Before I launched the 2025 Lexus LX 700h down the hill, I hit the crawl-control button on the center stack. Then I took my foot off the brake and let the vehicle deal with the throttle as I focused on steering over the rocks, logs and moguls. Crawl control, a new feature on the LX, is essentially low-speed cruise control that maintains a smooth-and-steady speed over difficult obstacles and reduces tire slippage. It works amazingly well.
2025 Lexus LX 700h
Frankly, the LX in general did well on the short off-road course Lexus created for media evaluation. I did several loops, turning driver-assistance features on and off, using the center locking differential and going without, playing with crawl control, and using my own throttle pressure. The LX 700h managed it all capably.
In some regards, it’s hard to reconcile that this bougie $115,000-plus SUV can be a capable off roader. But it is. And then it just as aptly transfers to pavement for a smooth and posh ride with massaging seats and seamless power from the LX-first hybrid powertrain.
Engines
At its core, the 2025 Lexus LX 700h is equipped 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 automatic transmission.
Since this is an off-road capable vehicle that can ford up to 27.5 inches of water, the hybrid battery is encased within a waterproof tray that prevents water from getting into the battery during deep water crossings.
The benefit of the hybrid powertrain isn’t really going to be fuel economy, as it only gets 1 mpg better than the gas-powered LX 600 in combined driving. Power output is the winner here, as the LX 700h delivers 48 more horsepower and 104 more pound-feet of torque than the LX 600.
One of the tradeoffs, however, will be cargo space. Because the battery sits under the cargo area and third-row seats, you lose a little in the boot. Behind the third row, you only have 7.2 cubic feet of cargo volume, which is barely enough to fit a backpack.
Review
In general, I was impressed with the overall ride and handling of the 2025 Lexus LX 700h because this is a large and heavy vehicle. Yet, even as a petite driver, I had great visibility out of all the windows and managed to find an excellent driving position. Often, body-on-frame vehicles of this size will “drive big,” but the LX 700h did not. Some of that has to do with the lower belt lines, but a lot of that has to do with the powertrain. The huge torque increase helps this big lug accelerate swiftly, and even with an upright stance the LX 700h has a nice amount of agility. So, whether you’re maneuvering through city alleys or picking your way over a rocky pass, there is a huge amount of both finesse and comfort.
Design
The in-your-face exterior styling of the LX 700h is going to be a bit polarizing, especially with the overlarge toothy grille. It looks better in some trims than others, but I can’t help seeing Jaws of James Bond villainy fame every time I look at its mug. It’s too much metal for my taste. But, beauty beholder. And one thing’s for sure: You won’t mistake it for another vehicle if you see it in your rear-view mirror.
The interior is much more conservatively styled with luxurious materials and finishes. Several of the vehicles I tested had real-wood accents, and the F Sport trim had some racy red leather seats with sporty aluminum accents. The Ultra Luxury trim, which only seats four, is intended to coddle rear-seat passengers, and it does that well with reclining, massaging, heated captain’s chairs, quilted bolstering, and curved headrests.
The only interior design feature that could be a bit off putting is the two-screen design on center stack. The large top screen houses the Lexus infotainment system with navigation and digital assistant, as well as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The lower screen showcases vehicle functions and climate controls.
Prices and Trim Levels
The trims for the 2025 Lexus LX 700h start at bougie and get bougier–and every one has a starting price of more than $115k. Gulp. The quick trim breakdown, with prices that include destination, is as follows:
Overtrail ($115,350):
This is the dedicated off-road trim and adds things like electronically controlled front and rear locking differentials, a skid plate, active height control, and 33-inch all-terrain tires.
F Sport Handling ($117,850):
This trim is on the sporty side of the spectrum with unique front and rear fasciae, an F Sport-tuned suspension, performance dampers, and a rear stabilizer bar.
Luxury ($119,850):
This trim starts to put the focus on luxury with standard semi-aniline leather seats, front seat massagers and ventilated second-row seats.
Ultra Luxury ($141,350):
Designed with rear passengers in mind, this trim adds diamond-stitched patterns to the leather seats, reclining and massaging rear seats, a rear-seat entertainment system, and a power right rear recliner with ottoman.
Favorite Features
With the pricey nature of this vehicle, there’s a lot to like on the 2025 Lexus LX 700h. The top of my list has to be the massaging seats, which actually felt like they were giving a solid chair massage. The cameras and plethora of available angles – especially while using the Multi-Terrain Monitor–is a huge benefit in such a large vehicle. Whether you’re avoiding a boulder on the path or a trash can in the alley, you’ll always have a good view of what’s surrounding the vehicle.
Lexus has also done a nice job with its infotainment system. The voice commands are natural, and you can say something simple like, “I’m cold,” and the vehicle will turn up the heat. Or you can be more specific and ask it to turn on your heated seat. If you’re feeling silly, you can also have the digital assistant tell you a joke. That one never fails to amuse me.
One more feature I would surely appreciate on a hot day: the standard cool box positioned in the center console.
Disappointments
I hate to harp on the price thing, but the LX 700h is expensive, and I was disappointed by a few of the low-tech features. For example, when I was sitting in the Luxury trim, I noticed that the shade covering the moonroof was, get this, manual. Then in the F Sport, there was no release for second-row seats in the cargo area – but there was in the Luxury trim. I feel like that should be standard at this price point.
Speaking of seat releases, to fold the third row flat, you have to press and hold the power button. And it’s S-L-O-W. I don’t think a one-touch power operation would be amiss here.
Value
For the most part, the 2025 Lexus LX 700h is well done from the materials to the overall ride and handling. I love the power packed in the hybrid powertrain, and the Overtrail trim is a joy to drive in off-road situations. The price is stiff, but certainly worth it to those who can afford it. I’d only ask that Lexus up the features game and make the sunshade and seat operations a bit more tech-forward.
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2025 Lexus LX 700h Pictures
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