Which Lexus LX Version Should You Buy?
The Lexus LX version data points to four distinct choices. Buyers seeking the lightest listed vehicle and simplest specification should examine the first-generation 4.5 AT. The second-generation 4.7 AT offers more power while retaining a gasoline engine and Automatic AWD drivetrain. The third generation moves to the larger 5.7 AT and, after its second restyling, adds a torque-rich diesel 4.5 AT.
The Lexus LX version data points to four distinct choices. Buyers seeking the lightest listed vehicle and simplest specification should examine the first-generation 4.5 AT. The second-generation 4.7 AT offers more power while retaining a gasoline engine and Automatic AWD drivetrain. The third generation moves to the larger 5.7 AT and, after its second restyling, adds a torque-rich diesel 4.5 AT. The fourth generation changes direction again: its 3.3 TD V6 AT diesel produces up to 700 Nm, while the 3.4 i V6 AT reaches 409 hp and the Hybrid 3.4 i V6 AT 7 Seats delivers the catalogue maximums of 457 hp and 790 Nm. All generations are SUV 5-doors, and every listed version uses Automatic transmission and AWD.
Lexus LX generations: what changed?
The first generation, produced from 1995 to 1997, has one version: 4.5 AT. Its 4,476 cc Gasoline engine produces 212 hp and 373 Nm. This is the only generation in the data with one listed modification and the only one built around the 4.5 AT Gasoline specification.
The second generation covers 1998–2002, followed by a restyling sold from 2002–2007. Both phases have two listed modifications, all named 4.7 AT. The original range offers 234 hp or 268 hp; the restyled range offers 234 hp or 275 hp. Transmission changes from 4-speed Automatic in the original generation to 5-speed Automatic after restyling. The strongest restyled version therefore gains 7 hp over the strongest original version, while both retain a 4,664 cc Gasoline engine and AWD.
The third generation runs from 2007–2012, with a 2012–2015 restyling and a second restyling from 2015–2021. The original generation has two 5.7 AT versions. The first restyling has three 5.7 AT versions, while the second restyling expands to seven modifications: three 4.5 AT diesel entries and four 5.7 AT gasoline entries. The major late-generation distinctions are the diesel option, the move from a 6-speed to an 8-speed Automatic for the gasoline 5.7 AT, and a listed power ceiling of 383 hp.
The fourth generation starts in 2021 and has five listed modifications. These are two 3.3 TD V6 AT diesels, two Gasoline 3.4 i V6 AT configurations—one named 3.4 i V6 AT and one named 3.4 i V6 AT 7 Seats—and one Hybrid 3.4 i V6 AT 7 Seats. Every version uses a 10-speed Automatic and AWD. Compared with the preceding generation, the listed engine range changes from 4,461 cc and 5,663 cc units to 3,300 cc and 3,445 cc units.
Lexus LX engine options and specs
| Generation and period | Exact version | Power | Torque | Displacement | Fuel | Cylinders/layout | Boost | Gearbox | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First, 1995–1997 | 4.5 AT | 212 hp | 373 Nm | 4,476 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 4-speed Automatic | AWD |
| Second, 1998–2002 | 4.7 AT | 234 hp | 434 Nm | 4,664 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | No | 4-speed Automatic | AWD |
| Second, 1998–2002 | 4.7 AT | 268 hp | 328 Nm | 4,664 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | No | 4-speed Automatic | AWD |
| Second restyling, 2002–2007 | 4.7 AT | 234 hp | 434 Nm | 4,664 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | No | 5-speed Automatic | AWD |
| Second restyling, 2002–2007 | 4.7 AT | 275 hp | 438 Nm | 4,664 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | No | 5-speed Automatic | AWD |
| Third, 2007–2012 | 5.7 AT | 383 hp | 546 Nm | 5,663 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | No | 6-speed Automatic | AWD |
| Third, 2007–2012 | 5.7 AT | 367 hp | 530 Nm | 5,663 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | No | 6-speed Automatic | AWD |
| Third restyling, 2012–2015 | 5.7 AT | 367 hp | 530 Nm | 5,663 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | No | 6-speed Automatic | AWD |
| Third restyling, 2012–2015 | 5.7 AT | 367 hp | 530 Nm | 5,663 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | No | 6-speed Automatic | AWD |
| Third restyling, 2012–2015 | 5.7 AT | 383 hp | 546 Nm | 5,663 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | No | 6-speed Automatic | AWD |
| Third second restyling, 2015–2021 | 4.5 AT | 272 hp | 650 Nm | 4,461 cc | Diesel | 8, V-shaped | Turbo | 6-speed Automatic | AWD |
| Third second restyling, 2015–2021 | 4.5 AT | 272 hp | 650 Nm | 4,461 cc | Diesel | 8, V-shaped | Turbo | 6-speed Automatic | AWD |
| Third second restyling, 2015–2021 | 5.7 AT | 367 hp | 530 Nm | 5,663 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | No | 8-speed Automatic | AWD |
| Third second restyling, 2015–2021 | 5.7 AT | 367 hp | 530 Nm | 5,663 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | No | 8-speed Automatic | AWD |
| Third second restyling, 2015–2021 | 4.5 AT | 272 hp | 650 Nm | 4,461 cc | Diesel | 8, V-shaped | Turbo | 6-speed Automatic | AWD |
| Third second restyling, 2015–2021 | 5.7 AT | 367 hp | 530 Nm | 5,663 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | No | 8-speed Automatic | AWD |
| Third second restyling, 2015–2021 | 5.7 AT | 383 hp | 548 Nm | 5,663 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | No | 8-speed Automatic | AWD |
| Fourth, from 2021 | 3.3 TD V6 AT | 300 hp | 700 Nm | 3,300 cc | Diesel | 6, V-shaped | Turbo | 10-speed Automatic | AWD |
| Fourth, from 2021 | 3.3 TD V6 AT | 309 hp | 700 Nm | 3,300 cc | Diesel | 6, V-shaped | Turbo | 10-speed Automatic | AWD |
| Fourth, from 2021 | 3.4 i V6 AT | 409 hp | 650 Nm | 3,445 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | Turbo | 10-speed Automatic | AWD |
| Fourth, from 2021 | 3.4 i V6 AT 7 Seats | 409 hp | 650 Nm | 3,445 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | Turbo | 10-speed Automatic | AWD |
| Fourth, from 2021 | 3.4 i V6 AT 7 Seats | 457 hp | 790 Nm | 3,445 cc | Hybrid | 6, V-shaped | Turbo | 10-speed Automatic | AWD |
Engine output per litre clarifies the mechanical progression. The first-generation 4.5 AT produces about 47.4 hp per litre. The strongest second-generation 4.7 AT raises that to about 59.0 hp per litre, while the 383 hp third-generation 5.7 AT reaches about 67.6 hp per litre. In the fourth generation, the 309 hp 3.3 TD V6 AT produces about 93.6 hp per litre, the 409 hp 3.4 i V6 AT about 118.7 hp per litre, and the 457 hp Hybrid 3.4 i V6 AT 7 Seats about 132.7 hp per litre.
For maximum torque, the Hybrid 3.4 i V6 AT 7 Seats leads with 790 Nm. It exceeds either 3.3 TD V6 AT diesel, at 700 Nm, by 90 Nm. The late third-generation diesel 4.5 AT produces 650 Nm, matching the Gasoline fourth-generation 3.4 i V6 AT and 3.4 i V6 AT 7 Seats.
Lexus LX performance, fuel consumption, and mpg data
The first-generation 4.5 AT has a top speed of 170 km/h; its 0–100 km/h time is not measured. Consumption is 18 l/100 km in the city, 11 l/100 km on the highway, and 14.5 l/100 km combined.
Second-generation 4.7 AT performance depends on output. The 234 hp version takes 10.1 seconds to reach 100 km/h and has a 175 km/h top speed. The 268 hp original and 275 hp restyled versions each take 8.9 seconds and reach 180 km/h. Where measured, combined consumption ranges from 13.9 to 16.3 l/100 km. Consumption for the 275 hp 4.7 AT is not measured.
Third-generation 5.7 AT versions record 367–383 hp, 0–100 km/h times of 7.3–7.7 seconds, and top speeds of 160–221 km/h across the listed specifications. The quickest is the second-restyling 5.7 AT with 383 hp: 7.3 seconds to 100 km/h and 220 km/h. Its consumption is 18.1 l/100 km city, 13.1 l/100 km highway, and 15.7 l/100 km combined. The 383 hp 2007–2012 version records 15.2 l/100 km combined, while the 383 hp 2012–2015 version records 16.8 l/100 km combined. Fuel consumption for the other third-generation 5.7 AT entries is not measured.
Every third-generation second-restyling diesel 4.5 AT reaches 100 km/h in 8.6 seconds. Listed top speeds differ at 160, 180, and 210 km/h. City, highway, and combined fuel consumption are not measured for all three diesel entries.
All fourth-generation versions have a listed top speed of 210 km/h, but their 0–100 km/h times are not measured. Fuel consumption is also not measured for either 3.3 TD V6 AT diesel. The Gasoline 3.4 i V6 AT and Gasoline 3.4 i V6 AT 7 Seats each record 13.8 l/100 km city, 10.7 l/100 km highway, and 12.4 l/100 km combined. The Hybrid 3.4 i V6 AT 7 Seats records 12.4, 10.7, and 11.8 l/100 km respectively, reducing combined consumption by 0.6 l/100 km relative to the two 409 hp Gasoline versions.
Lexus LX dimensions, weight, clearance, and tank size
External length, width, height, and wheelbase are not measured in the supplied data for any version. The available dimensional comparison therefore rests on kerb weight, gross weight, ground clearance, tank capacity, and listed wheel sizes.
The first-generation 4.5 AT has a 2,180 kg kerb weight, 210 mm ground clearance, and unmeasured gross weight and tank capacity. At about 10.3 kg per horsepower, it has the highest weight-to-power figure among the versions with measured kerb weight.
Second-generation 4.7 AT kerb weights range from 2,450 to 2,535 kg, gross weights from 2,948 to 3,112 kg, and clearance from 220 to 250 mm. Every version has a 96-litre tank. The 275 hp restyled 4.7 AT carries about 9.2 kg per horsepower, compared with about 10.5 kg per horsepower for the 234 hp version at 2,450 kg.
Third-generation kerb weights span 2,585–2,722 kg. Listed gross weights range from 3,300 to 3,856 kg, ground clearance from 225 to 270 mm, and every version has a 93-litre tank. The best third-generation weight-to-power result is approximately 6.9 kg per horsepower for the 2,660 kg, 383 hp 5.7 AT. Listed wheel sizes include 285/60 R18, 285/50 R20, and 275/50 R21; wheel sizes for other third-generation entries are not measured.
In the fourth generation, kerb weight is not measured for the 300 hp 3.3 TD V6 AT. The 309 hp 3.3 TD V6 AT weighs 2,575 kg and has an 80-litre tank. The 409 hp 3.4 i V6 AT weighs 2,525 kg, while the 409 hp 3.4 i V6 AT 7 Seats weighs 2,680 kg; both have a 3,280 kg gross weight and 110-litre tank. The Hybrid 3.4 i V6 AT 7 Seats weighs 2,840 kg, has a 3,379 kg gross weight and 68-litre tank. All five have 225 mm clearance.
The non-seven-seat 3.4 i V6 AT is 155 kg lighter than the Gasoline 3.4 i V6 AT 7 Seats despite identical 409 hp and 650 Nm outputs. Its weight-to-power figure is about 6.2 kg per horsepower, compared with about 6.6 for the Gasoline 7 Seats version. The 457 hp Hybrid 7 Seats version also works out at about 6.2 kg per horsepower. Its listed wheels are 265/50 R22, 265/65 R18, 265/70 R18, and 265/55 R20; wheel sizes for the other fourth-generation versions are not measured.
Lexus LX reliability, engine problems, and recalls
Engine reliability, engine problems, failure rates, and recall information are not measured in the supplied data. These subjects cannot be used to rank the versions. A purchase decision based on reliability therefore requires evidence outside this catalogue, while the comparisons here are limited to the measured specifications.
Which Lexus LX version should you buy?
Choose the first-generation 4.5 AT if the lowest listed kerb weight matters most: at 2,180 kg, it is 270 kg lighter than the next-lightest listed vehicles. The trade-off is the lowest output in the catalogue, at 212 hp and 373 Nm, plus an unmeasured 0–100 km/h time.
Among second-generation versions, the restyled 275 hp 4.7 AT is the performance choice. It has 41 hp and 4 Nm more than the restyled 234 hp 4.7 AT, reaches 100 km/h 1.2 seconds sooner than the measured 234 hp specification, and uses a 5-speed Automatic. Its consumption is not measured, however; the 234 hp restyled version is the one with a measured 13.9 l/100 km combined figure.
For a third-generation diesel, each 4.5 AT supplies 650 Nm and reaches 100 km/h in 8.6 seconds. The 2,585 kg version is 85–100 kg lighter than the other diesel entries and has the highest listed diesel top speed, 210 km/h, but its 225 mm clearance is 25–45 mm lower. Choose one of the 250 or 270 mm versions when clearance takes priority over weight and listed top speed.
For a third-generation gasoline model, the 383 hp 5.7 AT from the second restyling provides the best listed acceleration at 7.3 seconds. It has 16 hp and 18 Nm more than the 367 hp 5.7 AT entries. Buyers prioritising the lowest measured combined consumption should instead note the 383 hp 2007–2012 5.7 AT at 15.2 l/100 km, which is 0.5 l/100 km below the 383 hp second-restyling version.
In the fourth generation, choose the 309 hp 3.3 TD V6 AT over the 300 hp version when the extra 9 hp is useful; both produce 700 Nm, use an 80-litre tank, and have a 210 km/h top speed, while kerb weight is not measured for the 300 hp version. Choose the Gasoline 3.4 i V6 AT when 409 hp, 650 Nm, a 110-litre tank, and the lowest fourth-generation measured kerb weight of 2,525 kg are the priorities.
Choose the Hybrid 3.4 i V6 AT 7 Seats for the strongest specification: 457 hp and 790 Nm. Against the Gasoline 3.4 i V6 AT 7 Seats, it adds 48 hp and 140 Nm and lowers measured combined consumption from 12.4 to 11.8 l/100 km. The trade-offs visible in the data are an additional 160 kg of kerb weight and a tank reduced by 42 litres. That makes the Hybrid the output leader, while the non-seven-seat Gasoline 3.4 i V6 AT is the lighter fourth-generation choice and the 3.3 TD V6 AT is the diesel alternative.