Lexus has a big lineup of SUVs for nearly every buyer, but one type has been missing – a family oriented three-row crossover with a usable third row. The keyword here is “usable” since the previous generation RX, was offered in an extended RX L version that offered a third row, but it was so cramped that no one really could fit back there. The good news is that Lexus has finally answered the countless requests from families with the introduction of the 2024 Lexus TX, which has room for the whole family.
Before you think that the TX is just a stretched RX, we have to point out that the TX is anything but a stretched RX. Instead, the TX is based on the same platform as the recently introduced Toyota Grand Highlander. Both SUVs have a similar shape, but the TX adopts a slightly more stylish exterior with its sharp lines and grille that’s similar to the rest of the Lexus lineup. The TX takes everything that’s great about the Grand Highlander, but ups the style a bit for a more discerning buyer.
Inside is where it matters with the TX and just like the exterior, the TX’s cabin features a stylish dashboard and higher quality materials than its Toyota cousin. From the driver’s seat, the TX’s dashboard is laid out well with a look and feel that’s similar to the RX. At the center of the dashboard there’s a standard 14-inch infotainment screen that runs the brand’s latest system and in front of the driver there’s a digital instrument cluster.
The cabin’s materials vary based on which trim level you choose. The base version feels just a tad fancier than the Grand Highlander, but higher trim models get suede-like materials, which provide a more luxurious feel. There are also different seats depending on which trim level you choose. The front and second row seats offer plenty of space and comfort. Most three-row crossovers, have limited space in the third row, but the TX can actually fit adults. This sets the TX apart from many of its rivals, since it can actually fit the whole family and all their gear, which is something that others claim, but can’t actually do. Generally buyers have to step up to something bigger, like a Cadillac Escalade or Lincoln Navigator to have a spacious third row seat, but those also come with a much higher price tag.
Under the hood, the TX has powertrains that are similar to the Grand Highlander, although there is one that helps it stand out. The base TX 350 is powered by a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, which is a bit more power than you get with the Grand Highlander. The four-cylinder is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and buyers can choose either front- or all-wheel drive. Both versions have a 23 mpg combined rating.
The RX 350 has plenty of power to get the TX moving down the road with ease. It is a bit louder than expected when pushed hard, but around town the cabin is quiet, just as you would expect in a Lexus.
The TX skips the base hybrid system that’s offered in the Grand Highlander and instead jumps up to the TX 500h, which is powered by the same Hybrid Max powertrain as the RX 500h. The TX 500h is powered by a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder and a. 64-kilowatt electric motor that’s slated between the engine and six-speed automatic transmission. A 76-kilowatt electric motor powers the rear wheels. The powertrain generates a combined 366 hp and 309 lb-ft. of torque and gets a 27 mpg combined rating.
The TX 500h is definitely the sportier one to choose if you want a more lively driving experience. The Hybrid Max powertrain is excellent in the RX 500h and it’s just the same here. It packs plenty of power, making it the ideal choice if you plan on filling up all the seats in the house.
Next up is the TX 500h+, which is a plug-in hybrid with an estimated 33 miles of electric range. The TX 500h+ is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 and two electric motors that generate a combined 404 horsepower. In EV mode the electric motors provide enough power to get you moving down the road, but can feel a little short on power when you need to pick up speed fast. Although the 500h+ has almost 40 more horsepower than the 500h, it drives and feels pretty much the same as the non plug-in version. This is likely due to the increased weight that the plug-in hybrid has. The 500h+ is rated at 29 mpg combined.
The TX 500h+ can be charged in about three hours using a 240-volt charger.
The TX hybrid models get rear wheel steering, which makes it feel more agile than the Grand Highlander. All three powertrains can also tow up to 5,000 pounds.
At the end of the day, we would easily choose either of the hybrid versions, thanks to the extra power and fuel efficiency.
The 2024 TX is offered in several trim levels: Standard, Premium, Luxury, F Sport Performance Premium, and F Sport Performance Luxury.
The pricing for the TX 350 starts at $55,050, while the RX 500h is priced at $69,350. Lexus has not announced the pricing for the RX 500h+, but it won’t arrive until the beginning of 2024.
It took quite a while, but Lexus has finally gotten it right with a three-row SUV that’s ideal for the family. The 2024 TX is a stylish SUV that is spacious and luxurious, which means that Lexus will easily sell every TX it can build.
