2025 Lexus LX700h Overtrail Review: The LX That Finally Makes Sense
If you’re shopping for a Lexus LX, the new Overtrail trim is the version you’ve been waiting for. This full-size luxury SUV has always had rugged bones—body-on-frame construction, a live rear axle, and serious off-road capability—but most trims dress it up like a suburban mall crawler. The Overtrail finally leans into what the LX truly is: a modern Land Cruiser in a tuxedo.
Why the Overtrail Is the Purest LX
The LX has long been a paradox—a luxury SUV built on hardcore off-road DNA, yet most trims (including the inexplicable F Sport) prioritize on-road polish. The Overtrail changes that, adding:
- 18-inch Toyo Open Country all-terrain tires (265/70R18)
- Torsen center differential with locking front/rear axles
- Multi-Terrain Select (MTS) with Sand, Mud, and Rock modes
- Disconnectable anti-roll bars for better articulation
Yes, it still has Lexus luxury—soft leather, wood trim, and a 25-speaker Mark Levinson stereo—but now it looks like the off-roader it is.
Hybrid Power: More Muscle, (Slightly) Better MPG
For 2025, Lexus introduces the LX700h hybrid, pairing its 3.4L twin-turbo V-6 with an electric motor for:
- 457 hp and 583 lb-ft of torque (vs. 409 hp in the LX600)
- 0-60 mph in 6.2 seconds (quicker than the non-hybrid)
- 20 mpg combined (up from 19 mpg in the LX600)
But there’s a catch:
- The hybrid’s 18-gallon tank (vs. 21.1 gallons in the LX600) limits range.
- Real-world mileage? We saw just 13 mpg in testing.
- The 1.9-kWh NiMH battery eats into cargo space.
The hybrid system is smooth in stop-and-go traffic, but the V-6’s gruff vibrations feel out of place when it reignites after silent electric cruising.
On-Road Manners: Still a Truck
The Overtrail doesn’t magically fix the LX’s old-school SUV dynamics:
- Body roll? Like a yacht in rough seas.
- Brake dive? Pronounced.
- Suspension? Easily overwhelmed by bumps.
Yet, the off-road tires don’t ruin the ride—they actually soak up small cracks well. And the better weight distribution (51/49 front/rear) helps handling.
| Performance | LX700h Overtrail | LX600 F Sport |
|---|---|---|
| 0-60 mph | 6.2 sec | 6.7 sec |
| 60-0 mph braking | 135 ft | 128 ft |
| Skidpad grip | 0.68 g | 0.75 g |
Surprisingly, the Overtrail out-accelerates the “sporty” F Sport and nearly matches its braking. The Toyo tires only cost it 0.07 g in cornering grip—still on par with a Mercedes G-Class.
Off-Road: Where It Shines
The Overtrail’s soft suspension, locking diffs, and 33-inch tires make it brilliant off-pavement:
- Crawl Control and Multi-Terrain Monitor help navigate tough trails.
- High ground clearance (9.8 inches) and approach/departure angles (27/23 degrees) beat most luxury SUVs.
- Articulation? Far better than an Escalade or Wagoneer.
Practicality: Third-Row Woes Remain
The LX’s third row is cramped (best for kids), but access is improved over older Land Cruisers. The Overtrail’s base price ($113,700) undercuts other LX trims, making it a relative bargain—if you skip the $1,750 third-row delete.
Verdict: The LX We’ve Always Wanted
The Overtrail isn’t perfect—it’s thirsty, truck-like on-road, and expensive. But it’s the first LX that fully embraces its off-road roots while keeping Lexus luxury. If you’re buying an LX, this is the one to get.
Final Score: 8.5/10
✅ Best off-road LX yet
✅ Hybrid adds power (and a tiny MPG boost)
✅ Priced below other LX trims
❌ Still clunky on pavement
❌ Small fuel tank limits range
