The 2025 Lexus LX700h Overtrail has a purpose: to get you in and out of rugged environments safely, dependably and, most importantly, in luxury. It fills the void left by the old Toyota Land Cruiser with three-row capability and a comfortable on-road ride. Despite being a behemoth with generous cargo space and three rows of seating, the 3.4-liter V6 hybrid system helps optimize fuel economy—a noteworthy achievement, especially with the 18-inch all-terrain Toyo tires. In comparison, achieving similar off-road capability and luxury in the Range Rover lineup would likely cost you at least an additional $60,000. So while not exactly a bargain, if you need a luxurious SUV for off-road duty, the LX700h has you covered.
The Overtrail Project
At the 2023 Tokyo Outdoor Show, Lexus introduced the “Overtrail Project,” an initiative aimed at inspiring customers to explore nature through refined adventures. This project includes potential future products, accessories, gear and experiences. The LX700h Overtrail is part of this effort, offering enhanced off-road capability and unique styling. It features exclusive black or Stone Brown semi-aniline leather-trimmed seats and door panels, with matching stitching and black open-pore wood accents. For off-road functionality, it includes front and rear locking differentials, a 2,400W AC inverter and all-weather floor liners. It rides on 33-inch all-terrain tires and boasts rugged design cues like a front skid plate, matte gray grille, black door handles, dark gray roof rails and dark chrome-finished trim. Park it next to a standard LX and it’s clear this one’s ready for the trail—and your remote cabin.
Hybrid Powertrain
This marks the first LX to feature a hybrid powertrain, purpose-built for demanding off-road use. The system combines a twin-turbo V6 with a nickel-metal hydride battery, delivering 457 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque—more than enough for any terrain. The battery is tucked beneath the third-row seat to maximize gear space. This Lexus hybrid system is the first to include both an alternator and a starter, providing critical redundancy for off-grid scenarios. If the hybrid system fails, the starter can independently ignite the engine, and the alternator powers the 12V battery so you can keep moving using just the engine.
Lexus also introduces motor-driven power to the low-range gear for the first time, enabling precise motor-only control in rough terrain. This complements the Multi-Terrain Select (MTS) system, which adjusts drive power, brake pressure and suspension settings based on driving conditions. L4 range offers Auto, Sand, Mud and Rock modes, while H4 adds Dirt and Deep Snow to the list. The Auto mode uses wheel sensor input to optimize traction on the fly.
Waterproof for the Apocalypse
In a world of extreme weather, true luxury sometimes means preparation. The hybrid battery is sealed within a waterproof tray with upper and lower chambers, allowing a claimed fording depth of 27.5 inches. If water breaches the tray, a sensor alerts the driver through the dashboard.
Display It
The cabin features a 12.3-inch high-definition upper touchscreen, complemented by a 7-inch LX-exclusive lower touchscreen. There’s also a standard heads-up display, giving you essential information without taking your eyes off the trail. Parallel parking is simplified with an automated system activated via a dedicated hard button. Lexus’s Front Cross Traffic Assist adds to the suite of safety features, alerting you to crossing vehicles or cyclists at intersections. And for family outings, the center console houses a Cool Box that keeps your drinks chilled—even in the summer heat.
The Audio Experience
The LX deserves an equally refined audio system, and Lexus delivers with help from Mark Levinson. The 25-speaker, 2400-watt system includes a rear subwoofer and incorporates Quantum Logic Surround (QLS) technology to deliver a rich, immersive soundstage to all passengers. It can simulate 7.1-channel audio from standard stereo sources, and while audiophiles may still want more, the overall tuning and sound clarity will satisfy most listeners.
In Summary
The Lexus LX700h is large, luxurious, rugged and, yes, pricey—but less so than a comparable three-row Range Rover. Factor in Lexus’s legendary reliability and you have a vehicle built to serve your family for decades. At $118,000, it’s an investment, but if you’re heading to your secluded estate and want to get there in comfort and style, the LX700h Overtrail is more than up to the task.
