Lexus LX 2022 Review

The luxury full-size SUV market has become increasingly competitive in recent years. Consumers not only seek strong off-road capabilities but also value refined interiors and smart configurations. The Lexus LX series, as the premium sibling model of Toyota Land Cruiser, has consistently attracted target users with its "luxurious and rugged" positioning. The 2022 Lexus LX public, as the newest member of the family, not only continues the rugged DNA of the LX series but also upgrades its technological features and comfort. Today, through a static experience and dynamic test drive, we will see if it can meet Malaysian consumers' expectations of a luxurious rugged SUV.

From a distance, the overall style of the 2022 LX public remains robust, with predominantly straight body lines and a square outline, retaining the iconic appearance of a rugged SUV. At the front, the large spindle-shaped grille is a classic Lexus design, with a mesh structure treated with a blackened finish. The sharp-shaped LED headlights on both sides connect to the edges of the grille, enhancing the sense of unity at the front. The two raised lines on the hood further highlight the vehicle's muscular feel. On the side, the 20-inch multi-spoke aluminum alloy wheels paired with thick tires enhance passability while also adding visual impact. The chrome trim under the doors and around the window edges complements the rugged body with a touch of sophistication. At the rear, the newly designed LED taillights feature a through-type shape, with the Lexus logo embedded in the center. When illuminated at night, it boasts high recognition; the silver skid plate under the rear bumper and the dual exhaust layout further emphasize the vehicle's off-road attributes.

Entering the cabin, the interior style of the 2022 LX public leans towards a combination of luxury and practicality. The dashboard adopts a layered design, with a 12.3-inch floating central control screen on the upper layer and physical buttons and knobs on the lower layer, allowing the driver to operate quickly while driving. In terms of materials, the seats and door panels are wrapped in genuine leather with a delicate touch; the upper part of the dashboard and the armrest area are covered with soft materials, complemented by wood grain panels and metal trims, creating an impressive luxury ambiance. For features, the new car is equipped with a multifunctional steering wheel, a fully digital instrument panel, wireless charging, and tri-zone automatic air conditioning, among other practical configurations. In terms of smart systems, it supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity and is equipped with the Lexus Safety System+ suite, which includes a pre-collision safety system, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and more, enhancing driving safety.

In terms of space performance, the 2022 LX public has body dimensions of 5070mm×1980mm×1910mm, with a wheelbase of 2850mm, and offers both 5-seater and 7-seater layout options. Taking the 5-seater version as an example, the front seats support electric adjustment and heating/ventilation functions, with ample seating space. A tester with a height of 180 cm sits in the front row, providing about one fist and two fingers of headroom and generous legroom. The back row seatbacks can be adjusted, with legroom of about two fists and headroom of about one fist, ensuring a non-constrained experience even during long trips. Regarding storage space, the front central armrest box is relatively large in capacity, and the door storage slots and cup holders are adequately practical. The trunk has a standard capacity of 700 liters, expandable to 1970 liters when the rear seats are folded down, meeting the needs of family travel or transporting large items. Additionally, the rear seats are equipped with independent air conditioning vents and USB charging ports, enhancing the comfort of rear passengers.

In terms of powertrain, the 2022 LX public is equipped with a 3.5T V6 twin-turbocharged engine that delivers a maximum output of 415 horsepower and a peak torque of 650 Nm, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. During actual driving, the vehicle's power response is enthusiastic, and the throttle pedal feedback is linear during take-off, without any abrupt thrust even at low speeds. When switched to sport mode, throttle sensitivity increases, and the gearbox downshifts quickly when the accelerator is pressed deeply, providing a good acceleration experience and plenty of confidence during overtaking. For a full-size SUV, such performance is sufficient to meet the needs of daily urban commuting and highway driving.

In terms of handling and suspension, the 2022 LX public features a body-on-frame construction combined with an adaptive variable suspension system. When driving on city roads, the suspension system effectively filters out most minor bumps, offering a smooth road feedback and good ride comfort; when encountering speed bumps or uneven road surfaces, the suspension provides sufficient support, preventing noticeable body sway. The steering system has minimal play, and the steering wheel offers precise directional control. Even when cornering, the body roll is kept within a reasonable range, making the overall handling rank among the higher levels of rugged SUVs. Additionally, the vehicle is equipped with a full-time four-wheel-drive system and a central differential lock, along with multiple driving mode options (such as Mud, Sand, and Rock), enabling it to cope with challenging off-road conditions and providing strong off-road capabilities.

In terms of fuel consumption, we conducted tests on mixed urban and highway road conditions, and the vehicle's combined fuel consumption is approximately 12.5L/100km. For a full-size SUV equipped with a 3.5T V6 engine, such fuel efficiency is within the normal range for its class. Regarding braking performance, the brake pedal travel is moderate, the braking force output is linear, and during emergency braking, the vehicle remains stable without significant forward pitch, and the braking distance is within the reasonable range for similar vehicles in the same class.

In terms of ride comfort, the 2022 LX public performs commendably. The vehicle's soundproofing is excellent, with wind and tire noise well-controlled at high speeds, allowing uninterrupted conversations inside the cabin. Engine noise is nearly negligible at idle, and it does not transmit sharp sounds into the cabin at medium to high speeds. The seats provide a good balance of cushioning and support, minimizing fatigue in the waist and legs during long drives. Additionally, the gearbox delivers smooth shifting, making gear transitions hardly noticeable during daily use, further enhancing driving comfort.

In summary, the core strengths of the 2022 Lexus LX public lie in its luxurious interior ambiance, spacious configuration, strong power output, and impressive off-road capabilities. Compared to its peers like the Mercedes-Benz GLS and BMW X7, the LX public stands out for its superior off-road performance while also offering a more cost-effective price. Against the Toyota Land Cruiser, it boasts a more luxurious interior feel and better technological configurations.

This vehicle is mainly suitable for two types of consumers: firstly, families who value luxury comfort and off-road capabilities, needing a car that can meet daily commuting, family outings, as well as occasional off-road adventures; secondly, business professionals seeking a high-end brand and well-rounded performance, as the LX public's luxurious interior and dignified exterior are also well-suited for business receptions.

Overall, the 2022 Lexus LX public is a full-size SUV that balances luxury, practicality, and off-road capability. While retaining its rugged DNA, it has also improved its technological features and comfort, meeting the diverse needs of various users. If you are looking for a luxury and rugged SUV with a balanced overall performance, the LX public is worth considering for your list.