homework.
Lexus LX: Cost, Reliability, and the Best Years to Buy
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Lexus LX Pros and Cons
- Lexus LX Generations
- Lexus LX Fourth Generation (2022–Present)
- Lexus LX Third Generation (2008–2021)
- Lexus LX Second Generation (1998–2007)
- Lexus LX First Generation (1996–1997)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Lexus LX years are the best?
Most generations of the Lexus LX are fairly bulletproof in terms of reliability. But if we were looking for the best tech and reliability combined, we’d opt for the 2021 model year, the last of the third generation. According to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, it has zero complaints, zero investigations, and zero recalls. Frankly, any vehicle in this 13-year generation would be a good bet. If you’re looking for something in the current generation, we’d recommend starting with the 2025 model year, though that will be very pricey if you can even find a used example. This is the only model of the current generation with a better-than-average predicted reliability score from Consumer Reports.
What are the worst Lexus LX years?
We don’t usually say this, but we’d actually steer clear of the current, fourth-generation Lexus LX. It has been plagued with engine issues in the 2022 to 2024 models due to debris from the manufacturing process that could contaminate the engine. There have been widespread reports of stalling, and the fix is a complete engine replacement. So, if you’re looking at this generation, make sure it’s a model that has already had the engine replaced.
Is a used Lexus LX a good deal?
The Lexus LX is a very expensive car with base prices in Canada for the current models topping $130,000. You can get $30,000 or more off the original MSRP if you look at previous generations. We’d say that’s a good deal. However, you’ll find the Lexus LX isn’t especially plentiful on the Canadian used vehicle market as large SUVs don’t tend to sell in huge numbers north of the border.
Lexus LX Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Standard all-wheel drive
- Comfortable
- Offers two or three rows
Cons:
- Poor fuel economy
- Unintuitive technology
- Not as spacious as some competitors
Lexus LX Generations
Lexus LX Fourth Generation (2022-Present)
When the Lexus LX entered its fourth generation, it became the most luxurious, most rugged, and most advanced version of this full-size body-on-frame SUV. It’s built on the GA-F Toyota New Global Architecture platform, shared with the J300 Toyota Land Cruiser, the Sequoia, and the Tundra. It’s also 200 kilograms (441 pounds) lighter than the previous generation, which improves the ride and handling.
The V8 was ditched for this generation, as was the previously logical alphanumeric nomenclature. The Lexus LX 600 is now equipped with a 409-horsepower 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 and paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. When properly equipped, it can tow up to 3,625 kilograms (8,000 pounds).
At launch it had three packages available in Canada: F Sport Series 1, Luxury, and Executive VIP.
Other than the powertrain, one of the biggest changes for this generation was adding Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to the Lexus Interface infotainment system. There were three screens up front, including a 12.3-inch gauge cluster, a 12.3-inch infotainment screen that displays navigation and audio controls, and a lower seven-inch screen that displays climate controls and driving support for the Multi-Terrain Select system.
Another change of note was the expanded range of height positions with the Active Height Control suspension. It will automatically adjust vehicle height depending on the activation of the Drive Mode Select or Multi-Terrain Selection.
Standard features included a leather-trimmed interior, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, seating for seven, a power moonroof, a power rear liftgate, and the Lexus Safety System+ 2.5. Standard off-road tech included the adjustable suspension, four-wheel drive, a locking centre differential, Crawl Control, Multi-Terrain Select, hill-descent control, and a Multi-Terrain Monitor.
The F Sport Series 1 package adds 22-inch wheels, a torque-sensing limited-slip differential, upgraded leather seats, a 25-speaker Mark Levinson audio system, heated and ventilated second-row seats, and a rear manual sun shade.
The Luxury package builds on that with a digital camera rear-view mirror, a head-up display, a wood-trimmed steering wheel, easy-close rear doors, a cool box, a rear-seat entertainment system, and third-row USB ports.
Finally, the VIP Executive package adds four-zone climate control, wood door trim, rear-seat massage and power adjustments, a second-row wireless charger, and upgraded front seats. This package also eliminates the third-row seat.
For 2024, the F Sport package added front and rear hydraulic suspension systems, the Active Height Control system, a head-up display, and a cool box.
For 2025, the biggest change — and perhaps the biggest change for the LX lineup throughout all generations — was the addition of a hybrid powertrain. The Lexus LX 700h hybrid joined the lineup with a base Overtrail+ off-road trim and took over the VIP Executive trim from the LX 600.
The Lexus LX 700h was equipped with a twin-turbo 3.4-litre V6 in addition to the hybrid system, and total power output was 457 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque. As you may have guessed, this system was more about power than fuel efficiency, and it didn’t get a significant improvement in fuel economy over the gasoline model. In fact, both models are very close highway driving at 10.7 L/100 km for the LX 700h and 10.8 L/100 km for the LX 600. The LX 600 returned 14.2 L/100 km in city driving, while the LX 700h got 12.5 L/100 km. Like the LX 600, the LX 700h also had a maximum towing capacity of 3,625 kilograms (8,000 pounds).
A couple of standout features on the LX 700h included the 2,400-watt AC inverter, which helped power your tailgate or campsite, and the inclusion of both an alternator and a starter, which enabled independent engine ignition if the hybrid system became inoperative.
As of this writing, choosing to buy a used fourth-generation Lexus LX with a reasonable odometer reading can save you $30,000 to $40,000 over buying new. However, as noted above, tread carefully: most models in this price range are 2022 to 2024 units, so ensure the engine issues have been addressed before buying. The LX 700h hybrid is too new to allow for meaning used vehicle pricing data.
Lexus LX Third Generation (2008–2021)
In this longest-running generation for the Lexus LX, there was still a strong relationship with the Toyota Land Cruiser, and it shared the Toyota F1 platform with the J200 series Land Cruiser, the Toyota Tundra, and the Toyota Sequoia. The third-gen LX was longer and wider than the previous generation but retained the same wheelbase.
The Lexus LX was equipped with a 383-hp 5.7-litre V8 engine and a six-speed sequential-shift automatic transmission and was known as the Lexus LX 570. The front suspension used a double wishbone, while the rear kept the multi-link suspension with a solid rear axle.
At launch, the third-gen Lexus LX came standard with 18-inch wheels with mud and snow tires, an adaptive front lighting system, power-folding third-row seats, a four-wheel electro-hydraulic suspension, an updated adjustable height control system, a Crawl Control system for low-speed cruise control in off-roading situations, a multi-terrain anti-lock braking system, and hill-start assist control. Available luxury amenities in this generation included premium leather seats, four-zone climate control, heated and ventilated seats, 20-inch wheels, a 19-speaker Mark Levinson surround sound audio system, navigation, park assist, a DVD rear entertainment system, and a centre console cooler.
A substantial facelift occurred in 2013 with the first iteration of Lexus’s spindle grille as well as updated bumpers and taillights. In 2016, the LX got some more exterior design tweaks, an all-new interior, an eight-speed automatic transmission, and a 12.3-inch navigation screen. At this time, it also got the Lexus Safety System+ as standard fare, which included a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert, dynamic radar cruise control, and intelligent automatic high beams.
Lexus LX models from the third generation are somewhat rare in Canada. We saw prices ranging from $50,000 to about $100,000, which is all over the map. Shop carefully, and expect to travel if you live outside major centres.
Lexus LX Second Generation (1998–2007)
Based on the J100 Toyota Land Cruiser, the second-generation Lexus LX hit North America in the second quarter of 1998 and was called the LX 470. It shared the floor pan and most body panels with the Land Cruiser, but it sported a larger grille, quad headlights, and different wheels. The second-generation LX got an upgraded engine and was powered by a 230-hp 4.7-litre V8. It initially had a four-speed automatic transmission, but in 2003 it upgraded to a five-speed automatic. The Lexus LX 470 was rated to tow up to 2,950 kilograms (6,500 pounds) when equipped with the tow package.
The Lexus LX 470 dropped the old-school solid-axle layout for a front independent suspension, which included an adjustable height control hydraulic suspension and an adaptive variable suspension with normal, comfort, and sport drive modes. Options included a stereo with a six-disc CD changer. We saw the likes of vehicle stability control, brake assist, and Toyota’s Active Traction Control System (A-TRAC) become standard in 2000. Then a DVD navigation system and Mark Levinson sound system were offered from 2001.
The second generation got a slight refresh in 2003 when it added the five-speed automatic transmission, an extra five horsepower, larger 18-inch wheels, a new front bumper, and a redesigned interior. At this time, the LX 470 also got available Bluetooth phone connectivity and a backup camera. Standard features included side-torso airbags, side-curtain airbags, and rain-sensing wipers, while an 11-speaker Mark Levinson premium sound system with a DVD rear-seat entertainment system were optional. A Night View infrared camera system became an option in 2002.
The Lexus LX 470 got another refresh in 2006, which included LED taillights and 40 more horsepower.
We found no used examples of the second-generation Lexus LX in Canada in our research. If you decide to shop south of the border to import one as a classic car, vehicles in this generation will be scarce with high mileage. However, you should be able to find a well-maintained model in the USD$15,000 to USD$20,000 range.
Lexus LX First Generation (1996–1997)
The first-generation Lexus LX arrived to the U.S. in early 1996 and to Canada for the 1997 model year. It was based on the sixth-generation J80 Toyota Land Cruiser. Dubbed the Lexus LX 450, it got more luxurious interior materials and softer suspension settings. It was nearly identical to the Land Cruiser on the exterior except for the grille, wheels, and side-body cladding. It had the distinction of being Lexus’s first luxury SUV.
This was when the alphanumeric nomenclature made sense because the LX 450 was equipped with a 215-hp 4.5-litre inline-six-cylinder engine, paired with a four-speed automatic transmission. It included leather upholstery and seating for up to seven passengers. It was pre-wired for the Lexus remote telephone system and had remote key entry. Options included a six-disc CD changer, electronic front and rear locking differentials, and a power moonroof.
No used examples of the first-generation Lexus LX were available in Canada during our research. They’re few and far between in the United States, where there were 13 for sale as of this writing, and most had more than 100,000 miles (160,000 kilometres). Prices were all over the board, but you’ll likely pay between USD$20,000 and USD$30,000. We did see one priced at USD$110,000, but that model only had 27,000 miles (43,500 kilometres) on it and looked to be in excellent condition.
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by Jill Ciminillo
Jill Ciminillo is a Chicago-based automotive writer, influencer, TikTok Creator, YouTube personality, and podcast host, with her articles appearing on websites such as U.S. News & World Report, Capital One Auto Navigator, Consumer Guide Automotive, A Girl's Guide to Cars, and Drive Chicago. Additionally, she co-hosts a weekly Car Stuff radio show via Talk Zone. Previously, Jill has been the automotive editor for the Chicago Sun-Times News Group as well as Sinclair Broadcast Group. She is also a past president for the Midwest Automotive Media Association and has the distinction of being the first female president for that organization. Jill is also currently a juror for the North American Car, Utility and Truck of the Year (NACTOY) and Women's Worldwide Car of the Year (WWCOTY).
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