Lexus LX 470 Overview

The Lexus LX 470 combines outstanding off-road capability with first-class accommodations and a smooth ride. LX 470 is powered by a smooth and powerful 4.7-liter V8 and is rated to tow up to 5,000 pounds. The interior is elegant and well equipped. It can seat up to eight passengers. Another LX 470 feature is that it comes from Lexus, which offers the best quality, durability and reliability in the business, with retailers dedicated to customer satisfaction.

The LX 470 benefits from significant revisions made last year (2003) along with state-of-the-art technological interior advancements added this year. Model year 2004 adds a rear back-up camera and updates the navigation system. The video camera displays what's behind the vehicle and can help you avoid backing over objects, such as a child on a tricycle. Bluetooth has been added to the system as well, allowing hands-free operation of your cell phone without having to pull it out of your jacket pocket or purse. All of this comes standard.

The front styling was revised for 2003, giving the LX 470 a much-needed freshening. More important were the addition of curtain airbags designed to protect passengers in the event of a side impact or rollover, and new seat-mounted side-impact airbags for the front seats. A new five-speed automatic transmission brings more responsive performance, while a new steering system improves maneuverability and steering feel.

These changes improve what remains a superbly engineered product. It has now been five years since the current-generation LX 470 was introduced, however, so this big Lexus SUV faces competition from the more-expensive BMW-engineered Range Rover and the less expensive but powerful Cadillac Escalade.