2019 Lexus LX

Big luxury SUVs are top of the pops now in many automakers’ lineups, with these massive and expensive vehicles handily outdoing full-size sedans in terms of sheer road presence.

At Lexus, that range-topper is the LX 570, a truck based on the Toyota Land Cruiser sold in other markets. Not only is the LX loaded with upscale trimmings, it is a formidable off-roader for anyone brave enough to subject a vehicle with a six-figure price tag to barely passable trails littered with boulders and logs.

For 2019, Lexus adds a new, optional trim package to the LX called Inspiration Series, an add that brings a trim-specific black paint job and further dresses up the exterior with black wheels, grille and fog light trim and black chrome door handles. Inside, the new option adds white leather with black trim and a black headliner.

Otherwise, the LX remains the same, getting 383 hp and 403 lb-ft of torque from a 5.7L that is connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive.

If you have ever wished for a Cadillac Escalade with the promise of Toyota’s legendary reliability, this is the vehicle to get. Here, Lexus also challenges the likes of the Land Rover Range Rover, Lincoln Navigator and the Infiniti QX80.

There are eight seats in a posh interior coddled by an adaptive suspension that Lexus claims can switch up its performance based on road conditions. It’s height-adjustable, too, and crawl control works as cruise control for off-roading.

Towing capacity is 3,175 kg, which is on the low side for the class.

You’ll note that new Inspiration Series trim doesn’t include any functional or convenience add-ons; that’s because they’re all included in the base model: there’s a power-adjustable and heated wood steering wheel, four-zone climate control, 19-speaker sound system, rear-seat entertainment, multi-adjustable front seats, heat and ventilation for the front and second-row seats, navigation and steerable LED headlights.

Lexus also includes collision detection with automatic braking, lane departure alert and lane keeping assist, radar cruise, automatic high beams and blind spot monitoring.

Fuel consumption estimates are 18.2/12.9 L/100 km (city/highway).