LOOKS

What makes the TX unique from Lexus’ other three-row offerings is the design. Instead of a bulky, squared-off truck-style look, the TX offers a more flowing crossover style that will appeal to many potential buyers.

It’s a big, long, bold machine that grabs your attention but still looks sleek, and stands out as unique among the Lexus lineup. It’s sure to draw interest up front, with its distinct and massive slotted grille design. 

If you opt for an F Sport version of the TX, more visual flare is added, including: F Sport front fascia, rear valance, black roof rails; dark chrome window trim; gloss black outside mirrors, side puddle lamps, LED foglamps, aluminum roof rails, an a panorama glass roof.

My test vehicle featured 22-inch wheels, all-season tires and a standout rim design. The numbers tell the tale in terms of how big this offering is. It comes in at 203.54 inches long, 78.35 inches wide, 70.08 inches high, and has a curb weight of just over 5,100 pounds.

Moving inside the TX, you’ll find it to be more upscale than its Toyota sibling, the new Grand Highlander model. The TX spices things up with unique soft touch areas on the seating and the dashboard, as well as push-button handles to exit the vehicle (as you would see on many new EVs).

It offers truly versatile seating, with easy access to the third row and the ability to fold the third row with the touch of a button. Seating is for 6 or 7 passengers, with Captain's Chairs optional in the middle and a bench seat standard, and even the rear seats recline. It also accomplishes the rare feat of offering plenty of head and leg room in all of the rows, including the third row. At six feet tall, I could have sat back there comfortably on a long trip, which I can almost never say about a three-row vehicle.

There’s a high-quality to the level of stitching on the two-toned seats in the TX, and luxury level materials are used throughout. There are enough upscale upgrades to the design in the TX that it merits the price increase over the Grand Highlander.

Small stuff matters too. There are lots of removable cup holders, and plenty of small storage spaces and charging ports throughout the TX.

The TX overall offers an excellent interior design that screams SUV, not truck, and should attract families due to its roominess and versatility.

Inside the F Sport model, you’ll find aluminum pedals and scuff plates, a heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, leather upholstery, heated and ventilated Captain’s Chairs, multi-zone climate control, ambient lighting, and rear manual sunshades.

Cargo space is another big win for the TX, with 97 cubic feet with both rear rows down, 57 cubic feet behind the second row, and 20 cubic feet with all seats up.

HOW’S THE RIDE?

The 2024 Lexus TX 500h F Sport is powered by a 2.4-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder engine with Lexus Hybrid Drive, including two electric motors.

This is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission, and delivers 366 horsepower and just over 400 pound-feet of torque. Paddle shifters on the steering wheel will be a welcome sight for drivers who want to control the gears more closely.

The TX’s intelligent all-wheel drive system improves drive quality and vehicle performance. It comes standard on the 500h, while lower trims can be either FWD or AWD.

A base engine is offered that offers 275 horsepower (and 317 pound-feet of torque), and you can also opt for a plug-in hybrid version of the TX with 404 total horsepower. Towing capacity maxes out at 5,000.

My test vehicle featured a F SPORT adaptive variable suspension, as well as Dynamic Rear Steering, independent MacPherson strut front suspension, and 5-arm multi-link rear suspension.

I truly enjoyed my time driving the TX 500h. While its larger size makes cornering tougher at times and limits agility, the ride was still smooth and quiet yet powerful at the same time.

The TX’s 0-to-60 times were impressive, at less than 6 seconds with the upgraded engine. The base model is closer to 7 seconds, still respectable for a larger vehicle. Some other luxury SUVs in this class are more pure speedsters, but they’re also going to cost you more than the TX’s price. 

Importantly for Lexus cross-shoppers, the TX drives much sharper than the GX and LX — both truck-based SUV offerings from Lexus. You won't feel like you're driving a vehicle this large when you’re steering the TX, which makes it a great road trip car.


TECHNOLOGY, SAFETY

The 2024 Lexus TX is an advanced, tech-savvy vehicle, featuring the best infotainment setup I’ve seen in a Lexus.

A massive 14-inch touchscreen is front and center and serves as the hub. Physical touchscreen controls are well-organized and easy to master. There’s also the “Hey Lexus” option. All you need to do is give the vehicle a voice command for music, phone or navigation. I never had to repeat myself, as it understands commands well.

Climate controls are also housed on the touchscreen, but are easily accessible. Navigation system worked effectively and always got me where I needed to go efficiently.

Sound booming from the Mark Levinson 21-speaker Surround Sound system was excellent. Bass, treble and all sounds in between came through bright and clear throughout the vehicle.

There are seven USB ports throughout the TX, three power outlets, and a wireless phone charger up front. Small storage locations are plentiful as well.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto allow for phone mirroring, and Bluetooth connectivity lets you stream music and phone calls through the vehicle. Other tech offerings are through the Lexus app, including remote engine start, vehicle health reports and service scheduling.

Directly in front of the driver is a 12.3-inch digital display with gauges that can be configured to the driver’s preferences. An optional, customizable head-up display will let you view key info while keeping your eyes on the road.

Safety is something Lexus has always taken seriously. And the TX lives up to that history.

I loved the multiview cameras, and the panoramic view of the vehicle, which were key when I was backing out or backing into tight parking spots. Other key safety features on the TX include Blind Spot Monitoring, Lane Departure Warning, Tire Pressure Warning, and Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert.

The centerpiece is the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, including: 
— Pre-Collision with Pedestrian Detection and Intersection Support
— Automatic Emergency Braking
— Road Sign Assist
— Lane Tracing Assist
— All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control with Curve Speed Management
— Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
— Intelligent High Beams

Cruise control and lane keeping systems work together to allow the TX to perform basic self-driving functions, but you must always keep your hands on the wheel and be ready to step in. This function is a solid way to relieve wear on drivers traveling on long road trips. 

The Technology package offers the panoramic view monitor, plus Advanced Park with Remote Park, Digital Rearview Mirror, and the Head-Up Display. 

All safety systems worked effectively in my experience, but weren't overly sensitive to the point where they were annoying, which is the goal.


MPG

The official fuel mileage numbers on the TX 500h F Sport I tested are 27 city/28 highway/27 combined.

The base TX engine is listed at 21 city/27 highway with front-wheel drive or 21 city/26 highway with all-wheel drive models.

A plug-in hybrid version of the TX offers up to 33 miles of pure electric driving, then is listed at 29 mpg once all the electric juice is gone.

My experience in the TX 500h showed real-world results below listed numbers, as I averaged around 22 mpg. And while those aren’t amazing numbers overall, it’s actually decent when compared to vehicles this size.


PRICE

The 2024 Lexus TX 500h F Sport that I tested was priced just over $77K, and the TX’s base price starts around $56K.

One one hand, that’s more expensive compared to the Toyota Grand Highlander, a less luxurious ride from the Toyota family which shares the TX platform. Yet it costs thousands less than what you’ll pay for similar-sized luxury SUV alternatives from Europe. 

So even with most people paying in the $60K range for a TX, it still comes off as somewhat affordable considering the competition and how well-equipped it comes. Also, the quality is strong enough over the Toyota Grand Highlander that there’s a justification for the higher price, though it’s understandable if some people decide to drop down to the non-luxury brand and get a similar vehicle for $10K or more less.

Trim levels on the TX include TX350, TX 350 Premium, TX 350 Luxury, TX 500h F Sport Performance Premium, TX 500h F Sport Performance Luxury, TX 550h+ Premium and TX550h+ Luxury. (Note: The 550h+ offerings are plug-in hybrids).

Complimentary scheduled maintenance is offered for the first year on the TX, and its warranties are strong, including:
— Overall limited warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles
— Powertrain warranty: 6 years or 70,000 miles
— Hybrid components: 8 years or 100,000 miles

BOTTOM LINE

The 2024 Lexus TX is a bold, family-friendly and brand new offering from the luxury automaker that will resonate in this SUV-focused automotive landscape. It is filling an important gap in their lineup, and should quickly develop an audience both from within the realm of Lexus fans and from buyers transitioning from competitors.

The TX offers a unique look, powerful and enjoyable ride, roomy and versatile three-row interior, plus strong tech and safety features. It should be a favorite in the Lexus lineup for many years as buyers start to catch on to its arrival.

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