Lexus Unveils LX700h, Adds Overtrail Model To Spice Up Off-Road Capability

by Carl Malek | October 10, 2024

Lexus attempts to improve fuel economy and off-road capability with the all-new Lexus LX700h. Model will also gain Overtrail model for the first time with LX700h being the third member of the family to get the rugged trim level.

Lexus is expanding the LX family with the addition of the new LX700h hybrid which also brings the Overtrail trim to the SUV for the first time.

The rugged Lexus LX luxury SUV has always been the star pupil in the brand’s SUV family when it comes to delivering the best in both luxury and off-road capability. While the big SUV has proven itself to be exceptionally capable of delivering the goods in both categories, Lexus has never electrified the model in the two-plus decades that it has been in production with the brand preferring to let its big V8 do the talking before it was axed for a smaller V6 versus resorting to installing any form of hybrid system.

That’s now changing with the unveiling of the all-new Lexus LX700h which not only gives the model a hybrid option for the first time ever but also allows it to be the third model to get an Overtrail model as the brand attempts to balance giving what trail seeking customers want while also adapting to changing fuel economy standards.

LX700h gains hybrid power for improved fuel economy

Lexus says the LX700h will be the new range-topper in the family with the model expected to deliver slightly better fuel economy.

Unlike other hybrid models that tend to downsize their engines for the sake of fuel economy, Lexus opted to keep the existing 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6 but it now includes a parallel hybrid system which consists of a motor generator and a clutch that’s mounted between the motor and the 10-speed automatic. This is nothing new with Lexus using the system on some of its other models, but here in the LX, it gets both an alternator and a starter. These two additions might seem minor, but they can help owners in the event the hybrid system malfunctions with the SUV relying on its gas engine for motivation if necessary.

Lexus engineers also engineered additional protection for the hybrid battery pack to keep water out of it when going through the muck including a waterproof tray that’s split into upper and lower sections. But despite the additional hardware, Lexus says the SUV is still capable of fording over 27.5 inches of water. Performance numbers weren’t released but the LX600 makes 409 horsepower and the Toyota Tundra’s i-Force Max system makes 437 hp so look for the LX700h to potentially mirror the Tundra in overall output.

LX700h Overtrail amps up the off-roading experience

The LX700h will also debut a new Overtrail variant for the first time with the trim being exclusive to this version of the LX only.

In addition to the hybrid system, Lexus also confirmed that the Overtrail treatment will be coming to the LX but will be limited to the LX700h only. Like other Overtrail models we have experienced, this one focuses on providing tasteful off-road upgrades with the trim adding front and rear locking differentials to compliment the existing center locking one. Beefier tires are also on hand with the model getting either all-terrain tires or mud/snow tires depending on the region.

The exterior styling is largely carried over from other LX models with designers choosing to leave it alone and adopting the old adage if it ain’t broke then don’t fix it when it comes to the beefed-up styling that defines the SUV.

LX Luxury gets an upgrade too

The interior also gets minor upgrades but still shares the core details with other LX models.

Slip inside the LX700h and you’ll find that the model gets a new 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, redesigned front seats, and fast charging support for the wireless phone charging pad. Meanwhile, a waterproof AC inverter provides 2,400 watts of power to external devices and Lexus even added power outlets to the rear of the cargo area to power other pieces of gear.

Meanwhile, a new “Electro-Shiftmatic system makes its appearance in the LX for the first time and is a rugged version of the system that first made its debut in the Toyota Prius in 2003 with Toyota using the term to describe its shift-by-wire setup. Look for the version in the Lexus to operate in largely the same way which might please some buyers.

When can I buy an LX700h?

Lexus didn’t reveal full pricing information but expect the LX700h to have a price tag that reflects its enhanced performance and capability.

The LX700h and the rest of the updated LX family will slowly begin to go on sale later this year. Lexus didn’t release final pricing information for the full lineup but in the case of the hybrid, expect it to command a sizable premium when compared to the LX600. That model starts at over $93,000 and can go over $130,000 when fully optioned out. As such, look for the LX700h to potentially surpass the $150,000 barrier when it’s fully equipped with optional extras.