Overview

The LX700h hybrid is the most expensive version of Lexus's range-topping SUV—sitting above the non-hybrid LX600 (which we review separately). Therefore, it is sure to attract luxury-seekers, and those shoppers will be pleased by the rich, high-quality interior. (There's even a version with just two rear seats that's aimed at the chauffeured set.) But this is also a real off-roader, with the brand's heartiest helping of trail-ready gear, including up to three locking differentials, an available skid plate, and a solid rear axle.

While that gives the LX700h more than the typical full-size SUV's off-pavement ability, there are some downsides, chiefly in terms of interior packaging. For an SUV of this size, the third row—in the variants that have it, not all do—is cramped. What's more, the cargo hold behind the third-row seats is small, and the load floor is high. Then there's the hybrid powertrain, which is slightly quicker and more powerful than the non-hybrid LX600, but don't expect a meaningful fuel-economy benefit. It's all enough to leave a question mark about whether the Lexus SUV with the biggest number on the badge is really the one to have.

Expert Tip: One rung down the Lexus SUV ladder, the TX is roomier and more family-friendly, albeit with less off-road prowess and an interior that's not quite as ritzy.

What's New for 2027?

We expect to see no significant changes to the LX700h for the 2027 model year.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

• Hybrid Powertrain: twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V-6 and one electric motor, 457 hp combined
• Transmission: 10-speed automatic
• Drivetrain: four-wheel-drive

The LX700h is powered by the same twin-turbo 3.4-liter V-6 as the nonhybrid LX600, but it’s buttressed by an electric motor that pumps in an additional 48 horsepower, for a total of 457. A 10-speed automatic transmission and a four-wheel-drive system are both standard. The electric motor can drive the LX700h at low speeds without kicking on the V-6, which can be helpful in low-range off-roading where precise throttle control is required.

Speaking of off-road driving, the LX700h comes with plenty of gear for such adventures, including a locking center differential, an adjustable air-spring suspension system, and a Crawl Control feature. The Overtrail trim is the most capable, though, and features locking front, rear, and center differentials.

A set of 18-inch wheels with knobby, 33-inch all-terrain tires is also standard on the Overtrail, and Lexus has endowed that trim with a front skid plate and a 2400-watt AC inverter, which off-grid campers will find useful, as it turns the LX into a power source when overlanding far from home. When we drove the LX700h, we found it to be refined and powerful, with quicker acceleration than the nonhybrid and seamless transitions between electric and gasoline power.

0–60-MPH Times

• C/D 60-mph Test: 5.5 seconds

In Comparison: The LX700h is about a half-second quicker to 60 mph than the nonhybrid LX600.

Towing and Payload Capacity

• Max Towing: 8000 pounds

Like the LX600, the hybrid LX700h can tow a trailer weighing up to 8000 pounds.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

• C/D 75-mph Highway Fuel-Economy Test: 20 mpg
• EPA City Rating: 19 mpg
• EPA Highway Rating: 22 mpg

The EPA estimates that the LX700h should deliver 19 mpg city, 22 mpg highway, and 20 mpg combined. On our 75-mph highway fuel economy route, the LX700h managed only 20 mpg—worse than the nonhybrid LX600's 21 mpg. For more information about the LX Hybrid's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

First Row: The LX's front seats are supremely comfortable and come with a standard massage feature. Forward visibility is good, making the LX feel less huge than most other large luxury SUVs.

Second Row: In row two, most LX700h trims come with a three-across bench, while the Ultra Luxury swaps in a pair of reclining chairs and does away with the third row. Though regal in their appointments, the Ultra Luxury's seats reduce legroom, making the space feel a bit tight.

Third Row: The Ultra Luxury has no third row, and it can be deleted in the Overtrail as well, in favor of additional cargo space. For those models that do have it, the third-row seat offers good room for the upper half of adult torsos but is cramped for legs and feet due to the location of the rear axle and hybrid battery underneath.

Cargo Capacity: With all seats folded, the LX700h offers a max of about 62 cubic feet of cargo room. Three-row models reserve a scant 7 cubes behind the rear-most row, while the two-row version comes in at 31 cubic feet when the seats are in use.

Infotainment and Connectivity

• Infotainment: 12.3-inch touchscreen
• Connectivity: Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
• Audio System: 10-speaker stereo (standard), 25-speaker Mark Levinson stereo (optional)

The LX's dashboard comes with three standard displays: an 8.0-inch screen for the gauge cluster, a 12.3-inch touchscreen for the infotainment, and a separate 7.0-inch screen for climate and vehicle controls. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both standard, as is a head-up display.

Wireless charging is offered, and audiophiles can upgrade the stereo to a 25-speaker Mark Levinson surround-sound system—it's included on the Luxury and Ultra Luxury trims but is otherwise optional.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

A suite of driver-assistance features is standard on the LX and includes automated emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist, although the LX lacks a hands-free highway driving assist system like the Cadillac Escalade's Super Cruise.

• Standard Safety Features: automated emergency braking with pedestrian-and-bicyclist detection, lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control with a lane-centering feature

For information about the LX Hybrid's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

The LX comes with the same warranty package as all other new Lexus models, including a year's worth of complimentary scheduled maintenance.

• Limited Warranty: four years or 50,000 miles
• Powertrain Warranty: six years or 70,000 miles
• Hybrid Component Warranty: eight years or 100,000 miles
• Complimentary Maintenance: one year or 10,000 miles

C/D Test Results and Specs

Each year, we put hundreds of vehicles through our rigorous instrumented testing regimen. If the data in the chart below is for a different model year, that's because this vehicle hasn't changed since we last tested it, and the test results remain accurate.

More Features and Specs

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