Lexus LX 570 -- it’s big, but it’s nice

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Leaving the argument about buying SUVs aside for a moment, the newest, biggest and most luxurious offering from Lexus is the 2008 LX 570, equipped with a 5.7-liter V-8. And for getting to out-of-the-way places, keeping the kids amused with DVD screens, cosseting up to seven fractious rear ends, wrapping occupants in climate-controlled comfort -- all while towing 8,500-pound trailers -- the LX 570 does its job remarkably well.

The engine is good for 383 horsepower and 401 pounds feet of torque. This has to be done, so let’s get the fuel figures out of the way before going on to more interesting hardware: 12/18 mpg, city/highway. Mated to the engine is a six-speed automatic gearbox, which performs with customary Lexus smoothness and efficacy. The air suspension adjusts ride height automatically, according to conditions; a crawl control feature helps with steep off-road descents (it might happen); the intelligent cruise control uses radar; and there’s an optional pre-collision safety system that increases available pressure to the brake pedal and retracts driver and front passenger seatbelts to a preset tension.

Smile, please, the LX 570 not only has a camera set into the tailgate to help with reversing, but also one in the grille and one under the passenger-side door mirror, for a more comprehensive view of potential hazards.

On the debit side, it’s a shame the two third-row seats fold up to the sides, thereby limiting the cargo area, rather than origami-ing into the floor or being completely removable. But at least the second row seats also fold to accommodate that antique chest of drawers.

The LX 570 starts at $73,800, but try and stretch to the optional Mark Levinson sound system, which is amazing.

-- Colin Ryan