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The iconic 300-Series Toyota Land Cruiser remains a tantalizing prospect for many Canadian enthusiasts, but what if we told you that this coveted gem has been hiding in plain sight, waiting to be discovered? We’re not discussing the recently launched 250-series LC. Here is the rewritten text:
The Lexus LX is essentially an upscale variant of the Land Cruiser-based LC 300, sharing its platform with the Toyota Tundra. It has been right here the entire time, merely bearing an alternate name more commonly used in North America.
This fourth-generation mannequin persistently showcases robust functionality, solidity, and ample leather trim suitable for an emperor. Introducing our latest innovation: a cutting-edge hybrid powertrain now available on select trims, starting with the Overtrail+ model in 2025. This game-changing feature takes our off-road capabilities to new heights, effortlessly navigating even the most challenging terrain to leave Raptors and Defenders in its dust. The top-tier LX 700h model combines its 3.4-litre twin-turbocharged V6 engine with a nickel-metal-hydride battery and an electric motor seamlessly integrated into the 10-speed automatic transmission. The revised text is: In total, the engine combination yields 457 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque, a notable 48 horsepower and 104 pound-feet increase over the LX 600, yet it also hauls around an additional 397 pounds.
There’s extra. The LX 700 Overtrail+ model boasts a comprehensive array of features, including 33-inch Toyo Open Country All-Terrain tires mounted on 18-inch wheels, as well as advanced off-road capabilities like front and rear locking differentials and a robust steel skid plate. Additionally, the luxury SUV is equipped with a 120V AC inverter, trailer brake system, and premium interior amenities such as heated, ventilated, and massage-functioning front seats, which are complemented by heated and ventilated second-row seats. Describing Overtrail+ as absolutely loaded might be understating its features, but it’s truly excessive in its capabilities.
While suitable for adventurous types who frequently venture off-pavement, we advise this vehicle primarily to those who can fully exploit its all-terrain capabilities, acknowledging the significant trade-offs involved in sacrificing on-road performance. The tires significantly impact comfort and on-road refinement, causing every minor perturbation to reverberate through the cabin as the rubber flexes and oscillates, generating a hypnotic, rocking motion on smoother roads – although it’s far from the sublime, cloud-like ride enjoyed in an RX or TX. The most effective approach would be to add another $42,000 for the Government VIP Package, alternatively consider sacrificing the hybrid motor in favor of the LX 600 powertrain.
While the hybrid model has successfully tackled a major criticism of the LX 600 – its slow acceleration – The V6 engine delivers robust performance, its massive capacity providing ample power. While benefiting from hybrid assistance, the engine’s character is uncannily reminiscent of a powerful large-displacement V8, boasting impressive low-end torque and a satisfying mid-range punch. The hybrid’s refined gearbox ensures silky-smooth transitions between its 10 cogs, eliminating any perceptible gear shifts and yielding seamless transitions between gears and modes of propulsion. The Lexus hybrid’s V6 engine provides a silky-smooth performance, in stark contrast to the rugged four-cylinder hybrid found in the Land Cruiser 250, which emits a coarse note under acceleration. Even when pushed hard, the V6 remains muted, its only concession being a faint whisper that complements its refined demeanor? These Japanese SUVs have consistently excelled in quiet luxury.
As soon as you shift into drive, the aura of opulence starts to wane. While the LX navigates rough terrain with ease, its less-refined nature compared to the BMW X7 and Mercedes-Benz GLS makes it less adept at smoothing out pockmarked roads. As you accelerate or brake, the vehicle’s vigorous movements can be tiring, despite the adaptive suspension attempting to mitigate the effects, leaving an exhaustingly busy driving experience. As you settle into the driver’s seat, a sense of supreme confidence washes over you, as if the very road itself is yours to command; the LX’s substantial presence dominates the lane, its broad stance a testament to your authority on the asphalt. The vehicle’s imposing physique is skillfully camouflaged by sharply defined creases and intricately crafted geometric lines, its dark earth-toned finish expertly drawing the gaze inward; meanwhile, the subtly redesigned seven-slat grille cleverly misdirects attention from its rugged contours to instead emphasize its sleek, athletic profile – a testament to the power beneath its streamlined exterior.
We’re puzzled by how an SUV of such enormous exterior proportions can feel so claustrophobic inside, especially in the second row, where headroom and legroom are alarmingly limited and far less generous than its rivals, including the Infiniti QX80 and even Lexus’ own TX. While the GX may not appear significantly downsized from its larger counterparts, this raises the question: what would prompt someone to opt for an LX when a GX is available? The third row of seats accommodates six-foot adults with reasonable comfort, though prolonged trips may find the space somewhat cramped for taller individuals. Although the third row folds down to provide a reasonable amount of cargo space, it’s surprising that only the front cabin has access to a single sunroof, leaving the rear without one, thereby exacerbating the already cramped atmosphere.
The cabin’s architecture remains unchanged since 2022, apart from the introduction of a new gear lever, and is noticeably more traditional compared to Lexus’ other options. The cabin boasts an array of intuitive buttons and dedicated controls for the air suspension and heating systems, allowing seamless access without resorting to a cramped touchscreen search for small buttons. The twin touchscreens, particularly the lower one, are somewhat unhelpful. With a singular, large-format display mirroring the NX’s premium design, users benefit from a seamless learning curve, breathtakingly vivid graphics, and an unobtrusive placement that harmonizes with the cabin’s flowing aesthetic. The lack of tactile feedback from haptic contact sensors on the steering wheel elicited a collective groan, a persistent issue plaguing both RX and TX models featuring these problematic interfaces. This innovative design presents a welcome simplification to the mechanism’s functionality, streamlining the connection between the drive’s constituent parts.
While the interior offers ample space overall, the driver’s seat vantage point reveals a somewhat claustrophobic atmosphere due to the high door panels and elevated center console, which significantly limits knee room for the front passenger. Isn’t there any storage space located beneath the middle console, which contributes to the cramped and claustrophobic atmosphere? The spacious centre console features ample storage space for your devices, complemented by two standard cup holders and a wireless charging pad conveniently located in front of the gear shift. Otherwise, the space often appears underdeveloped. By situating the shifter closer to the driver, manufacturers could have facilitated an even more ergonomic design tailored to the needs of workhorse operators. The mid-console’s design prioritizes cooling and depth, with a notable emphasis on the space devoted to the cooling fan motor, rather than its overall breadth.
The Lexus LX was engineered to withstand the toughest terrain, with a rugged design that excels in desert landscapes, sandy dunes, muddy trails, and rocky gravel roads. While casual daily driving and routine errands may not be a primary concern for many off-road enthusiasts, it’s undeniable that the Overtrail+ trim offers an impressive level of capability, much like its peers in the Jeep Wrangler, Ford Bronco, and G-Wagen and Land Rover Defender camps. The iconic Land Cruiser; regardless of its current state, it’s undeniable that this vehicle is a true off-road legend. Greatest to not neglect that.
2025 Lexus LX 700h Overtrail+
Earth
$136,059
$138,804
2,850
5,095 / 1,990 / 1,895
2,840
Twin-turbocharged 3.4-litre V6 engine, nickel-metal-hydride rechargeable battery, and electric motor.
457 hp
583 lb-ft
10-speed computerized
Entrance engine, 4WD
: 14.6
Toyo Open Nation all-terrain tires, featuring a rugged 33-inch profile and 18-inch wheels for exceptional traction and durability.
