Lexus LX 570 Towing Capacity (All Years 2008-2021)

The Lexus LX 570 is a full-size luxury SUV built on a body-on-frame platform shared with the Toyota Land Cruiser 200 Series. It was produced from the 2008 model year through the 2021 model year. All model years are powered by a 5.7-liter V8 engine paired with full-time four-wheel drive.

Towing capacity for the LX 570 varies by model year due to a significant rating methodology change that took effect in 2011. This guide provides year-by-year towing specifications, including maximum trailer weight, payload limits, GCWR, and hitch requirements for every production year of the LX 570. Staying within manufacturer-rated towing limits is critical for protecting the engine, transmission, and braking systems under load.

2021 Lexus LX 570 Towing Capacity

The 2021 Lexus LX 570 offers a maximum towing capacity of 7,000 lbs when properly equipped with the standard factory tow hitch receiver. The gross combination weight rating must not exceed 13,400 lbs, and the unbraked trailer weight rating is 1,000 lbs. Trailer sway control is required for any trailer exceeding 2,000 lbs, and a weight-distributing hitch is mandatory for trailers over 5,000 lbs.

2020 Lexus LX 570 Towing Capacity

The 2020 LX 570 continues with the 8-speed automatic transmission and standard tow package that Lexus introduced with the 2016 refresh. Maximum towing capacity remains 7,000 lbs. The standard integrated tow hitch receiver eliminates the need for an aftermarket hitch installation. For any trailer exceeding 5,000 lbs gross weight, a weight-distributing hitch with sufficient capacity is required per the owner’s manual.

2019 Lexus LX 570 Towing Capacity

The 2019 LX 570 provides a maximum towing capacity of 7,000 lbs with the standard 5.7L V8 and 8-speed automatic transmission. The LX 570 meets SAE J2807 towing standards, which means the rating reflects real-world capability with a representative vehicle configuration rather than a stripped base model. All 2019 LX 570 trims include the integrated tow hitch receiver as standard equipment.

2018 Lexus LX 570 Towing Capacity

The 2018 LX 570 maintains the same 7,000 lb towing capacity as all post-2010 model years. The LX 570’s body-on-frame construction and full-time four-wheel-drive system with a Torsen center differential provide stable towing characteristics. Tongue weight should be maintained between 9 percent and 11 percent of the gross trailer weight for optimal stability.

2017 Lexus LX 570 Towing Capacity

The 2017 LX 570 delivers a maximum towing capacity of 7,000 lbs. The 5.7L V8 produces 90 percent of its peak 403 lb-ft of torque at 2,200 rpm, providing strong low-end pulling power for trailer towing. The 8-speed automatic transmission, introduced for the 2016 model year, remains the standard gearbox for 2017.

2016 Lexus LX 570 Towing Capacity

The 2016 LX 570 received a significant mid-cycle refresh including a new 8-speed automatic transmission replacing the previous 6-speed unit. Maximum towing capacity remained unchanged at 7,000 lbs. The unbraked trailer weight rating is 1,000 lbs. The owner’s manual specifies that trailer service brakes are required for any trailer exceeding the unbraked TWR limit.

2015 Lexus LX 570 Towing Capacity

The 2015 LX 570 uses a 6-speed automatic transmission paired with the 5.7L V8. Maximum towing capacity is 7,000 lbs with a GCWR of 13,400 lbs. Payload capacity of 1,280 lbs means owners must carefully account for passenger weight, cargo, and tongue weight when calculating available towing capacity. The gross vehicle weight rating is 7,385 lbs.

2014 Lexus LX 570 Towing Capacity

The 2014 LX 570 maintains the 7,000 lb maximum towing capacity that applies to all 2011 through 2015 models equipped with the 6-speed automatic transmission. The gross combination weight rating of 13,400 lbs is the sum of the fully loaded vehicle weight plus the fully loaded trailer weight. Exceeding the GCWR increases stress on the engine cooling system, transmission, and brakes.

2013 Lexus LX 570 Towing Capacity

The 2013 LX 570 delivers a maximum towing capacity of 7,000 lbs with a GVWR of 7,385 lbs. The 2013 model year offered a standard tow package including the integrated hitch receiver across all trim levels. The 5.7L V8 engine produces 403 lb-ft of torque, making it well-suited for towing heavy loads at moderate engine speeds.

2012 Lexus LX 570 Towing Capacity

The 2012 LX 570 continues with the revised 7,000 lb maximum towing capacity that took effect for the 2011 model year. Towing capacity in global markets including Australia is rated at 3,500 kg braked and 750 kg unbraked. A genuine Lexus accessory tow bar and plug-and-play trailer wiring harness are available for markets where the integrated hitch is not standard.

2011 Lexus LX 570 Towing Capacity

The 2011 LX 570 marks the transition to a 7,000 lb maximum towing capacity, down from 8,500 lbs on earlier models. This change resulted from Toyota and Lexus adopting the SAE J2807 towing standard, which requires ratings to reflect a representatively equipped vehicle rather than a stripped base configuration. The engine, transmission, and chassis remained mechanically unchanged from the 2010 model year.

2010 Lexus LX 570 Towing Capacity

The 2010 Lexus LX 570 offers a maximum towing capacity of 8,500 lbs when properly equipped. The gross combination weight rating of 14,550 lbs is the highest GCWR available on any production year of the LX 570. Payload capacity is 1,411 lbs, which is also the highest payload rating across the LX 570 generation. The maximum tongue weight limit is 850 lbs, or approximately 10 percent of the maximum trailer weight.

2009 Lexus LX 570 Towing Capacity

The 2009 LX 570 maintains the 8,500 lb maximum towing capacity from the debut model year. The 6-speed automatic transmission was designed for fuel efficiency and includes a sequential-shift feature for manual gear selection while towing. An extra engine oil cooler is included to improve towing performance under sustained load.

2008 Lexus LX 570 Towing Capacity

The 2008 LX 570 is the first model year of the third-generation LX, replacing the LX 470. Maximum towing capacity of 8,500 lbs represents a 2,000 lb increase over the outgoing model. The all-new 5.7L V8 engine with variable valve timing and a 6-speed automatic transmission provided the powertrain foundation for this increased rating. A standard integrated tow hitch receiver and trailer wiring pre-wiring were included from the factory.

Towing Equipment and Setup Tips

The Lexus LX 570 comes from the factory with an integrated Class IV tow hitch receiver. This standard equipment eliminates the need for aftermarket hitch installation and ensures the hitch meets the vehicle’s rated capacity. In global markets, a genuine Lexus accessory tow bar and plug-and-play trailer wiring harness are available for vehicles not equipped with the integrated receiver.

A weight-distributing hitch is required for any trailer with a gross weight exceeding 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg). The weight-distributing hitch transfers tongue weight from the rear axle to the front axle and trailer axles, improving steering control and braking stability. When using a weight-distributing hitch, the vehicle must be leveled with the ground.

Trailer brakes are mandatory for any trailer exceeding the unbraked trailer weight rating. For 2016 and later models, the unbraked TWR is 1,000 lbs (454 kg). Earlier model years without a published unbraked TWR should follow the principle that any trailer over 1,000 lbs requires its own braking system. A trailer brake controller, either factory-integrated or aftermarket, is needed to operate electric trailer brakes.

Trailer sway control is required for any trailer exceeding 2,000 lbs (907 kg). The LX 570 includes electronic trailer sway control integrated into the vehicle stability control system. This system detects trailer oscillation and applies selective braking to individual wheels to help regain stability.

A transmission cooler is factory-installed on all LX 570 models. The 5.7L V8 includes an engine oil cooler designed to manage heat during towing. Owners who tow frequently in hot climates or mountainous terrain should monitor transmission fluid temperature and follow the severe-service maintenance schedule specified in the owner’s manual.

Tire load ratings must be verified before towing. The factory tires are P-metric or LT-metric depending on the wheel package. For frequent heavy towing, LT-rated tires provide additional load capacity and sidewall stiffness. Tire pressure should be increased to the maximum load specification printed on the vehicle placard when towing near the upper limits of the vehicle’s rating.

Proper tongue weight is critical for towing stability. The owner’s manual specifies tongue weight should be 9 percent to 11 percent of the gross trailer weight. Load heavier cargo low and forward of the trailer axle. Insufficient tongue weight causes trailer sway. Excessive tongue weight overloads the rear axle and reduces front axle grip.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum towing capacity of a Lexus LX 570?

The maximum towing capacity of a Lexus LX 570 is 8,500 lbs for 2008 through 2010 model years. For 2011 through 2021 model years, the maximum towing capacity is 7,000 lbs. This change was due to the adoption of SAE J2807 towing standards, not a change in mechanical capability.

How much can a Lexus LX 570 tow with a tow package?

The LX 570 comes with a standard factory tow package including an integrated Class IV hitch receiver. With this standard equipment, 2011-2021 models can tow up to 7,000 lbs and 2008-2010 models can tow up to 8,500 lbs. No additional factory tow package upgrade is available or required.

Does 4WD affect Lexus LX 570 towing capacity?

All Lexus LX 570 models are full-time four-wheel drive. There is no 2WD variant. The full-time 4WD system with a Torsen limited-slip center differential provides stable traction while towing. The low-range transfer case is beneficial for maneuvering heavy trailers at low speeds on steep or loose surfaces.

What trailer weight is safe for a Lexus LX 570?

The safe trailer weight depends on the model year. For 2008-2010 LX 570 models, the safe maximum braked trailer weight is 8,500 lbs. For 2011-2021 models, the limit is 7,000 lbs. Regardless of model year, trailer weight must be reduced when the vehicle carries passengers and cargo that consume available payload and GCWR.

Do I need a weight-distributing hitch for a Lexus LX 570?

A weight-distributing hitch is required for any trailer exceeding 5,000 lbs gross weight. For trailers between 2,000 lbs and 5,000 lbs, a standard ball mount is sufficient but a sway control device is required. The weight-distributing hitch transfers load to the front axle and improves steering control under heavy towing conditions.

What is the GCWR of a Lexus LX 570?

The gross combined weight rating is 14,550 lbs for 2008-2010 model years and 13,400 lbs for 2011-2021 model years. GCWR represents the maximum combined weight of the fully loaded vehicle and fully loaded trailer. Exceeding the GCWR increases wear on the drivetrain and reduces braking performance.

Conclusion

The Lexus LX 570 towing capacity ranges from 7,000 lbs to 8,500 lbs depending on the model year. The 2008 through 2010 model years offer the highest maximum trailer weight rating of 8,500 lbs with a GCWR of 14,550 lbs. The 2011 through 2021 model years are rated at 7,000 lbs with a GCWR of 13,400 lbs, reflecting the adoption of SAE J2807 standardized towing test protocols rather than any mechanical downgrade.

All LX 570 models share the same 5.7L V8 engine producing 383 horsepower and 403 lb-ft of torque. The transmission changed from a 6-speed automatic for 2008-2015 models to an 8-speed automatic for 2016-2021 models. The standard factory tow package, full-time 4WD, and body-on-frame construction make every LX 570 a capable towing platform within its rated limits.

Always verify the towing specifications for your specific vehicle using the owner’s manual before towing heavy loads. Towing within manufacturer-rated limits protects the drivetrain, braking system, and ensures safe handling for both the vehicle and trailer.