2001LexusLX 470Lexus LX 4702001 Lexus LX470 AWDSport UtilityWagonAWDKyusha, JapanThe LX 470 finally adds the all-important optional DVD-based navigation system (and if you turn down the nav, you get a compass on the rearview mirror). The optional Nakamichi audio system is gone in favor of an optional nine-speaker Mark Levinson system. The standard audio system is enhanced with an Automatic Sound Levelizer (ASL). Last year's optional wood and leather trim on the steering wheel and shift knob is now a standard feature. New security features include a key card immobilizer and a free-wheel key cylinder that prevents people from opening the door with anything other than the LX 470 key. Second-row passengers will benefit from child seat anchors and improved cupholders in the rear of the center console. The standard alloy wheels have a new surface treatment, and chrome wheels are optional. The fuel cap now has a tether to appease the absent-minded. Two new exterior colors will be offered - Mystic Sea Opalescent and Blue Vapor Metallic.Quiet and refined demeanor, capable backwoods performer, slick adjustable suspension, splendid interior materials, Lexus build quality.High price, lack of horsepower, floppy handling, Toyota-grade secondary switchgear.The LX 470 was our favorite luxury SUV in 2000, and Lexus has added even more standard equipment and wallet-draining options for 2001. Additional outfitting for Lexus' upmarket version of the Toyota Land Cruiser comes at a price, in this case a $1,300 increase in the MSRP. Of course, the LX 470 has always been priced in the same bracket as the flagship LS 400/430 sedan so such quibbling is probably irrelevant to serious buyers. A navigation system is finally available as an option, and because it is DVD-based, occupants can use its view screen to watch DVD movies when the LX 470 is in "Park." If the gear selector is in "D," you can listen to, but not view, the movie. The Toyota Land Cruiser also gets a navigation system for 2001, but it costs over $1,000 less to fit the Toyota with this option. Why? Because Lexus has cleverly packaged its new nine-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system with the nav system. Lexus claims that the package will allow the LX 470's cabin to move into "home theater territory." An interior already majestically swathed in material privilege (that is, walnut and animal hides all over everything and a gauge cluster lit to the specs of a large Christmas tree) is further enhanced by standard wood and leather trim on the steering wheel and shift knob -- this feature was optional in 2000. We also love the ergonomics of the LX 470 cabin, as its large controls are easy to find and operate -- we do wish for satellite stereo or climate controls on the steering wheel, though. You can also find heated seats with memory, an auto-dimming day/night mirror, a dust and pollen filter, one-touch power windows and sunroof, automatic tilt-away steering column (for easier entry/exit), and separate rear-passenger climate controls. A third-row seat that is best suited to child-sized bodies is standard in the LX 470, but it can be folded up easily for those who have more cargo than people to haul. Power comes from a 4.7-liter V8 that creates 230 horsepower and 320 foot-pounds of torque. This V8 is one of the smoothest engines (of any size or configuration) we've ever experienced, maintaining its stately composure from idle to redline. Still, we'd like Lexus to add a few more horsepower to propel the 5,401-pound truck -- the Lincoln Navigator weighs in at 5,585 pounds and offers 300 horses to lug its girth. Though neck-snapping acceleration is not within the Lexus repertoire, its rated towing capacity of 6500 pounds is indeed proof that it can haul the family yacht to the shore. While its engine and much of its technology (skid control, traction control and brake assist) are shared with the Land Cruiser, the LX 470 does outdo its coach-class sibling with its Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) and Adjustable Height Control (AHC). AVS is a semi-active shock absorber system with five settings; at one end of the range is the float and wallow of a Buick Dynaride and, at the other, the jarring response of a Ford Super Duty pickup. After a setting has been selected, AVS adjusts the ride based on road surfaces, and steering, acceleration and braking input in order to create ride quality tailored to the driver's preferences. AHC allows the LX 470 to be raised to clear rough terrain and lowered for ease of entry and exit. With all of its technology, the Lexus excels in (nearly) every context, except on winding two-lane roads where it becomes unwieldy and, well, floppy. New security features help ensure that your Lexus investment stays in your driveway. An immobilizer has been incorporated into the keyless entry remote, and a new free-wheel key cylinder in the doors prevents the naughty (and the owners) from opening the doors with anything other than the LX 470 key. The extras that come standard on the LX 470 make it appealing when compared with a Land Cruiser. And if you really want AVS, AHC and the Mark Levinson audio system, the LX 470 is the only way to go. However, for our money, we'd probably save the $8,000 and go with the Toyota. Though we really like the AVS, we have to admit that the Land Cruiser has everything else we love about the Lexus -- and it offers it at a price that is more competitive with other luxury SUVs. BMW X5Ford ExpeditionGMC Yukon DenaliLand Rover Range RoverLincoln Navigator450,000670,0004Unlimited6UnlimitedNANANA84.7 litersV8230 hp @ 4800 rpm320 ft-lbs. @ 3400 rpm90 cu.ft.NA6500 lbs.192.5 in.76.4 in.72.8 in.5401 lbs.112.2 in.39.7 ft.9.8 in.39.1 in.38.9 in.NANANANA42.3 in.34.3 in.8StandardStandardNot AvailableNot AvailableNot AvailableStandardStandardRating = Not TestedRating = Not TestedNot TestedNot TestedNot TestedNot Tested25.4 gal.13 mpg / 16 mpg330 mi. / 406 mi.Insurance costs can vary greatly for this vehicle, depending on such factors as driver age, driver gender, teenage drivers in the household, driving records, theft loss data for your particular geographic region, miles driven per year, and other widely variable factors. Additionally, some companies charge a premium for certain makes and models, while others do not.$52,716$61,4057.35%$545N/A2% of the Base MSRPBASE (4A): 4.7L V8 DOHC SMPI 32-valve engine (requires premium unleaded fuel); 4-speed electronic OD automatic transmission with lock-up torque converter; 100 amp alternator; driver's selectable multi-mode transmission oil cooler; full-time 4-wheel drive, traction control, 4.3 axle ratio; stainless steel exhaust; driver adjustable ride control, adaptive auto-leveling suspension, electronic stability control, adjustable shocks, front independent double-wishbone suspension with anti-roll bar, front torsion springs, front torsion bar, gas-pressurized front shocks, rigid rear axle multi-link suspension with anti-roll bar, rear coil springs, gas-pressurized rear shocks; rack-and-pinion power steering with engine speed-sensing assist; 4-wheel antilock disc brakes; 25.4 gal. capacity fuel tank; rear mud flaps, running boards, skid plate(s), side impact bars; tailgate rear cargo door; express open/close sliding and tilting glass sunroof with sunshade; front and rear colored bumpers with reartow hooks, rear step with chrome bodyside insert, colored bodyside cladding; clearcoat monotone paint; projector beam halogen fully auto headlamps with daytime running lights; additional exterior lights include front fog/driving lights; driver's and passenger's power remote body-colored heated power folding auto-dimming outside mirrors; 16" x 8" silver alloy wheels; P275/70HR16 BSW M&S tires; full-size alloy spare wheel; air conditioning with climate control, rear air conditioning with separate controls, air filter, rear heat ducts, rear heater; premium AM/FM stereo radio, seek-scan feature, cassette player, 6-disc CD changer, 7 speakers, amplifier, graphic equalizer, theft deterrent, power retractable diversity antenna; cruise control; power door locks with 2-stage unlock, remote keyless entry, child-safety rear door locks, remote fuel door release; cell phone pre-wiring, 4 power accessory outlets, front lighter element(s), driver's foot rest, retained accessory power, garage dooropener, smokers' package, first aid kit; instrumentation display includes tachometer, oil pressure gauge, water temperature gauge, volt gauge, in-dash clock, compass, exterior temp, trip odometer; warning indicators include oil pressure, battery, low oil level, low coolant, lights on, key in ignition, low fuel, low washer fluid, bulb failure, door ajar; driver's and passenger's front airbags; ignition disable, panic alarm, security system; deep tinted windows, power front and rear windows with front and rear 1-touch down function, power 1/4 vent windows; variable-speed intermittent front windshield wipers, sun visor strip, flip-up rear window, fixed interval rear wiper, rear window defroster; seating capacity of 8, front bucket seats, driver's and passenger's heated seats with adjustable tilt headrests, center armrest with storage, driver's seat includes 8-way power adjustment, power 2-way lumbar support, passenger's seat includes 8-way power adjustment; 60/40 folding rear split-benchseat, 2nd row seat with reclining adjustable headrests, center armrest; removable 50/50 folding 3rd row split-bench seat with adjustable headrest; height-adjustable front seatbelts with pretensioners; leather seats, leather door trim insert, full cloth headliner, full carpet floor covering with carpeted floor mats, genuine wood dashboard insert, leather-wrapped gearshift knob, genuine wood door panel insert, genuine wood console insert, chrome interior accents; driver's seat memory includes 2 settings for exterior mirrors, steering wheel; interior lights include dome light with fade, front and rear reading lights, 4 door curb lights, illuminated entry; leather/genuine wood steering wheel with power tilt and telescopic adjustment; dual illuminated vanity mirrors, dual auxiliary visors; auto-dimming day/night rearview mirror; full floor console, mini overhead console locking glove box with light, front and rear cupholders, interior concealed storage, 2 seatback storage pockets, driver'sand passenger's door bins, rear door bins; carpeted cargo floor, carpeted trunk lid, cargo tie downs, cargo light, concealed cargo storage; chrome grille, black side window moldings, black front windshield molding, black rear window molding and body-colored door handles.