2007 Lexus LX 470 Review by Cars.com Staff

2007 Lexus LX 470

Kelley Blue Book Retail $37,000
This price range reflects the Kelley Blue Book Suggested Retail value for all trim levels, but not necessarily all available options.
The Kelley Blue Book Suggested Retail value represents the amount an auto dealer might ask for a specific vehicle; the actual sale price will vary. A vehicle's popularity, condition, warranty, color and local market conditions are factors involved in determining a final price. The retail value is not a trade-in or private party value.
The Suggested Retail value assumes that the vehicle has been fully reconditioned and has a clean title history. The Suggested Retail value also allows for advertising, sales commissions, insurance and other costs of doing business as a dealer. Most vehicles offered at this price have passed an inspection, and some may carry a warranty. Vehicle mileage is assumed to be normal or below normal.

Expert Reviews

By Cars.com Staff

Cars.com National August 15, 2006

Vehicle Overview

Lexus' luxury version of the full-size Toyota Land Cruiser sport utility vehicle received a mild face-lift for 2003 and gets precious little in the way up updates for 2007. For the front passenger seat, Lexus offers a new sensor that tells the airbag the size of the passenger, and horsepower and torque ratings have been revised, though performance remains the same.

The LX 470 offers a rear backup camera that's available with the navigation system, which has Bluetooth wireless technology. The navigation system became standard in 2005, and its screen can show DVDs when the gear selector is in Park. There is also a Digital Lexus Link communications network. The 4.7-liter V-8 has variable valve timing for increased power.

Even though the two full-size SUVs from Lexus and Toyota are similarly styled and share mechanical components, the LX 470 includes more amenities for its higher sticker price.

Exterior

Styling differences between the LX 470 and Land Cruiser center on the grille, headlights and the illuminated running boards that Lexus includes. Both use body-on-frame construction. At 192.5 inches long overall, the LX 470 is approximately 6 inches shorter than the Cadillac Escalade. Mounted on a 112.2-inch wheelbase, the four-door LX 470 stands 72.8 inches tall and measures 76.4 inches wide. Alloy wheels hold 18-inch tires.

Interior

With twin front bucket seats and three-place middle and rear benches, the LX 470 seats up to eight. All seats are trimmed in leather, and the middle seat folds forward. Both halves of the 50/50-split rear seat fold outward and can be secured to the sides.

Cargo volume is 90.4 cubic feet with the third-row seat removed and the second row down, and 19.1 cubic feet behind the third row. An optional Night View system displays a bright view of the darkened road ahead, but the special lamps' near-infrared beams can cause eye damage to bystanders who look directly at them — just as high-beam headlights can. However, if the vehicle is stopped or moving slowly, the system deactivates.

A premium Mark Levinson audio system features 11 speakers and a six-CD changer. A backseat DVD-based entertainment system is optional. The available Digital Lexus Link system connects the vehicle to a communications network for security and convenience assistance, much like GM's OnStar. The service requires a paid subscription for an upgraded service. The base service is free for one year and provides safety assistance, including calling if the airbags deploy.

Under the Hood

The LX 470's 4.7-liter V-8 gets variable valve timing for 2006. The VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing with Intelligence) system boosts output to 268 horsepower and 328 pounds-feet of torque. That's down from the 2006 figures, but only because of new testing procedures; actual performance remains the same. The engine teams with a five-speed automatic transmission, and the SUV can tow up to 6,500 pounds when properly equipped. Permanently engaged four-wheel drive includes Low-range gearing, a locking center differential, a limited-slip rear differential and traction control.

Safety

Four-wheel, antilock, ventilated-disc brakes are standard. Brake assist can apply maximum braking force in a panic stop. Vehicle Stability Control can brake individual wheels as needed. Seat-mounted side-impact airbags for front occupants and side curtain airbags for the first and second rows are standard. A tire pressure monitoring system was new for 2006. For 2007, a front passenger seat occupant classification sensor is standard.

Driving Impressions

The price is high, but the LX 470 produces an undeniably luxurious experience. Its flaws are mostly minor, but they can be somewhat annoying. Getting inside is the first hurdle; it's a big step up, but the running boards help.

Despite its bulk, the LX 470 doesn't feel cumbersome. Steering requires a moderately heavy touch but is by no means difficult. This SUV is stable on the highway, but it never feels quite as secure in its lane as some smaller SUVs. The tires get a bit noisy on certain pavement, but otherwise this is an exceptionally quiet vehicle.

Even though the third-row seat looks snug, getting to it isn't too difficult because the right-hand second-row seat folds forward.