The 2022 Lexus LX 600 F Sport upgrades and confuses

For every step forward Lexus did with its 2022 LX 600 redesign, the brand also seems to have taken a step back.

The flagship SUV comes with a new powerful transmission, better interior layout and modern interior technology. But the inner packaging is still compromised, the latest technology is a bit disjointed, and there’s an incomprehensible hiccup when it comes to towing.

After spending a week with the Lexus LX 600 F Sport Handling 2022, towing and hauling, that’s where it hits and misses.

Hit: Modern technology

Finally the mouse is gone! The LX used an infotainment interface that preceded everyone else in the Lexus lineup, and although it was actually better than the trackpad used elsewhere, it was much outdated. The 2022 LX has a new infotainment system with a 12.3-inch touchscreen that towers over a 7.0-inch climate control screen. The first features the automaker’s new touchscreen interface, air-upgrade capabilities and Apple CarPlay wireless along with wired Android Auto. It is easier to use than the outdated and malfunctioning system it replaces. The lower touch screen is dedicated to the climate control system and the condition of the car’s off-road systems. It is complemented by knobs, buttons and switches for a refreshingly easy-to-use interface.

2022 Lexus LX 600 F Sport Handling

Ms.: Disparate technologies

However, the two touch screens don’t seem to have the same resolution, and the glossy interfaces feel like they were designed by different departments. They do not match. The larger top screen, similar to a tablet, is not built into the dashboard and looks like a belated thought. Despite the large screen size, it does not have split screen capabilities or multitasking. These are things found in LX Toyota Highlander’s distant corporate cousin. Apple CarPlay overtakes the entire screen during use. Equally annoying is the smartphone’s wireless charging pad on the center console, which somehow loses connection, constantly starts charging, and then stops again and again.

2022 Lexus LX 600 F Sport Handling

Ms .: But why F Sport Handling?

The F Sport Handling is in the middle of the LX line at $ 102,345, although my tester cost $ 105,005 because of Mark Levinson’s optional sound system for $ 2,660. This is a premium of $ 6,000 compared to the Premium finish. For that money, he adds F Sport badges specific to the front and rear bumpers, perforated heated leather steering wheel, aluminum pedals, 22-inch wheels and seven seats (base models hold five and Premium models require an extra package to get third row), decorated with half-aniline leather. The Go comes in the form of a Torsen limited ironed rear differential and a sports suspension system. Several features, such as a refrigerator (it’s a refrigerator in the front center armrest) and ventilated second-row seats, are becoming standard. It feels like the model is amazing, as the tougher sports suspension doesn’t make much sense in a large SUV with a body-mounted body. This is almost a controversy, but some drivers may like the extra control over the tighter suspension. I can’t make that call because I haven’t ridden on other models. The Premium model is $ 6,000 cheaper and the Luxury trim is $ 2,000 more expensive. Both make more sense if you don’t really like the look of the F Sport. Most of all I was surprised by the aluminum interior trim Hadori from F Sport, which looks and feels like plastic.

2022 Lexus LX 600 F Sport Handling

Hit: Strong turbocharged transmission

The smokeless V-8, known for its strength, reliability and low fuel economy, is dead. Each LX is equipped with a new 3.5-liter V-6 with twin-turbocharged and 409 liters. All-wheel drive and a 2-speed transfer case are standard. Weighing in at around 5,800 pounds, the LX isn’t light, but it accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 6.9 seconds. Lexus estimates the LX to tow up to 8,000 pounds.

2022 Lexus LX 600 F Sport Handling

With about 5,000 pounds of fiberglass pike perch boat and a two-axle trailer attached to it, the LX had zero gaining speed and had great off-road capability. Ironically, despite the lack of towing mode or the ability to lock gears, the 10-speed automatic transmission behaved better than the transmission in at least one heavy-duty pickup I used for towing. During towing, I spent an average of 9.8 mpg on premium fuel, which was 1.9 mpg more than the high-power twin-turbo V-6 in the Ford F-150 with the same load and route. Turbos huff and it drinks gas, but the LX transmission has paid off pretty well under load on all fronts.

2022 Lexus LX 600 F Sport Handling

2022 Lexus LX 600 F Sport Handling

2022 Lexus LX 600 F Sport Handling

Ms.: Towing surprises

While the truck was towing well, hooking up the boat was a pain due to a strange surprise. Access to the receiver is painful, as the painted bumper cover requires two latches – those commonly used in fenders – that need to be distracted and removed with a flat-blade screwdriver. Most cars use push and turn knobs that make this move easy, but not in Lexus. Then, as soon as the latches are removed, the cover itself is held in place by plastic tabs that snap tightly into the bumper. I was sure the lid would break when I removed it, but miraculously it didn’t happen. The 7-pin light fixture was also mounted under the bumper, which required me to crawl on the ground (hopefully not wet or cold) to connect the trailer lights.

2022 Lexus LX 600 F Sport Handling

2022 Lexus LX 600 F Sport Handling

2022 Lexus LX 600 F Sport Handling

2022 Lexus LX 600 F Sport Handling

Then there was the surprise: our standard hitch pin, which has been used with countless other vehicles and a receiver for over a decade, was too short. The hole for the cotter pin was not cleaned by the receiver wall. Stunned and shocked, I tested the second hitch pin. Same question. Most pins have a useful length of 3-3 3/4 inches, which is more than enough for a standard receiver. I ran to the fleet store and found what might be the most expensive and overly sophisticated hairpin with rubber handles for $ 13.99 (usually the hairpin costs about $ 3 or less). At 4 inches long, it fit. Eventually I realized that the reason the pin doesn’t work is that the receiver has double walls with an air gap on the sides. It is thicker and reinforced despite a lower towing rating than other SUVs such as the Cadillac Escalade, Jeep Grand Wagoneer and Lincoln Navigator. Lexus has not been able to explain the reason or logic of this design, despite my many inquiries. The latest generation Toyota Land Cruiser does not have such a design. It’s new, and the manufacturer can’t explain why, but in the end it turned out to be a $ 14 problem.

2022 Lexus LX 600 F Sport Handling

Hit: the right size

The Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator over the years they have grown huge. The Jeep Grand Wagoneer – massive. These things barely fit in some garages. The LX still retains its size of more than 200 inches with three rows of seats (except for the base models, which have two rows and five seats). It’s almost a foot shorter than the Americans, and fits between the short and long wheelbase versions of the new Range Rover. It’s easier to park at the grocery store and put in the garage, and it’s less when driving around town than the bigger competition.

2022 Lexus LX 600 F Sport Handling

2022 Lexus LX 600 F Sport Handling

Ms.: Compromised packaging

Non-cultivation also has its drawbacks. The third row now reclines to the floor, which is great for carrying cargo, but still quite uncomfortable due to the low seating position and little usable legroom. In the third row there is almost no cargo space left, perhaps enough to accommodate a small backpack or two. Greater competition will be best for family trips with more than five passengers.

For those looking for an alternative to the Escalade or Range Rover with much greater reliability, the 2022 Lexus LX 600 finally feels modern. But, beyond the expected reliability, it’s hard to imagine choosing the LX over latest Range Roverand those planning to tow should definitely have a 4-inch hitch pin on hand.

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2022 Lexus 600 FS Sport Handling

Base price: $ 88,245, including $ 1,345
Price verified: $ 105,005
Power transmission: 3.5-liter twin-turbo V-6 with 409 hp, 10-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel drive
EPA fuel economy: 17/22/19 mpg
Hits: Modern technology, strong twin-turbo V-6, convenient size
Misses: Divided technological experience, whims of towing, compromised third-row packaging