Luxurious LX Takes on Tesla Model X in Towing Contest

Interesting Comparison

We've seen an awful lot of Lexus RX and Tesla Model Y comparisons lately, which have undoubtedly proven interesting. But this latest comparison test from The Fast Lane Truck pits a Lexus LX against a Tesla Model X in one singular category, and that's towing. And while you might think this would be a wash for the big-bodied, V8-powered LX, it doesn't quite turn out that way. 

Hard Knock Life

Electric vehicles often get knocked for their inability to tow, or rather, the greatly reduced range they suffer from while towing. The Model X certainly doesn't lack for the torque needed to tow heavy loads, however. Of course, big, V8-powered gas vehicles don't exactly get great gas mileage while towing either, but at least you can stop and refuel quickly when needed. 

>>Join the conversation about the LX Versus the Model X right here in the Club Lexus forum.

Tow Ratings

Looking at these two vehicles objectively, the LX still looks like the superior towing machine. Its 5.7-liter V8 produces 383 horsepower and 403 lb-ft of torque, helping the big 'ute tow up to 7,000 pounds. Meanwhile, the Model X makes a hefty combined 778 hp and 841 lb-ft of torque, but it's only rated to tow 5,000 pounds. 

>>Join the conversation about the LX Versus the Model X right here in the Club Lexus forum.

Grueling Test

TFLT tests both vehicles on its grueling 64-mile loop in the Rocky Mountains, which features a good bit of elevation changes. Both are hooked up with a 3,000-pound trailer for the test with a vintage Subaru on top that adds another 2,000-pounds or so to the mix. Unsurprisingly, the Lexus handles pulling this trailer with no problem, and the driver remarks that he can barely even tell it's there.

>>Join the conversation about the LX Versus the Model X right here in the Club Lexus forum.

Impressive Results

On the trip, the Lexus also manages 12.6 miles per gallon, which is pretty impressive given the heavy load and steep grade at which it had to climb. But the Tesla proves impressive as well, as TFLT notes that they can't even tell they're towing anything other than being able to hear the sound of the trailer behind them. The only problem? It's somewhat disconcerting to watch the range drop so quickly.

>>Join the conversation about the LX Versus the Model X right here in the Club Lexus forum.

Battery Power

The watt-hours on the Tesla roughly triple when towing the trailer, from 300-350 to 924. That number climbs to over 1,500 once the Tesla hits a steep grade, and once at the top, it's sitting at 49% charge after using 33% to travel the first 32 miles. On the way down, however, regenerative braking helps immensely, and when it's all said and done, the Tesla still has 39% charger remaining.

>>Join the conversation about the LX Versus the Model X right here in the Club Lexus forum.

End Result

In the end, the Tesla actually costs less to pull the trailer this distance, however. But it also took far longer to charge than the time needed to fill the Lexus up with gas, and clearly can't go nearly as far with a trailer behind it. So while the Model X is much more of an impressive towing machine than one might think, technology still has a way to go before it's completely viable for that sort of work.

>>Join the conversation about the LX Versus the Model X right here in the Club Lexus forum.

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