HERE’S WHY THE TOYOTA SEQUOIA'S RICH COUSIN FROM LEXUS IS WORTH THE PREMIUM

When it comes to hybrid vehicles, there is one brand that immediately comes to mind. If you first thought of Toyota, then it's unsurprising to see why. The Japanese automaker has the highest number of hybrid offerings in the United States, which also means that they also have the biggest market share in the overall hybrid vehicle market in the United States.

That's even the case when you take into account Toyota's luxury brand Lexus, which also has a hybrid version of all of its models. From the best-selling RX hybrid to the sporty LC hybrid and even the evergreen ES hybrid, there's a wide range of luxury hybrid models to choose from at Lexus. They're also in a unique position because Lexus is the only automaker that offers a full-size body-on-frame luxury hybrid off-roader. Take note, the Range Rover isn't body-on-frame, while the Hummer EV is, well, an EV. The Grand Wagoneer isn't even available as a hybrid, and yes, this model in question is absolutely worth the premium over its Toyota Sequoia cousin.

Why This LX Is Worth The Premium

That SUV that is absolutely worth the premium over its Toyota Sequoia cousin is the newly-launched Lexus LX 700h--a new, hybrid variant of the flagship Lexus luxury SUV. Nothing else in Lexus's stable has the sheer presence and prestige that the LX offers, and by giving it a hybrid powertrain, the LX becomes an even more appealing option, even if the 1 MPG gain over the LX 600 is miniscule.

Twice The Price, Twice The Car

The LX is the pinnacle of the Lexus SUV range, so it's unsurprising to find that with a base price of $115,350 for the base and rugged Overtrail version, it's nearly twice the price of a base Toyota Sequoia. For most people, they'd probably spend the extra dough on getting a second car. Heck, you could get a base Sequoia and a base Corolla Cross Hybrid and still have change for half a year's worth of fuel, but the buyer demographic of the Lexus LX doesn't think of such constraints.

Money is no object for the LX buyer. The huge leap in luxury that the flagship Lexus SUV offers, along with the air of exclusivity of entering the six-digit territory, is what the LX buyer desires. Besides, while they share similar underpinnings, the TNGA-F platform and the 3.4-liter twin-turbo V-6 i-Force Max parallel hybrid drivetrain included, the LX is a completely different beast from the Sequoia. For starters, it produces a stout 457 horses (+20 horses) and 583 pound-feet of torque (same as the Sequoia). This is likewise mated to the same 10-speed automatic found in that full-size SUV. At the same time, you have to remember that the LX is more closely related to the highly-popular Land Cruiser 300--a full-size SUV that's so popular worldwide, customers are willing to pay the markups that dealers slap on this thing.

A Robust And Clever Hybrid Drivetrain

That robust hybrid drivetrain also happens to be cleverly engineered. You see, hybrids usually don’t have an engine starter or even an alternator, since these two components are fulfilled by the motor generator. A 12-volt battery is still present, though, for auxiliary power, but this is exactly why you don’t hear a cranking noise in hybrids in general. In the case of the Lexus LX 700h, though, it gets both an alternator and an engine starter. This is because the new hybrid system has been designed to be able to function with the electrical and battery systems disabled, while the engine can run independently.

With the engine solely powering the vehicle, the other drivetrain features like the four-wheel drive (4WD) system and the locking differentials, just to name a few, are still functioning as is. Yes, this even includes other electronic features like the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) electronic disconnecting swaybar, and the adjustable air suspension, just to name a few. That use case, however, is only for emergency uses and won’t happen in your daily driving scenarios. In every other circumstance, the hybrid system will work with both the gasoline engine and the electric motor providing motive power to the vehicle. The electric motor-generator is located near the gearbox, in which a clutch system can engage or disengage the motor to either drive the LX in pure electric mode or provide full hybrid power when needed.

The LX Also Offers XL Amounts Of Space And Luxury

Just as the Lexus LX gains a hybrid option, the 2025 model year also introduced a slew of changes to the full-size SUV. Some are underneath the skin, and some are quality-of-life improvements. Regardless, these small changes result in the LX becoming even more compelling to own.

XL Size, LX Design Signature

Whichever angle you look at it, the Lexus LX's XL size is closely related to the Land Cruiser 300. Thankfully (or probably unfortunately, depending on which vehicle you prefer), the Land Cruiser 300 isn't sold in the United States, so this design identity is unique to the LX. All variants come with a tall and imposing Lexus Spindle Grille, which is flanked by LED headlights. The side profile highlights its purposeful yet sophisticated demeanor, complemented by 22-inch wheels on all but the off-road-focused Overtrail variant, which gets 18-inch wheels wrapped in specialized mud-terrain tires. Lastly, the rear end of the LX 700h comes with full-width LED taillights and L-shaped elements on each end for a distinct glow at night.

Sumptuous Luxury And Space

But where you really feel that six-digit price you paid for is with the interior of the Lexus LX. All variants come with semi-aniline leather in various color choices that's complemented by either aluminum or wood trims. Each variant is paired with a selection of various colors that match with the theme of each model. For instance, opting for the F Sport version gives you the choice of a red interior, while the Luxury and Ultra Luxury trims can be upholstered in tan semi-aniline leather. Finally, every surface you touch is sumptuously crafted, indeed deserving of its six-digit price tag.

Now, as for any equipment changes in 2025, they're mostly centered around the new and standard-fit 12.3-inch fully digital gauge cluster. This is coupled with the 12.3-inch Lexus Interface infotainment system and a 7-inch secondary touchscreen for the climate controls. A Mark Levinson surround-sound system is optional in the F Sport and Overtrail, while the Luxury and Ultra Luxury come with this top-notch sound system as standard.

Finally, while third-row seats are standard, the Ultra Luxury is meant for VIPs as it only accommodates four people through its rear executive-class captain's chairs. These rear seats come with a massage function, an 11.4-inch rear entertainment screen, center console storage with folding tables, and a footrest for the right rear occupant.

Diversity In Its Hybrid Lineup

The new LX 700h is just the tip of the Lexus luxury hybrid iceberg. While this represents the pinnacle of Lexus hybrid and SUV luxury, the success of Lexus' hybrid strategy lies in its broad range of luxury hybrids in different body styles and price points.

Yes, They Still Offer Luxury Hybrid Cars

Unlike most automakers in the luxury segment who have abandoned hybrid luxury cars, Lexus still caters to these buyers. The ES 300h is perfect for those looking for an easy-going yet premium driving experience, while for added luxury and sportiness, there's also the flagship and full-size LS 500h. The LS is still worth the look, but this full-size luxury sedan, despite how striking and sumptuous it still is, will nearly hit the decade-old mark in the coming years. Its future in the Lexus lineup is somewhat uncertain as a result.

Lastly, if you want a hybrid grand tourer (GT), then Lexus is in the unique position of selling you the LC 500h. Using the same 3.5-liter V-6 series-parallel Multi-Stage Hybrid system as the LS 500h, the LC 500h seamlessly blends performance and long-distance refinement. Though it sacrifices a bit of direct throttle feel and aural theater from the LC 500 and its 5.0-liter V-8, the LC 500h is nevertheless unique in that it's the only hybrid GT that you can buy today.

Along With A Slew Of Hybrid Luxury SUVs

Hybrid luxury SUVs and crossovers are truly what make up the bulk of Lexus' overall hybrid sales. From the small UX to the larger-than-life LX and even the Texas-sized TX, there's a hybrid luxury SUV or crossover to satisfy a premium electrified need. Lexus as a brand in the United States is defined by the RX, because it is its overall bestseller and its best-selling hybrid. This is followed by the NX, which is a slightly smaller crossover SUV, while the TX is perfect for those who want to carry the whole family in luxury, but thinks they are too cool to be driving around in a minivan. Finally, you've got the tiny UX, which is perfect for young premium buyers seeking for style and individuality out of their premium hybrid vehicle.

2025-03-10T04:11:02Z