What Makes a Six-Figure Luxury SUV Truly Worth Buying

Sadly, six-figure SUVs aren’t exactly rare anymore. Between the Range Rovers, Escalades, Land Crusiers, G-Classes, BMW X7s…, luxury has become a crowded niche. The 2026 Lexus LX is yet another $100,000+ SUV in a world where most of us are trying to figure out how to afford the ones from 25 years ago. But the newest LX at least makes a good argument for its existence and price. It may not be the flashiest full-size luxury SUV on the road, and it definitely isn’t the quickest. But durability, refinement, and long-term value? That’s where the LX still runs the table.

The latest LX didn’t change much from the previous model, which shouldn’t come as a surprise. After pruning two of its trims last year, the LX600 enters the new model year largely unchanged, powered by the same 409-horsepower twin-turbo V6 and built on the same ultra-rugged GA-F body-on-frame platform. And while that might not sound headline-grabbing, it’s exactly why this SUV continues to justify a $100,000+ sticker price. Lexus already had the winning combo: Off-road capability (most folks spending $100,000 on an SUV probably won’t tap into), a soft and controlled ride, and an interior that feels tailor-made for long-distance lounging. So what actually makes the 2026 Lexus LX worth its six-figure ask? Let’s see.

What Makes The 2026 Lexus LX Actually Worth The $100,000+ Price Tag

At a glance, the LX sits in an interesting middle ground. It isn’t as athletic as the BMW X7, and it doesn’t carry the same image-driven weight as a Range Rover. But what it does have—what its rivals often don’t—is staying power. Lexus builds the LX to feel expensive on day one and still feel expensive years later. It combines capability, craftsmanship, and an engineering philosophy that’s almost stubborn in its commitment to reliability.

Under the hood, the 2026 Lexus LX600 uses a 409-horsepower twin-turbo 3.4-liter V6 paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Power is sent to all four wheels via a standard four-wheel-drive system with proper off-road-ready low-range gearing. Torque comes in at a healthy 479 pound-feet, which translates to smooth, confident acceleration whether you’re merging onto the highway or towing a trailer. On most trims, the suspension prioritizes comfort, resulting in a plush ride that occasionally lets the tall SUV lean in corners. Opt for the F Sport trim for a firmer suspension to curb some body roll, which, honestly, feels like a waste of time.

2026 Lexus LX Trims And Price

With prices ranging from $107,950 to $116,950, depending on trim, the LX isn’t pretending to be a bargain. But in the world of six-figure SUVs, this one actually earns what it’s charging.

Built On A Proven And Ultra-Durable Platform

Body-On-Frame Still Wins

In a segment dominated by unibody crossovers posing as off-roaders, the Lexus LX keeps the nameplate’s reputation alive. Its body-on-frame architecture—shared with the Toyota Land Cruiser—remains one of the most compelling reasons buyers choose the LX over flashier competitors.

This isn’t just nostalgia for “the way SUVs used to be.” Body-on-frame still offers real benefits: strength, longevity, and a structure designed to handle stress year after year. It’s also the foundation behind the LX’s legitimate off-road capability, which includes:

• Standard four-wheel drive
• Low-range gearing
• A locking center differential
• 8000-pound towing capacity

Even if only two percent of owners will ever put the LX into low-range, knowing it can handle that level of grunt adds to its value—especially when competitors focus more on on-road performance than real-world toughness. This is a platform engineered to last decades, not just lease cycles.

2026 Lexus LX Engine Specs

And moving this gargantuan is that 409-horsepower twin-turbo 3.4-liter V6 we talked about earlier. This option is for the folks who want a new luxury SUV without getting rid of everything they know and love about the older, grunty V8 boys. Fuel economy matches the 2025 LX model at 17 mpg city / 22 mpg highway / 19 mpg combined, which is par for a full-size luxury SUV with standard 4WD. However, seeing as how it’s 2025, you already know there’s a hybrid powertrain available.

2026 marks the second model year for the LX700h hybrid, which builds on the LX600’s twin-turbo 3.4-liter V6 by integrating an electric motor into the 10-speed automatic. The system draws energy from a nickel–metal hydride battery stuffed under the rear cargo area. Combined output jumps to 457 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque, while estimated fuel economy rises to 20 mpg.

It’s obvious that Toyota and Lexus have learned a few lessons from selling Land Cruisers and LXs around the world for several years. This is a carmaker that knows how to tune an SUV to tackle the gnarliest of surfaces.

– William Clavey for TopSpeed

Beyond the efficiency gains, Lexus designed the hybrid to “enhance drivability.” Lexus claims drivers will get the most benefit from the added driveability off-road, where the electric motor delivers smooth, responsive low-end torque that makes crawling over obstacles or navigating tricky terrain easier.

Is it the quickest in the class? No. The X7 M60i and Mercedes GLS580 are faster. But the LX doesn’t try to be a performance SUV—it tries to be a refined one, and the powertrain nails that mission.

A Luxury Interior That Competes With The Best

Premium Materials And Craftsmanship

Step inside the 2026 LX, and you’re surrounded by the kind of quiet, intentional craftsmanship Lexus has perfected. This doesn’t feel like the kind of interior designed to win a design competition; it feels like one designed to age gracefully. Standard cabin highlights include:

• Fancy leather upholstery
• A leather-wrapped dashboard
• Real wood trim
• Exceptionally comfortable front seats with heat (ventilation optional)
• Heated second-row outboard seats

The Luxury trim—which Car and Driver recommends as the “best value”—steps things up with semi-aniline leather, a Mark Levinson 25-speaker stereo, and premium 22-inch wheels. The third row? It’s serviceable, but like most three-row luxury SUVs, it’s best reserved for occasional use. Cushions are shorter, headroom is tighter, and cargo space with all seats up is just 11 cubic feet. Fold the seats flat, though, and you get 44 cubic feet, a meaningful improvement. What matters most: everything you touch feels solid, smooth, and built with intention—not overstyled, not fragile, and absolutely not trendy. This interior is going to hold up.

Modern Technology And Infotainment

While many luxury brands chase enormous single screens, Lexus continues its multi-screen design. The LX’s dashboard features three displays that divide information clearly:

• Eight-inch digital gauge cluster
• 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen
• Seven-inch climate/vehicle control display

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, as do Bluetooth and a head-up display. And while the 10-speaker standard audio system is fine, most buyers will appreciate the available Mark Levinson setup. Nothing here is overly showy, but everything works predictably. Lexus designed an interface that actually improves the driving experience instead of distracting from it. That’s refreshing.

Long-Term Value And Resale Strength

Lexus’ Reputation For Reliability

This is where the LX truly separates itself from the pack. Many luxury rides look great on a showroom floor, but only a few are still commanding strong prices a decade later. The LX is one of them. Older LX models—some 15 or 20 years old—regularly sell for astonishingly high prices because the design holds up.

• A six-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty
• A four-year/50,000-mile limited warranty
• One year of complimentary maintenance
• Proven durability from previous generations

The LX name has inspired confidence in owners that many of its rivals simply can’t match. Lexus keeps complexity manageable, builds components to last, and doesn’t chase fragile technology that ages poorly. That’s why resale value is so consistently strong. It’s not hype. Its reliability.

Who The 2026 Lexus LX Is Really For

Buyers Who Need Real Capability, Not Just Flash

The LX appeals to a very specific buyer—someone who wants real capability, modest luxury, and a truck that will work forever, all wrapped in a nameplate that still feels special. If you want the sharpest handling? Buy the BMW X7. If you want the most dramatic interior? Go for the Range Rover. If you want the biggest presence? The Escalade wins that contest.

But if you want an SUV that blends comfort, capability, craftsmanship, and reliability—and one you can keep for years without worrying about it becoming a maintenance nightmare—the 2026 Lexus LX makes a compelling case if you can swing it. The LX600’s value rests securely on the confidence it provides. The longevity. The consistency. And the way it makes every next mile seem guaranteed.

Sources: JD Power, Lexus, CarEdge