A True Three-Row Luxury SUV from Lexus

Lexus, known for its luxury vehicles, had a peculiar absence in the three-row luxury SUV segment. While they had offered SUVs with three rows, the rearmost one was often more of a novelty than utility. The 2024 Lexus TX, based on the Toyota Grand Highlander, finally brings a genuinely practical three-row luxury SUV to their lineup. Especially the hybrid versions of the TX offer a compelling package.

Design and Styling

In contrast to the Lexus NX, which cleverly disguises its RAV4 roots, the TX shares a strong family resemblance with the Grand Highlander. Still, Lexus has done an excellent job of putting its distinct touch on Toyota's new three-row crossover. The exterior features softer lines, with the front fascia adopting the angular, grille-centric design found in other Lexus models. The addition of a partial floating roof design and full-width taillights complements the exterior transformation. The interior is where the TX really shines. The dashboard and door panels are entirely different, and the center stage is taken by a piano-black monolith housing an instrument cluster screen and a 14-inch infotainment display equipped with Toyota's latest operating system.

Interior Comfort and Quality

The quality of materials in the TX varies depending on the trim level. While all versions offer quality and well-assembled interiors, the base models may not feel significantly fancier than the Grand Highlander. Higher trim levels introduce suede-like materials that elevate the interior ambiance. The seating arrangement follows a similar pattern: the base seats are decent but lack support and adjustability, while the optional seats in higher trims, especially those with adjustable thigh support, are superb. Front-row occupants enjoy ample head and legroom, which is improved when opting out of a sunroof. Knee room side-to-side may seem snug initially but becomes comfortable once you're settled. As usual, the seats get firmer and flatter moving towards the rear. The second-row offers plenty of space in every direction, and even the third-row is tolerable for taller adults or teenagers.

Powertrains and Performance

The 2024 Lexus TX offers a range of powertrains. The base TX 350 comes with a 2.4-liter engine producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. This powerplant is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, and it can be configured with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, delivering 23 mpg combined. The experience with this powertrain is similar to the Toyota Grand Highlander: the engine provides accessible torque, making for effortless driving, and the transmission is smooth, ideal for luxury cruising.

For those interested in hybrid powertrains, there are two options. The TX 500h uses the Hybrid Max powertrain, shared with the RX 500h and Grand Highlander. It pairs a 2.4-liter turbocharged inline-four with a 64-kilowatt electric motor, yielding 366 horsepower and 309 lb-ft of torque. The TX 550h+, on the other hand, is a plug-in hybrid with a 3.5-liter V6, providing an estimated 33 miles of electric-only range and 404 total system horsepower.

Driving Dynamics

In terms of driving dynamics, the TX feels much like the Grand Highlander, offering a soft yet well-controlled suspension. While it leans during turns, it responds well to steering inputs, with the steering itself being nicely weighted and providing some feedback. The real improvements are seen in the hybrid models. The adaptive shocks and rear-wheel steering offered by the RX enhance handling, reducing body roll and making cornering more engaging. The suspension also remains comfortable over bumps. However, the steering feels a bit more numb and light compared to the base model.

Pricing and Value

The pricing for the 2024 Lexus TX starts at $55,050 for the TX 350, which is approximately $10,000 more than the base Grand Highlander. This price provides room for additional options and higher trim levels. The hybrid versions of the TX justify their higher prices, offering significant improvements in comfort, handling, and performance.

Conclusion: A Compelling Three-Row Luxury SUV

The 2024 Lexus TX is a commendable three-row luxury SUV, addressing the space and utility limitations found in some of its predecessors. While the base model may be less competitive against its Toyota sibling, the hybrid versions make a strong case for themselves, offering a comfortable, efficient, and powerful package. Moreover, the TX is positioned at a competitive price point, making it an attractive option in the luxury three-row SUV segment.

Some pictures of 2024 Lexus TX
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