It's Is As Big As…TX

A Victory & Reseda review of the 2024 Lexus TX

It’s a Lexus as big as…you know.

The jokes on us. The new Lexus TX does not stand for “Texas.” That is despite the brand’s USA headquarters is based in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. It follows a naming convention that just happens to be coincidental…

The new TX has the biggest interior volume among all SUVs sold by the luxury brand. It also has the most third row rear seat room among those that offer a rearmost space for passengers – including the flagship LX.

Why offer the TX? Could Lexus customers head to a Toyota dealer and get a Grand Highlander instead?

Our tester is a prime example of all the reasons Lexus is offering the TX to families that love to travel. 

First, some background. The three-row SUV has become a family staple. The goal is to have more than enough space for growing children to sit in the far back of the vehicle. Automatically, that would send consumers to the largest vehicles available – all of them are truck based. 

Lexus offered a third row for the GX and LX – both luxurious versions of the famed Toyota Land Cruiser. Compared to its Detroit-based rivals, third row room was less than sufficient on both vehicles. 

However, consumer demand was steered towards mid-sized SUVs. Lexus thought that by stretching their popular RX a tad, they could put in a third row to compete in that segment. The third row was just there, but the RXL was not fully spacious enough for most human beings. 

The solution was simple: Introduce a mid-size SUV with more than ample third row room. Hence the introduction of the TX. As soon as it hit the showroom, they were flying out the door. 

Before anyone says that “the TX a fancier version of the Grand Highlander,” it’s more than that. Lexus made it clear that it will offer the brand’s level of luxury and style on its own terms. That also includes specific drivelines, technology, design, and touchpoints. 

This tester is exactly that. The TX 550h+ is powered by a plug-in hybrid driveline – a Lexus exclusive. The driveline consists of the corporate 3.5-liter V6 and two electric motors. The electric Direct 4 all-wheel drive system is fed through a J1772 plug and an electronic continuously variable transmission. All told, the system puts down 404 horsepower. 

The plug-in component was rated to provide 33 miles of battery-fueled driving. When the battery is nearly drained, the system will switch to the V6 engine as its primary source of power. However, the fuel tank is only 14.5 gallons – a few less gallons than the turbocharged (TX 350) or the parallel hybrid (TX 500h) models. Therefore, the overall range may not be inviting to the consumer.

The PHEV is unique to the TX. As is the overall design. As we said earlier, there are plenty of cues that separate this Lexus TX from the Grand Highlander. They do share a common platform and a few parts, but that’s where the sharing ends. 

Up front is a new interpretation of the Spindle Grille. Except the Lexus badge is on the hood, not on the grille. The C-pillar has a different glass and trim style. The taillights are also completely different – a horizontal assembly across the liftgate. 

Our Luxury tester adds a set of 22-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels to finish up the look. Still this TX looks elevated and exudes high quality as expected in a premium/luxury automobile. 

One thing to notice is that there are two “fuel doors” towards the rear of the TX. The one of the driver’s side is for Premium fuel, whereas the passenger side is portal for the J1772 plug receptacle. Only the gasoline fuel door has to be actuated from inside the TX. 

Stepping inside, you get the full Lexus experience with a completely digital instrument cluster augmented by a head-up display. They replicated the same driving environment with the latest Lexus models perfectly. That included the shift-by-wire shifter

In the middle is a 14-inch touchscreen driven by the Lexus Interface infotainment system. This is the hub for all audio playback, connectivity, and information. Smartphone mirroring is done wirelessly. 

Leather and suede seating adorns all three rows. The second-row captain’s chairs can slide away with just one button to access the third row. However, you would have to reset the second-row seats manually by controls on the lower corner of each seat. There is a center console with two large cupholders. The front seats are very comfortable for longer journeys. They offer superb comfort and support overall. Third row seats offer plenty of space. However, you might want to consider which two people you put in those far back seats if you’re taking your TX on a long journey. 

Cargo volume is huge, just like the model’s name implies. Behind the third row, you have 20.2 cubic feet. Folding the third row, that cargo space opens up to 57.4 cubic feet. With the second row down, there is a total of 97 cubic feet! Compared to the flagship LX SUV, these figures make the TX as big as…you know where.

In the plug-in hybrid model, the driving experience is absolutely smooth and luxurious. When you have juice in the battery, the instant torque and acceleration is as best described as divine. Switching to the gasoline engine, performance is just decent – not as instantaneous. Acceleration was fine and the engine was smooth overall. 

To confirm its absolutely smooth and luxurious claim, just take it around town and onto the highway. Suspension travel is balanced – neither soft nor smooth. It just glides on the smoothest surfaces. Handling tends to be on the soft side, but not too soft to shock the TX’s occupants. In fact, everyone on board will have a nice experience inside.

The steering system is quite good. A longer vehicle usually yields a larger turning radius, however the system’s action made the TX a bit more nimble. The on-center feel is augmented by the Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist – a key part of the upgraded Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 suite of driver assistance features. Braking was quite good. A solid pedal feel that turned good stops in normal, panic, and wet situations. 

Pricing for the 2024 Lexus TX starts at $55,050. You have a choice of three distinct drivelines – including out plug-in hybrid. Our TX 550h+ Luxury tester came with a sticker price of $83,133. 

Compared with our experience in the Grand Highlander towards the end of last year, we felt that there was more than distinction between the Lexus TX and the Toyota. Not just in design, but in quality and execution.

That’s why you would check out the Lexus TX – the elevated feel that accommodates families. 

Would you get the TX instead of a LX? Aside from saving money and getting better energy efficiency, the increase in passenger space and cargo utilization is a complete win for the Lexus TX. So, yes, do check out the Lexus TX. It is as big as you think.

DISCLAIMER: Vehicle provided by Toyota Motor North America

Photos by Randy Stern and George Torline