Have you ever wondered how an old version of a particular model squares up against its modern variant? We’ve got the details from a lengthy comparison between the 2022 Lexus LX600 vs. the 2003 Lexus LX470. The YouTube channel “Throttle House” compared just about every part of the two luxury SUVs. As you’d expect, the nearly 20-year-old model has more problems than the 2022 model. However, there’s a lot the old beater did well that the modern version doesn’t. Both of them have Lexus LX reliability, but which one is better? Here is the 2022 Lexus LX600 vs. the 2003 Lexus LX470.

The 2022 Lexus LX600 is ridiculously comfortable

While driving the LX600, the YouTuber exclaimed how wildly comfortable it was to drive. Moreover, the driver threw words like “plush” and “soft” around a lot. He compared driving the 2022 LX600 to floating and said once in a while, a pothole would give the chassis a slight jolt. Other than that, it’s very smooth and comfortable to drive, almost too comfortable.

The reviewer from the video said sometimes the LX600 would sway side-to-side just a bit. It’s floating around corners so effortlessly that it’s almost too soft on the ground. Some will see that as an awesome thing, and others won’t like it if they enjoy feeling the car move around turns. Driving one of these SUVs is a horrible place to be if you’re tired.

The Lexus LX470 is reliable, and isn’t that what matters?

During the test drive of the LX470, the driver wasn’t overly comfortable as in the newer model. However, a 2003 model year with upwards of 150,000 miles on the odometer will have some problems. According to Throttle House, the car does exactly what it needs to, no more, no less. Lexus engineered its older vehicles to last as long as possible. It’s the perfect old beater for getting from point A to B.

Driving the SUV isn’t more interesting than most other models. It’s a serviceable car that notably emits some strange smells, the gentlemen admit in the video. Consequently, the technology and features inside are obviously outdated. There have been many changes and improvements since 20 years ago, and the LX470 shows its age.

Is the 2022 LX600 price worth it?

For the 2022 Lexus LX600 tested in the video, customers will owe $127,845. The car needs to be just about perfect from top to bottom for that kind of money. However, as the reviewers point out, not everything is worth $127,845. Firstly, the overall look of the exterior of the SUV. As many like to point out, the grille of the LX600 is enormous and gives the vehicle a gaudy look on the front end. Additionally, the wheels and tires could be more significant, especially for this off-road equipped model.

There are features the LX600 is missing that are available on the same platform. Models like the Tundra and Sequoia use the same platform as the LX600. However, those have things like a hybrid engine, which would be excellent in the new Lexus model. Averaging about 17 city and 22 highway mpg, the LX600 could use a boost in fuel economy. Of course, it hasn’t been nearly long enough to see if it has the same Lexus LX reliability we’ve seen from the 2003 model.

How much is a Lexus LX470 worth?

For many automakers, just being able to drive a 2003 model in 2022 would be a miracle. However, there’s a reason Lexus cars and SUVs hold their value so well. The 20-year-old model is still chugging along, with very few mechanical issues overall. Moreover, the 150,000 mile+ SUV is still worth about $14,000 today. The vehicle owner clearly took outstanding care of it, as it’s clean and well-maintained.

Consequently, even a 20-year-old Lexus will have some problems after a while. As the gentlemen in the video point out, those are primarily cosmetic. For example, the antenna doesn’t rise as high as it should, trim pieces near the doors are falling off, and other small exterior parts are loose. Additionally, the LX470 shows its age with an absurdly old-looking screen, a lack of features inside, and a shockingly poor fuel economy. According to Throttle House, the 2003 Lexus LX470 gets an average of 6.1 mpg.

2022 Lexus LX600 vs 2003 Lexus LX470

In conclusion, these Lexus models have pros and cons, even in 2022. The newer 2022 Lexus LX600 is a luxurious, tech-filled house on wheels. Although its infotainment is unintuitive, and the exterior lacks a certain design appeal other luxury SUVs have found. In comparison, the 2003 LX470 is perfect for driving…forever. As the reviewers said in the video, it can’t do much else and is starting to deteriorate technology-wise. However, the one thing it can still do even after all these years is drive, and isn’t that all that matters? Just like other models, it doesn’t matter if it’s from 2003 or 2022, both have Lexus LX reliability.