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Monday, March 25, 2024

IN THE DRIVEWAY: The 2024 Lexus TX


For those wanting a three-row SUV from Lexus, or any other luxurious brand for that matter, things couldn't have gotten any better. For 2024, Lexus has released an all-new SUV, based off the new Toyota Grand Highlander. Called the TX, this new luxury three-row SUV offers more room than the other three-row SUVs in the Lexus lineup (the GX and LX) - and it's less expensive. On top of that, it's easier to drive and even offers some hybrid powertrain options.  

The idea to bring out the Lexus TX is a smart one by Lexus. Its objective was to replace the previous generation three-row version of the popular Lexus RX, called the RX-L. While the third row in the RX-L wasn't very roomy, the new TX resolves that by offering a third row that can easily accommodate adults - comfortably. Add in Lexus build-quality and a plethora of luxury features, and the TX is ripe to be a big hit.

The TX is available in three different trim levels with the powertrain being the main difference among them. The base model is the TX350 which uses a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque) and is connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Power is delivered to the front wheels, or optionally to all wheels. It comes fitted with 20-inch wheels, a second-row bench seat and a 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system.

The TX 500h F Sport Performance Premium is a hybrid version of the TX that pairs the same 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with two electric motors. Called Direct4, this new system by Lexus places one electric motor at the front and one at the back to power the rear wheels. In total, the hybrid powertrain generates 366 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque and sends that power to all wheels by way of a six-speed automatic transmission. The 500h F Sport runs on 22-inch wheels and features an F Sport adaptive suspension tuning and rear-wheel steering. On this trim, the bench seat is swapped out for captain's chairs. This is how the tester came.

At the top of the TX chain is the TX 550h+ Luxury. This plug-in hybrid (PHEV) uses a 3.5-liter V6 engine, a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and a Direct4 all-wheel-drive system to make a combined 404 horsepower. This TX can travel Lexus around 33 miles as an electric vehicle (EV) before switching to traditional gas-electric hybrid operation. The 550h+ Luxury runs on 22-inch wheels.

Regardless of trim, the interior of the TX is nicely done with the typical family in mind. Storage bins are everywhere as well as plenty of charging ports. The big 14.0-inch infotainment display, standard on every TX, runs Lexus's latest infotainment interface. The base TX350 uses a 7-inch digital gauge display while the other trim levels get a 12.3-inch digital gauge display that can be reconfigured to show a variety of information to the driver. If you need yet another display, there is a head-up display that is available. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard.

All the seats are exceptionally comfortable, even the third-row seat is one that I wouldn't mind spending time in. If you don't need the third row, folding it down will allow you 57 cubic feet of storage. Fold down the second row of seats and the TX turns into a mini cargo van with an impressive 97 cubic feet of storage. Keep the third-row seat up, and you still have 20 cubic feet of storage room.

Unlike the truck-based Lexus GX and LX models that are great off-road but suffer from relatively cumbersome dynamics on-road, the TX delivers a smooth, comfortable ride in town. Power is excellent from the hybrid setup, with 0-60 mph times in the low 6-second range. Around corners, the steering is precise enough as is the suspension. The tester, with the F Sport Performance package, adds an adaptive suspension and rear-wheel steering that is said to significantly improve handling by reducing body roll and increasing agility around tighter corners. I didn't feel it.  But then again, I didn't get on the TX like a sports car. For school drop-offs, running errands around town, or for date night, the TX is perfect.

The Lexus TX competes with the Acura MDX, Audi Q7 and the Infiniti QX60.  With pricing starting at $55,050 (the tester carries a price tag of $78,660), it seems to be right in the middle of them. The TX 500h F Sport Performance Premium has an EPA rating of 27 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.

As the saying goes, everything is bigger in Texas, is it no surprise that the roomiest and largest vehicle from Lexus is called the TX? With a usable third-row seat, plenty of luxury amenities and available hybrid powertrains, the new TX is more of what we've come to expect from Lexus.