Once they get a good look at the 2024 Lexus TX 3-row crossover SUV, luxury car buyers will likely say, "Hey, Lexus, what took you so long?" It's surprising that a brand like Lexus, typically on top of consumer sentiment, has yet to field a competitive 3-row model in this size prior to the TX's introduction.
Lexus' arch-rival, Acura, has marketed a very popular 3-row crossover for, like, forever. The Acura MDX is an excellent SUV, and its success in the U.S. market indicates that a Lexus competitor would likely be destined for success. But Lexus didn't field a 3-row crossover for years. When it finally introduced one—the RX L, an extended version of the mega-popular RX—it missed the mark. In the 2024 Lexus TX, the Japanese luxury car brand has a model that can take on all comers.
With a spacious interior, impressive tech, and a choice of multiple powertrains, the new 2024 Lexus TX has everything it needs to take the battle to not only the Acura MDX but also other worthy competitors like the Audi Q7, Infiniti QX60, and Volvo XC90.
I had the opportunity to drive multiple examples of the 2024 TX at a Lexus-sponsored event in and around Austin, TX, and the takeaway was impressive.
Photo: Jack R. Nerad
Lexus offers the 2024 TX in five trim levels: Standard, Premium, Luxury, F Sport Performance Premium, and F Sport Performance Luxury. The TX will eventually be available with three different powertrains. At launch, the TX gives buyers the choice of a turbocharged 4-cylinder (TX 350) or a hybrid that combines the 4-cylinder engine with electric drive (TX 500h.) A V6 plug-in hybrid (TX 550h+) will enter the market in 2024.
Pricing starts at $55,050 (including the destination charge) for the base front-wheel-drive (FWD) TX 350 Standard trim. The highest-priced TX available in calendar 2023—the all-wheel-drive (AWD) TX 500h F Sport Performance Luxury—has a suggested list price of $72,650. As is the custom, Lexus will announce pricing for the TX 550h+ closer to its on-sale date.
While I drove and evaluated several versions of the 2024 Lexus TX, the subject of this driving impression review is the 2024 Lexus TX 500h F Sport Performance Luxury AWD with a suggested list price of $78,549, including destination charge. In addition to the model's standard equipment, Lexus fitted it with the Technology package, Convenience package, a tow hitch, a 120-volt/1,500-watt power outlet, rear cargo hatch lighting, and side puddle lamps.
Photo: Jack R. Nerad
One of the most critical shortcomings of the extended-length Lexus RX L was its cramped third-row seating area. To ensure that didn't happen again, Lexus engineers gave the new TX a longer wheelbase and overall length than the RX L. Because of this, third-row legroom in the TX is a remarkable 9 inches greater than a 2022 Lexus RX 350L. Instead of a liability, the rear-seat room becomes one of the TX's most significant advantages.
Customers can purchase the 2024 Lexus TX as a 6- or 7-passenger vehicle. In 6-passenger mode, the second row features two captain's chairs. In the 7-passenger version, the second row is a 3-person bench with 60/40 split-folding capability. Lexus has installed a slide-assist walk-in mechanism to access the third row. Pressing a switch on the top of the second-row seatback starts a process where the seat tilts forward, and a spring assists the folding of the second-row seats. Even those with size 13 shoes can make their way into the third row because of this.
In addition to its usable third row, the TX benefits from excellent seating. Standard, Premium, and F Sport Performance Premium trims get good-looking synthetic leather seats. The F Sport Performance Luxury has genuine leather seats, while the Luxury grade TX 350 and TX 550h+ get even plusher semi-aniline leather. In all trims, the second-row captain's chairs feature heating and ventilation.
Lexus filled the TX's cabin with thoughtful touches that drivers and passengers will appreciate. For those who think a cupholder is just a cupholder, think again. The cupholders in the Lexus TX are modular, removable, and can accommodate a wider variety of containers than your typical beverage holder. The center console has a lid that opens in clamshell fashion, so you can get into it even if the front-seat passenger has an elbow on their half.
Another lesson learned from the RX L is the necessity to offer substantial cargo space. The new Lexus TX has three times more cargo volume with all three rows in use (20.2 cubic feet) than the late unlamented RX L. It also has more rear cargo space than the Acura MDX and the Audi Q7. When you fold the third-row seats down, cargo capacity increases to 57.4 cubic feet. It jumps to a cavernous 97 cubic feet when you fold down the second and third rows. The TX offers available power-folding third-row seats, and its power-operated rear hatch has a kick sensor. The luxury crossover is rated to tow up to 5,000 pounds with any of the three powertrains.
The most striking aspect of the Lexus TX's exterior styling is the new interpretation of the brand's "spindle" grille. It doesn't look like a spindle anymore but don't mention that to Lexus stylists. They emphasize the body-color grille's aerodynamic excellence and its gap under the hood, which they call the "functional crevasse." Though to some it might appear the hood is a notch open, the gap offers cooling airflow and houses the millimeter-wave radar.
Wheels are an area of differentiation between the Lexus TX and the Toyota Grand Highlander, with which it shares its platform and manufacturing plant. Standard, Premium, and Luxury grades get 20-inch wheels as standard equipment; 22-inch wheels are available for the TX 350 Luxury trim and standard on the TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid. The F Sport Performance Luxury trim—the subject of this driving impression—has exclusive 22-inch aluminum alloy wheels with a gloss black and gray finish. It also has other distinguishing marks, including black roof rails, dark chrome window trim, front fender badges, a unique rear valance, a satin silver front bumper molding, and a panoramic moonroof.
On the road, the Lexus TX is noticeably quiet inside. According to Lexus, some of that results from the TX's rigid body, achieved by using body adhesives and short-pitch spot welding, which you shouldn't try at home.
Photo: Jack R. Nerad
The new Lexus TX sports the new Lexus infotainment system that has earned accolades from reviewers since its introduction about 18 months ago. Previous Lexus systems lacked features and often proved balky, but the new operating system—engineered by Toyota itself—has solved most of those ills.
The TX's infotainment presentation is very competitive with others in the class. The interface is a 14-inch centrally mounted touchscreen. Menu operations mimic those of smartphones. I found the screens bright, the definition strong, and the icons easy to finger even while underway. Connecting a smartphone was a snap, and the connection proved durable through several comings and goings. While you can control most operations through the screen, a knob centered at the bottom controls on/off and volume functions.
The system's integral navigation is cloud-based, requiring a Drive Connect account after a free trial period. It integrates with Google points-of-interest data to provide up-to-date search results, more accurate directions, and routes that use real-time traffic information. To function when a signal is unavailable, Lexus designed its offline mode to anticipate signal loss and download applicable maps in advance. For those who like their smartphone nav functions, one shortcoming of the Lexus system is the difficulty of tuning a satellite or terrestrial radio station while using Apple Maps or Google Maps directions. On the other hand, the voice commands—summoned by saying "Hey, Lexus"—worked well.
Depending upon the trim level, the TX includes up to seven USB ports and three power outlets. Three USB type-C ports reside on the lower instrument panel, just above the standard wireless device charger. Second-row passengers get two USB type-C ports at the back of the center console. Third-row passengers can access a USB type-C port located on the side of the seat itself.
The Lexus Digital Key, which requires an active Remote Connect subscription, allows TX owners to use their smartphones as a vehicle key. In addition to locking and unlocking the SUV, it enables owners to share the use of the vehicle with up to seven other people. The TX also offers connected services to facilitate safety and service.
The test vehicle had the available 21-speaker Mark Levinson Premium Surround Sound audio system, which provided strong, concert hall-quality sound throughout the cabin. It also had a very legible head-up display that supplemented the vehicle's bold digital dashboard instrumentation.
Regarding advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), the 2024 Lexus TX features Lexus Safety System+ 3.0. In addition to its broad range of typical ADAS, the TX offers several more unusual systems. Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist works to avoid collisions with objects in the lane of travel by applying gentle braking and steering. Left Turn Oncoming Vehicle Detection/Braking provides a warning and automatic braking if the system determines the driver is turning left in front of an oncoming vehicle that could slam into it. Both technologies are only operable during the day.
Photo: Jack R. Nerad
The first thing you will likely notice when driving the Lexus TX is its quietness. The next thing you'll discover is how composed the big SUV is going over bumps and other road imperfections, many of which are in the rural environs outside Austin, Texas. Finally, you'll notice the vehicle's power and torque. That revelation doesn't remind you of a hot rod but manifests as a steady confidence. The Lexus TX has power whenever and wherever you need it.
The TX offers customers three powertrain options: a turbocharged 4-cylinder, a turbocharged 4-cylinder plus electric motors, and a V6 plus electric motors in the plug-in TX 550h+. Lexus fitted the test vehicle with a hybrid powertrain consisting of a turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, a 64-kW electric motor integral to the drivetrain, and a 76-kW electric motor on the rear axle. This complicated combination provides 366 total system horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque delivered effortlessly and clunk-free. Lexus mounts the hybrid's nickel-metal hydride battery beneath the second row, throwing its flow of electrons to the front and rear motors when needed.
The 4-wheel-steer Dynamic Rear Steering complements the remarkably smooth power delivery to create a vehicle with notable agility for its size. The adaptive variable suspension standard on the F Sport Performance trims also contributes, enhancing road handling and ride quality. Lexus uses linear solenoid-type actuators to modify the shock absorbers' damping force on all four wheels with near-instantaneous adjustments based on road conditions. On a rough surface, the damping force drops to maintain a comfortable ride and stiffens when the TX is cornering.
While all the F Sport's mechanical wizardry culminates in excellent ride and handling, I also found the TX with the base engine and conventional suspension offers a winning combination of comfort and handling. At 275 horsepower, the base turbocharged 4-cylinder engine and its 8-speed automatic transmission don't provide the pep of the hybrid powertrain. However, the TX's driving manners are still praiseworthy with FWD or AWD.
Still to come is the TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid. It combines a 3.5-liter V6 engine, a lithium-ion battery, and a 2-motor transaxle. The results are 404 total system horsepower and a Lexus-estimated electric-only range of 33 miles.
With the all-new 2024 Lexus TX, the luxury brand finally has a 3-row crossover to compete head-to-head with popular competitors like the Acura MDX, Audi Q7, Infiniti QX60, and Volvo XC90. The competitors are all excellent, but the new TX offers advantages like more cargo space, excellent third-row accommodations, and the availability of three powertrains.
Inside, the TX is roomy and comfortable, though the interiors I sampled might be a bit plain versus those in competitive luxury crossovers. That said, the seats are exceptionally supportive and multi-adjustable, so arriving at a comfortable position is simple. Further, the TX provides clever touches like the removable cupholders that enable you to have a Lexus cupholder on your living room coffee table if you want to. (They also have more practical benefits.) On the infotainment front, Lexus has solved its previous issues. The new TX offers a full-featured system with an impressive 14-inch screen.
Ah, and then there is the matter of the front end. Some will like it (I do), and some will find it off-putting. The Lexus spindle continues to evolve, just as the brand does. In the TX, the Lexus brand has taken a big step. It is a very competitive 3-row luxury crossover that offers many advantages. No one should be surprised if it quickly becomes one of the brand's three best-selling models.
Jack R. Nerad has reviewed cars, trucks, vans, and sport utilities for over three decades. He also managed the editorial efforts of Motor Trend magazine, JD Power, and Kelley Blue Book. Jack is currently the host of the SportsMap Radio Network program America on the Road, available on Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Spotify, Stitcher, and other outlets.
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