Ever since its release in 1995, the Lexus LX has held a strong reputation for comfortable ride quality, high-end amenities, and of course durable reliability. While marketed as a luxury vehicle off-road performance was always breaded into the platform. For now, the formidable vehicle is here to stay and has grown very popular among weekend adventurers and overland enthusiasts. Here are the latest updates to the 2024 Lexus LX 600 that off-roaders should expect.

A+ Power And Handling

The Lexus LX off-road performance became the center point in the 2022 model, which was the first to inherit the Toyota Global Architecture F (GA-F) chassis platform. Other highly successful off-road vehicles from Toyota have the same platform, including the Land Cruiser, Tacoma, Tundra, and Sequoia. It’s the ideal underpinnings for SUVs and pick-up trucks with a ladder frame construction. 

This single change made the LX 20 percent tougher and 441 pounds lighter than previous models, allowing it to traverse a wider variety of terrains. The 2024 edition maintains the GA-F platform, which includes a front high-mounted double-wishbone suspension and optimized coil springs. These features combine with the Lexus Driving Signature to provide superb handling.

Under the hood, the 2024 Lexus LX 600 boasts a 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6 engine that produces 409 horsepower and 479 lb.-ft. of torque. Although not quite as powerful as comparable SUVs like the Sequoia and Land Cruiser, anything north of 400 is more than capable of performing steep climbs or driving on slick terrain. If you are looking for an off-road capable SUV with more power, then perhaps look at the all-electric Hummer EV.

Lexus has paired this engine with a direct shift-10AT gearbox with an automatic transmission. The cross-gear ratio setting brings each gear closer together, creating direct acceleration for the LX 600 to compete with manual transmission vehicles. The first gear is especially important for off-roading because it provides a smooth start and powerful low-speed performance.

More Off-Road Additions For The 2024 Lexus LX 600

The 2024 LX 600 also includes more off-road features than its predecessors. It has the same electronically controlled power steering and braking systems, creating a seamless transition between deceleration, steering, and acceleration. The light steering sensation is perfect for reducing driver burden at low speeds.

The electronically controlled brakes (ECB) also work with a feature called Multi-Terrain Select, which includes six settings — auto, dirt, sand, mud, rock, and deep snow — to support safe driving in all conditions. The brake hydraulics, suspension, and drive power are integrated with the MTS and have adjustable ranges between low (L4) and high (H4). The technology is quite versatile and something we got to try out in our Lexus GX 460 off-road test drive.

When the vehicle is in low range, the Crawl Control feature allows it to move forward and backward in five different speed settings. The driver has full control over these settings, but Crawl Control can automatically change the engine output and hydraulic braking pressure as well. This automatic control leads to minimal tire slippage and ideal chassis behavior.

Meanwhile, drivers can easily adjust the vehicle’s height thanks to the new Active Height Control (AHC) and Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS). It can even respond to changes in the vehicle’s pitch and roll, which helps it remain stable on sharp turns or sudden changes in speed. The suspension automatically adjusts itself based on the Multi-Terrain Select setting. 

New Style And Amenities

The 2024 LX also introduces a brand new style — the F SPORT Handling grade. This style is similar to the 2022 off-road package, but there are a few key differences. The latest member of the fourth-generation LX family includes the following features: 

• 22-inch forged aluminum wheels instead of 18-inch wheels
• Torsen limited-slip differential
• Rear stabilizer
• Specially tuned front and rear performance dampers
• Performance-focused response and handling stability

More features that bolster the LX’s off-road performance is the Multi-Terrain Monitor and Downhill Assist Control, which first appeared in the 2022 model. The MTM uses four cameras around the vehicle to inspect road conditions. When it senses a steep downhill route, the DAC takes full control of the brakes, allowing the driver to focus on steering.

Even the headlights and taillights have an off-road-friendly design. The L-shaped bulbs have double inner lenses that shine at different levels, giving the driver a better view and more accurate depth perception. Viewing angles and visibility can widely vary in off-road environments, so this light design is a huge safety improvement.

The LX 600 also has an oil guard to protect the undercarriage when driving over rocky terrain. This vehicle combines the established features of previous models with some advanced off-roading technology, which reflects its status as a luxurious yet rugged SUV.

Interior Upgrades

Speaking of luxury, the 2024 LX 600 still has a high-class interior design that makes off-roading much more comfortable. If anything, the interior has gotten even better. Buyers can now choose the Ultra Luxury grade, which includes extra space in the rear passenger compartment and new seat reclining angles. Overall, the maximum leg space is 43 inches.

The new seats are designed to promote good posture and minimize lateral g-force, with curved headrests, backs, and cushions that gently wrap around the body. The soft urethane material absorbs vibration rather than amplifying it, which suppresses any unwanted movement and keeps the driver in an ideal position.

A 12.3-inch upper display screen shows all of the information about the car’s performance, including navigation, audio controls, and camera views from the Multi-Terrain Monitor. The smaller 7-inch display screen shows all of the driving control adjustments, including Multi-Terrain Select and other vehicle status updates.

Other small but noteworthy additions include sunshades for the side windows, reading lights, and overhead ceiling vents. The trunk and extra-large console box provide plenty of storage space for off-roading supplies, recovery gear, tire replacement equipment, and first aid kits. SUVs usually have little trouble with storage, and the LX 600 is no exception.

Lexus Continues To Redefine Itself

While the 2024 LX 600 includes many of the interior and exterior features that gave Lexus its positive reputation, it also offers more features with the specific intent to optimize off-road performance. Off-roaders can expect to hear more about the newest LX 600 when it becomes available and starts hitting the trails later this year.