Have you heard about the new Lexus TX?
Since 1996, Lexus has sold three-row luxury SUVs. This journey started years before most rivals entered the segment at all. But these were truck-based SUVs that spotlighted off-road performance over maximum comfort and family friendliness (the full-size LX and mid-size GX) or were much smaller than the competition (the RX L model that barely wedged in a third row).
That changes with the new Lexus TX. The 2024 full-size three-row crossover is built to pair with the best-selling RX model’s trademark build quality, reliability, and comfort in a no-compromise size.
We did some research and got so lucky to test the 2024 Lexus TX 350, priced at $53,700. Here are some of the best things about this new model!
1. Finally, three proper rows of seats
The point of the new Lexus TX is to provide the three-row spaciousness that the car maker has hitherto lacked, and they delivered. The TX 350 model measures 203 inches long, making it one of the largest luxury crossovers available at the moment on the market.
While you won’t enjoy limo-like accommodation in the way-back seats, if the second-row passengers are willing to give up a couple of inches of their spacious legroom (the seat adjusts fore-aft), the third row becomes habitable for anyone.
The front seats of the new Lexus TX are supportive and comfortable as well, with plenty of room on high, commanding perches.
2. Lots of cargo room, too
The big TX also features ample room for cargo, too. There are 97 cubic feet behind the front seats, 57.4 cubic feet behind the second row, and 20.2 cubic feet behind the third-row seat. That’s more room than any of the new Lexus TX’s closest competitors, including the Volvo XC90, Mercedes-Benz GLS, BMW X7, Acura MDX, or Infinity QX60.
While some may find the second-row seats a bit difficult to fold as you have to pull two different handles at just the right time, the flat, regularly-shaped cargo floor that results is impressive.
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3. Smooth ride and easy handling
Our new Lexus TX test vehicle had an incredibly smooth ride in a world where many SUVs either aim to be sports cars or off-road bruisers. The 2024 model feels lighter than the typical vault-like experience of a Mercedes or BMW, but it’s quiet and cushy on our test vehicle’s standard 20-inch wheels.
The 22-inch wheels that are standard on TX hybrids and optional on the TX 350 may be stiffer, particularly because every TX 550h is the performance-oriented F Sport.
Fortunately, the 2024 Lexus TX we tested handled well for a big crossover SUV. It’s not too sporty, like an Acura MDX or BMW X7, but it’s composed and feels natural. It’s easy to drive, and not once felt clumsy even as we sped along back roads.
4. Peppy and economical turbo engine
The TX 350 is the most affordable 2024 Lexus TX. The model features a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque.
This engine is quiet and peppy. The car maker quotes a 0–60 run time of 8 seconds, which some may say is sluggish for a luxury car, but for others it may be quicker in everyday driving. However, don’t plan on thrills with the new Lexus TX.
The tradeoff is the outstanding gas mileage for a big luxury SUV. According to the EPA, the car will reach 21 mpg in the city, 27 mpg on the highway, and 23 mpg combined with front-wheel drive and around 1 mpg less with all-wheel drive. The car requires 91-octane premium fuel.
5. Faster yet more efficient hybrid
Apart from its gasoline-only turbo engine, the new Lexus TX is available with a choice of two hybrid options. The first is the TX 500th, which pairs this turbo engine with electric motors to increase output to 366 horsepower, reducing the 0-60 time to 6.1 seconds.
Moreover, the EPA estimates the TX 500h will reach 27 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. In other words, you get fuel-sipping mileage while you’re stuck in traffic, yet a lot of power when the road opens up.
The TX 500h price starts at $68,000, or around $8000 more than a comparably equipped TX 350, so it’s an excellent choice for someone who values its speed as well as its efficiency. Of course, it’s out of the discussion that this isn’t a dollars-and-cents hybrid you purchase to save money.
The model is sold exclusively in F Sport guise with a firmer, sport-tuned suspension and more heavily bolstered sports seats. You can also get it only with second-row captain’s chairs that reduce its seating capacity to six.
Keep reading to discover other features of the new Lexus TX!
6. A plug-in option
The other TX hybrid is the TX 550h+. This model is a plug-in hybrid, which means you can charge its battery using electricity to get 33 miles of gas-free range. Once that range is depleted, the car will reach 28 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.
If you have a relatively short commute and a spot to recharge overnight, you may be able to go for days without burning fuel, yet you can still refuel at any gas stop on a long trip.
The TX 550h+ combines a 3.5-liter V6 with electric motors for a total output of 301 hp, and it hits 60 mph in 5.9 seconds. These powertrains require premium fuel too. The TX 550h+ comes with even more standard features and costs around $5,500 more than the equivalent TX 500h. Once again, it’s available only with six seats, though it’s not sold as an F Sport model.
7. Upscale yet intelligent interior decor
The new Lexus TX dashboard features a common design theme with the smaller Lexus RX. We’re talking about a subtle, mostly minimalist dashboard with a big 14-inch touchscreen. You won’t find metal trim, coatings of wood, or extra-dazzling electronic displays.
While some may not particularly love the model’s shiny black plastic, the rich leather trim and the moving parts are really nice. Even the third-row seat gets nice finishes. The car maker also made smart choices for the TX’s family-friendly mission, such as replacing the lush carpeting right where you step into the rear seating area with sturdy plastic flooring.
The new Lexus TX’s controls aren’t as simple as they look, though. The big touchscreen only lets you visualize one thing at a time (for instance, choosing between the navigation system map and radio), and the steering wheel controls’ multifunction buttons are quite easy to mix up.
However, when you want the vibe of quality and simplicity over an overt display of technological wizardry, the TX delivers.
8. Well-priced for its size
As already mentioned, the new Lexus TX faces a lot of competitors, many of which start at around $53,700. However, it’s bigger and way more spacious than most of these. It also comes with a wide range of standard features that further help justify its price tag.
The base model already includes big 20-inch wheels and a 14-inch touchscreen, along with adaptive cruise control, a second-row window shade, heated front seats, and a wireless smartphone charger. These often cost extra on competing luxury SUVs.
The TX 350 Premium, $57,000, adds ventilated front seats, a moonroof, and the chance to buy more upgrades, including the ability to use your phone as a key and a 21-speaker Mark Levinson sound system.
The new Lexus TX Luxury, priced at $59,600, swaps leatherette seats for genuine leather. The TX 500h hybrid starts at $68,000 in its own premium trim level, and it has extra standard features (including all-wheel drive). The TX 550h+ starts at $78,050.
If you liked our article on the new Lexus TX, you may also want to read Affordable Elegance: Top 8 Cars Boasting Luxe Interiors Below $40k.
