While the Lexus RX crossover added a third row at the Los Angeles Auto Show, the 2018 LX 570 lost one — at least it can be ordered that way. In addition to the three-row models coming out next year, Lexus will now offer a two-row version of its biggest SUV. The “mono-spec” trim level will start at $86,175 with customers only picking interior and exterior colors.
The new two-row trim will come standard with a leather-trimmed interior, four-zone automatic climate control, power tailgate, moonroof, 20-inch wheels and a bunch of safety features — including park assist, blind-spot monitoring rear cross-traffic alert and panoramic view, which gives a 360-degree look around the car.
The new version of the LX 570 seats five, obviously, and offers 50.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the middle row, versus 44.7 for the three-row model. For those on a really, really long trip, it also comes with roof rails for extra storage capability.
Under the hood we’re looking at a 5.7-liter V8, hence the 570 name, making 383 hp and 403 lb-ft of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission sends power to all four wheels. The standard integrated tow hitch receiver means the LX is good for a 7,000-pound towing capacity.
The 2018 Lexus LX 570 seats five and offers 50.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the middle row.
The LX 570 will offer a drive mode selection dial on the center console, affecting the powertrain and suspension, while a multiterrain select system lets the driver choose special modes for road surfaces like rock, dirt, mud, sand and more. Like a real off-roader, it also gets a driver-selectable low-range with systems like crawl control and hill-start assist.
Inside, buyers will see a 12.3-inch screen with three segments to display different functions such as navigation, audio and climate info. A nine-speaker stereo system will play from whatever source you connect. The driver’s seat has 14 power adjustments, while the passenger gets 12.
Lexus Enform Safety Connect, now complimentary for the first 10 years of ownership, includes an emergency assistance button (SOS), roadside assistance, automatic collision notification and stolen vehicle notification.
The two-row Lexus LX 570 goes on sale early next year.
Check out the rest of our LA Auto Show coverage here.