Then there is this gorgeous thing below: the 2022 Lexus LQ. A very modern Lexus, powered by 416-hp twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V-6 paired with a 10-speed automatic, plus whatever the 2 electric motors of the hybrid add. The 2022 Lexus LQ is the luxury brand’s new flagship SUV.
Previewed by the stunning LF-1 Limitless concept shown here, the Lexus LQ will be a sybaritic, two-row model that leans far more toward the cushy side of things than the off-road-capable LX, which will still exist and is due to be replaced soon. To put a finer point on it, think of an SUV that takes its cues from the LS sedan.
The LQ will be all-new for 2022. It’s expected to replace the outdated Lexus LX as the company’s flagship SUV. While its design looks to be inspired by the LC sports car, it’s expected to share a platform and powertrains with the LS sedan.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
We believe the 2022 Lexus LQ will inherit powertrains from the LS, which means there could be a traditional gasoline engine as well as a hybrid variant. The former is possibly a 416-hp twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V-6 paired with a 10-speed automatic.
The latter combination could be a 3.5-liter V-6 and two electric motors that generate a combined 354 horsepower; a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) will manage the hybrid’s power.
Both setups are expected to be available with rear- or all-wheel drive. While we expect Lexus to offer an F Sport model, which traditionally nets performance hardware and unique chassis tuning, the 2022 Lexus LQ will be mostly focused on luxury. It should have a creamy ride and a relaxed driving character.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
Neither the EPA nor Lexus have released fuel-economy estimates for the 2022 Lexus LQ. Since we think the crossover could share powertrains with the LS, its government ratings could approach those of the sedan. The gas-powered LS is currently expected to earn up to 19 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway.
The hybrid is rated at up to 25 mpg city and 33 highway. Once we have official figures for the LQ, and we get the chance to test both powertrains on our 200-mile highway route, we can evaluate its real-world mpg. For more information about the LQ’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Lexus has consistently produced high-quality interiors that are covered in soft-touch surfaces and upscale materials. However, the company also has shown a penchant for treading into polarizing territory with its designs.
We hope the 2022 Lexus LQ‘s cabin will trend more towards the sleek extravagance found inside the LC rather than the busy layout found in the current RX mid-size crossover. Either way, there’s no doubt that this classiest Lexus SUV will be stocked with luxurious amenities.
Every model will surely come with leather upholstery, a heated steering wheel, and heated-and-ventilated front seats. We also expect it to offer premium options such as richer, fine-grain leather, heated rear seats, massaging front seats, and a touchscreen with individual controls mounted on the rear-seat center console.
Of course, the 2022 Lexus LQ should provide plenty of passenger space in both rows. It’s also safe to assume that it’ll boast enough cargo volume to at least hold several carry-on suitcases with the seats up.
Infotainment and Connectivity
If the 2022 Lexus LQ ends up being influenced by newer Lexus models (such as the LS sedan) it could share an infotainment system and connectivity features. That suggests a 12.3-inch center screen with a touchpad controller and a smattering of other physical buttons.
Hopefully, the screen on the 2022 Lexus LQ will respond to touch inputs since the setup on LS does not, which means the user has to primarily manipulate the infotainment system through an unintuitive touchpad.
Still, we expect that the crossover will also have desirable content that includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, built-in navigation, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and more.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
We expect Lexus to pack its flagship crossover with every piece of driver-assistance technology that the company has to offer. While that could even mean some level of self-driving capabilities, it’ll at least include safety features such as adaptive cruise control, automated emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist.
For more information about the 2022 Lexus LQ’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.
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