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 automobile 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 actually low-speed cruise management that maintains a smooth-and-steady pace over troublesome obstacles and reduces tire slippage. It really works amazingly properly.
2025 Lexus LX 700h
Frankly, the LX usually did properly 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, taking part in with crawl management, and utilizing my very own throttle strain. 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 automated transmission.
Since that is an off-road succesful automobile that may ford as much as 27.5 inches of water, the hybrid battery is encased inside a water-proof tray that stops water from entering into the battery throughout deep water crossings.
The good thing about the hybrid powertrain isn’t actually going to be gasoline 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, will likely 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
Basically, 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 massive and heavy automobile. But, at the same time as a petite driver, I had nice visibility out of all of the home windows and managed to search out a superb driving place. Typically, body-on-frame autos of this measurement will “drive large,” however the LX 700h didn’t. A few of that has to do with the decrease belt strains, however numerous that has to do with the powertrain. The massive 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 selecting your approach over a rocky go, there’s a enormous 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 have a look at its mug. It’s an excessive amount of steel for my style. However, magnificence beholder. And one factor’s for certain: You received’t mistake it for an additional automobile when you see it in your rear-view mirror.
The inside is rather 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 purple 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 properly 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 massive prime 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 automobile 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 fast 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, energetic 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 normal 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 expensive nature of this automobile, there’s lots to love on the 2025 Lexus LX 700h. The highest of my checklist must be the massaging seats, which truly felt like they have been giving a strong chair therapeutic massage. The cameras and plethora of accessible angles – particularly whereas utilizing the Multi-Terrain Monitor–is a large profit in such a big automobile. Whether or not you’re avoiding a boulder on the trail or a trash can within the alley, you’ll all the time have a superb view of what’s surrounding the automobile.
Lexus has additionally achieved 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 automobile will flip up the warmth. Otherwise you might be extra particular and ask it to show in your heated seat. In case you’re feeling foolish, you can even have the digital assistant inform you a joke. That one by no means fails to amuse me.
Another characteristic I might certainly recognize 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 pricey, and I used to be dissatisfied by a couple of of the low-tech options. For instance, once 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 needs to be normal 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 could be amiss right here.
Worth
For probably the most half, the 2025 Lexus LX 700h is properly achieved from the supplies to the general experience and dealing with. I 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 value 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.
Hearken to the Automotive Stuff Podcast
2025 Lexus LX 700h Footage
(Click on under for enlarged pictures)
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