Lexus was one of the first Japanese luxury sub-brands, and ever since the introduction of the game-changing LS400 sedan, it has provided an enviable mix of quality, value, and tech. The LX 460 was the marque’s first luxury SUV, and it paved the way for a range of luxury-clad off-roaders that have culminated in the LX 700h.
This hybrid behemoth may share its bones with the Toyota Land Cruiser 300 Series, but like all Lexus models, it has been significantly revised to become a far more luxurious and prestigious offering.
As of 2026, the full-size LX 700h SUV is the most expensive Lexus you can buy, and we look into what it offers and how it compares with its rivals.
The Lexus LX 700h
- Model Years: 2025–2026
- Rivals: Mercedes-Benz GLS 580 4MATIC, Range Rover Autobiography, Cadillac Escalade Platinum
The current Lexus LX range was first introduced in 2022, with the 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6 LX 600 initially topping the range. The LX 700h arrived in 2025 to claim that title. Whereas the gas-only LX 600 made ‘just’ 409-hp and 479 lb-ft of torque, the LX 700h gets a transmission-mounted electric motor and 1.9kWh battery pack that helps push those figures up to 457-hp and 583 lb-ft.
This is no Prius layout designed to maximize fuel economy, rather a means to get even more power out of the V6 engine without resorting to a larger capacity gas-guzzling V8. Unlike many of its luxury-clad rivals, the LX 700h retains its legendary off-road ability thanks to the standard advanced full-time AWD system. Low range and an electronically locking center diff are standard, as is adaptive suspension and ride height control. The 10-speed automatic transmission used in the LX 600 is retained here, and progress on road is smooth and effortless.
The Lexus LX 700h in Detail
Gabriel Ionica
Lexus
Gabriel Ionica
| Feature | Specification |
| Base MSRP | $117,285 to $143,050 |
| Engine | 3.4L Twin-Turbo V6 Hybrid |
| Power | 457 hp (combined) |
| Torque | 583 lb-ft /(combined) |
| 0–60 mph | 5.5-5.9 seconds |
| Fuel Economy (City/Hwy/Combined) | 19 / 22 / 20 MPG |
Off-road, the LX 700h should be as capable as ever, but if you are planning to take your $120,000+ luxury SUV into the wilderness, you may want to get the Overtrail trim which adds a metal skid plate, two more locking diffs (front and rear), as well as serious 33-inch tires.
There are four LX 700 trims in total, and the base F Sport Handling variant is targeted at what must be a very small fraction of consumers. Fitted with sporty 22-inch wheels, sporty suspension settings and a limited-slip rear diff, it should apparently appeal to those who want their 6,000lb+ luxury SUV to handle like a sports car. Now the LX700h is many things, but one thing it certainly isn’t is sporty.
It’s certainly rapid, but it just isn’t the sort of vehicle you’d want to hustle down a challenging road, unless of course, the challenging road is a rocky trail. It is also supremely capable on road, where the massaging seats, absorbent ride, and adaptive suspension keep you cocooned in luxurious comfort.
Four, five or seven seat configurations are available, and while all the trims (aside from the strange F Sport) are worth considering, the 700h Luxury seems to offer the best mix of price and features. Then again, at this price point, you may as well spend the extra $21,500 and get the range-topping Ultra Luxury model.
| Trim Level | Base MSRP inc. Dest Fee. | Key Features |
| LX 700h F SPORT Handling | $117,285 | 7-seats, sport-tuned suspension, 22-inch dark gray wheels, limited-slip differential. |
| LX 700h Overtrail | $119,550 | 5-seats (2-row), front/rear/center electronic locking differentials, 33-inch all-terrain tires. |
| LX 700h Luxury | $121,550 | 7-seats, semi-aniline leather upholstery, 22-inch machined-finish wheels, 25-speaker Mark Levinson sound system. |
| LX 700h Ultra Luxury | $143,050 | 4-seats, executive rear captain’s chairs with massage, power-retractable passenger ottoman, rear-seat entertainment system. |
Ultra Luxury Experience
Lexus
Lexus
Being the flagship model, the LX 700h Ultra Luxury trim already comes standard with more kit than you could imagine. And some features you probably haven’t heard of before, too. The power-retractable passenger ottoman, dual-screen Rear-Seat Entertainment System transforms the second row into a first-class experience, while features like the 2400-watt AC inverter (with cargo area power outlet), and refrigerated front center console, are LX700h specific features.
One area where the LX 700h loses out over its gas-powered LX 600 sibling is cargo area, as the hybrid battery takes away 4 cubic feet from the already small 11 cubic feet total loading space. There are no notable extras for this top trim, a $500 paint option, $240 all-weather floor liners and dozens of camping-related accessories are all that you can add to your build.
Rivals
GM
Mercedes
Land Rover
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz GLS 580 | Range Rover Autobiography | Cadillac Escalade Premium Luxury |
| Base MSRP | $113,000 | $142,000 | $116,000 |
| Engine | 4.0L Twin-Turbo V8 Mild-Hybrid | 4.4L Twin-Turbo V8 | 6.2L V8 |
| Power | 510 hp | 523 hp | 420 hp |
| Torque | 538 lb-ft | 553 lb-ft | 460 lb-ft |
| 0–60 mph | 4.7 seconds est | 4.4 seconds est | 5.9 seconds est |
| Fuel Economy (City/Hwy/Combined) | 14 / 20 / 16 MPG | 16 / 23 / 19 MPG | 14 / 18 / 16 MPG |
Despite the limited volumes that these sorts of vehicles sell at, there is no shortage of rivals for the Lexus LX 700h, and one of the most impressive and luxurious is the Mercedes-Benz GLS 580. It is essentially a raised S-Class in terms of the level of luxury and tech on offer, and the smooth and powerful twin-turbo V8 engine easily beats the Lexus’s hybrid V6 in every metric save for fuel economy. It isn’t quite as capable off-road though, for that you would need to step up the G-Class which starts at $153,900 and easily tops $200,000 if you opt for the 585-hp AMG G 63. It is just as competent off-road, but is not as spacious inside as the LX.
The Cadillac Escalade remains a quintessentially American luxury SUV icon. It has road presence like few other vehicles, and its 420-hp 6.2-liter naturally aspirated V8 gives it smooth and effortless acceleration. However, you will have to opt for the 682-hp Escalade-V if you want serious acceleration, as this is one heavy beast. Neither will match the LX 700h for off-road prowess or fuel economy, but for on road use, few rivals offer this much space and luxury for similar money.
Along with the Mercedes G-Class, the Land Rover Range Rover is another close match to the LX 700h in the world of luxurious off-road SUVs. But whereas the LX700h tops out at $143,050, the Range Rover trims span from $113,500 to $252,800. Range toppers are powered by a BMW-sourced twin-turbo V8, so you won’t be short on performance, and the levels of luxury on offer surpass even the sumptuous LX models.
There are also two six-cylinder engines on offer, with and without hybrid assistance. Off-road capability is built into every Range Rover as well, but we can’t see many owners risking scratching their rides on an off-road excursion. Aside from pricing, the one main area that the Lexus traditionally beats the Range Rover is in reliability and mechanical dependability.
Lexus
And that’s where the LX 700h makes a lot of sense compared to its rivals. Even at these lofty levels, the solid Toyota-based underpinnings still offer great reliability and the promise of long-term owner satisfaction. The $100,000+ luxury SUV is a small one in terms of volume, but even here the semblance of value means something, and that makes the LX 700h a compelling package, especially considering its off-road credentials.
About the author
John Tallodi
Senior Editor