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 cope with the throttle as I centered on steering over the rocks, logs and moguls. Crawl management, a brand new characteristic on the LX, is actually low-speed cruise management that maintains a smooth-and-steady pace over tough obstacles and reduces tire slippage. It really works amazingly nicely.
2025 Lexus LX 700h
Frankly, the LX generally 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 exhausting to reconcile that this bougie $115,000-plus SUV generally is 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 automated 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 stepping into the battery throughout deep water crossings.
The advantage of 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, nonetheless, shall be cargo house. As a result of the battery sits underneath the cargo space and third-row seats, you lose slightly within the boot. Behind the third row, you solely have 7.2 cubic toes of cargo quantity, which is barely sufficient to suit a backpack.
Evaluate
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 it is a giant and heavy car. But, whilst a petite driver, I had nice visibility out of all of the home windows and managed to search out a superb driving place. Usually, body-on-frame autos of this dimension will “drive large,” however the LX 700h didn’t. A few of that has to do with the decrease belt traces, however quite a lot of that has to do with the powertrain. The large torque improve helps this large 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 means over a rocky move, 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 higher in some trims than others, however I can’t assist seeing Jaws of James Bond villainy fame each time I take 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 gained’t mistake it for an additional car in the event you see it in your rear-view mirror.
The inside is way 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 might be a bit off placing is the two-screen design on middle stack. The massive high display screen homes the Lexus infotainment system with navigation and digital assistant, in addition to wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The decrease display screen 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 peak 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 deal with 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 rather a lot to love on the 2025 Lexus LX 700h. The highest of my checklist must be the massaging seats, which truly felt like they had been giving a stable chair therapeutic massage. The cameras and plethora of obtainable angles – particularly whereas utilizing the Multi-Terrain Monitor–is a large 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 great view of what’s surrounding the car.
Lexus has additionally completed a pleasant job with its infotainment system. The voice instructions are pure, and you’ll 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. For those who’re feeling foolish, you may as well have the digital assistant let you know a joke. That one by no means fails to amuse me.
Yet one more characteristic I’d absolutely respect on a scorching day: the usual cool field positioned within the middle console.
Disappointments
I hate to harp on the value factor, however the LX 700h is dear, and I used to be disenchanted by a number of of the low-tech options. For instance, after I was sitting within the Luxurious trim, I seen 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 ought to be customary at this value level.
Talking of seat releases, to fold the third row flat, it’s important to press and maintain the ability button. And it’s S-L-O-W. I don’t assume a one-touch energy operation can be amiss right here.
Worth
For probably the most half, the 2025 Lexus LX 700h is nicely completed 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 definitely price it to those that can afford it. I’d solely ask that Lexus up the options sport and make the sunshade and seat operations a bit extra tech-forward.
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2025 Lexus LX 700h Footage
(Click on under for enlarged pictures)
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