Should You Take the Lexus LX 470 Off Road?
Don’t let its luxury appearance fool you—the 2007 Lexus LX 470 has some impressive off-road chops.
The
Lexus LX 470
was named J.D. Power and Associate’s best luxury SUV for several years in the early 2000s, and in 2007, Lexus debuted 400 limited edition LX 470s with Black Onyx paint, stone leather interior, and specialized badging and scuff plates. But don’t let this vehicle’s luxury appearance fool you—limited edition or not, it has some impressive off-road chops.When you think
Lexus
, you surely think luxury SUV—the perfect vehicle for riding your family around in style. But what about some more….rough and tumble adventures? Has Lexus produced vehicles suitable for rough terrains?Here to dive into the 2007 Lexus LX 470’s off-road specs is
Jerry
—the super app
that saves drivers money on car insurance
and more. We’ll go over key factors that affect a vehicle’s off-road capabilities, including ground clearance, torque, tires, and more.RECOMMENDED
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Can the 2007 Lexus LX 470 go off road?
Yes—believe it or not, this luxury SUV absolutely has the ability to take on some seriously rough terrains. While we wouldn’t generally suggest a Lexus if you have frequent plans to go mudding, the 2007 LX 470 can handle camping trips, bumpy and muddy concert lots, and more.
In 2007, a brand new LX 470 would cost you at least $67,295—and the fully-loaded version was priced at about $87,000. Today, a used one will cost you somewhere between $6,558 and $13,452, depending on its condition and features.
Let’s take a look at the specs that make the LX 470 suited for rough terrains.
Ground clearance
Ground clearance—or the space between the lowest part of your vehicle’s chassis and the ground—is one of the most important specs to consider before heading off the beaten path. The 2007 Lexus LX 470 is high off the ground, with an impressive 9.8 inches of ground clearance.
Experts recommend a minimum of 8.5 inches of ground clearance for off-roading adventures, but 8.8 to 10.8 inches of ground clearance is ideal for rougher terrains. The LX 470’s ground clearance beats out modern off-road favorite, the 2021
Jeep Wrangler
, which has just 9.7 inches of minimum clearance—so you should feel confident with whatever lays ahead.Torque
Another feature that makes off-roading safer and more viable is low-end torque—aka, high amounts of torque at a low rpm. This provides maximum turning power, which is far more important than speed when you’re tire-deep in mud.
The 2007 LX 470’s 275-horsepower engine produces 328 lb-ft of torque at 3,400 rpm, which is pretty powerful! Generally, you want to access that power between 2,000 and 3,000 rpms—but the LX 470 is still nothing to sneeze at.
Tires
The 2007 Lexus LX 470 comes with a set of all-season tires, sized at P275/60HR18.
Honestly, while all-season tires are built to last, they aren’t the best option for off-roading—but you can easily upgrade to
all-terrain tires
, or A/T tires, which are designed for drivers who want to mix off-roading with everyday driving on paved highways and roads.Keep in mind that A/T tires aren’t as long-lasting as all-season tires—but they’re a worthwhile investment if you plan to get muddy on a regular basis.
Drivetrain
Four-wheel drive vehicles—sometimes called 4x4s—are the ideal option for off-roading. Fortunately, this drivetrain is standard on the 2007 Lexus LX 470.
Keep in mind that, on the road, four-wheel drive increases fuel consumption. Many 4x4 vehicles come with the option to turn four-wheel drive, but the LX 470 doesn’t—so don’t expect it to be particularly economic.
Angles
The final factor to consider before heading off the open road is your vehicle’s angles: specifically, the approach angle and departure angle:
- Approach angle: the maximum angle at which a vehicle can climb without interference
- Departure angle: the maximum angle at which a vehicle can descend without interference
Your 2007 Lexus LX 470 has a 32-degree angle of approach and a 26-degree angle of departure. This is moderately good and will handle some significant bumps and dips—just don’t try to tackle any seriously rocky terrain.
Off-road rating: Rough and ready
We’ve rated the 2007 Lexus 470 using
Jerry’s
super-technical DIRT rating system, broken down in the table below:Rating | Meaning | Description |
|---|---|---|
D | Don’t Try It | Vehicles better suited to highway conditions |
I | In a Pinch | Vehicles that can handle off-road conditions in certain circumstances |
R | Rough and Ready | Vehicles designed for casual off-roading |
T | Trail Boss | True off-road vehicles capable of tackling a range of terrain |
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The 2007 Lexus LX 470 earns an R rating: it has great ground clearance, bold four-wheel drive, and pretty impressive torque—but its angles are just okay, and its tires will require an upgrade before heading out into some serious off-road spaces.
The best off-road alternatives to the 2007 Lexus LX 470
Shopping for the perfect used vehicle can be a challenge—especially if you’re looking for an older model. If you love the capabilities of the 2007 Lexus LX 470, but simply cannot find one at your local used car lot, consider some of these alternatives.
Model | Original MSRP | Description |
|---|---|---|
2005 Toyota Land Cruiser | $55,325 | If you’re looking for a real-deal off-roader, this is it! Plus, the ‘05 Toyota maintains its value well—today, one will cost you $9,454 to $19,152. |
1997 Lexus LX 450 | $48,700 | Want a more affordable option? Go for an older model year. The ‘97 Lexus LX 450 has similar capabilities, but at a current price of just $2,513 to $6,327. |
2009 Lexus LX 570 | $75,855 | The 570 is a complete redesign of the 470 that completely ups the ante. Find one for $16,573 to $30,000. |
MORE:
Cheap off-road trucks
How to find affordable car insurance for off-road vehicles
Off-road vehicles tend to be more expensive to insure, simply because the risk of damage is a little bit higher. Make that vehicle a luxury SUV and your rates go even higher.
Fortunately, car insurance super app
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