2025 Lexus LX 700h Hybrid Debuts As Cadillac Escalade Rival

The 2025 Lexus LX recently debuted with quite a few changes and updates that make it a more formidable rival to the Cadillac Escalade. The full-size luxury SUV range features the LX 600, the LX 700h, along with the new Overtrail trim level that focuses on making the Lexus LX as off-road ready as it can be right off the showroom floor. 

The 2025 Lexus LX 700h harnesses the Toyota V35A-FTS V6 hybrid engine, which is capable of 457 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque. The drivetrain utilizes the same twin-turbocharged V6 engine as the LX 600 model, but the hybrid system adds 11 percent more horsepower and 21 percent more torque. As a reminder, the 2025 Lexus LX 600, which does not feature a hybrid powertrain, is capable of 409 horsepower and maximum 479 pound-feet of torque.

The LX 700h boasts the same tow rating of up to 8,000 pounds while providing five percent better fuel economy for a combined 20 mpg average. The automaker’s 10-speed automatic transmission does shifting duty, sending power to a standard four-wheel-drive (4WD) system, just like in the LX 600.  In off-road scenarios, the system can draw on motor-driven power to the low range, a first for the Lexus brand. 

The LX 700h Overtrail trim makes its way to the LX range for the first time since it was introduced on the 2024 Lexus GX. Overtrail models feature off-road-ready equipment, along with an exclusive exterior color known as Earth, along with Black or Stone Brown interior colorways. It also features front and rear locking differentials, a 2,400W AC inverter, and off-road all-weather floor liners. It rolls on meaty 33-inch all-terrain tires and 18-inch wheels, and is fitted with a front skid plate and a host of rugged aesthetic upgrades. 

Pricing for the 2025 Lexus LX has not been released as of this writing.

Comparatively, powertrain options for the 2025 Escalade – which received a thorough refresh – are comprised of two gasoline engines, starting with the standard naturally aspirated 6.2L V8 engine (production code L87), capable of 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. The supercharged 6.2L V8 engine (production code LT4) is found under the hood of the high-performance Escalade-V, where it puts out 682 horsepower and 653 pound-feet of torque. The turbodiesel 3.0L I6 engine (production code LM2) has been deleted from the lineup, as first reported by Cadillac Society. 

Pricing for the 2025 Escalade starts at $89,590, including destination freight charges.