Click to enlarge.
Lexus said today that the LX for the 2026 model year will offer an F SPORT Appearance Package, available exclusively on the LX 700h F SPORT Handling model. The package has color-keyed lower front and rear bumper accents, black outside mirror covers, black rear spoiler winglets, and color-keyed running board accents. The 2026 LX is offered in five grades: Premium, F SPORT Handling, Luxury, Ultra Luxury, and Overtrail. For the first time a Hybrid Powertrain is available. Pricing ranges from $107,950 to $142,450. The 2026 LX lineup is assembled at Toyota Auto Body Yoshiwara.
The Overtrail grade offers additional equipment “to help customers revel in the exploration of the outdoors. It exudes a tough and rugged persona too: offering exterior color Earth1 and, inside, Black or Stone Brown semi-aniline leather-trim on the seats and door panels with Stone Brown stitching and Black Open Pore wood accents on the center console and door panels.
“In addition, Overtrail adds front and rear locking differentials, a 2,400W AC inverter, and off-road all-weather floor liners. The vehicle is adorned with 33-inch All-Terrain tires and 18-inch wheels, a front skid plate, and an appearance package, featuring a matte gray grille, black door handles, dark gray roof rails, dark chrome-finished window and bumper trim, and black over-fenders,” Lexus said. The Overtrail grade is available on the LX 700h and can be equipped as a two or three-row configuration.
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The 2026 LX 600 and 700h sit on the GA-F platform, which was introduced in 2022. To accommodate the weight and extended length of the LX 700h, a three-cross frame is used on the model. “A spare tire cross has been designed to reposition the spare tire in order to facilitate the installation of the hybrid main battery in the rear floor. This adjustment optimizes the mounting angle, lowering the installation position while maintaining the departure angle, thereby balancing off-road capability with serviceability.
“In addition, the platform increases body rigidity and improves on-road handling, key elements of Lexus Driving Signature (LDS). Lexus has evolved LDS fundamentals and specifically tuned the LX to enable a linear response to steering inputs and preserve wheel articulation without compromising the LX’s off-road performance.
“The cab mount cushions attaching the body to the frame have been completely redesigned. By strengthening the joint rigidity during frame and body twisting, low-frequency vibrations have been significantly reduced. This enhancement maintains the vehicle’s inherent advantages, such as high durability and excellent road noise insulation, while delivering a responsive and more refined ride.
“A double-wishbone front suspension is paired with a multi-link rear suspension to achieve both a high level of off-road driving performance and on-road prowess,” Lexus said.
Powered by a nickel-metal hydride battery, the LX 700h has a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6 engine paired with a 10-speed Direct Shift Automatic Transmission (same as the LX 600). The hybrid system produces 457 horsepower, 583 lb.-ft. of torque, and an improved EPA-estimated combined fuel economy rating of 20 MPG.
The following systems are standard across the entire 2026 LX Lineup:
- Active Height Control (AHC) and Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS): To ensure a seamless balance between off-road drivability and on-road handling stability, the LX utilizes AHC and AVS – both standard across the LX lineup. This system provides improved grip, traction, and control as well as a sense of strength and security. The valve structure of the AVS actuator has been redesigned to smoothly control dampening force when the absorber compresses rapidly, such as when driving over bumps, resulting in a smoother ride with reduced jolts. Additionally, in the low range, dampening force control has been improved during deceleration from extremely low speeds to a stop, minimizing unnecessary vehicle movement and enhancing both comfort and confidence when driving over rough terrain.
- Multi-Terrain Select (MTS): With MTS, the driver can switch between high range (H4) and low range (L4) to provide optimized drive power, hydraulic brake pressure, and suspension control according to the selected mode. L4 has four modes: Auto, Sand, Mud and Rock. H4 has five modes: Auto, Dirt, Sand, Mud and Deep Snow. The Auto mode uses information from various sensors to estimate the road conditions while driving to maintain ideal performance in various driving conditions, without having to switch modes.
- Multi-Terrain Monitor (MTM): When MTS is on, the MTM is engaged to assist the driver with increased visibility under and around the vehicle when driving off-road. The MTM uses four cameras within the Panoramic View Monitor System (PVM) to transpose underfloor, front, side and rear-view camera images shown to the 12.3-inch display, allowing the driver to check road conditions, blind spots and distance between obstacles.
- Electric Power Steering (EPS) and Electronically Controlled Brake (ECB): EPS uses the motor and reduction gear instead of conventional hydraulics. At low speeds, the light steering sensation contributes to reducing driver burden, and at high speeds, a moderate steering force in line with the vehicle’s speed provides a driving experience that is distinctive of the Lexus Driving Signature. ECB employs a sensor to detect the degree of brake pedal depression and creates braking force with the hydraulic brakes for more linear braking characteristics. When MTS is selected for off-road driving, the system is designed to ensure a high level of driving stability through detailed braking control to counter slipping or spinning wheels.
- Crawl Control with Turn Assist: Engaged when the vehicle is in low range, Crawl Control allows the LX to move forward or in reverse at one of five driver-selected low-speed settings: LO, MIDL, MID, MIDH and HIGH. Crawl Control intuitively orchestrates the engagement and disengagement of engine output and hydraulic braking pressure to help reduce tire slippage and optimize chassis behavior. Turn Assist tightens the vehicle’s turning circle by adding brake force to the inside rear wheel.
- Downhill Assist Control: When descending a steep slope, the system is designed to automatically control the hydraulic pressure of the brakes on all four wheels to support stable descent without locking the wheels. Because the selected vehicle speed is maintained through the operation of a switch, the driver can concentrate on steering operations without worrying about braking and accelerating, thus reducing the burden on the driver.
- Drive Mode Select: Using the Drive Mode Select switch on the center console, the driver is able to choose from a variety of modes to customize the vehicle’s performance and steering characteristics. Featured modes include Normal, ECO, Comfort, Custom, Sport S, and Sport S+.
Lexus Safety System+ 3.0
All 2026 Lexus LX models now come standard with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which includes:
- Pre-Collision System (PCS) with Pedestrian Detection is designed to help detect a vehicle, pedestrian, bicyclist or motorcyclist and provide an audio/visual forward collision warning under certain circumstances. If the driver does not react, the system is designed to provide automatic emergency braking at speeds between ~7-110 mph. PCS uses a camera and millimeter-wave radar for enhanced performance and reliability.
- Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist is designed to provide steering torque during an emergency maneuver initiated by the driver, enhancing vehicle stability and helping prevent lane departure. This steering support function is designed to operate when the Pre-Collision System is turned ON, the turn signal is not being operated, the speed of the vehicle is between 25-50 mph and the relative speed to the detected object is between 25-50 mph.
- Left Turn Oncoming Vehicle Detection/Braking is designed to provide a warning and automatic braking if the system determines a driver is turning left in front of an oncoming vehicle in certain daytime conditions.
About Ken Zino
Ken Zino, editor and publisher of AutoInformed, is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn.
He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe.
Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped during a downshift and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap.
AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks.
Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.
Lexus Adds F-Sport Trim to the 2026 LX
Click to enlarge.
Lexus said today that the LX for the 2026 model year will offer an F SPORT Appearance Package, available exclusively on the LX 700h F SPORT Handling model. The package has color-keyed lower front and rear bumper accents, black outside mirror covers, black rear spoiler winglets, and color-keyed running board accents. The 2026 LX is offered in five grades: Premium, F SPORT Handling, Luxury, Ultra Luxury, and Overtrail. For the first time a Hybrid Powertrain is available. Pricing ranges from $107,950 to $142,450. The 2026 LX lineup is assembled at Toyota Auto Body Yoshiwara.
The Overtrail grade offers additional equipment “to help customers revel in the exploration of the outdoors. It exudes a tough and rugged persona too: offering exterior color Earth1 and, inside, Black or Stone Brown semi-aniline leather-trim on the seats and door panels with Stone Brown stitching and Black Open Pore wood accents on the center console and door panels.
“In addition, Overtrail adds front and rear locking differentials, a 2,400W AC inverter, and off-road all-weather floor liners. The vehicle is adorned with 33-inch All-Terrain tires and 18-inch wheels, a front skid plate, and an appearance package, featuring a matte gray grille, black door handles, dark gray roof rails, dark chrome-finished window and bumper trim, and black over-fenders,” Lexus said. The Overtrail grade is available on the LX 700h and can be equipped as a two or three-row configuration.
Click to enlarge.
The 2026 LX 600 and 700h sit on the GA-F platform, which was introduced in 2022. To accommodate the weight and extended length of the LX 700h, a three-cross frame is used on the model. “A spare tire cross has been designed to reposition the spare tire in order to facilitate the installation of the hybrid main battery in the rear floor. This adjustment optimizes the mounting angle, lowering the installation position while maintaining the departure angle, thereby balancing off-road capability with serviceability.
“In addition, the platform increases body rigidity and improves on-road handling, key elements of Lexus Driving Signature (LDS). Lexus has evolved LDS fundamentals and specifically tuned the LX to enable a linear response to steering inputs and preserve wheel articulation without compromising the LX’s off-road performance.
“The cab mount cushions attaching the body to the frame have been completely redesigned. By strengthening the joint rigidity during frame and body twisting, low-frequency vibrations have been significantly reduced. This enhancement maintains the vehicle’s inherent advantages, such as high durability and excellent road noise insulation, while delivering a responsive and more refined ride.
“A double-wishbone front suspension is paired with a multi-link rear suspension to achieve both a high level of off-road driving performance and on-road prowess,” Lexus said.
Powered by a nickel-metal hydride battery, the LX 700h has a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6 engine paired with a 10-speed Direct Shift Automatic Transmission (same as the LX 600). The hybrid system produces 457 horsepower, 583 lb.-ft. of torque, and an improved EPA-estimated combined fuel economy rating of 20 MPG.
The following systems are standard across the entire 2026 LX Lineup:
Lexus Safety System+ 3.0
All 2026 Lexus LX models now come standard with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which includes:
About Ken Zino
Ken Zino, editor and publisher of AutoInformed, is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn. He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe. Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped during a downshift and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap. AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks. Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.