On October 13, 2021, Lexus announced its brand new SUV, the 2022 Lexus LX 600. A close relative of the Toyota Land Cruiser, which is no longer available in the US, this SUV will fill its void for the Lexus and Toyota brands. Totally redesigned from the ground up, the LX 600 is the improved luxury SUV you’ve waited for. Can it stand up to the competition? Other popular full-size SUVs like the Chevy Suburban and GMC Yukon’s highest trim levels stand in the way. Can the new 2022 Lexus LX 600 stand up to the Chevy Suburban and GMC Yukon?

2022 Lexus LX 600 trims and features

The LX 600 for 2022 will be available in five different trim levels. They are Standard, Premium, Luxury, F-Sport, and Ultra Luxury. Each of these trim levels includes a multitude of safety and convenience features and technology to make the LX 600 even more luxurious. Standard in each model is the Lexus interface with dual high-definition touchscreens and an available 25-speaker Mark Levinson Surround Sound system.

The instrument panel features a dual display with a 12.3-inch screen over a 7-inch lower screen for keeping drivers informed. The top screen is used for navigation, audio, and the multi-terrain monitor. The other screen is for climate control and a secondary multi-terrain monitor screen. Speaking of multi-terrain, how’s the LX 600 for off-road driving?

Is the 2022 Lexus LX 600 off-road capable?

Good news, off-roading fans, the Lexus LX 600 definitely received a focus on off-road capability. Firstly, the standard engine is an all-new 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6. It’s received a new platform, the GA-F platform, which is designed to increase body rigidity while maintaining its center of gravity and weight. This gives the LX 600 a smooth and comfortable ride on any terrain. Active height control allows owners to adjust the height of the vehicle for the terrain on which they’re driving.

The F-Sport trim level will receive a Torsen LSD to improve traction performance of the rear tires, especially off-road. The LX 600 also has software like evolved multi-terrain select and crawl control to optimize the vehicle for the current terrain. The multi-terrain monitor and secondary display will constantly give information to drivers to support their off-road journey. Another included feature is downhill assist control, which automatically controls the hydraulic pressure of the brakes to “support stable descent without locking the wheels”.

The all-new F-Sport and Ultra Luxury models

The Ultra Luxury upgrade puts a specific focus on enhancing the experience of rear-seat passengers. Front seats can be moved forward and angled to provide more space. The rear seat display can be folded down to allow leg space of up to 43-inches. This is all controlled automatically, with the push of a button. The seats are crafted with curved headrests, seatbacks, and cushions to wrap around passengers, ensuring a smooth and comfortable ride. Lexus says the seat design will help passengers suppress unwanted movement and vibrations, even in tough driving conditions.

The F-Sport upgrade has been available on other Lexus models for a long time. This is its first time visiting the LX lineup, and it adds a sportier look and feel to the large SUV. This upgrade includes 22-inch forged aluminum wheels and an F mesh design spindle grille with a jet-black chrome grille frame. On the interior, the steering wheel and shifter gain textured genuine leather with the F-Sport logo throughout. The Ultra White exterior and Circuit Red interior colors are exclusive to this model, which also features custom-crafted seats that even better combat lateral g-force.

Performance improvements for the F-Sport include uniquely tuned standard front and rear performance dampers, a Torsen LSD, and a rear stabilizer. Only the F-Sport provides special performance-focused response and handling thanks to the special tuning of the EPS and AVS.

Lexus Safety System+ 2.5

All 2022 LX 600s will come standard with the Lexus Safety System+ 2.5. Its suite of features includes a pre-collision system, frontal collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and enhanced radar and camera capabilities. All-speed dynamic radar cruise control can be used while traveling over 30 mph to control the distance between vehicles down to 0 mph and starting from a stop. Lane departure alert with steering assist also keeps drivers in their lane, even if they’re not paying attention. Other features include intelligent high beams and road sign assist, which collects information from road signs using cameras and navigation maps.

Is it better than the GMC Yukon Denali and Chevy Suburban High Country?

The Yukon and Suburban are virtually the same vehicles rebadged for the two different sister brands. We previously referred to them as “fraternal twins” because they aren’t identical but they are pretty similar. The two ride on the same platform and have the same engines and transmissions. The GMC Yukon XL Denali is the most expensive and most luxurious of the bunch, but the Yukon AT4 provides more off-road capability, similar to the LX 600.

The AT4 starts at $65,100 and is available in either the standard or XL version. It boasts a first-in-class air ride adaptive suspension for raising the vehicle 2″ to provide more ground clearance. The interior coloring, materials, and accents are exclusive to the AT4 model. It features a 15″ head-up display so drivers can keep their eyes on the road while receiving important information. It comes standard with four-wheel drive and a 2-speed AutoTrac transfer case.

GMC Yukon AT4 off-road features

The traction select system is similar to that of the LX 600, allowing users to switch traction configurations for the proper terrain. The Active Response 4WD system is similar to the Torsen LSD provided in the Lexus offering to improve traction in harsh conditions. The AT4 comes with hill descent control, hill start assist, and magnetic ride control as well. Each of these provides similar functionality to the ones of similar names for the LX 600.

The Yukon AT4 has more focus on towing capability than the LX 600, but it’s nearly equal in the off-roading department. When equipped with the max trailering package the Yukon is able to tow up to 8,400 pounds. The available ProGrade Trailering System adds a bunch of extra features to make hauling anything even easier.

Safety and technology features

The Yukon comes with a 10.2-inch diagonal premium GMC infotainment system with available navigation. The entertainment system includes dual 12.6″ rear-seat media touchscreens, 2 HDMI ports, navigation integration, Bluetooth, and more. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa are also available as optional additions.

GMC Pro Safety Plus is the GMC suite of safety features that are included in every GMC Yukon model. It includes a follow distance indicator, rear park assist, Intellibeam auto high beams, and more. An advanced security package is also available which adds glass break sensors, inclination sensors, door lock, and latch shields, and more. The safety features in the Yukon are nice, but there aren’t quite as many as the Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 provides.

Each of the vehicles has pros and cons. The Lexus LX 600 looks like it will be the better off-road option. It also seems to have ample convenience and comfort technology for front and rear passengers alike. The Lexus suite of safety features also beats GMC’s offering, making the LX 600 the more comfortable and safe vehicle. The Yukon and Suburban can out-tow and haul the LX 600, especially when equipped with a V8 engine. Many features are the same, but the LX 600 comes with more.