2025 Lexus LX

It’s been thirty years since the Luxurious LX monster truck arrived at Lexus dealerships combining a refined interior with off-road chops as the divisions largest (and priciest) selection. For 2025, LX introduces an element of electrification in the form of a gas-electric hybrid option, the type never in need of a wall socket plug since it self-charges all on its own. It’s dubbed the LX700h with the small ‘h’ signifying ‘hybrid.’ 

Just classify the sizeable LX Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) as a Big Beautiful Build. Constructed from a truck-like, body-on-frame design, off-roading remains top-of-mind carrying the entire family in an upmarket fashion with three rows of seating in most trims. 

Both Lexus and parent company Toyota know a thing or two concerning gas-electric hybrids (also known as hybrid electric vehicles, or HEVs). The Toyota Prius popularized the segment beginning at the start of the last millennia and for 25 years, Lexus/Toyota hybrid technology evolved and expanded into a majority of their products.  

Both the returning gas-powered LX 600 and HEV LX 700h build from the TNGA-F platform introduced in 2022, a large truck-based platform underpinning Toyota’s Tundra pickup and Land Cruiser SUV. The first-generation gas-exclusive LX arrived in 1995 with 2025 models’ part of a fourth-generation effort. Since its inception, all LX models include hassle-free full-time all-wheel drive.  

The LX 600 powers from a twin turbocharged, 3.4-liter V-6 cranking out 409 horsepower. The all-new LX 700h utilizes this same engine, adding an electric motor that bumps up horsepower to 457. For optimal performance, premium-octane gas lists as a recommended (91 octane or higher) when filling the 17.9-gallon tank.  

Our LX 700h tester’s 288-volt, Nickel Metal Hydride, high-density DC battery pack containing 240 battery cells packages under the rear cargo floor within a relatively flat format. It powers a high-torque electric motor situated between the engine, torque converter and 10-speed, electronically controlled, direct shift automatic transmission. It’s the first Lexus hybrid system featuring both an alternator and starter. This marks a significant departure from other hybrid designs, allowing LX 700h to operate exclusively in gasoline mode (just like its LX 600 twin) in the unlikely event the LX 700h encounters issues with the hybrid system when off the beaten path. This slight-of-hand accomplishes thanks to a smaller, third battery joining the high-voltage HEV DC battery pack and conventional 12-volt battery.  

For 2025, five trim levels include Premium, F-Sport Handling, Luxury, Ultra Luxury and the all-new Overtrail. The returning non-hybrid LX 600 comes in Premium, F Sport Handling and Luxury. The new LX 700h offers Overtrail, Luxury, Ultra Luxury and F-Sport Handling. The lowest-priced 2025 LX, a 600 Premium, starts at $106,850. 

Our well-equipped, LX 700h Overtrail hybrid tester checked in at $114,000. The only available option, an upgraded Mark Levenson sound system ($2,660), brought the bottom line to $116,260 after factoring in a $1,350 destination charge.  

Overtrail also exclusively boasts 33-in all-terrain tires. A sunroof comes standard across the trim level spectrum shedding light upon the first row only.  

Although the Overtrail trim designs for off-road exercises, its on-road demeaner and stability remains compelling. During a long highway trek beyond the Chedder Curtain into Wisconsin, this body-on-frame design (known historically for its excessive bounce) behaved with competent road manners thanks to a high-mounted double wishbone suspension upfront. Rear shock absorbers, placed outside the lower control arm, better match the angle at which the axle moves, providing superior vibration absorption.  

All trims, as with all Lexi vehicles, include the trademark spindle grille (arriving to LX in 2013) with LX creating a three-dimensional theme comprised of seven slots of floating bars contributing to a frameless and seamless structure with the circular Lexus ‘L’ logo centered and high. It’s functional too, providing a high level of cooling for the engine compartment. The tall grille meets up with a tall-standing hood with a scoop-like centered capital ‘U’. Narrow headlight housing meets up with the spindle’s waist-like synch featuring an underlining stretch of frosted amber turn signal blinkers (doubling as daytime running lights) with a trio of small LED bulbs above. The hatch door, hinged at the top, includes a light bar stretching from east to west at night.  

All four side doors in all trims include a power-close feature, completing the job if making a half-hearted attempt when shutting. The slightest connection with the frame fully completes the door’s ‘soft close’ process thanks to the power assist. Wheel wells sport squared framing with narrow, black composite materials to minimize stone and ding damage especially when off the beaten path.  

Two touch-sensitive center screens join the digital instrument panel all vying for the driver’s attention. The flat, upper chamber, 12.3-inch, high-definition screen extends up beyond the dash top while a seven-inch lower screen builds into the dash, both include anti-reflective coatings. The upper screen incorporates a built-in on/off/volume knob with a larger-shaped electronic start/stop orb below also built into the screen’s left side.  

The lower screen handles most of the HVAC controls and off-road/engine highlights detailed with animation. The screen flanks via two large twist dials, the left orb summoning a half-dozen drive modes and the right circle electronically shifting from highway/around town friendly four-high to off-road ready four-low.  

Wireless Apple CarPlay integration, Wireless Android Auto compatibility and Bluetooth interaction come standard. A wireless Smartphone charger atop the center arm rest arrives standard in all trims with the four-seat Ultra Luxury the sole trim offering a backseat wireless charger.  

In addition to multi-terrain select and multi-terrain monitor standard in all trims, Overtrail exclusively boasts ‘triple lockers’ for the first time in nearly 30 years. Three electronically controlled locks (center, front and rear) improve wheel/vehicle stability over rough, uneven terrain by distributing power and torque equally to all four wheels. Order remains important as the center differential needs activation first, followed by the rear and lastly, the front. The center differential lock locates on the center console between front buckets in line with a half-dozen push buttons with the remaining two locks (front/rear axle) to the right of the steering column within a dashboard inlet. All other trims include feature a center differential lock exclusively.  

Height-adjustable suspension raises/lowers the vehicle by as much as 4.5-inches with the push of a dashboard button for easier access when entering/exiting and provides a higher clearance when off-roading. Four preset highs including low (for entry/exit), normal, high-1 and high-2. Quick up/down adjustments summon from a pair of iconed inline buttons within a column of buttons featuring the center differential lock. This, combined with static side running boards and ample interior grab handles on ceilings and A frames create a rather easy/exit for such a large vehicle. Those with limited mobility (my shotgun rider included) found the LX easier to navigate compared to a recently tested Toyota 4Runner.  

The sizeable front storage bin between front riders includes a dual hinge, opening from either side preventing favoritism. All trims also sport a ‘cool box’ feature within this bin keeping select items calm and collected. During our testing, candy bars kept their original shape without slowly melting, a perfect perk for humid 92-degree days and welcome luxury-minded perk.  

In front of the cool box resides an inline beverage holder to the far right and the stout 10-speed direct shift automatic transmission grab handle to the beverage holder’s left. The electronic-shifting handle fits snuggly into the pilot’s right hand pivoting up and down to select reverse, drive and neutral. Park commands from a push button below the handle.  

Open the power lift gate, hinged at the top, and lift-over height measures relatively high since the 1.87-kilowatt, 288-volt, nickel-metal hydride DC battery stores under the flat cargo floor. The liftgate includes a kick sensor within all trims allowing the door to lift like magic when waving a foot beneath the bumper with the key fob nearby.  

Within hybrid LX models, the conventional 12-volt battery stows in the cargo area on the driver’s side within a covered cubby hole built into the interior side frame behind the rear tire. Non-hybrid LX 600s relocate the auxiliary battery within the engine bay up front under the front hood. 

The second row comfortably and easily handles three adults. When not in use, seatbacks manually fold down on cushion bottoms with a 60/40 split and both units then easily tumble forward. The design eases access to the third row as a wide aisle gets created via the summersault easing back row access. Opting for the Luxury trim adds a power-folding second row. The LX 700h Ultra Luxury trim checks in as the sole offering with a four-seat configuration sporting two massaging second-row captain’s chairs (and no third row) with heated and ventilated features reclining up to 48 degrees rather than a 60/40 split bench.  

Row three consists smartly of two seating positions (mashing a third rarely creates a livable experience) with power-folding 50/50 split seats which fold flat when not in use. 

Of note, the Overtrail trim offers a five-seat option, eliminating the third row if so desired. Our tester included this two-row configuration, but retained cup holders built into the side frame in what amounts to the cargo region, an added value for any hitchhiking ghost riders.  

The hybrid design within the LX 700h qualifies as a ‘mild hybrid’ with its electric motor positioned between the engine and transmission. Mild hybrids offer distinctions compared with full hybrids although the two often get lumped together creating confusion. Toyota’s own first-generation Prius introduced 25 year ago here in the U.S., and popularizing the hybrid sector, may be the most recognized full hybrid.  

Full hybrids travel independently in pure electric mode for short distances at low speeds with no assistance from the gas engine. This design sometimes refers to FHEV with the F representing ‘Full’. Lower priced mild gas-electric hybrids (MHEVs) such as the new LX 700h only assist the engine without directly powering the vehicle. Mild hybrids boost horsepower significantly with less overall fuel economy impact. Both take advantage of regenerative braking where friction/kinetic energy created through the mechanical braking process recycles back into the DC battery pack for later reuse.  

The LX 700h mild hybrid improves fuel economy when compared to the 2025 LX 600, but not to the extent a full hybrid would provide. The gas-powered LX600 (409 horsepower) returns 17 miles per gallon city and 22 mpg highway while the LX 700h (457 horsepower) bumps up city mileage by two miles per gallon while the 22 mpg highway estimate remains identical.  

All trims from entry to posh include Lexus Safety System + 3.0 with all passive and active protections standard. No need to upgrade to a higher trim level just to enjoy the protection of say, blind-spot monitoring with rear traffic alert or front cross traffic alert. A total of ten air bags add to the sense of safety.  

During the 2024 calendar year, Lexus enjoyed its best sales year ever in its 35-year history in North America, pumping out 345,669 units, a 7.2 percent increase from the previous 12-month cycle.  

The full-size LX also qualifies for ‘LexusCare,’ including complimentary first and second maintenance visits at six-month (or 5,000 miles) and 12-month (10,000 miles) intervals at participating dealerships. This includes inspection of all fluid levels, tire rotation/pressure check, brake pad/rotor/caliper check and road testing.  

At a Glance - 2025 LX 700h 

Price as Tested: $116,260 

Engine: Twin-Turbo 3.4-liter V-6 mild hybrid 

Total System Horsepower: 457 

Wheelbase: 112.2 inches 

Overall Length: 200.5 inches  

Overall Height: 74.6 inches 

Overall Width: 78.3 inches  

Fuel Economy: 19 mpg city/ 22 mpg highway 

Curb weight: 5,945 pounds 

Powertrain Warranty: Six years/70,000 miles 

Hybrid component Warranty: Eight years/100,000 miles 

Assembly: Japan