The 2015 Lexus LX570 is well known for being a luxurious and very capable off-road vehicle. However, there is a big 5.7-liter V8 under the hood that is related to the Toyota Tundra. And there is a frame hiding under the sleek body. The LX570 is rated at 7,000 lbs of maximum towing capacity. TFLtruck wanted to find out if it can hold its own in the full-size SUV class for the Gold Hitch awards.
The 32-valve DOHC V8 makes 383 horsepower and 403 lb-ft of torque @ 3,600 rpm. The power is delivered via a 6-speed automatic transmission. The load is the Logan Coach horse trailer with a total weight of 5,600 lbs. There are also two reporters in the cab for a total of 6,100 lbs.
The load is less than we tried with the competitive SUVs, but the Lexus is rated the lowest in terms of maximum towing capacity.
How did it do? Check out the comparison data table here and watch the video at the bottom.
Fullsize SUV – Ike Gauntlet
| 2015 Lexus LX570 | 2015 Infiniti QX80 | 2015 Lincoln Navigator | |
| Model | 4×4 | 4×4 | 4×4 |
| As Tested $ | $90,720 | $80,285 | $73,895 |
| Engine | 5.7-liter V8 | 5.6-liter V8 | 3.5-liter V6 |
| Transmission | 6-speed | 7-speed | 6-speed Auto |
| Power (hp / lb-ft) | 383 / 403 | 400 / 413 | 380 / 460 |
| Tow Rating | 7,000 lbs (3.91 axle) | 8,500 lbs (2.93 axle) | 8,600 lbs (3.73 axle) |
| Payload Rating | 1,385 lbs | 1,612 lbs | 1,470 lbs |
| Test Load (trailer + ppl) | 6,100 lbs | 7,760 lbs | 7,750 lbs |
| Suspension Sag | 2 in | 1 in | 1.5 in |
| Ambient Temp F | 41F | 44F | 28F |
| Relative Humidity | Low (30%) | Low (30%) | Low (25%) |
| Barometric Pressure (at top) | 19.76 inHg | 19.76 inHg | 19.76 inHg |
| Calculated Power Loss | 33 % | 33 % | N/A |
| Down: Transmission Temp | normal | normal | normal |
| Up: Time | 7:43.03 | 8:11.20 | 7:30.20 |
| Up: MPG | 3.8 | 3.9 | 3.6 |
| Up: Transmission Temp | normal | normal | normal |
2015 Lexus LX570 – Ike Gauntlet extreme towing test.
Andre Smirnov is a life-long automotive enthusiast, writer, reporter, and software engineer. He has been writing and reporting at TFL since 2011.
