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 to be capable 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.
That’s now changing with the unveiling of the all-new 2025 Lexus LX700h which not only gives the model a hybrid option for the first time ever but also allows it to join the smaller GX with its all-new Overtrail trim.
LX gains hybrid power for improved 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.
LX700h Overtrail amps up the off-roading experience
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
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 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 and provide buyers a high degree of usability.
When can I buy one?
Lexus is taking its time in releasing the entire updated LX lineup and these models (including the LX700h) will go on sale later this year. Lexus didn’t disclose pricing and final horsepower for the model just yet but expect buyers to pay a sizable premium for the 700h especially when compared to the current LX600 and some of its higher grade trim levels. In the U.S. a base LX600 starts at $93,915 with options and other accessories pushing the price all the way up to $134,490.
Carl Malek has been an automotive journalist for over 10 years. First starting out as a freelance photographer before making the transition to writing during college, his work has appeared on numerous automotive forums as well as websites such as Autoshopper.com.
Carl is also a big fan of British vehicles with the bulk of his devotion going to the Morgan Motor Company as well as offerings from Lotus, MG, and Caterham. When he is not writing about automobiles, Carl enjoys spending time with his family and friends in the Metro Detroit area, as well as spending time with his adorable pets.