Lexus just released the 2025 model of the LX, and the core change is a hybrid version called the LX 700h, said to deliver a triple upgrade of "performance + luxury + off-road capability."

Then I looked at the price—good lord, the whole lineup went up 13% to 30%! The starting price jumped straight to over $106,000, and domestically it's even more brutal: starting at 1.25 million RMB, with the top trim hitting 1.55 million. That price hike is a bit absurd.

As usual, let me state upfront: I haven't received a single cent from Lexus—this is purely from a consumer's perspective. There are way too many paid shills out there treating consumers like fools, and we need to keep our eyes open.

Getting back to this LX 700h, it's still built on Toyota's LC300 platform, but swapped to a hybrid system pairing a 3.4T V6 twin-turbo with an electric motor.

The numbers look decent: 457 horsepower total, 790 Nm of torque, 0-100 km/h in 6.4 seconds—half a second quicker than the pure gas version.

Especially at low-end torque, with the electric motor assist, climbing and getting unstuck should theoretically be much stronger—the official claim is a 157% improvement. That figure... take it with a grain of salt; real-world performance depends on the terrain.

But the fuel savings from this hybrid are honestly pretty "skeletal." Official data shows only 1-2 MPG better than the gas version, which translates to less than 1 liter per 100 km saved. That's... uh... it feels more like it's for performance rather than saving a few bucks on gas. If you're buying it to save fuel, you're dreaming.

However, the new Overtrail edition is actually somewhat interesting. It comes standard with front and rear differential locks, 33-inch all-terrain tires, and scratch-resistant 18-inch wheels with front skid plates. Wading depth is 70 cm, and the battery is waterproofed.

That hydraulic suspension can raise and lower about 10 cm, and paired with low-range four-wheel drive, the torque multiplication is stronger. It really does have that "wear a suit to go off-roading" vibe—the hardware is generously equipped.

As for the top-spec Ultra Luxury version, the third row is gone entirely—it's a four-seater. Rear seats are independent with massage and ventilation, plus power leg rests and wireless charging.

The interior is upgraded too: khaki-green wood trim paired with semi-aniline leather, plus that 12.3-inch triple-screen setup—the luxury feel is maxed out.

Safety features got some new additions too, like emergency steering avoidance and left-turn collision prevention, along with 360 surround view and blind spot monitoring.

The hybrid version also adds a separate starter motor, said to be for reliability in extreme situations—paying homage to the old Land Cruiser.

Plenty of praise, but the downsides are just as glaring. No sugarcoating—there are three main gripes:

First, the price hike is brutal—it's basically "highway robbery"! North American starting price is already $106K, and domestically it starts at 1.25 million RMB.

The top-spec hybrid domestically is 1.55 million RMB! At that price, looking at North America where the top trim is only about $140K+ (roughly just over 1 million RMB), that price gap... aren't domestic consumers getting a bit ripped off?

Second, the hybrid sacrifices space and range. The battery eats into cargo space, cutting third-row legroom by 5 cm, and the floor isn't flat when the seats are folded.

The fuel tank also shrank from nearly 80 liters to under 68 liters—for a hardcore SUV meant for long-distance expeditions, range anxiety is through the roof.

Third, the infotainment system and driving feel still fall short. The center screen interface looks like it's from a bygone era, and response is slow. You still have to use physical buttons for the AC—a bit cumbersome.

The suspension is adjustable, but on the road the body roll is still noticeable, tire noise is considerable, and overall comfort lags behind a Mercedes GLS at the same price point.

In summary, the 2025 Lexus LX 700h feels like a "contradiction" to me. The hybrid improves performance but barely saves fuel, luxury features are piled on but the infotainment interaction is outdated, and the off-road hardware looks hardcore but the price is terrifying.

So my advice is: unless you're a die-hard Lexus fan, or you specifically need a hardcore SUV that can both get dirty and show up at fancy venues—and money is no object—then go ahead and consider it.