Lexus SUV hybrids have been around since 2006 so when the luxurious LX Series joined the pack with its off-road chops, we felt it was overdue. Akin to Toyota’s Land Cruiser, the nearly three-ton hybrid machine surprisingly keeps its fuel economy low – one mile per hour above its gasoline powered LX600 sibling.
The result is an LX700h powered by a 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6 with an electric motor within the 10-speed automatic transmission enclosure. Its battery combines to produce 457 horsepower – 48 ponies more than the non-hybrid — and an impressive 583 lb. ft of torque.
At our independent test track, the F Sport, reached 60 miles per hour in 6.4 seconds – a respectable reach considering its girth.
All this opulence and performance comes with a steep price tag with base numbers around $116,000, topping out around $141,000.
You can order your new chariot in five trim levels – Overtrail, F Sport, Handling, Luxury and Ultra Luxury with massaging seats for first and second row occupants.
If you choose to venture off-road, the LX is equipped with the necessary accou- trements to make the journey a fun experience. Adjustable four-wheel drive with low range, metal skid plate, electronically- locking front and rear differential, crawl and hill descent control, adaptive suspension and an underbody camera view although ground clearance remains the same as last year at 8.1 inches.
Third row occupants enjoy headroom and knee space but it stops there due to its raised floor and hybrid battery storage that cramps body parts.
With the Overtrail trim, you can delete the third row resulting in five seats creating up to 41 cubic feet of cargo space and 81 cubes with second row folded.
Lexus vehicles have long been the envy in the industry offering posh interiors with up to several hundred-thousand-mile reliability, soft surfaces, a hushed ride and an available cold air box under the center console to keep your beverages, well, cold.
The LX 700h rides on 22-inch forged F Sport wheels with dark gray metallic finish.
There are competitors that are quicker and more tech savvy including the Mercedes-AMG GL Class, Land Rover Range Rover and Lincoln Navigator but they lack the finesse of Lexus craftmanship.
We’d recommend the two-row option that results in more cargo and a $5,000 savings that can go toward a luxury package featuring semi-aniline leather with contrast stitching, a Mark Levinson sound system with 25 speakers and 2,400-watt surround sound, heated and ventilated front and second-row seats.
A 360-degree visual view is displayed on a 12.3-inch center infotainment display to aid in parking along with rear camera view. A plethora of on-board safety gear is standard including pedestrian detection, emergency braking, adaptive cruise control and blind spot monitoring. A second 12.3-inch digital screen displays engine vitals.
F Sport features semi-aniline leathers throughout the cabin. Exterior badging includes fender treatment, front fascia and mesh grille insert and rear bumper valance.
The Lexus ride is whisper quiet with ample passing power. We noticed little body roll on turns with dial-a-drive mode including Normal, Eco, Comfort, Custom Sport S and Sport S Plus as well as off-road modes with corresponding changes to gear timing, suspension, braking and acceleration.