First Drive: Lexus LX 700h Delivers More Power, Better Mileage – and New Off-Road Package

Lexus adds a new hybrid to its line-up with the launch of the 2025 LX 700h. It boosts mileage, of course, but delivers more muscle, as well. The new SUV flagship takes things to new levels of luxury while also introducing a beefier new off-road package. But expect to dig deep into your wallet. Here’s our review of the 2025 Lexus LX 700h.

It’s been two decades since Lexus introduced its first hybrid model and, for most of the years since, the automaker has relied on gas-electric powertrain technology to boost the mileage of its line-up. Certainly, the massive LX can use a helping hand. The latest generation, which arrived back in 2022, delivers a measly 19 mpg combined, 17 in the city.

Now, don’t go expecting miracles. The new hybrid LX 700h adds just a single mile per gallon to that combined number. But Lexus has, of late, figured out that there’s more to “electrification” than just fuel economy. Like power and performance. And that’s where the newest version of the big SUV really shines, adding a full 48 more horsepower and 104 pound-feet of torque compared to the LX 600’s from twin-turbo V-6.

But wait, as the old commercials used to blare, there’s more. As the new flagship of the Lexus family, the LX 700h introduces a new Ultra Luxury package that adds a new level of premium features to the LX, more in line with what you might expect from the likes of Bentley – at a price moving closer to that exotic niche. For those who also want a new level of off-road capabilities, meanwhile, the 2025 Lexus LX 700h.

The basics

To get a feel for the 2025 Lexus LX 700h I headed out to Napa Valley wine country, splitting up a long day between the two new versions of the full-size SUV.

Like the other packages introduced in 2022, the LX shares the same TNGA-F architecture as a number of other body-on-frame models sold by Toyota Motor Corp. That includes products as diverse as Toyota’s Land Cruiser SUV and Tundra pickup. The original LX 600 shared the same twin-turbo V-6. And the LX 700h now borrows the hybrid used by other members of the family.

As you’d expect, however, there’ve been a number of upgrades, starting with the LX hybrid’s suspension. While it foregoes the air suspension found in some other models it is a semi-active system that not only offers a plusher ride but, in the Overtrail, allows for significant changes in ride height, depending upon whether you’re on-road, off, or simply making it easier for passengers to get in and out.

The new hybrid

As for the drivetrain, the 2025 Lexus LX 700h starts off with the same 3.4-liter V-6 as you’ll find in the LX 600. It then adds a single electric motor mounted between the engine and transmission. It draws power from a battery pack located under the back floor. If there’s any surprise it’s the fact that Lexus engineers stuck with a nickel-metal hybrid battery, rather than a newer – and smaller – lithium-ion pack.

The combined powertrain package is surprisingly flexible, able to be tuned for a variety of different applications. In Toyota packages it makes as little as 389 hp. The LX 700h takes that up to 457 ponies and 583 lb-ft of torque  power channeled to all four wheels through a new, shift-by-wire 10-speed automatic transmission. One trade-off is that the Lexus model requires premium fuel.

That’s more than enough to give the 700h what Lexus Product Manager Richard Hollingsworth described as a “dual personality.” It delivers plenty of grunt to let all versions of the hybrid blast off the line faster than you could imagine for such a big beast, while all versions can tow up to 8,000 pounds. But that torque, in particular, comes into real use with the Overtrail trim.

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Overtrail

In Overtrail configuration, the new LX 700h gets a number of distinct design and mechanical upgrades.

There are modest visual changes, such as revised bumpers yielding better approach and departure angles, new gray exterior trim and black fenders flares, as well as more skid plates and 18-inch wheels shod with 33-inch all-terrain tires.

For those who might want to take the big SUV out on a camping trip, there’s a 2.4-kW AC power inverter accessible through the cargo compartment – though it only operates when the 700h is running. Meanwhile, the suspension can be raised or lowered, as needed, with a touch of a button. Normally, it will raise as much as 4.5 inches over normal road height – though it can climb another half inch when you use Crawl Control, essentially a slow-speed, off-road cruise control.

The Overtrail package adds both 4-High and 4-Low gearing and as many as three different locking differentials to give you added control when attacking harsh terrain. They’re readily operated by using buttons on the center console and on the instrument panel to the left of the steering wheel. As you’d expect, the LX 700h also offers a “Multi-Terrain Select” control that allows you to adjust a variety of vehicle functions simultaneously, including suspension, throttle response, steering and transmission shifts.

Driving impressions – off-road

I spent a good part of my day driving the LX 700h Overtrail on everything from dirt roads carving through a hilly vineyard to a seriously challenging off-road course that threw just everything I could images at the SUV.

The hybrid barely noticed. With a tap I turned on the three locking differentials, set Crawl Control and shifted into 4-Low. The truck readily clambered across a course including sharp rocks, a steep hill and deep moguls.

The 2025 Lexus LX 700h isn’t likely to see many trails like that but it’s great to know it can handle such a challenging environment – making even novice off-roaders look good in the process.

Ultra Luxury

In a rapidly changing automotive world, Lexus is trying to stay ahead of the game. As one senior brand exec told Headlight.News, it’s pushing markedly up-market – as is readily apparent with the addition of the X 700h Ultra Luxury trim. Fully loaded it will set you back more than $140,000.

The package offers a variety of desirable features, from unique leather and color combinations to the cool box mounted in the center console. The second row features curved headrests and cushions designed to cradle the body, even in harsh turns, says Lexus. There are curtains on side and quarter windows, reading lights and even a unique air conditioning system.

Three rows are available, and buyers can choose a power-fold back bench. There’s also an optional package shelf for the cargo bay that can support up to 174 pounds.

Driving impressions – on-road

I spent the latter part of my day wandering around Napa Valley in the LX 700h Ultra Luxury package. About the only way I could have enjoyed the experience more would have been handing the keys to someone else while I settled into a plush second row captain’s chair.

What I found particularly impressive was the way the big rig handled even rough pavement. The semi-active suspension soaked up all but the biggest bumps. And there was surprisingly little body roll in the sharp corners sprinkled throughout Napa wine country.

Add the muscular hybrid drivetrain and the 700h proved even more dynamic than the already beefy 600 package, more than able to execute fast launches and quick passes.

Final word

We’ve seen plenty of new model enter the large luxury SUV segment in recent times, while several older models – such as the Cadillac Escalade, Lincoln Navigator and Infiniti QX80 — have gotten significant upgrades.

The 2025 Lexus LX 700h stand out in its class. It’s powerful, it’s luxurious and it even gives you a wee bit better fuel economy, though the 1 mpg improvement is likely the least reason to consider this rig.

Do be prepared for a bit of sticker shock. The LX 700h takes Lexus into new territory with both the Overtrail and Ultra Luxury packages. But buyers looking for a large, well-equipped luxury SUV aren’t likely to mind.