The 2025 Lexus LX 700h marks a significant evolution for the brand’s flagship SUV, introducing a hybrid powertrain in its history. This new iteration was experienced in the scenic deserts of Nara Desert Camp, Dubai. Check out our first drive video of the Lexus LX 700h below
Lexus aims to redefine the identity of the LX buyer, catering to affluent individuals who seek a blend of Land Cruiser’s renowned toughness with the luxurious refinement and serene comfort traditionally associated with Lexus’s flagship LS sedan. The LX has long been perceived as a more opulent sibling to the Toyota Land Cruiser, sharing its robust underpinnings, but the 700h model seeks to carve out its own niche by enhancing both power and, to a lesser extent, efficiency through its hybrid system.
Under the hood, the LX 700h employs a series hybrid system, a powertrain configuration it shares with other robust Toyota and Lexus SUVs like the Tundra, Sequoia, Land Cruiser (in some markets), 4Runner, and Tacoma. This hybrid setup combines a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 engine with an electric motor positioned between the engine and the transmission, resulting in a combined output of 457 hp and a substantial 790 Nm of torque. This represents a notable increase in power compared to the “standard” LX 600, which produces 409 hp and 479 Nm of torque. While Toyota and Lexus emphasize that the primary goal of this hybrid system is enhanced power delivery rather than a dramatic improvement in fuel economy, the LX 700h does see a slight uptick in its EPA mileage ratings, achieving 8/9.3/8.5 km/l (city/highway/combined) compared to the LX 600’s 7.2/9.2/8 km/l. Real-world consumption data remains to be thoroughly evaluated, but the increase in power is immediately apparent, providing more than adequate acceleration for a vehicle weighing in at approximately three tons, with an informal 0-100 Kmph launch estimated in the mid-to-high six-second range.
The F-Sport model, which aims to be the most street-focused variant, incorporates unique suspension tuning, a rear anti-sway bar, and a rear Torsen limited-slip differential, in addition to the centre Torsen LSD to sharpen its handling dynamics. While the F-Sport demonstrates respectable composure on winding roads, its considerable weight makes it easy to exceed the chassis’s comfort zone when pushed hard.
However, the LX 700h surprisingly manages to handle challenging road conditions without exhibiting the ungainly behaviour one might expect from a large SUV with a solid rear axle. On particularly rough and narrow sections (in our case the dunes), the advanced, long-travel suspension effectively mitigates tramming and traction control intervention, allowing the LX to navigate these surfaces with surprising ease. The robust mid-range torque of the hybrid powertrain also allows the 700h to power out of corners with unexpected agility, offering predictable and manageable handling even when pushed closer to its limits. While the brakes are strong, the vehicle’s 2812 Kg weight suggests that aggressive canyon carving is not its forte. The overall driving experience is best described as “effortless and refined on any road,” a fitting description provided by Lexus themselves.
Expanding on its “any road” capability, Lexus introduces a new Overtrail trim specifically for the 700h model, positioning it as the “overlander’s choice” within the LX range. Following its debut on the GX model, the Overtrail trim signifies Lexus’s foray into the popular trend of vehicle-supported adventure travel. Unlike many “rugged” trims that often amount to cosmetic enhancements, the Overtrail LX offers genuine functional upgrades. Notably, it forgoes any special badges, a refreshing departure from typical trim-specific branding. The most significant visual cues are the understated black 18-inch wheels fitted with 33-inch Toyo all-terrain tyres, shared with the GX Overtrail, along with unique colour options and subtle differences in the front-end styling.
The overall aesthetic of the LX, however, remains a point of contention, with its large spindle grille and overall design not universally appealing, despite its undeniably expensive appearance. The design language leans towards a more subtle form of luxury, where the refinement is in the details rather than overt flamboyance, a departure from the “stealth wealth” vibe of previous Land Cruiser generations.
Off-road, the Overtrail trim offers a slightly improved approach angle, though the departure angle remains unchanged. A significant enhancement to its off-road prowess comes from an advanced iteration of Lexus’s Automatic Height Control/Adaptive Variable Suspension (AHC/AVS) system. This sophisticated hydraulic damper assembly manages ride height, a portion of the spring rate, load levelling, compression, rebound, and roll stiffness. Unlike air-based adjustable suspension systems common in vehicles with off-road aspirations, the LX 700h’s system utilizes steel coil springs in conjunction with the hydraulics, providing redundancy in case of hydraulic failure and ensuring the vehicle can still be driven. The system is also remarkably quick, capable of transitioning between full access height and full off-road height in mere seconds with a subtle hydraulic pump whir. Impressively, this adjustable ride height does not compromise ride quality or suspension down travel, unlike air-based systems that can sometimes feel tippy at their highest settings. The AHC/AVS system effectively alters the spring rate without negatively impacting performance, maintaining body control and suspension articulation even at its maximum height. A significant contributor to the excellent articulation is the solid five-link rear axle, which lacks a sway bar to restrict movement. The system offers over four inches of ride height adjustability, with an additional ¾ inch available if the vehicle’s computer deems it necessary.
As expected for a vehicle in this price category with off-road intentions, the LX 700h features automatic control of off-road parameters based on the selected driving mode. However, crucially, all essential off-road settings can also be manually controlled, offering a blend of “point-and-shoot” convenience and “choose your own adventure” customization. The off-road controls are intuitively labelled and easily accessible on the tall centre console, with physical dials and buttons for all critical functions, a welcome departure from burying these controls within touchscreen menus. This dedication of physical space to often-infrequently used controls is a bold design choice that is nonetheless appreciated for its directness.
Perhaps the most significant addition to the LX 700h Overtrail, making a comeback after a 28-year absence on the LX, is the inclusion of front and rear locking differentials. These unassuming buttons, located near the driver’s right knee, dramatically enhance the vehicle’s off-road capability, a feature that has been sorely missed from Toyota and Lexus trucks for decades. Lexus states that the decision to include these locking differentials is driven by strong consumer demand, adding a significant layer of capability to the already rich feature set. Whether these features are frequently utilized or even fully understood by luxury buyers, their presence adds to the vehicle’s overall appeal and perceived capability. The LX 700h Overtrail thus earns a “triple-locked” status, reminiscent of the Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen, further solidifying its off-road credentials, even if it carries a hint of over-engineering for typical use.
During off-road testing, the LX 700h provided a cocoon of luxury, featuring a “climate concierge” that managed personalized heating and cooling, thick and comfortable massaging front seats, and a high-end 2,400-watt audio system. The doors closed softly, and every visible and tactile surface exuded premium quality. The ride quality remained controlled and supple, with top-tier sound isolation, while the hybrid powertrain delivered abundant power. As a flagship model from a manufacturer renowned for its meticulous attention to detail, the fit, finish, and overall quality were naturally impeccable.
In conclusion, the 2025 Lexus LX 700h, with its marketing emphasizing “paradigm,” “incomparable indulgence,” and “dignified sophistication,” manages to justify its high-end positioning. It embodies Toyota’s serious commitment to the Land Cruiser’s mission of robust capability, while undeniably offering an indulgent Lexus experience. While it may not be a master of every single automotive discipline, its compromises are a result of its ambitious attempt to blend luxury with genuine off-road prowess. Ultimately, the LX 700h is a niche product for a specific, discerning buyer, with Lexus anticipating relatively limited sales volumes. For those who fall within this niche, particularly repeat LX buyers, the 700h offers a unique combination of opulent comfort and surprising capability, even if its price tag and target demographic place it outside the realm of typical automotive considerations. It doesn’t chase fleeting trends or boast cutting-edge technology for its own sake but rather delivers a specific blend of attributes tailored to a buyer who values understated luxury and the confidence of knowing their vehicle is prepared for almost anything.
