Perched on a ridge near Napa, surrounded by waves of lush green vineyards, I flick a switch and feel an electric hum—it’s time for adventure. With the press of a button, I’ve signaled the 2025 Lexus LX 700h Overtrail to make its move, whether it’s roaring full speed or gliding at a snail’s pace. As I navigate the designated trail, woven delicately among the grapevines, I encounter the ruggedness of the path—railroad ties, rocky chalk strewn obstacles, and deep dips that come with the territory of off-road driving.
I press another button on the sleek dashboard to turn on the seat cooling function. Let’s be honest: if this stunning SUV can stay cool, then why should I work up a sweat?
For its 2025 model, Lexus has made a significant leap, transitioning the LX to a hybrid system. The brand is now proudly showcasing the LX 700h as their flagship vehicle, and with a starting price of $141,350 for the Ultra Luxury version, it definitely carries that weight. But what really captures my attention is the $115,350 Overtrail edition, a model that shows off the LX’s heritage as a sibling to the globally admired Land Cruiser—the latter not available in the U.S. While the LX 700h will draw you in with its turbo-4 hybrid working magic under the hood, it’s the Overtrail configuration that delivers a special combination of power and driving finesse.
The 2025 Lexus LX 700h marks a significant shift in its evolution. When it debuted in 2022, it bid farewell to the V-8 engine and welcomed a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V-6 engine, generating an impressive 409 hp. This powerhouse is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, giving it the kind of smooth ride you might only expect from luxury vehicles—complete with full-time four-wheel drive and a specialized low range for those tricky terrains. While there were some bumps along the road, including a significant recall for engine defects, Lexus has remedied those concerns.
Now, for the first time, the LX incorporates hybrid technology, borrowing a powerful system from the Toyota family, used in models like the Tundra pickup and Sequoia SUV. In the LX, the twin-turbo V-6 engine gets a boost from an electric motor conveniently nestled between the engine and the transmission. Together, they deliver a mighty 457 hp and 583 lb-ft in the LX, making it far more potent than its predecessors—a powerhouse in hybrid form.
Though I may not be traversing the most demanding terrains—where luxury hillside estates sit flaunting their underground wine temperature preservation—there’s a comforting knowledge that if I push the LX Overtrail too far, its self-recovery capabilities can pull me through.
This year brings us the new Overtrail trim, indicating enhancements like front and rear differential locks and eager 18-inch wheels that make climbing hills a thrilling challenge, yet comfortable enough to glide over vineyard paths.
Switching to the LX 700h Ultra Luxury at a staging area, I feel wrapped in opulence as I transition to an F Sport for an effortless cruise through Napa’s bustling traffic. Equipped with premium semi-aniline leather, a prominent 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, and even a cooled drinks compartment, this SUV goes above and beyond expectations. The hands-free power tailgate and power-folding third-row seating are like cherries on top for a vehicle in this price bracket—especially when you consider how much traffic has swelled in Napa since the pandemic disrupted everything.
The LX seems unfazed by traffic jams and, as a hybrid, offers a zippy 0-60 mph time of just 6.4 seconds—half a second quicker than the non-hybrid LX 600. While I do notice it sometimes muddles its downshifts, resulting in a jolt here and there, the steering feels composed, and the ride remains stable even over troublesome railroad tracks—a refreshing change compared to some competitors in its class.
Though I don’t experience the comfort of the back seats firsthand, the Ultra Luxury focuses heavily on passenger comfort, with heated outboard rear seats, digital controls at the center console, and even a wireless charging station.
Taking a moment to explore the seven-seat Overtrail configuration, I ponder how it would feel to be a passenger among six others. The first and second rows provide spacious luxury, but the cramped third row is less appealing, particularly with the hybrid battery intruding on space—about four inches’ worth. Let’s be honest; that seat is likely best for small children or someone under six feet tall.
However, you can simply fold down the third row when you don’t need it, expanding the limited cargo area from just 7.2 cubic feet to about 62.4 cubic feet—though it still leaves something to be desired given the vehicle’s overall size. Lexus has attempted to remedy the awkward height situation with a foldable platform to level the cargo space over the battery, and the power outlet positioned nearby is a thoughtful touch, making the space somewhat functional despite the quirks.
Performance-wise, this hybrid version shines brighter off-road than its gasoline-only sibling, also offering better fuel efficiency—an estimated increase of about 1 mpg in combined driving and 2 mpg in city settings. This lands the LX 700h at ratings of 19/22/20 mpg compared to 17/22/19 mpg for the standard LX 600.
While the differences may not be monumental at first glance, they are noticeable in real-world driving, and those ready to invest at least $115,350 on the LX 700h Overtrail will most likely relish the entire package. They’ll enjoy cranking up the 25-speaker Mark Levinson sound system, setting their seats to the perfect cool temp, and effortlessly ignoring the dirt accumulating in their rubber floor mats—because when exploring the rugged beauty of Napa Valley, those ruts and grapes are a badge of honor.
