Lexus is adding a ‘performance hybrid’ powertrain to the range-topping LX line-up in 2026, with a serious price premium.
Lexus Australia has announced the price for its new range-topping LX hybrid SUV.
Available across three variants in the LX range, the new LX700h skips the entry-level Luxury and off-road oriented Overtrail grades, instead landing with the Sports Luxury five and seven-seater, and F Sport five-seat grades.
Pricing for the cheapest LX700h Sports Luxury starts from $196,000 before on-road costs, making it $19,700 more expensive than the equivalent LX500d diesel, or $16,200 more than than the LX600 petrol.
The seven-seat version of the LX700h Sports Luxury starts from $199,800, while the range-topping LX700h F Sport is priced from $202,000 – all before on-road costs.
The LX700h takes the title of the most powerful Lexus hybrid to date, with a combined 341kW and 790Nm, eclipsing the 273kW/551Nm of the Lexus RX500h – the previous title holder.
The new hybrid LX also takes the title of the highest torque output of any Lexus model so far – 90Nm higher than that of the 3.3-litre twin-turbo diesel V6 in the LX500d.
Like the RX500h, the LX500d uses a single-motor hybrid system that can assist under acceleration, or power the vehicle in EV-only mode at low speeds.
The LX700h’s hybrid system is also used to provide precise throttle control when the Rock, Dirt, and Deep Snow drive modes of the Multi-Terrain Select off-road system are in use.
The LX700h hybrid is based on the same 3.5-litre twin-turbo petrol V6 as the LX600, producing 305kW/600Nm, assisted by a 36kW/250Nm electric motor, with a 10-speed torque converter automatic and full-time four-wheel drive with low range.
Lexus claims the new hybrid system results in fuel consumption of 10.0 litres per 100km under test conditions, compared to the 11.9L/100km claim from the LX600, although not as efficient as the 8.9L/100km of the LX500d diesel.
As with other LX models, the LX700h retains its 3500kg maximum braked towing capacity.
Lexus has retained a 12-volt starter battery, starter motor, and alternator, which are isolated from the hybrid system and designed to keep the vehicle mobile even if a hybrid fault is detected.
Other hybrid changes include a 1500-Watt mains power inverter and a household outlet in the cargo area to run small appliances.
Cargo capacity of the hybrid models is impacted thanks to the addition of the hybrid battery with five-seat models dropping from 1109 litres to 889L, while the seven-seat version measures in at 883L to the second row.
Alongside the introduction of the LX700h, Lexus is making the previously optional Enhancement Package for the LX500d and LX600 Luxury standard equipment, adding 22-inch alloy wheels, a hands-free powered tailgate, and a moon roof standard.
At the same time, the previously range-topping four-seat LX600 Ultra has been discontinued with no replacement.
The 2026 Lexus LX range will be available in Australia during the first half of 2026.
2026 Lexus LX price in Australia
Note: All prices above exclude on-road costs.
Kez Casey migrated from behind spare parts counters to writing about cars over ten years ago. Raised by a family of automotive workers, Kez grew up in workshops and panel shops before making the switch to reviews and road tests for The Motor Report, Drive and CarAdvice.
