2024 Lexus TX

With the 2024 Lexus TX, the luxury brand has finally filled a big void in its lineup. The all-new Lexus TX is a 3-row midsize SUV on a car-like platform, rather than the more truck-like GX or LX. It can seat seven or six people, depending on configuration. The TX is mechanically similar to the Toyota Grand Highlander, and available with the choice of gasoline or hybrid powertrains. However, unlike the Grand Highlander, the TX also offers a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain option. If the Lexus RX L left you wanting more third-row legroom, then the new TX is the family-friendly Lexus SUV you’ve been waiting for. It goes toe-to-toe with midsize luxury SUVs like the Lincoln Aviator, Cadillac XT6, Infiniti QX60, and Acura MDX.

We’ve spent hundreds of hours driving and evaluating this generation of midsize luxury SUVs, including the Lexus TX.

The 2024 Lexus TX is an all-new model. It launches with the TX 350 gasoline and TX 500h F Sport hybrid models, with the TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid arriving later. The Lexus TX is made in America and marks the first Lexus vehicle to be assembled at the company’s factory in Indiana.

At its roughly $55K starting price, the Lexus TX begins higher than potential rivals like the slightly smaller Acura MDX and Infiniti QX60. The Lincoln Aviator is also slightly smaller than the TX, and begins over $53K, as is the Cadillac XT6, which starts at $49K.

Before buying your new Lexus TX, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price. It’s still too early to predict Lexus TX resale values, but Lexus vehicles in general have a stellar reputation for high resale value, with the brand winning our Best Resale Value Award among luxury automakers.

Our time in the new Lexus TX has ranged from pleasant to pleasantly engaging, depending on powertrain. Our testing started with the Lexus TX 350 and its turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine. While this might sound small for such a large vehicle, it works surprisingly well, with its 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque able to hustle the TX to highway speeds swift enough for most needs. With all-wheel drive, the Lexus TX 350 can hit 60 mph in 7.8 seconds, with front-drive models a couple tenths of a second behind.

Steering feel has a satisfying weight to it, and even over bumpy Texas roads it didn’t transmit any harsh vibrations. In fact, this big Lexus did a good job in general of quelling road imperfections. But there is no denying its girth, especially in tight parking garages. The Lexus TX is one of the biggest entries in the midsize luxury SUV segment, and we felt its size. Yet even Lexus has some ingenious ways of countering that. In the TX 500h, for example, we marveled at its rear-wheel-steering system, in which the rear wheels can turn with or in the opposite direction of the fronts, depending on the situation. This worked particularly well when making a U-turn, and essentially shrunk the turning radius to make the TX feel more like the smaller RX.

We relished the 366-horsepower TX 500h in general. Its extra power and the instant torque from the hybrid system are immediately felt off the line, and give the TX the kind of swiftness many expect of a luxury SUV. With this gas-electric hybrid powertrain and standard all-wheel drive, the TX 500h does 0-60 mph in a fleeter 6.1 seconds. This model also feels sharper in general, but still Lexus smooth, especially when put into comfort mode. Both models excelled with automated driving tasks thanks to features like adaptive cruise control with lane-keeping assist.

Still to come will be another member of the TX family – the TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid (PHEV). This will be Lexus’ first plug-in hybrid powertrain with a V6 engine, and it will make a total of 404 horsepower and have the ability to travel up to 33 miles on battery power alone.

Fuel economy

The Lexus TX 350 is rated to return 23 mpg in mixed city/highway driving, whether front- or all-wheel drive. That’s as good or better than the Cadillac XT6, Infiniti QX60, Acura MDX, and Lincoln Aviator. The Lexus TX 500h hybrid delivers more power and better fuel economy, returning 27 mpg combined. More Lexus TX fuel economy information can be found on the EPA’s website.

Lexus is well-known for its beautifully executed interiors, and after a full day sitting inside the TX and exploring all three rows, we found it carries on the automaker’s high standards. In the TX, the 3-row setup accommodates either seven or six, depending on model. Only the TX 350 can be had with a second-row bench for the 7-passenger setup. Second-row captain’s seats are optional in that model and standard in the TX 500h, which equates to seating for six people total.

You can ensure easier access to the third row by picking a trim level featuring captain’s chairs over the 60/40 split-folding bench seat. But Lexus does equip the bench seat with its slide-assist mechanism that tilts the seatback forward while sliding the entire seat forward, as well. Picking the captain’s chairs also allows you to add an optional removable center mini console to the second row.

The third row has what many Lexus families have been waiting for: good legroom. At 33.5 inches, it’s enough for an adult. We also like that we could easily side our feet under the second row. Another benefit of the big Lexus TX is cargo space. Behind the rear seats is 20.2 cubic feet of space – enough for seven carry-on bags or many bags of groceries. Folding the third row opens up 57.4 cubic feet, while folding the second row expands that volume immensely to 97 cubic feet. This copious space easily makes the TX among the best in the segment. Only the Buick Enclave barely betters it, offering 97.4 cubic feet of storage space with both rows folded.

Up front, a 14-inch infotainment touchscreen anchors the center of the dashboard. Seven charging/communication ports and three power outlets are scattered around the cabin. Adjustable ambient lighting sets the mood, while an available 12.3-inch driver information display keeps the driver up to date with various vehicle information.

As big as the TX appears in photos, we found it even larger in real life. Also big, and there’s no getting around it, is the spindle grill up front. Some will love it, and others won’t, but there’s no denying it makes a huge statement. At over 203 inches in length, the Lexus TX is also among the biggest of the luxury midsize SUV set. Here again, only a Buick Enclave is a hair longer. That bigger is better theme extends to the wheels, where 20-inchers are the minimum and 22-inch wheels are optional on TX 350 models and standard on the TX 500h.

Lexus Safety System+ 3.0
The latest bundle of driver-aid and safety tech features automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, all-speed adaptive cruise control, lane-tracing assist, lane-departure warning with steering assist, road-sign assist, and more.

21-speaker surround sound
This available Mark Levinson audio system delivers crisp highs and booming bass sounds. It’s widely used in Lexus models.

Automatic parallel parking
Let the TX do most of the work when parallel parking as its available Advanced Park system steers, brakes, and accelerates itself into place using four cameras and 12 ultrasonic sensors.

Traffic Jam Assist
Available with the Drive Connect subscription, TJA is engineered for slow-moving stop-and-go traffic. It can brake, accelerate, and steer on its own.

Digital rearview mirror
Load any 3-row SUV with passengers and gear, and the view out the rear window can easily be obscured. This optional feature easily solves that by relaying a rear-facing camera’s feed onto the rearview mirror, giving you a sharp, clear, and wide view.

Three powertrains are offered on the Lexus TX. The TX 350 features a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that produces 275 horsepower and a stout 317 lb-ft of torque. It connects to a smooth 8-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is optional. The hybrid-powered TX 500h F Sport Performance delivers 366 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. All-wheel drive is standard, and this powertrain connects to a snappy 6-speed automatic transmission. The plug-in hybrid TX 550h+ will join the lineup later. Lexus says it will travel 33 miles on electricity alone. It’s also the most powerful of the bunch, with a 3.5-liter V6 helping to deliver 406 horsepower (no torque rating provided). It also includes all-wheel drive and uses a continuously variable transmission. All models of the Lexus TX are rated to tow up to 5,000 pounds, in line with others in this segment.

4-year/50,000-mile warranty

The Lexus TX is covered by a 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty, and the powertrain is covered for six years or 70,000 miles. An 8-year/100,000-mile warranty backs hybrid components in the hybrid models, while the Lexus hybrid battery warranty covers 10 years or 150,000 miles. Additionally, new Lexus models benefit from a 1-year/10,000-mile complimentary service plan.

Safety

The 2024 Lexus TX has yet to undergo crash testing by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). But it is loaded with Toyota’s latest Safety System 3.0 with numerous advanced safety and driver-assistance features.