Americans have a fondness for big SUVs, particularly those that are big and rugged, and this preference extends to the luxury category, where the Lexus LX 600 resides. The LX is unapologetically old school, and its platform is now a half-decade old. “Old school” and “old” are not necessarily negative terms in this context, but rather factual descriptors.
The 2026 Lexus LX 600’s Old-School Charm
The LX shows its age in some ways, but its old-school ways are also appreciated in certain aspects. For instance, the interior features a plethora of knobs and buttons, which is a welcome change from the haptic-touch systems.
The LX’s powertrain options include hybrid and pure internal combustion engine variants. The test unit featured a 3.4-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine, which produces 409 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. The transmission is a 10-speed automatic, and the vehicle is equipped with all-wheel drive.
On the Road with the 2026 Lexus LX 600
The LX’s V6 engine is torquey and provides a subdued roar that feels characteristic of Lexus. The highway ride is smooth, although the handling can be a tad truckish at times. However, the ride can occasionally exhibit some wallow and/or chassis flex, and the steering can feel a bit numb.
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The suspension is variable and adaptive, which helps to mitigate these issues. They provide a comfortable ride with plentiful headroom and legroom.
The fuel economy of the LX is not particularly impressive, with EPA numbers of 17 mpg city, 22 mpg highway, and 19 mpg combined. Despite this, the overall package works well for long highway journeys and is more than sufficient for around-town driving.
The LX is a big, luxurious SUV with rugged roots, featuring a body-on-frame chassis. As such, it’s expected that there may be some truckishness or roughness around the edges, as long as the LX mostly coddles its occupants.
Features and Options
The test unit had a base price of $116,000 and came with a range of standard features, including crawl control with turn assist, active height control, multi-terrain select, adaptive variable suspension, triple beam LED headlamps and taillamps, and a power moonroof. Advanced driver-aid systems include Lexus’s Safety System+ 3.0, panoramic view monitor, and head-up display.
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Options were minimal and included a rear-seat infotainment system, carpeted cargo mat, cross bars, and wheel locks.
The Lexus LX may be showing its age, but it still fulfills its mission of blending a luxury experience with sufficient ruggedness to handle easy trails or several inches of snow.
With its comfortable ride, plentiful features, and rugged capabilities, the LX serves as a prime example of how aging isn’t always a negative aspect, as long as the vehicle still fulfills its intended purpose.