LX 600 vs Navigator
Rivals in the full-size luxury suv class rarely match spec for spec, and the LX 600 and the Navigator are no exception. The Navigator wins more of the areas that we compared (3 of 4), and its most convincing lead is in engine & performance.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Navigator wins
- Fuel Economy & Range LX 600 wins
- Space & Practicality Navigator wins
- Off-road & Towing Navigator wins
- Price Navigator wins
- Engine & Performance6.4
- Fuel Economy & Range5.0
- Off-road & Towing6.1
- Engine & Performance9.2
- Fuel Economy & Range1.3
- Off-road & Towing10.0
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
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The LX 600 has better fuel economy
The Navigator isn’t far behind at 17 mpg, but the LX 600’s 19 mpg still comes out ahead. The LX 600 uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot.
-
The Navigator has 31 hp more power
A narrow win for the Navigator. With 440 hp to 409 hp, it’s the kind of difference that adds up rather than stands out. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
-
The Navigator has room for 8 seats
Close, but not identical: the Navigator lists 8 seats and the LX 600 lists 7 seats. Extra seats mean you can take more people along without taking a second car.
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The Navigator has 700 lb more towing capacity
The gap on max towing is slim (8,700 lb against 8,000 lb), yet it tips toward the Navigator. If you tow regularly, the Navigator’s higher rating gives you more margin.
-
The Navigator has 31 lb-ft more torque
You may not notice this one every day, but the Navigator’s 510 lb-ft is a step ahead of the LX 600’s 479 lb-ft. The Navigator’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | LX 600 | Navigator |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 200.6 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Width (no mirrors) | 78.4 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Height | 74.2 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 112.2 in | N/A (not specified) |
Engine & Performance
Navigator leads
If engine & performance is high on your list, the Navigator makes the stronger case by a wide margin. The Navigator makes its case with 31 hp more power. The Navigator’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed. For anyone who cares most about engine & performance, the Navigator is the safer choice.
Total system output
LX 600: 409 hp Navigator: 440 hp More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
Torque
LX 600: 479 lb-ft Navigator: 510 lb-ft Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
Fuel Economy & Range
LX 600 leads
In this area the LX 600 has a lead the Navigator can’t close. The LX 600 stands out with better fuel economy. Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold. Bottom line for fuel economy & range: the LX 600 has the edge.
Fuel economy (combined)
LX 600: 19 mpg Navigator: 17 mpg Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership.
Fuel economy (city)
LX 600: 17 mpg Navigator: 15 mpg City fuel economy matters most if your driving is mostly short trips, traffic and stop-and-go commutes.
Space & Practicality
Navigator leads
If you’re keeping score, the space & practicality point goes narrowly to the Navigator. On its side, the Navigator has room for 8 seats. The Navigator has room for more passengers, useful for growing families and carpools. Anyone shopping mainly on space & practicality should start with the Navigator.
Seats
LX 600: 7 seats Navigator: 8 seats Third-row seats are often best for kids, so check legroom figures if adults will sit there.
Off-road & Towing
Navigator leads
The Navigator edges the off-road & towing section, though the LX 600 stays close. The Navigator adds 700 lb more towing capacity. Towing ratings depend on configuration and equipment, so check the exact trim you’re looking at. On off-road & towing alone, the Navigator gets the nod.
Max towing
LX 600: 8,000 lb Navigator: 8,700 lb A higher towing capacity lets you pull bigger trailers, boats and campers.
Safety & Tech
The safety & tech comparison is about what’s inside rather than how much. See the table for the LX 600’s and the Navigator’s entries.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | LX 600 | Navigator |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 3.4L twin-turbo V6 | 3.5L twin-turbo V6 |
| Total system output | 409 hp | 440 hp (winner) |
| Torque | 479 lb-ft | 510 lb-ft (winner) |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic | 10-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | 4WD | 4x4 |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | LX 600 | Navigator |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 19 mpg (winner) | 17 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 17 mpg (winner) | 15 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 22 mpg | 22 mpg |
| Fuel tank | 21.1 gal | N/A (not specified) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | LX 600 | Navigator |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 7 seats | 8 seats (winner) |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 11 cu ft Smallest cargo area | N/A (not specified) |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 64 cu ft Least room, seats folded | N/A (not specified) |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | LX 600 | Navigator |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | 8,000 lb | 8,700 lb (winner) Best towing in class |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | LX 600 | Navigator |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | 12.3 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Driver-assist suite | N/A (not specified) | Lincoln Co-Pilot360 |
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | LX 600 | Navigator |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 200.6 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Width (no mirrors) | 78.4 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Height | 74.2 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 112.2 in | N/A (not specified) |
Price
| Spec | LX 600 | Navigator |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $107,000 | $99,995 (winner) |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Price & Value
A price gap of $7,005 at launch won’t make or break this decision. The Navigator costs $7,005 less and still comes out ahead in more areas, a rare combination.
These are US launch prices, recorded launch; what you pay today may be higher or lower.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the LX 600 if…
- you drive a lot and want lower running costs (19 mpg vs 17 mpg combined)
- you want better city fuel economy (17 mpg vs 15 mpg)
- you prefer staying with Lexus
Choose the Navigator if…
- you want more power (440 hp vs 409 hp)
- you need more seats (8 seats vs 7 seats)
- you tow a camper, boat or trailer (8,700 lb vs 8,000 lb)
- you often drive loaded up or with a trailer (510 lb-ft vs 479 lb-ft of torque)
- you want more value for your money ($7,005 less at launch)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the LX 600 or the Navigator?
The Navigator makes more sense overall. Consider the alternative only if you care more about better fuel economy than anything else.
Which costs less, the LX 600 or the Navigator?
At launch, the Navigator undercut the LX 600 by $7,005. These figures are as of launch, and street prices can change.
Executive Summary
On paper, the LX 600 and the Navigator chase the same buyer. In the details, Lexus and Lincoln made different calls. In daily life, I think the first difference you’d notice is 31 hp more power, and that goes to the Navigator. On top of that, the Navigator adds room for 8 seats. The LX 600 isn’t without merit: better fuel economy is a real advantage.
If you’d rather have strength in fuel economy & range, go with the LX 600. If engine & performance is what you’d miss, go with the Navigator.
My pick: the Navigator, unless what you want most is better fuel economy.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.