The popularity of this trend continues to gather momentum, particularly with increasing uncertainty about the world's oil supply, and this does not bode well for vehicles like the 2003 Lexus LX470.
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| Being at the top of the food chain won't save the LX 470 from extinction. A new Toyota Sequoia based replacement is expected in 2005. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
Like the doomed dinosaur, the LX 470 is at the top of the food chain in terms of quality of construction, refined engine performance and elegant luxury styling both inside and out. All of which won't do the full-size SUV a bit of good when the grim reaper comes calling. According to the buzz, the LX 470 will disappear from the Lexus lineup in 2005.
At first glance it seems the Japanese auto-maker sees more of a future with its 2004 RX 330 'crossover' than with the eight-passenger behemoth, but the truth is the LX 470 will be replaced with a LX 475, based on the Toyota Sequoia platform. With Infiniti about to ante into the full-size market with its Pathfinder Armada based QX56, there's no doubt it will happen.
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| Based on the Toyota Land Cruiser, the LX 470 shares a number of features and parts. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
Until then the LX 470 continues on. It is based on the Toyota Land Cruiser platform (not available in Canada), the venerable four-wheel-drive off-roader that competes with the Land Rover in the 'icon category.' Lexus shares a number of features with the Land Cruiser, including engine, transmission, antiskid/traction control, antilock four-wheel disc brakes, all-wheel-drive with low-range gearing, and 3-row, 8-passenger seating.