What is the 0 60 on a 1996 Lexus LX450?
The 0–60 mph time for a 1996 Lexus LX450 is not officially published by Lexus, but practical estimates place it around 12 seconds for a well-maintained example.
In practice, the LX450 sits in the luxury-focused branch of the Toyota Land Cruiser 80-series lineage. It was offered in select markets during the mid-1990s and typically used a 4.5-liter inline-six engine paired with a four-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive. Because official performance figures were not standardized across markets, most numbers come from road tests and owner reports, which can vary based on equipment, condition, and testing method.
Model background and performance drivers
Details about the LX450's powertrain and curb weight help explain its acceleration performance. Here are the core specs that influence 0–60 times.
- Engine: 4.5-liter inline-six engine (power output varies by market and emission tuning).
- Transmission: Four-speed automatic transmission commonly paired with all-wheel drive.
- Drivetrain: Four-wheel drive with a transfer case, typical of late-1990s SUV configurations, contributing to a higher curb weight.
- Weight: Heavily equipped, luxury-focused SUV, often weighing roughly 4,600–5,000 pounds depending on trim and options.
These factors collectively suggest why the LX450’s 0–60 time tends to sit in the 11–13 second range in informal testing, rather than the sub-10-second performance seen in lighter, modern SUVs.
Road tests, owner reports, and variability
Because there was no single, standardized test across all markets for this model, the numbers vary. The landscape of third-party tests and owner anecdotes generally places the 1996 LX450 in the low-to-mid 12-second range, with specific results influenced by vehicle condition, climate, and testing method.
- Road-test figures for similar Land Cruiser 80-series variants from the era commonly report 0–60 times around 11–13 seconds.
- Owners with well-maintained 4.5L inline-sixes often report 0–60 times near the low 12-second mark.
- Weights and options differ by market, which can shift the exact timing by a second or two.
Given the rarity of the LX450 in the contemporary market, exact, universally accepted numbers remain elusive, and any figure should be treated as approximate rather than an official specification.
Other considerations that affect acceleration
In addition to raw acceleration, the LX450’s performance is influenced by gearing, tire size, and driving conditions. A heavily optioned vehicle with winter tires or worn components will show slower times, while a well-maintained example with newer tires may approach the higher end of the range reported by sources.
Summary
The 1996 Lexus LX450's official 0–60 mph time is not published by the manufacturer; typical estimates place it around 12 seconds, with a broad range due to market variations, condition, and testing method. The LX450 is a luxury-oriented variant of the Land Cruiser 80 Series, sharing its platform and powertrain characteristics with heavier, older SUVs, which constrains acceleration compared with modern performance models. For a precise figure on a specific vehicle, a standardized test under controlled conditions would be required.
In summary, expect a measured 0–60 in roughly the low teens to around 12 seconds for a well-maintained example, with real-world results varying by market, trim, and maintenance history.
What is the difference between Lexus LX450 and lx470?
The main differences are that the LX 470 is a more powerful and modern vehicle with a V8 engine (268 hp) and available advanced features like an Automotive Height Control (AHC) suspension system, while the LX 450 is an older model with a less powerful inline-six engine (212 hp). The LX 470 also has a more luxurious interior and exterior styling, a shorter production run for the LX 450 (1996-1997) compared to the LX 470 (1998-2007), and is a significant upgrade in performance and features.
You can watch this video to learn about the differences between the LX 450 and LX 470: 58sKevin ClineYouTube · Mar 24, 2024
LX 450
- Engine: 212212212 horsepower, inline-six engine
- Production: 1996-1997
- Key features: Based on the Land Cruiser 80-series, with a softer ride due to shocks from an LS400 sedan, and a more luxurious interior compared to the Land Cruiser
- Considerations: Considered underpowered by some, with a higher likelihood of premature shock failure due to the suspension setup
LX 470
- Engine: 268268268 horsepower, V8 engine
- Production: 1998-2007
- Key features: Includes an advanced Automotive Height Control (AHC) suspension system, a more powerful engine, and additional luxury features
- Considerations: The AHC system adds complexity and potential maintenance costs, though it offers a great ride when working properly
Summary table
| Feature | LX 450 | LX 470 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 212212212 hp inline-six | 268268268 hp V8 |
| Production years | 1996-1997 | 1998-2007 |
| Engine power | Lower | Higher |
| Suspension | Softer, potentially less durable shocks | More advanced AHC system |
| Luxury | More luxurious than Land Cruiser | Higher level of luxury and modern features |
(this||self).Wufxzb=function(c,e,f,l,k){var d=document.getElementById(c);if(d&&(d.offsetWidth!==0||d.offsetHeight!==0)){c=d.querySelector("div");var g=c.scrollWidth-c.offsetWidth,h=Math.min(e?g:0,g);c.scrollLeft=e&&(l||f)?0:h;var a=d.getElementsByTagName("g-left-button")[0],b=d.getElementsByTagName("g-right-button")[0];a&&b&&(e=RegExp("\\btHT0l\\b"),f=RegExp("\\bpQXcHc\\b"),a.className=a.className.replace(e,""),b.className=b.className.replace(e,""),h===0?a.className="pQXcHc "+a.className:(a.className=
a.className.replace(f,""),k&&c.classList.add("pA30Ne")),h===g?b.className="pQXcHc "+b.className:(b.className=b.className.replace(f,""),k&&c.classList.add("FpCCub")),setTimeout(function(){a.className+=" tHT0l";b.className+=" tHT0l"},50))}};}).call(this);(function(){var id='_r80laY_iJ5Pti-gPlYD6yAQ_140';var rtl=false;var gecko=false;var edge=false;var soh=false;
(this||self).Wufxzb(id,rtl,gecko,edge,soh);})();
How much horsepower does an LX 450 have?
Engines
| Model | Engine | Power |
|---|---|---|
| LX 450 | 1FZ-FE I6 4,477 cc (273.2 cu in) | 160 kW (215 hp) at 4,600 rpm |
Is the 1996 Lexus LX 450 reliable?
The 1996 Lexus LX 450 has an average reliability rating of 5.0 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers.
How much does a 1996 Lexus LX450 weight?
Under the hood is a sophisticated 4.5-liter DOHC 24-valve inline-six engine. Churning out 212 horsepower and a whopping 275 pound-feet of torque, the 4.5 handles the hefty 4971-pound LX with comfortable ease.
