2025 Lexus LX 700h: More Capable, Less Flashy

The Lexus LX is turning 30 this year. Remember, it arrived in Canada before the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator as the Japanese luxury brand’s first SUV. While not as popular as some of its flashier rivals, it continues to stand tall as the flagship of the Lexus lineup, outselling the LS sedan roughly 20-to-1.

For 2025, the fourth-generation LX gets a minor refresh and proves more refined. The biggest news is unquestionably the addition of a hybrid powertrain—an LX first. Lexus Canada, which posted a 4.8-percent sales drop in 2024, recently invited The Car Guide to Napa Valley in California for a closer look at the “new” LX and a discussion about marketing plans north of the border.

• Also: 2025 Lexus LX Adds Hybrid Powertrain Option, Overtrail Model
• Also: Toyota to Replace Engine in Thousands of Tundra Pickups, Lexus LX SUVs

The 2025 Lexus LX range includes six models split evenly between the twin-turbocharged, six-cylinder LX 600 and the gas-electric LX 700h. Unsurprisingly, American customers have more selection, such as an F-SPORT model with hybrid technology and the possibility to order second-row captain’s chairs with any LX (something we in Canada can only have in the top-line LX 700h Executive VIP at around $175,000).

Whether in Alberta, Ontario, Quebec or some other province, we bet a lot of potential buyers would want to take advantage of the hybrid powertrain. Alas, Lexus Canada is pretty much forcing them to pick one of the new, adventurous-looking Overtrail+ models designed with off-road driving in mind.

A Heavier Yet More Efficient LX

The hybrid system adds as much as 180 kg to the LX, and that weight is mostly concentrated above the rear axle in the form of a high-voltage battery. As you’d expect, cargo capacity is amputated in the process—nearly 400 litres, to be more specific, or about the same as a Toyota Corolla’s trunk.

Good luck finding decent comfort in the third row, which is optional on the LX 700h Overtrail+. If you want both maximum cargo space and three-row seating, the LX 600 will serve you best. We expect the next-generation LX to do a better job of incorporating hybrid system components, but that’s not going to happen anytime soon since the current LX was introduced in early 2022.

Beyond these drawbacks, the electrified LX 700h is an impressive performer, combining the LX 600’s twin-turbo V6 with an electric motor sandwiched between the engine and the 10-speed automatic transmission. The result is an extra 48 horsepower and, more importantly, 583 lb-ft of torque. Not even the almighty Range Rover SV, which is twice as expensive, can match that. The hybrid system alone enhances the driving experience, and as an added bonus, off-road capability is seriously improved, too.

Lexus is unable to estimate the percentage of buyers that will use their LX 700h off-road, but it's pretty obvious that the Overtrail+ model will be the one to get for this application. On the outside, metallic and chrome accents give way to black trim, the wheels are downsized to 18-inch units and 33-inch all-terrain tires complete the package. The ride and handling are vastly different, consequently, but in a good way as the smaller wheels and higher-profile rubber soak up road imperfections more effectively than other LX models riding on 22-inch rims.

Blessed with underbody skid plates, an adjustable hydraulic suspension and three locking differentials, the LX 700h Overtrail+ boasts approach and departure angles of 25 degrees and 20 degrees, respectively. Having the dampers adjust to the selected drive mode is also great, not to mention the long 2,850mm wheelbase ensuring a perfect balance between comfort and agility. You'll be amazed at how easily the LX makes a U-turn despite lacking four-wheel steering like Land Rovers.

As for fuel economy, the LX 700h is reasonably efficient, but make no mistake: the hybrid system is more about improving performance. Average fuel consumption is officially rated at 11.7 L/100 km versus 12.7 L/100 km with the LX 600. Not that big of an improvement, but a much better score than the Cadillac Escalade (15 L/100 km), Infiniti QX80 (13.8 L/100 km), Jeep Grand Wagoneer (14.3 L/100 km) and Lincoln Navigator (13.5 L/100 km).

Regal Comfort

Although the LX shares its platform with the Toyota Sequoia and the Land Cruiser/GX duo, comfort is far superior, mainly because of the beautifully developed suspension and excellent noise-cancellation techniques. What’s more, the Overtrail+ model’s 33-inch tires remain fairly quiet on the road, something we probably wouldn’t say about the Sequoia.

Inside, the LX doesn’t feel quite as luxurious as some competitors. However, fit and finish have no equals, which is part of the reason why this full-size Lexus SUV has stood out over the years and maintained tremendous resale value. Naturally, a wide array of interior colours and materials is available, including magnificent wood trim options (LX 700h Executive VIP). You’ll definitely want to sit in the back of this four-seat model, which features VIP-adjustment rear massage seats, VIP rear headrests, VIP rear climate control and climate screen, and more. It’s approximately $33,000 more expensive than the Overtrail+ before you add the sales tax and federal luxury tax.

Up front, the driver enjoys an easy-to-read and configurable instrument panel, as well as two centre displays in a flawlessly ergonomic layout. Also, unlike many rivals, Lexus has chosen to retain a number of physical controls, which will be greatly appreciated by customers. Ditto for the comfortable seats, superb driving position and excellent forward visibility.

Other notable goodies include a fabulous 25-speaker Mark Levinson premium sound system and, for overlanding enthusiasts, a 2,400W inverter for powering accessories. Considering the maximum towing capacity of 8,000 lbs, you can attach an Airstream trailer up to 33 feet in length, Lexus says. By the way, no panoramic glass roof is available, just a conventional sunroof.

Only 100 Units for Canada

Lexus Canada anticipates around 15 percent of LX buyers to choose a hybrid model, which sounds like a timid prediction. Of course, availability could be an explanation. You see, delivery times for the gas-powered LX 600 are about a year, and they’ll likely be even longer when it comes to the LX 700h. The assembly plant in Japan handles production for all markets, incidentally.

All-inclusive pricing for the 2025 Lexus LX 700h starts at $138,981, with the optional third-row seats requiring an additional $2,095.

At the end of the day, this formidable Lexus is packed with impressive technology, yet it doesn't try to compete with the kind of posh and glitzy SUVs that Hollywood loves. Simply put, it’s more  about substance than style. On that note, while the latest LX (2022-present) looks sharper than its predecessor, we have to admit we prefer the smaller GX.