Overview
Sitting atop Lexus’s SUV lineup is the new 2025 LX700h hybrid, a dual-purpose machine that’s capable of upscale urban cruising as well as mud-slinging backwoods romping. The LX700h’s twin-turbo V-6 and almost everything else about it is borrowed from the nonhybrid LX600 (reviewed separately) but an electric motor is added to the mix for a combined horsepower rating of 457 ponies. The rest of the running gear is similar to the LX600, including a 10-speed automatic and a four-wheel drive system with a locking center differential. If you plan to take your six-figure Lexus SUV on overlanding adventures, an Overtrail trim is offered and adds skid plates, all-terrain tires, and front and rear locking differentials—for a total of three. On the road, the LX700h is expected to deliver the same agreeable ride as the nonhybrid LX600. The 700h’s interior is identical to the 600’s in its layout and features, meaning all models are stocked with luxury appointments, comfortable seats, and room for up to seven across three rows.
What’s New for 2025?
The LX700h is a new model for the Lexus lineup this year, marking the first time a hybrid version of the brand’s flagship SUV has been offered. An off-road focused Overtrail trim is exclusive to the LX700h and promises enhanced terrain-conquering capability compared to the nonhybrid LX600 model.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
Unless you’re planning to use the LX700h as an overlanding vehicle, we’d recommend skipping the rugged Overtrail. Instead, the mid-range Luxury trim should suit most people’s needs. It adds niceties such as semi-aniline leather upholstery, a Mark Levinson stereo system, and handsome 22-inch wheels among other features.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The LX700h is powered by the same twin-turbo 3.4-liter V-6 as the nonhybrid LX600 but bolstered by an electric motor that contributes an additional 48 horsepower, culminating in a total of 457 horsepower. A 10-speed automatic transmission and a four-wheel drive system are both standard. The electric motor allows the LX700h to operate at low speeds, eliminating the need for the V-6, which proves beneficial in low-range off-roading scenarios requiring precise throttle control. Moreover, the LX700h comes equipped with an array of gear for off-road adventures, such as a locking center differential, an adjustable air-spring suspension system, a Crawl Control feature, and more. The Overtrail trim boasts even greater capabilities with locking front, rear, and center differentials. Furthermore, it comes standard with 18-inch wheels fitted with 33-inch all-terrain tires, a front skid plate, and a 2400-watt AC inverter ideal for off-grid camping, turning the LX into a power source during overlanding excursions.
Towing and Payload Capacity
Like the LX600, the hybrid LX700h has the capability to tow a trailer weighing up to 8000 pounds.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Inside, the LX exudes luxury, starting with a wide center console between the front seats that creates a cozy cockpit environment. Features such as quilted leather upholstery, a leather-wrapped dashboard, wood trim, and smoked-chrome accents enhance the cabin’s luxurious ambiance. The front seats receive high marks for comfort, although they do not provide massage functions unlike many other luxury SUVs. Most trims offer three rows of seating and room for seven passengers, while the top-spec Ultra Luxury model caters to those seeking a more opulent experience with a four-seat arrangement that eliminates the third row, showcasing dual reclining captain’s chairs in the second row separated by a center console, rear-seat entertainment displays, and wireless smartphone charging capability. The Overtrail trim is available with or without the third row.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The LX’s dashboard is equipped with three standard displays: an 8.0-inch screen for the gauge cluster, a 12.3-inch screen for infotainment, and a separate 7.0-inch screen for climate and vehicle controls. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both incorporated. Additionally, wireless charging is available, and audiophiles can upgrade to a 25-speaker Mark Levinson surround-sound system when opting for either the LX Luxury or LX Ultra Luxury trim.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
A suite of driver-assistance features is standard on the LX and includes automated emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. However, it lacks a hands-free highway driving assist system similar to the Cadillac Escalade’s Super Cruise. For comprehensive safety ratings, refer to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
- Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian-and-bicyclist detection
- Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
- Standard adaptive cruise control with a lane-centering feature
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
The LX benefits from the same warranty package as all other new Lexus models, which includes a year’s worth of complimentary scheduled maintenance.
- Limited warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers 6 years or 70,000 miles
- Hybrid component warranty covers ten years or 150,000 miles
- Complimentary maintenance is covered for 1 year or 10,000 miles
As more information becomes available, we’ll update this story with more details about:
- 0–60-MPH Times
- Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
