Experienced by Kimatni D. Rawlins
We last test-drove the full-size luxury Lexus LX600 in 2022 for its 4th-generation welcome party. At the time it had undergone a total redesign. Today marks a new era within the performance department of the flagship vehicle since Lexus engineers electrified the powertrain to represent a hybrid, hence the “h” in the naming formula. The 2025 Lexus LX700h incorporates Lexus opulence with savvy tech features and rugged, off-road capabilities for daily adventurers.
It has been impressive witnessing the transformation of the LX since it first hit the scene in 1995. Of course, it stood out due to its massive size, family capability, and luxury amenities, but it never stole your soul with an imaginative design philosophy. The SUV was relatively mundane compared to the Escalade, Range Rover HSE, and Navigator. Thankfully, the innovators from “The Land of the Rising Sun” changed their tune and instilled the LX with advancements and attractions to meet current standards.
Available in four trims — Luxury, Ultra Luxury, F SPORT Handling, and Overtrail– the LX Hybrid starts at $120,450. The non-hybrid LX begins at $107,450. My LX700h Luxury edition came with classy 22” forged alloy rims, an Atomic Silver paint job, brown open-pore wood trim, semi-aniline leather trim, Triple-Beam LED Headlamps, a power rear door with kick sensor, auto door closer, and a power tilt-and-slide moonroof. When driving the LX you feel special and appeased. The ride is smooth and authentically Japanese. It is not trying to be something it’s not. However, the wide plastic running boards are not fitting for a vehicle this elite. Lexus needs to swap them out for fancy, deployable running boards like you see in the new Navigator.
To draw spectators, the massive pyramid-styled Lexus Spindle Grille, incorporating seven horizontal bars, dominates the front end, and protrusive, chiseled arches bring strength and a sporty attitude to the flagship. But to optimize that unique flavor, select the LX F SPORT Handling with aerodynamically enhanced bodywork, specific 22” forged F SPORT wheels, and a racy interior. However, this package is only for appearance and does not add performance attributes.
As stated, the LX can be selected in hybrid form. Performance attributes begin with a 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6 engine paired with a high-density battery pack and high-torque electric motor for total system output of 457-horsepower and 583 lbs.-ft.of torque @ 2,000 rpm. That’s impressive! Engine power is quite stellar, while the elegant paddle shifters allow you to control the 10-speed Direct-Shift automatic transmission with fluidity. Active Height Control, an Adaptive Variable Suspension, Multi-Terrain Select (MTS), and Drive Model Select (ECO, Comfort, Normal, Sport S, Sport S+, and Custom modes) instill the SUV with the capability for various road conditions and weather patterns. However, with 19/22/20 (city/highway/combined) MPG, a full fuel tank depletes far too easily for long journeys. In this case, I had to take another vehicle for a road trip to Delaware from Maryland because I didn’t want to stop and refuel. Though, this particular LX can tow 8,000 pounds.
The grandeur of the LX lies within its lavish cabin, especially the Ultra Luxury grade (starting at $141,950) and its second-row massaging captain chairs, rear power-retractable ottoman, and rear-seat entertainment system. The interior is further augmented by a 25-speaker 2,400-watt Mark Levinson Reference Surround Sound system, diamond-stitched leather, a 12.3” multi-information display, a 12.3” touchscreen display with Lexus Interface, Thematic Ambient illumination such as Rainforest, Waterfall, and Sunset, a cool box for beverages, and a heated wood and leather-trimmed steering wheel. Moreover, Lexus Interface integrates infotainment amenities from Apple CarPlay to your system apps.
A bevy of safety features and technologies set the mark for your Lexus SUV, beginning with the standard Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which consists of a suite of specific active safety innovations. Some of the vehicle’s precautionary highlights include Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Road Sign Assist, Lane Tracing Assist, Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, and Automatic High Beams.
The new LX is not just a stylish SUV for date nights, proms, and weddings. The utility gets down and dirty when necessary since it was built with an off-road focus. The package begins with the various MTS terrain modes: Auto, Dirt, Sand, Mud, Deep Snow, and Rock. As you can imagine, Auto mode completes the guesswork for you through various sensors to determine road conditions and appropriately optimize suspension control, hydraulic brake pressure, and driving force. Your settings can be operated and viewed from the lower 7” Multi-Terrain Monitor. Then you have Crawl Control to help reduce tire slippage while traversing slowly and Downhill Assist Control when descending steep or slippery slopes.
The LX700h is an exceptional vehicle for exceptional individuals. You can also enhance its appearance with a multitude of accessories offered directly by Lexus. Enjoy the new experience!
