Earlier than I launched the 2025 Lexus LX 700h down the hill, I hit the crawl-control button on the middle stack. Then I took my foot off the brake and let the car take care of the throttle as I targeted on steering over the rocks, logs and moguls. Crawl management, a brand new characteristic on the LX, is basically low-speed cruise management that maintains a smooth-and-steady velocity over troublesome obstacles and reduces tire slippage. It really works amazingly nicely.
2025 Lexus LX 700h
Frankly, the LX normally did nicely on the quick off-road course Lexus created for media analysis. I did a number of loops, turning driver-assistance options on and off, utilizing the middle locking differential and going with out, enjoying with crawl management, and utilizing my very own throttle stress. The LX 700h managed all of it capably.
In some regards, it’s laborious to reconcile that this bougie $115,000-plus SUV could be a succesful off roader. However it’s. After which it simply as aptly transfers to pavement for a {smooth} and posh experience with massaging seats and seamless energy from the LX-first hybrid powertrain.
Engines
At its core, the 2025 Lexus LX 700h is supplied with a 3.4-liter turbocharged V-6 engine that delivers 457 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque. It’s mated to a 10-speed computerized transmission.
Since that is an off-road succesful car that may ford as much as 27.5 inches of water, the hybrid battery is encased inside a water-proof tray that forestalls water from moving into the battery throughout deep water crossings.
The good thing about the hybrid powertrain isn’t actually going to be gas economic system, because it solely will get 1 mpg higher than the gas-powered LX 600 in mixed driving. Energy output is the winner right here, because the LX 700h delivers 48 extra horsepower and 104 extra pound-feet of torque than the LX 600.
One of many tradeoffs, nevertheless, might be cargo area. As a result of the battery sits beneath the cargo space and third-row seats, you lose a bit within the boot. Behind the third row, you solely have 7.2 cubic ft of cargo quantity, which is barely sufficient to suit a backpack.
Evaluation
On the whole, I used to be impressed with the general experience and dealing with of the 2025 Lexus LX 700h as a result of this can be a giant and heavy car. But, at the same time as a petite driver, I had nice visibility out of all of the home windows and managed to seek out a superb driving place. Typically, body-on-frame autos of this dimension will “drive huge,” however the LX 700h didn’t. A few of that has to do with the decrease belt strains, however loads of that has to do with the powertrain. The massive torque improve helps this huge lug speed up swiftly, and even with an upright stance the LX 700h has a pleasant quantity of agility. So, whether or not you’re maneuvering by means of metropolis alleys or choosing your approach over a rocky cross, there’s a large quantity of each finesse and luxury.
Design
The in-your-face exterior styling of the LX 700h goes to be a bit polarizing, particularly with the overlarge toothy grille. It seems to be higher in some trims than others, however I can’t assist seeing Jaws of James Bond villainy fame each time I have a look at its mug. It’s an excessive amount of steel for my style. However, magnificence beholder. And one factor’s for positive: You received’t mistake it for an additional car in case you see it in your rear-view mirror.
The inside is far more conservatively styled with luxurious supplies and finishes. A number of of the autos I examined had real-wood accents, and the F Sport trim had some racy crimson leather-based seats with sporty aluminum accents. The Extremely Luxurious trim, which solely seats 4, is meant to coddle rear-seat passengers, and it does that nicely with reclining, massaging, heated captain’s chairs, quilted bolstering, and curved headrests.
The one inside design characteristic that could possibly be a bit off placing is the two-screen design on heart stack. The big high display homes the Lexus infotainment system with navigation and digital assistant, in addition to wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The decrease display showcases car features and local weather controls.
Costs and Trim Ranges
The trims for the 2025 Lexus LX 700h begin at bougie and get bougier–and each one has a beginning value of greater than $115k. Gulp. The short trim breakdown, with costs that embody vacation spot, is as follows:
Overtrail ($115,350):
That is the devoted off-road trim and provides issues like electronically managed entrance and rear locking differentials, a skid plate, lively top management, and 33-inch all-terrain tires.
F Sport Dealing with ($117,850):
This trim is on the sporty facet of the spectrum with distinctive entrance and rear fasciae, an F Sport-tuned suspension, efficiency dampers, and a rear stabilizer bar.
Luxurious ($119,850):
This trim begins to place the give attention to luxurious with customary semi-aniline leather-based seats, entrance seat massagers and ventilated second-row seats.
Extremely Luxurious ($141,350):
Designed with rear passengers in thoughts, this trim provides diamond-stitched patterns to the leather-based seats, reclining and massaging rear seats, a rear-seat leisure system, and an influence proper rear recliner with ottoman.
Favourite Options
With the dear nature of this car, there’s so much to love on the 2025 Lexus LX 700h. The highest of my checklist must be the massaging seats, which really felt like they had been giving a strong chair therapeutic massage. The cameras and plethora of accessible angles – particularly whereas utilizing the Multi-Terrain Monitor–is a big profit in such a big car. Whether or not you’re avoiding a boulder on the trail or a trash can within the alley, you’ll at all times have a superb view of what’s surrounding the car.
Lexus has additionally finished a pleasant job with its infotainment system. The voice instructions are pure, and you may say one thing easy like, “I’m chilly,” and the car will flip up the warmth. Otherwise you might be extra particular and ask it to show in your heated seat. Should you’re feeling foolish, you too can have the digital assistant let you know a joke. That one by no means fails to amuse me.
Yet another characteristic I might absolutely admire on a sizzling day: the usual cool field positioned within the heart console.
Disappointments
I hate to harp on the value factor, however the LX 700h is dear, and I used to be upset by just a few of the low-tech options. For instance, after I was sitting within the Luxurious trim, I observed that the shade masking the moonroof was, get this, guide. Then within the F Sport, there was no launch for second-row seats within the cargo space – however there was within the Luxurious trim. I really feel like that must be customary at this value level.
Talking of seat releases, to fold the third row flat, it’s a must to press and maintain the ability button. And it’s S-L-O-W. I don’t suppose a one-touch energy operation could be amiss right here.
Worth
For essentially the most half, the 2025 Lexus LX 700h is nicely finished from the supplies to the general experience and dealing with. I really like the ability packed within the hybrid powertrain, and the Overtrail trim is a pleasure to drive in off-road conditions. The worth is stiff, however actually value it to those that can afford it. I’d solely ask that Lexus up the options recreation and make the sunshade and seat operations a bit extra tech-forward.
Take heed to the Automobile Stuff Podcast
2025 Lexus LX 700h Footage
(Click on beneath for enlarged photographs)
Ineos Grenadier, GMC Hummer EV, Lexus GX Overtrail: 3 Cool Premium Off-Roaders