Massively Capable Premium Hybrid SUV
Toyota invited the international automotive media to the Napa Valley for first drives of the all-new 2025 Lexus LX 700h. Street and off-road sessions behind the wheel clearly showed why the LX 700h is the flagship for the LX line-up. It should continue to be favorite among Lexus loyalists. This Flash Drive is a quick overview of the 2025 LX 700h with a more in-depth look in a later Road Test review.
Power and Efficiency
The 2025 Lexus LX 700h comes in four trims—Overtrail, F Sport Handling, Luxury and Ultra Luxury. All come with a 3.4-liter twin turbo V6 engine and a 10-speed shift-by-wire automatic transmission. The hybrid system produces 457 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque good for 0-60 mph runs at 6.4 seconds. The EPA-estimated combined fuel economy rating of 20 miles per gallon is good for either a two or three-row SUV weighing 6,260 pounds and tow-rated at 8,000 pounds.
All-New Hybrid System
Takami Yokoo, chief engineer Lexus International, told us “When you think about electrification for a LX and what its purpose is, this is the optimal system we make.”
This is the first Lexus hybrid system to feature both an alternator and a starter, moving away from the series-parallel hybrid systems found on Toyota and Lexus models to this point. So why the change? In the event the hybrid system is inoperative (which is something Clean Fleet Report has never heard of happening), the starter enables engine to be started independently, while the alternator powers the 12-volt auxiliary battery. This allows the LX 700h to continue to be driven using only the engine.
Off-Road Rugged Performer
Lexus told us the LX 700h is the most capable off-road Lexus ever. We proved it in a few short runs on a specially designed off-road course, built at the Pope Valley Winery high in the Vaca Mountains that create the eastern border of the Napa Valley. We agree it is very capable. One key element is the motor-driven power at the low range, a first for Lexus. This feature enables motor-only driving when requiring precise throttle control for improved off-road performance in such conditions as rocky paths, dirt roads and deep snow.
Fortunately we didn’t need to test this, but the LX 700h features a waterproof structure that encases the hybrid main battery within a waterproof tray. This set-up prevents water from entering the tray during deep water crossings. At 27.5 inches above the ground, it would need to be fairly deep water.
My off-road time in the LX 700h Overtrail showcased the horsepower and torque that I used climbing and descending. This LX trim is set-up for getting dirty. Making it easy were the front and rear differential locks, crawl control, downhill assistant, turn assist that tightens the turning radius by applying the inside rear brake, the nine multi-terrain drive modes, active height control, underbody plates for protection, 265/70 all-terrain tires on 18-inch alloy wheels and adaptive variable suspension. The other three LX trims have more road-focused all-season tires up-to 22-inches in size.
The variable suspension, using hydraulics and steel springs but no airbags, can drop one inch or raise four inches from the standard ride height.
If you are seeking a premium SUV to go off-road, then this is the trim package and vehicle for you.
On-Road Prowess
Lexus is proud the LX 700h is so off-road capable, as they should be. The aspiration factor is a big component on why LX owners keep coming back for their next LX. However, being realistic, most LX 700h owners will never take this hybrid SUV off-road. They may hit some snow, rain and sloppy conditions driving in luxury to their mountain retreat, but the idea of getting the bottom of their LX 700h dirty is not in their plans. As Richard Hollingsworth, Lexus product marketing, explained: “The LX 700h is not a volume vehicle as there is a select customer looking for luxury and off-road capability.”
This leaves the type of driving they will be doing, which is on the road, in-town or the highway. In our opinion, even though the LX 700h buyer will take great confidence they could go off-road if necessary, most will be happy to stay on paved surfaces.
When it comes to on-road driving, the LX 700h is a pleasure to drive. The drive course from the Bardesonno Resort and Spa in Yountville to the Pope Valley Winery and back, was comprised of tight and sweeping corners with varying degrees of speed and banking. The Drive Mode Select, with drive modes of Normal, Eco, Comfort, Custom, Sport S and Sport S+, offered a way to tailor the driving and road conditions. I spent much of the mountainous driving in Sport and Sport+, with the flat country roads in Normal. All had a little bit of different feel, so it was fun to experiment with which worked best at a specific time.
The ride was smooth and quiet, the gear shifts were seamless with no indication of the transition from gasoline-only to hybrid propulsion. The LX 700h is at its best cruising.
Four Trims: In-and-Out
Inside and out, the LX 700h offers so many choices that it is best to start here to look through the grades in detail. Each of the four trims are shown, accompanied by a “Build” button. Take the time to go through each trim to see the exterior, interior, technology and infotainment elements you want. Lexus has made it easy to learn in detail about all the standard and optional equipment before making an appointment with your local dealer.
Safety Systems
The 2025 LX comes with the Lexus Safety Sense 3.0 safety technology that includes multiple airbags, a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane tracking assist, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, lane departure alert with steering assist and many others.
Warranties
The 2025 LX 700h comes with these warranties:
- Basic – Four years/50,000 miles
- Hybrid Battery – Eight years/100,000 miles
- Traction Battery – 10 years/150,000 miles
- Powertrain – Six years/70,000 mile
- Comprehensive – Three years/36,000 mile
- Maintenance Plan – Two years/10,000 mile
- Roadside Assistance – Four years/Unlimited miles
- Corrosion Perforation – Six years/Unlimited miles
Pricing and Availability
The 2025 Lexus LX 700h will be in dealers in early 2025. These base prices include the $1,350 delivery, processing and handling fee.
- Overtrail $115,350
- F-Sport Handling $117,850
- Luxury $119,850
- Ultra Luxury $141,350
Observations: 2025 Lexus LX 700h
The 2025 Lexus LX 700h has a body-on-frame design, making it far more rugged than the 1-percenter owners will ever need. The LX 700h is based on the Toyota Sequoia architecture, but is closer to being a plush and very refined Toyota Land Cruiser 300, a model that isn’t sold in North America.
The LX 700h will take bringing home the groceries from Whole Foods to a whole new level. We spoke with Elijah Nesbit, senior product analyst on LX, about the market position and in-dealer sales experience. He told us “The LX is our flagship model and has always been the most expensive SUV in the line-up. The starting price is around $115,000 and goes up to $144,000, which is a significant sum of money. But the price point is within its direct competitors like the Mercedes-Benz GLS, BMW X7, and even Range Rovers and the (Cadillac) Escalade. We have always marketed the LX on quality, reliability, durability and all the luxury features.”
Elijah went on to say “Our dealership guest experience is always number one, so whether a customer is looking at our least expensive or most expensive car, we always treat the customer the same. Most of our LX buyers are repeat customers, having owned an LX for two or three generations and have made it their family vehicle. Generally they don’t even trade-in their old one, so we have many owners that just add the new one to their collection.”
Make no mistake, the LX 700h is a true premium SUV that can be taken off-road, but most likely won’t. But that is fine with Lexus. They know their LX customer very well and, as Elijah summed-up: “We are pushing the idea this vehicle can take you literally anywhere in the world and also bring you back home.”
Make sure to opt-in to the Clean Fleet Report newsletter (top right of page) to be notified of all new stories and vehicle reviews, including our Road Test reviews where we will dive deeper into the LX 700h.
Story by John Faulkner. Photos by John Faulkner and Lexus.
