- Lexus has long been a purveyor of high-end SUVs.
In fact, the Lexus RX essentially pioneered
the concept of the modern crossover luxury SUV,
but up until now, the company has never
had a proper three-row, crossover-style SUV.
That's gonna change later this year
when this all-new vehicle,
the 2024 Lexus TX, is slated to go on sale.
Let's take a closer look.
The TX shares its basic platform
with the new-for-2024 Toyota Grand Highlander SUV,
which launches later this summer.
But of course, as a Lexus,
it's a little bit ritzier inside and out,
although the styling of the TX strikes me
as a little bit more boxy and angular
than the SUVs we've seen from Lexus recently.
But there is still the signature characteristics.
We've got kind of a full-width headlight treatment,
and though it's a little bit subdued here,
a suggestion of the Lexus trademark spindle grill.
In back, the slim, full-width taillight
and Lexus script provide further differentiation
from the Toyota Grand Highlander.
Lexus is offering the TX
with a choice of three powertrains, two of them hybrids.
The entry-level TX 350 comes
with a turbocharged 2.4 liter, four cylinder engine
with 275 horsepower
and a choice of front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.
What we have here is the TX 500h F Sport Performance model.
It gets the turbo 2.4 liter four
and pairs it with an electric motor system
for a total output of 366 horsepower
and standard all-wheel drive.
Arriving later in the model year
is the TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid.
It gets a new 3.5 liter V6 hybrid powertrain
that delivers a whopping 406 horsepower
and an estimated 33 miles
of pure electric driving on a full charge.
It too comes standard with all-wheel drive.
The TX plug-in hybrid
is also the most economical of the three,
in addition to being the most powerful.
It's estimated to get 30 miles per gallon
in combined city/highway driving
versus 24 miles per gallon for the 500h
and 21 miles per gallon combined with the 350.
20-inch wheels are standard,
but 22-inch wheels are optional
on the TX 350 Luxury,
and standard on the 550h+
and 500h F sport performance.
A dynamic rear steering system
that allows the rear wheels to turn slightly
to aid handling and maneuverability
is offered on the 500h model.
There's plenty of space inside the new TX
and some pretty posh surroundings as well
that helps set it apart from the Toyota Grand Highlander.
We've got an available 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster,
a standard 14-inch Lexus interface multimedia touchscreen,
and a nice center-hinge console
with some good space here,
some configurable cup holders,
and additional space around that,
a wireless charger here,
and nice trim, kind of a suede look here,
and available head-up display.
One other feature that I'm really fond of
in new Lexus vehicles is the digital latch,
electric release door handles.
Just a quick press of the button
with your thumb and the door pops open.
Very nice if you're lazy like me.
There's excellent space in the TX's second row as well.
Again, 6'6" guy sitting in decent comfort here.
You've got the option of second row captains chairs,
which is what this vehicle has.
And you've got a center console here,
but there's also an option
for a 60/40 split second row bench
for seven passenger seating.
And there are plenty of charging ports all around
so everyone can keep their devices charged.
Again, 6'6", so a little less than fully comfortable
in the third row seats of the TX,
but I think most average size adults are gonna be fine.
And even I can make things a little more hospitable
with the power reclining seat backs
to free up some precious extra head space.
And as long as the second row passengers cooperate
and slide their seats forward a little bit,
I think I could make do
with the leg room that's back here as well.
Now, we just had a 20-minute quick look
with the TX today,
and Lexus has not released pricing yet.
It should become available closer
to the TX's on-sale date later this year,
but you can check out our full,
up-close article right here on cars.com.
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