LX700h (1 Viewer)

[WTITW]

300 series hybrid with over-trail features, a real starter, and an alternator in case the hybrid system craps out in the bush. Rad.

https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a62568315/2025-lexus-lx700h-hybrid-overtrail-details/

 

[MrTorgue]

While this is very intruguing Toyota is still missing the boat. A PHEV would of been a much better option than a twin turbo hybrid setup.

 

[WTITW]

My first thought is "They, probably had reliability in mind when they went this direction.".... Second thought... "oh wait, they just recalled 100K Tundras with this engine"

 

[185]

700h...i expected more and well in summary its a sequoia with all same quirks but on a smaller wheelbase...smh

I originally expected the torque figure to rise to 820N.m because of the extra torque curve overlap on the premium petrol tune. But it's unchanged from Tundra/Sequoia so 790N.m is possibly the torque limit of the 10AT.

In addition for being a hybrid they give you wait for it, 1 extra mpg over the 600.

Also the weight difference between the hybrid and non-hybrid is 210kg (2570 vs 2780), higher than the weight difference on Tundra (145-175kg). This is probably because of the extra reinforcement required to raise the GVM, while the Tundra platform is already rated at higher GVM. My guess is the GVM is raised from 3280kg to 3480kg (same as Sequoia) to keep payload the same.

Lexus mentions this will be a 3 rower but they are really not releasing or purposely hiding what that will look like or more importantly how the cargo room with the battery pack will look like in all of the release materials.

Not to be all harsh, but at least they finally gave the LX a nicer IP from the tundra and added flagship like massage seats (how did this not come at launch but available on the sequoia/tundra). Lastly they added some offroad goodies that I assume very few folks will use on initial ownership like the triple locker but will want to buy like the overtrail version. They are still missing the pano roof, and unified center stack.


Tbh, Lexus product planning seems to be learning about customers by hiring marketing firms to search the top trending words used by social media platforms and its not delivering products that move the needle for Lexus enthusiasts.

 

[RadoTracks]

While this is very intruguing Toyota is still missing the boat. A PHEV would of been a much better option than a twin turbo hybrid setup.

IMHO PHEVs are the most practical for sure but these cars aren't being purchased by people who car about mpg or practicality. I think PHEVs are more for the small SUV and sedan crowds. I've also not seen Toyota/Lexus embrace this setup. There are two issues with PHEVs 1) they don't contribute to the manufacture averages that legislators car about, and 2) they cost too much to produce and so the price tends to be a lot higher for the consumer. That said, from a truck standpoint Toyota seems to be much more focused on the power benefits than mpg with these choices. Again, this is all just my opinion based on my observations so take it as such.

 

[185]

IMHO PHEVs are the most practical for sure but these cars aren't being purchased by people who car about mpg or practicality. I think PHEVs are more for the small SUV and sedan crowds. I've also not seen Toyota/Lexus embrace this setup. There are two issues with PHEVs 1) they don't contribute to the manufacture averages that legislators car about, and 2) they cost too much to produce and so the price tends to be a lot higher for the consumer. That said, from a truck standpoint Toyota seems to be much more focused on the power benefits than mpg with these choices. Again, this is all just my opinion based on my observations so take it as such.

PHEVs would add extra power that is missing on the LX, and would finally move the needle for me personally. Lexus has given up developing or even perfecting their current ICE stack like they have for generations before. All they do these days is release a half baked ice motor system, that they heavily assist with a electric system and make bank.

Toyota cant add phev systems on all models simply because they dont have battery capacity. Right now the rumors are that tundra gets a phev in 2030, and the LX will follow.

 

[rexington14]

Tbh, Lexus product planning seems to be learning about customers by hiring marketing firms to search the top trending words used by social media platforms and its not delivering products that move the needle for Lexus enthusiasts.

Not sure what it's like in your location but in the USA the "Lexus enthusiast" is a middle aged woman hauling kids and/or grandkids around.

 

[Rednexus]

PHEV adds a ton of weight and really cuts into the passenger space due to the larger battery. I agree they are great for a commuter, but probably not the best for an off-road SUV. We were going to wait for a PHEV Highlander hybrid, but bought the normal Highlander hybrid instead, and it's been great.

I like the rig as long as the VA35F checks out long term. Outside of my price range right now but if they follow the LX570 depreciation curve, perhaps they will drop into the $50-70K realm used around the 5-10 year mark.

 

[r2m]

The overall spec's are almost identical to the GX550, except for weight and price.

	GX550 (inches)	LX700 (inches)
Length	197.1	200.8
Width	78.0	78.3
Heigth	75.6	74.6
Wheelbase	112.2	112.2
Weight	5467 lbs	6128 lbs
Price/lb
LX400 price: ~$97,000		$15.8/lb
GX550 price: ~$73,000	$13.4/lb

 

[185]

Flagship Lexus products should be emotionally exciting as well really showcase Takumi philosophy that Lexus has shown to their other flagship the LS. I am sure prototypical Sierra Canyon mother wont be let down. If not the power how about some interior style?

 

[WTITW]

The overall spec's are almost identical to the GX550, except for weight and price.

	GX550 (inches)	LX700 (inches)
Length	197.1	200.8
Width	78.0	78.3
Heigth	75.6	74.6
Wheelbase	112.2	112.2
Weight	5467 lbs	6128 lbs
Price/lb
LX400 price: ~$97,000		$15.8/lb
GX550 price: ~$73,000	$13.4/lb

Can you add the 460 to this comparison if you have time? 550 and LX600/700 have the same suspension and eKDSS, right? Except with the 600/700, AHC is an option.

 

[MrTorgue]

PHEVs would add extra power that is missing on the LX

That and you'll actually get better fuel economy averages than the TT V6 which would absolutely help Toyota's rating with those stupid CAFE regs. The people count who take this generation LX offroad is probably 1. Absolutely no one offroads an LX until it is very used and already has lots of mileage ouside of the factory warranty. And even then I can count on my hand how many I've seen.

Having owned a RAV4 Prime I can tell you that PHEV's are a much better option overall versus a smaller turbo engine. More reliable too. And yes I'll keep beating this dead horse until Toyota listens. I'd kill to have a PHEV drivetrain on my current GX.

 

[Arailt]

I'll keep my reliable, under powered V8, thank you.

 

[Hiluxforever]

I don't care about the hybrid, I am just excited for a triple locked 310 series.

 

[r2m]

I don't care about the hybrid, I am just excited for a triple locked 310 series.

↑ ABSOLUTELY!! ↑

 

[r2m]

Can you add the 460 to this comparison if you have time? 550 and LX600/700 have the same suspension and eKDSS, right? Except with the 600/700, AHC is an option.

Here you go Jake!

	GX470 (2009)	GX460 (2024)	GX550	LX700
(inches)	(inches)	(inches)	(inches)	(inches)
Length	188.2	192.1	197.1	200.8
Width	74.0	74.2	78.0	78.3
Heigth	74.6	73.8	75.6	74.6
Wheelbase	109.8	109.8	112.2	112.2
Weight	4,871 lbs	5,192 lbs	5,467 lbs	6,128 lbs
MPG	15 MPG combined	16 MPG combined	17 MPG combined	19 MPG combined
Price/lb
LX400 price: ~$97,000				$15.8/lb
GX550 price: ~$73,000			$13.4/lb
GX460 price: ~$58,991		$11.4/lb
GX470 price: ~$53,103	$10.9/lb

 

[WTITW]

Thanks @r2m !

 

[K Dub]

Not sure what it's like in your location but in the USA the "Lexus enthusiast" is a middle aged woman hauling kids and/or grandkids around.

Yeah, but she lets me take it out on the weekends.

I'm not keen on the half measures in the market right now. I love my archaic V8, and I love my long-range/ dual motor EV, but both platforms have their strengths and weaknesses. When I look at the PHEVs on the market, I see all the weaknesses, and none of the strengths, from both ends of that spectrum.

 

[WTITW]

I'm not keen on the half measures in the market right now.

Agreed, but I wouldn't buy any current-gen EVs. Battery tech isn't there. When the battery lasts at least 20 years (in desert climate), goes 300+ miles between charges, and I can recharge in 10 minutes or less, I'll be happy to trade my V8 for an electric land cruiser or GX. Toyota says they have a solid-state lithium coming in 2026, I think. Solid State lithium should check most of the boxes above if not all.

Rented a Model Y to use in a commercial shoot. I drove it 30 miles, and the range dropped 60. I stopped at Whole Foods to charge it up, spent an hour hanging out, came out, and found it had lifted the meter by 3 percent. I love the tech, but it's totally impractical except for a pure commuter car.

 

[K Dub]

Agreed, but I wouldn't buy any current-gen EVs. Battery tech isn't there. When the battery lasts at least 20 years (in desert climate), goes 300+ miles between charges, and I can recharge in 10 minutes or less, I'll be happy to trade my V8 for an electric land cruiser or GX. Toyota says they have a solid-state lithium coming in 2026, I think. Solid State lithium should check most of the boxes above if not all.

I'm excited to see what Toyota's been up to these past few years with battery tech. That silly little thing they made with Subaru does not bode well for them, but I remain optimistic.

I'm only leasing my EV, and I suspect that's a good call. Even if it stays as reliable as it has been for the past year, you still risk a major disruption (like solid state batteries) tanking your resale value. I'm going to drive the wheels off this thing for 3 years, and then probably do it again with the performance trim that's coming next.

I've often thought that my EV wouldn't work in a 1 car household. But as a compliment to the GX, you get the best of both worlds. A pair Rav4 PHEVs would give me the best of nothing, and plenty of tradeoffs instead. But buying a GX, and leasing an Ioniq6 has been my favorite garage to date. The only thing I could see improving would be a Taycan wagon replacing the Hyundai, but I'd still only lease it. That's my dream garage though, and it just doesn't have room for a 300 series, silly light-hybrid drivetrain or not.