Updated for the 2025 model year, the latest Lexus LX now offers a hybrid powertrain, which carries the name LX 700h, and a new off-road trim called Overtrail.

The Lexus LX, which started its fourth generation for 2022, gets an update for the 2025 model year. That includes adding a hybrid powertrain to the mix and a new trim the brand calls Overtrail.

Going hybrid…Finally

For 2022, the Tundra pitched its 5.7-liter V-8 and swapped it for a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V-6. Later that same year, Lexus followed suit doing the same for the LX. Soon after, however, a hybrid version of the Tundra arrived. It used the same V-6 as a base, but adding an electric motor and battery pack to provide 437 horsepower and 583 lb.-ft of torque.

Yet, Lexus LX carried on with the the V-6. Accepting the 409 HP and 479 lb.-ft. That changes for 2025 with the addition of the LX 700 h. You essentially get the hybrid from the Tundra, but with a 20 horsepower boost: 457 HP and 583 lb.-ft.

It still uses the same 10-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel-drive system, but, by going hybrid, Lexus predicts the combined fuel economy figure will raise up a tick: from 19 to 20 mpg. Not huge, but a nice compliment to the over 100 lb.-ft of added peak torque.

Lexus did not explicitly confirm this, but the hybrid likely uses the same 1.87 kWh nickel-metal hydride battery pack as the Tundra. If so, it provides energy to a 48 horsepower and 184 lb.-ft of torque electric motor.

off-road friendly LX

And you’ll get this hybrid in the new Overtrail trim.

Sounding a bit like a Trailhunter trim for Lexus products, the LX 700h Overtrail gets all-weather floor liners, 33-inch all-terrain tires mounted on 18-inch wheels, a front skid plate, and front and rear locking differentials. It’s very similar to what Lexus offers with the GX Overtrail.

And all of that equipment is in addition to a Torsen limited-slip center differential, which comes standard on all LX models. Speaking of, the other trims of LX offered for 2025 will be the Premium, F Sport Handling, Luxury and Ultra Luxury.

And every trim gets a few updates for 2025.

2025 across the board updates

What was a $2660 option on my 2022 LX test car, Active Height Control, which is adjustable ride height, is now standard on the LX. As is a Head Up Display. And Lexus upped the driving aids technology by half. You now get Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 instead of +2.5. and that includes a nice list of aids:

Lexus Safety Sense+3.0:
-Pre-Collision System w/Ped detect
-Emergancy Steer Assist
-Left turn oncoming vehicle detection
-Dynamic radar cruise control
-Lane tracing assist
-Road sign assist
-Intelligent high beams
-Proactive driving assist

Inside, you can equipment the LX with massaging seats wrapped in semi-aniline leather. And the Lexus will happily equip the LX with either two or three rows. Standard equipment includes a 12.3-inch center display and a second, seven-inch display just beneath it to offer plenty of information and entertainment. You also get a head-up display and largely digital instrument cluster as standard. Screens galore.

Lexus has not yet released pricing, but a 2024 Lexus LX starts at just under $94K and quickly rises to six figures. Expect a starting price at least $95k. Save your pennies.

conclusion

Throwing the hybrid powertrain in the LX feels like a no brainer to me. To be honest, I’m surprised it took this long to happen. But I am glad it did. The 2025 Lexus LX is expected to arrive at dealers early in 2025, more information will arrive soon.

But, at first glance, this hybrid status symbol looks mighty fine to me.

Another nice way to cruise is the updated Genesis GV80