Lexus is offering a hybrid model for the first time for its luxurious, full-sized SUV, the LX. The 2025 LX700h (Hybrid) combines its twin-turboed, 3.4-liter V-6 engine with an electric motor tied into the 10-speed automatic transmission’s housing and a nickel-metal-hydride battery.

Lexus has been adding fuel mileage-boosting hybrids to its smaller sedans and crossovers, beginning in 2006; this new one for the big LX, though, lifts fuel economy only 1 mpg. Its intention is for increased power. With the electric motor and battery engaged, horsepower jumps from 409 to 457 and torque from 479 lb.-ft. to 583.

Outstanding acceleration and tow capacity of 8,000 pounds are the payoffs for the body-on-frame Lexus LX hybrid, with a bonus of smooth performance and four wheel-drive off roading. It carries a combined fuel-economy estimate of 20 mpg.

You’ll pay $116,760 for the Overtrail model I drove; opt for the fancier one sporting the Ultra Luxury tag and the cost may reach $150,000.

Those without the hybrid boost to the 3.4 internal-combustion engine, the LX600s, are priced nearly the same as the Overtrail hybrid.

Lexus uses sensors and algorithms in its Adaptive Variable Suspension for adjustment in real time. Designed to improve ride quality and handling, the system uses 265/70R18 Toyo Open Country A/T tires.

I love the “earth tan” finish on the Lexus; it’s perfect for the large luxury SUV. I don’t care so much for the oversized, slightly elliptical grille, 4-feet wide and 2-feet tall.

Interior materials are of fine quality, with many standard features, including leather-trimmed heated steering wheel and four-zone climate concierge, plus an optional $2,600 Mark Levinson premium audio system.

Lexus, Toyota’s luxury division based in Japan, was introduced 30 years ago. It is a strong competitor to Germany’s stalwart sales successes, Mercedes-Benz and BMW.

Mercedes led sales of luxury models in the U.S. in 2024 with 374,101, followed closely by BMW’s 371,346 and Lexus’ 345,669. Then came Audi with 196,676 sales; Cadillac 160,204; Acura 132,367; Volvo 125,243; Land Rover 106,650; Lincoln 104,823; Porsche 76,167; Genesis 75,003; Infiniti 58,070; Tesla 47,300; Jaguar 13,210; Alfa Romeo 8,865; Bentley 3,840; Lamborghini 3,826; Ferrari 3,275; Aston Martin 1,905; Rolls-Royce 1,765.

Words from a reader:

Bud: The recent photo of a ’58 Chevy Impala brought back memories for me. In the mid- ‘60s, I owned a black ’58 Impala; what a vehicle. The engine was a 283-cid (probably the best engine Chevy ever built) with an automatic transmission. A couple things about the car were the brushes in the generator would go bad around every 6 months, so I carried a set with me, and the dual mufflers needed replacement often. So I would take an oil can (they were metal in those days), cut out the top, bottom and up the side to make a patch, using wire to hold the can in place. It worked and was cheaper than buying new mufflers. Those were the “good old days.” – Allan S.