First introduced in 1996, the Lexus LX (then the LX 450) was also the first sport utility vehicle (SUV) Lexus offered. Sitting at the top of the Lexus lineup, it’s also considered a flagship model. For 2025, the LX lineup includes the first hybrid version, the LX 700h, which Latino Traffic Report (LTR) recently tested, and the new Overtrail trim for off-road enthusiasts, also included on the test model.
When a Lexus arrives for a test drive, it’s not a stretch to prepare for a premium ride that stands out with a handsome exterior design and plush interior with lots of bells and whistles. When the LX 700h arrived, its Earth exterior color with black accents on the door handles, and the now iconic spindle grille, checked one box. Several premium features on the inside checked the second box, starting with the heated and cooled leather seats in the front with a massage function, normally found only on premium models.
It had seating for seven with a power folding rear seat but the second row flipped up manually with a lever for access to the third row that was split 50/50 and folded with the push of a button. The LX can also be equipped with just two rows of seating. It had a configurable instrument cluster, ambient lighting, a 12.3-inch touchscreen with infotainment functions on top and hybrid vehicle functional information below, a wireless phone charger, plus real wood accents, another feature usually reserved for premium models.
Powered by a 3.4-liter V6 hybrid twin turbo engine with 457 total horsepower and matched to a ten-speed automatic transmission, it can tow up to 8,000 pounds. Fuel efficiency was not as impressive as expected for a hybrid. It has an EPA estimated economy of 19 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city and 22 mpg on the highway. It averaged 20.4 mpg during the test drive which is just above the average estimated mpg.
The Overtrail trim includes front and rear locking differentials, a 2,400W AC inverter, off-road all-weather floor liners, 33-inch All-Terrain tires and 18-inch wheels, and a front skid plate. A full spare tire is now standard on the LX.
The LX competes in a premium segment and it has the trappings to do it. Consumers in this segment may not be as sensitive to price but when the cost reaches six figures, the competition tightens. Pricing for the LX starts at $106,850, the as-tested price came to $118,510 but that’s not the most one can pay for this premium SUV.
Sí: Beautifully outfitted inside and out, the LX 700h will compete nicely in its segment.
No: Fuel economy could be more impressive on a hybrid.
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