As a highly capable off-roader with a nearly six-figure starting price, the Lexus LX 600 has long courted an unclear demographic. Who, exactly, is bashing rocks in a leather-lined full-size SUV? Things just get weirder for the 2025 model year with the launch of the LX 700h, a highly capable off-roader with a hybrid powertrain and a starting price even nearer to — if not beyond — six figures.
Related: Is the Redesigned 2022 Lexus LX 600 a Good Luxury SUV? 4 Things We Like, 4 We Don’t
700 Club
The twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V-6 hybrid powertrain is familiar from the Toyota Tundra and Sequoia, where it goes by the i-Force Max branding (Lexus is Toyota’s luxury brand). But in the LX 700h, total system output sneaks upward to 457 horsepower and 583 pounds-feet of torque, the former up 20 hp. Coupled with a 10-speed automatic transmission like the LX 600 employs, the powertrain is good for a claimed 20 mpg combined, a 1-mpg improvement over the gas-only LX, according to Toyota (official EPA ratings are not yet available).
The LX 600 continues on with its twin-turbo 3.4-liter V-6, which puts out 409 hp and 479 pounds-feet of torque, but Lexus didn’t just plug in some batteries to make the 700h and call it a day. The LX hybrid’s frame is modified to make room for the battery without compromising the SUV’s departure angle.
Not only is the LX 700h’s powertrain designed so that the electric motor can power the wheels alone in low range — allowing for precise power delivery in precarious situations — but Lexus is prepared to assuage the concerns of any buyers concerned about the complicated powertrain’s durability in the backcountry. This is the brand’s first hybrid with a regular starter and alternator as standard, ensuring the engine remains operational in case of hybrid system failure.
Over Hill and Dale, Overtrail
All LXs have a standard locking center differential, height-adjustable adaptive suspension, 360-degree camera system with an off-road mode to help drivers spot obstacles and place their rig’s wheels, and five-setting crawl control (a sort of low-speed, off-road cruise control).
Still, Lexus seems particularly intent on sending the LX 700h off-road, as the new Overtrail trim level is only available with the hybrid powertrain. The Overtrail adds locking front and rear differentials, as well as a front skid plate and 33-inch all-terrain tires on 18-inch rims. The requisite appearance upgrades include a matte-gray grille, dark-chrome exterior trim, black fender accents, and black and brown upholstery. For buyers who prefer their 6-foot-tall, roughly 6,000-pound SUV cater more toward on-road performance, the F Sport Handling — with its unique damper tune, limited-slip rear differential and 22-inch wheels — is still available.
Availability and Pricing
The 2025 Lexus LX 600 and LX 700h will go on sale in early 2025; pricing will be announced closer to the start of sales.
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