Lexus and Off-Road Driving; An Overview of Available Technologies
June 09 2020, Lexus Laval
When we think of Lexus, it's an image of quietness that comes to mind. Comfort on the highway, quiet ride at all times, long-term reliability, and the feeling that you've made the right choice, that's what dominates your thoughts.
However, there's one aspect about some of the brand's SUVs that shouldn't be overlooked, and that's their off-road capabilities. Not all Lexus SUVs can go anywhere, but those that can are able to keep up with the best in the business.
We're basically talking about two vehicles here, the Lexus GX 460 and the LX 570.
In the first case, while the model offers all the luxury one could wish for, you should know that it's based on the platform of the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, an SUV capable of crossing mountains and tides. As for the second, it benefits from the structure of another Toyota product, the Land Cruiser. Here again, the Land Cruiser has no fear of off-roading.
And the differences between the two Land Cruisers are mostly in terms of styling, size and powertrain. In terms of competency, they are both quite similar.
And what do you get out of a GX, for example? First of all, a vehicle that sits on a ladder chassis, like any good full-size pickup truck. When you want to play the robustness card, it all starts with this type of structure.
The model is also equipped with a highly competent and permanent four-wheel drive system that transmits power to the wheels that need it at all times thanks to A-Trac active traction control. The GX also offers a standard kinetic suspension system, as well as an optional terrain selector that offers different driving modes to adapt the vehicle's behaviour to the surface and conditions. Crawl Control is also available. A camera system offering panoramic and lateral views is also included, allowing the driver to safely avoid obstacles.
As a bonus, a hill start assist function, as well as another that regulates speed when descending a hill, is also part of the package.
They say that you can't judge a book by its cover. In the case of Lexus' GX and LX SUVs, that couldn't be truer.
