Sunday Drive: 2025 Lexus LX 700h — Flagship vehicle the pinnacle of power, elegance
-
- Deanne with the all-new Lexus LX700h at the old Jefferson School in Springville. The flagship SUV proved to be all that we expected from the luxury brand over our week of having it as a companion.
-
- An image inside the Lexus LX700h.
-
- An image of the Lexus LX700h.
-
- An image inside the Lexus LX700h.
-
- An image inside the Lexus LX700h.
-
- An image of the Lexus LX700h.
-
- An image of the Lexus LX700h.
-
- An image of the Lexus LX700h.
It’s certainly not every week we find ourselves behind the wheel of something that is as luxurious and beautiful as last week’s test drive — but then again, the 2025 Lexus LX 700h proved to be no ordinary SUV.
Lexus has completely reimagined its full-size luxury SUV with the all-new LX 700h, blending rugged performance and refined sophistication in a way only Lexus can. After spending a full week living with this commanding hybrid powerhouse — including daily work commutes, outings around Utah County and a special weekend dinner date in Salt Lake City — we came away thoroughly impressed by how this SUV balanced elegance, power and practicality.
First impressions matter
When the LX 700h first arrived in our driveway, it was clear we were going to have a great week. Dressed in a stunning Earth tone paint and accented with satin chrome trim and 22-inch forged alloy wheels, the new LX commanded presence from every angle. Lexus’s signature spindle grille has been slightly softened in this iteration, yet it still made a bold statement.
Deanne was immediately taken with the sleek lines and tasteful use of chrome — not too much, just enough to announce its luxury status.
“It looks like something for a very special someone,” she said as we explored every inch of its well-sculpted body. And she wasn’t wrong.
Power meets efficiency
Under the hood, the LX 700h swapped out the traditional V8 in favor of a more modern hybrid setup — a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V-6 paired with a powerful electric motor, produced a combined 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque. The result? Instant power with a surprisingly smooth delivery.
Craig’s drive to work each morning felt like gliding on a cloud and floating to Provo. Despite its size, the LX handled the twists and turns of Provo’s hills and highway merges on Interstate 15 with grace. Acceleration was strong, and the 10-speed automatic transmission shifted seamlessly, always seeming to be in the right gear at the right moment.
And while we would not have expected fuel savings from such a large SUV, the hybrid powertrain delivered an average of 20 mpg for the week — a pleasant surprise for something that powerful and large.
A sanctuary on wheels
Stepping into the LX 700h was like entering a high-end lounge. Our tester came with the Overtrail 2-Row package, which incorporated a luxurious bench seat on the second row accommodating up to five passengers. Perfect for taking some of the grandkids along for a ride!
Up front, the 12.3-inch infotainment screen and separate 7-inch climate control display created a cockpit-like experience for the driver, while the 25-speaker Mark Levinson audio system enveloped us in true concert-quality sound. Whether it was Deanne’s favorite easy listening playlist or Craig’s weekend ’80s selection, the cabin became our own private music hall.
We really loved the attention to detail: hand-stitched leather, open-pore wood trim, ambient lighting and the delicate movement of the power sunshades that all came together to create an environment of true luxury.
Around town and down the canyon
Throughout the week, the LX 700h quickly became a staple in our everyday routine. Grocery runs in Springville, stops at the bank and even a lunch meeting in Provo became more enjoyable simply because of the comfort and convenience packed into this Lexus, as we took every chance, we could to get behind the wheel.
Parking at busy stores and tight downtown spots wasn’t as daunting as we would have expected. The LX’s 360-degree camera system and automatic parking assist made navigating narrow spaces a breeze, while the full suite of Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 features — adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, pre-collision warning and more — added peace of mind and additional comfort to the ride.
On Thursday evening, we took a short detour through Provo Canyon after work, just to enjoy the warm spring air and the incredible view. The LX’s adaptive suspension soaked up every bump, while the hybrid drivetrain quietly powered us along the winding road with confidence and poise. Again, it felt less like driving and more like floating.
A night out in Salt Lake City
Saturday evening brought the perfect opportunity to test the LX 700h’s luxury credentials: a dinner date in Salt Lake City. We got dressed up and made our way north, enjoying the smooth hum of the engine and the gentle ambient lighting that set the mood for the evening.
Traffic on I-15 was heavy as usual, but with the Lexus’s semi-autonomous driving features engaged, we hardly noticed. The system gently guided us through stop-and-go congestion, accelerating and braking with incredible precision. It was like having a personal chauffeur.
We arrived at the restaurant, pulled into the valet and watched as heads turned when the LX rolled to a stop. The valet even took a moment to admire the striking interior before driving off, which said a lot about the impression this vehicle makes even among seasoned luxury car handlers.
Dinner was delicious, but the drive home might have been the highlight of the night. With the seat heaters on, soft music playing and the smooth hybrid engine gliding us back to Utah County, it was one of the most relaxing drives we’ve had in years.
At the end of the week
Lexus once again has truly raised the bar with the 2025 LX 700h. It’s a bold step forward into the electrified future of luxury SUVs without sacrificing the power, capability or refinement that loyal Lexus drivers have come to expect.
For families, professionals or couples who want the best of everything — space, luxury, performance and modern tech — the LX 700h hits the mark. It was a true flagship SUV that delivered on every front.
By the end of the week, it was hard to give back the keys. Not just because of how luxurious the Lexus felt, but because it effortlessly made every moment — from commutes to canyon drives to date nights — just a little more magical.
Base price: $114,000
Destination charge: $1,350
Price as driven: $116,750
