Should You Buy the 2025 Lexus LX 700h? Some Good, Some Bad!
The 2025 Lexus LX 700h marks a big moment for Lexus’s flagship SUV: the arrival of hybrid power in a full-size, body-on-frame luxury off-roader. It blends serious capability, high-end comfort, and new-age efficiency — at least on paper. Here’s what’s good, what’s not, and what you should know before buying.
Key Takeaways
- New 3.4-L twin-turbo V6 hybrid with 457 hp and 583 lb-ft of torque.
- Maintains full-time 4WD and off-road credibility.
- Brings more luxury and tech inside, with Lexus’s latest infotainment.
- Downsides: expensive, still thirsty for a hybrid, and heavy.
Design Updates & Innovations
The 2025 LX 700h sticks to the rugged GA-F body-on-frame platform but adds hybrid tech. The iconic spindle grille dominates the front, while sharper LED lights and the optional Overtrail trim emphasize its off-road intent with tougher tires and unique styling.
Inside, it’s unmistakably Lexus: plush leather, real wood, and tight fit-and-finish. The new dual-screen layout combines a 12.3-inch main display and a 7-inch lower control screen for climate and vehicle functions. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, and a 25-speaker Mark Levinson audio system is available. In Ultra Luxury trim, the rear seats recline, massage, and even feature a touch panel for controls — pure VIP comfort.
Performance & Range Enhancements
Under the hood, a 3.4-L twin-turbo V6 teams up with an electric motor through a 10-speed automatic transmission. The result: 457 hp, 583 lb-ft, and 0-60 mph in about 6.2 seconds. It’s not fast, but it’s plenty for a 2.7-ton SUV.Despite the hybrid badge, fuel economy is only modestly improved: about 20 mpg combined (≈ 11.8 L/100 km). The smaller fuel tank limits range compared to the non-hybrid LX 600. On the bright side, torque delivery is smoother, towing capacity remains strong, and off-road performance improves thanks to extra low-end power.
Off-roaders will love the locking front and rear differentials, Crawl Control, and Multi-Terrain Select system that optimizes traction automatically. The Overtrail trim is particularly built for adventure.
Battery Life & Charging
The LX 700h is not a plug-in hybrid. It uses a nickel-metal hydride pack that charges via regenerative braking and the engine. There’s no plug-in port — this is a “self-charging” hybrid. The small battery helps boost performance and efficiency, but you won’t be driving silently on electricity alone.
Lexus has decades of hybrid reliability under its belt, and that durability should continue here. Maintenance will likely be higher than a pure gas model, though lower than a full EV.
Acceleration & Handling
On-road, acceleration feels strong, but you’ll always know you’re driving a big truck. Steering is light and body-roll is noticeable. It rides comfortably, but handling can’t match unibody SUVs like the BMW X7 or Range Rover.Off-road, however, the LX 700h is in its element. With height-adjustable suspension, multiple terrain modes, and solid ground clearance, it can crawl up rocks or sand dunes in luxury. The hybrid’s instant torque is helpful when climbing obstacles.
Safety Features & Driver Assistance
Every LX 700h includes Lexus Safety System + 3.0, which bundles:
- Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection
- Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Road Sign Assist and Auto High Beams
Higher trims add a 360° camera, off-road front-view camera, blind-spot monitoring, and parking sensors.
Crash-test data for the 2025 LX 700h isn’t widely published yet, but Lexus vehicles typically perform well in safety testing and build quality feels tank-like.
Interior Comfort & Technology
Comfort is top-tier. Materials are soft, controls are solid, and the cabin is whisper-quiet. You get multi-zone climate control, ventilated and massaging front seats, and optional second-row luxury chairs with full recline and footrests in the Ultra Luxury grade.
The infotainment system is much improved — faster, cleaner, and finally user-friendly. Lexus wisely kept a physical volume knob, something many luxury rivals abandoned. Wireless charging, Wi-Fi hotspot, and multiple USB-C ports are all included.
Space is generous: 5- or 7-passenger layouts are available. Cargo space behind the second row is about 31 cu ft (≈ 880 L), expanding to 62 cu ft (≈ 1,770 L) with seats folded. The hybrid system slightly reduces under-floor space, but it’s still practical for family and travel.
Sustainability & Environmental Impact
Despite being a hybrid, the LX 700h’s size and weight limit its eco benefits. Its 20 mpg average is better than the LX 600’s 18 mpg, but nowhere near what smaller or plug-in hybrids achieve. Still, Lexus has made small strides — emissions are down, and hybrid tech ensures smoother operation and less fuel waste in city driving.
There’s no mention of recycled or vegan interior materials, but Lexus manufacturing is known for low defect rates and long component life, which contributes indirectly to sustainability through durability.
Customer Reviews & Early Feedback
Early reviews highlight three main positives:
- Power and smoothness of the new hybrid system.
- Luxury and craftsmanship inside.
- Off-road confidence unmatched by most rivals.
Common dislikes:
- Disappointing fuel economy for a hybrid.
- Very high price and running costs.
- Still feels truck-like on pavement.
Owners of the outgoing LX 600 report excellent reliability and build quality, so expectations for the 700h are high. If Lexus maintains that, it could age far better than some high-tech European SUVs.
Availability & Pricing
The 2025 Lexus LX 700h is expected to reach dealerships in late 2024 / early 2025.
Starting price: around $110,000 USD for the base trim, rising to $145,000 + USD for the Ultra Luxury or Overtrail S grades, depending on options.
European and Middle-Eastern pricing will vary but should exceed €120,000 in many markets.
You can reserve one through Lexus dealers or the brand’s online configurator. Demand is expected to be high, especially for the Overtrail and Ultra Luxury models, so wait times could stretch into mid-2025.
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Should You Buy It?
Buy it if you want:
- A full-size luxury SUV that can truly go off-road.
- Legendary Lexus reliability with new-generation hybrid power.
- Top-tier comfort and a commanding presence.
Skip it if you want:
- Real fuel savings or electric range.
- Agile handling or a sporty drive.
- Lower purchase and maintenance costs.
Verdict:
Supreme quality, capability, and presence
Heavy, expensive, modest hybrid gains
From ≈ $110 k USD (≈ €120 k / If that fits your priorities and budget, the LX 700h is a uniquely confident choice in 2025.