The 2025 Lexus LX 700h Has More Luxury and Hybrid Power, But is it Right For Your Family?

Probably the most compelling reason to buy a Lexus LX is that almost nothing is missing. Head up display. Leather seating. A center console cool box. Ambient lighting. Heated front and second row seats. Massaging front seats. A premium sound system. A video rear view mirror. Voice activated “Hey Lexus” assistance. A large multimedia screen that’s easy to see and use. All standard.

And of course, there’s a limousine-type Ultra Luxe edition (priced from $141K) that ramps up the luxury even more with second row captains chairs and a center control console that allows you to put your seat back, extend a footrest, watch TV and relax while someone else drives. 

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For 2025, Lexus added a hybrid model, noted by the 700h badge. This hybrid is designed for performance more than fuel economy, which honestly isn’t that bad for an SUV this size, estimated to be about 20 MPG. The hybrid increases the power of the LX to 457 HP, 48 more HP than the LX 600. Both models, however, are powered by the same twin turbo V6 engine.

Where you’ll really feel the power of the hybrid system, though, is in the torque. The LX 700h produces 583 lb.-ft of torque, which is 104 more than the 600 model. All that torque makes this large SUV feel smaller than it is and more agile than you’d expect, which is a lovely thing, and a luxury.

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Lexus introduced the Overtrail edition of the GX two years ago and now, the off-road-enhanced model makes its way to the LX. It’s a hybrid-only trim, and it’s the only Overtrail model with a 3rd Row; the GX Overtrail only seats 5. 

Overtrail is notable for its oversized off-road tires, underbody protection, higher ground clearance and a 2,400 watt household outlet in the cargo area, though it has manual-folding 2nd and 3rd row seats. Also notable are the triple locking differentials, a detail that Lexus said is a sought-after feature in the resale market. 

And, to truly make it worthy off the grid, the engine is outfitted with an alternator and a starter, two items that are not typically included on hybrids since the electric motor performs those functions. But if for some reason the hybrid battery fails, the alternator and starter will provide back up assistance to get the LX moving.

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The moment you really learn the power of locking differentials is the moment you really learn to off-road. We took the Overtrail edition to a muddy farm outside Napa, California where the Lexus team cut an obstacle course into the hillside. And then it rained. 

We ambled up the hill with no problem, then put the system in 4 low using the off-road controls on the center console under the climate control panel. I made it through the first couple of obstacles— some alternating ditches and a rocky plateau— and then, was faced with a slippery grade that looked like the peak of a roller coaster. Yikes. 

I tried scaling the hill in 4L but to no avail. I had to put the car in reverse and back down the hill carefully. Once I locked the center differential as well as both front and rear differentials, all four wheels dug in and hauled us up the hill, and then allowed us to slowly descend down the other side.

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Families who need the 3rd row for regular use will find this SUV to be a struggle—or a no-go. Lexus doesn’t offer captains chairs for any but the Ultra Luxury model, which is essentially a limousine and does not have a 3rd row.  

The lack of center row captains chairs, or at least slide-and-tilt center row seats that allow 3rd row access with a car seat installed, is a miss. The LX only offers a fixed center row bench and the outboard seats fold and flip for 3rd row access. 

Buyers with kids in car seats may find the 3rd row to be essentially useless, as car seats in outboard positions will have to be uninstalled to reach the 3rd row.

However, buyers who don’t plan to use the 3rd row but do plan to install kids car seats will find that the rear seats are good but not great for installing car seats. I measured behind the driver’s seat set for me—I’m 5’8”—and found about 31” between the driver’s seat and the shoulder of the seat behind me. That’s enough space for a rear facing car seat, but with a taller driver, there may not be enough space. And since the center row seats are fixed, there only flexibility is with the position of the front seats.

The flip and fold second row seats do have one advantage: they make climbing into the 3rd row pretty easy (though not as easy as a pass-through between captains chairs). Once I climbed into the 3rd row I found enough legroom to fit but not be completely comfortable; this is a better space for shorter or smaller passengers. The 3rd row is complete with air vents, USB ports and cup holders. Families who want to install car seats will find enough room for them but no lower tethers for car seats (there are two full LATCH sets in the center row); they’ll have to be seatbelt installed.  

Families with older kids or teens will find the lack of captains chairs a consideration, too. Parents who have been through the battle of ‘who’s going to sit in the way back’ know what I mean. Even though the 3rd row is sizable, the lack of captains chairs and fold-and-tumble access makes it a convenience row at best.

Buyers who rarely intend to use the 3rd row will find decent cargo space in the Lexus LX 700h, about 31 cubic feet, which is surprisingly less than the LX 600 and the Lexus GX. This is due to the elevated cargo floor which accommodates the 3rd row, and underneath the hybrid battery and 4WD component. The height of the raised floor, which is also found  in the Toyota Sequoia, is a bit cumbersome. Lexus created a workaround with a split shelf that creates a flat cargo floor with a little storage underneath or folds away when it’s not needed. 

With the 3rd row up, however, this is only 7.2 cubic feet of space. Not enough for much more than backpacks and lunchboxes, though a flat-folding stroller or a set of golf clubs may fit. The 3rd row does split, so one side can be folded down for more space. 

This is a simple conundrum: The GX, at 3.5” shorter, has a similarly sized 3rd row and more cargo space (by about 15 cubic feet), though it has a similarly sized cargo space behind the 3rd row. And, it has the option of captains chairs. 

However, the LX offers more luxury and power—116 more HP in the LX 700h—as well as more tow capacity (8,000 lbs. vs 6,500 lbs. in the GX) and better off-roading capability, especially in the Overtrail, which also has a 3rd row; the Lexus GX Overtrail only seats 5 and does not offer a 3rd row option. 

With so many luxury details standard, the LX 700h has a pretty simple trim lineup: just pick your flavor, essentially. They are: 

• Overtrail, priced at $115,350
• F Sport, priced from $117,850
• Luxury, priced from $119,850
• Ultra Luxury, priced from $141,350

There are just a few options: wheels, paint choices, interior colors and buyers can add a rear entertainment system for $2,705. From there, Lexus offers a wide range of accessories, many for off-roading, including [accessories]. 

The mission of the Lexus LX 700h is an admirable one: create the ultimate luxury capable of almost anything, from off-roading to carrying families and  VIPs. And as the flagship Lexus, it’s accomplished that mission in a fun to drive, capable modern SUV.