Lexus LX Gains A New Hybrid Drivetrain For 2025

The current generation of the Land Cruiser 300-based flagship Lexus LX has been in the market for about two years now, and though it isn’t yet getting a mid-cycle facelift, it is now getting a new hybrid drivetrain and a few enhancements. The new nomenclature for this particular 2025 Lexus LX variant is called the LX 700h, and it introduces a couple of firsts for a Lexus hybrid system.

A Hybrid System That Works Even In Emergencies

Hybrids usually don’t have an engine starter or even an alternator, since these two components are fulfilled by the motor generator. A 12-volt battery is still present, though, for auxiliary power, but this is exactly why you don’t hear a cranking noise with hybrids in general. In the case of the Lexus LX 700h, though, it gets both an alternator and an engine starter the reason for this is because, the new hybrid system has been designed to be able to function with the electrical and battery systems disabled, and with the engine running independently.

With the engine solely powering the vehicle, the other drivetrain features like the four-wheel drive (4WD) system and the locking differentials, just to name a few, are still functioning as is. Yes, this even includes the other electronic features like the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) electronic disconnecting swaybar, and the adjustable air suspension, just to name a few.

Waterproof For Outdoor Use

That use case, however, is only for emergency uses and won’t happen in your daily driving scenarios. In every other circumstance, the hybrid system, which is a parallel hybrid system, mind you, will work with both the gasoline engine and the electric motor providing motive power to the vehicle. The electric motor-generator is located near the gearbox, in which a clutch system can engage or disengage the motor to either drive the LX in pure electric mode or provide full hybrid power when needed.

Now, as for the parallel hybrid drivetrain itself, this consists of the now-familiar 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 along with that electric motor running along the car’s ten-speed automatic. Unfortunately, Lexus hasn’t released any power figures for this drivetrain, but if our hunch is right, it uses the same i-FORCE Max drivetrain of the Toyota Sequoia. If that’s the case, its output is probably 437 horsepower and 790 Nm of torque.

Also noteworthy is that the electrical components of the hybrid drivetrain, including the battery and the AC inverter, are all waterproof. The AC inverter allows the LX with the hybrid system to be used as an external power source, and access to the AC inverter’s power is done through the power outlets on the rear cargo area or through the second row console.

A New Overtrail Variant

 

As for the rest of the vehicle, the 2025 Lexus LX remains largely unchanged, though it does come with a few enhancements to improve the vehicle’s overall appeal, while a new version called the Overtrail has also been introduced. Building upon the Overtrail series that was kicked off by the GX, the new LX Overtrail likewise receives a plethora of rugged treatments to boost its off-road capability.

The LX Overtrail sets itself apart with its uniquely-designed black gloss spindle grille and matte gray 18-inch aluminum wheels. The chrome trimmings surrounding the foglamps, roof rails, window moldings, wheel arch moldings, door handles, outer mirrors, and rear bumper side garnish have been ditched in favor or either gloss black or matte black, as they hope to embody a “professional tool” theme in the LX Overtrail’s exterior design.

Finally, in terms of capability, those 18-inch wheels are available in specialized mud terrain tires, which isn’t just for off-road use, but Lexus has also taken into consideration refinement and tire noise when the LX Overtrail is driven on paved roads. Going for the LX Overtrail also introduces additional front and rear locking differentials on top of the center differential lock. This enables individual locking of each axle as needed as opposed to just being able to control one central differential for all four wheels.

Enhanced Interior Features

Again, while this is not technically a mid-cycle facelift, the 2025 Lexus LX does come with a few new features to keep this flagship luxury SUV competitive. The overall interior vibe is still luxurious, and the Lexus Interface infotainment system with a secondary touch screen remains unchanged. What’s new for this model year is a 12.3-inch fully-digital instrument cluster, replacing the archaic 8-inch digital gauges it used to have. Finally, there are new “refresh” front seats with a massage function; the wireless charging pad now has a higher output; and the electronic gear shifter has a new layout that supposedly makes it easier to use over uneven terrain.

Finally, when opting for the LX Overtrail, the cabin is dressed in a “monolith” color theme. The primary section of the seat upholstery and the door trim feature a low-saturation monolith, complemented by ash burl black ornamentation, which together create a refined and sophisticated off-road atmosphere that also manages to project a rugged image.