2024 Lexus TX: An Admission That Putting a Third Row in the RX Wasn’t the Best Idea
Competes with: Acura MDX, Buick Enclave, Infiniti QX60, Lincoln Aviator
Looks like: The Toyota Grand Highlander with an RX’s face
Powertrain: 275-horsepower, turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder, eight-speed automatic transmission and front- or all-wheel drive (TX 350); 366-hp hybrid powertrain with an electric motor and turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, six-speed automatic and AWD (TX 500h); 406-hp plug-in hybrid powertrain with a 3.5-liter V-6, continuously variable automatic and AWD (TX 550h+)
Hits dealerships: TX 350 and 500h go on sale this fall; 550h+ to follow at a later date
When Lexus recently redesigned its RX line of SUVs, it axed the three-row L variant. That seemed like a strange decision at the time; we didn’t particularly like the L, but three-row SUVs are financially fertile ground, and leaving the aging GX and pricey LX as the only choices in its lineup didn’t strike us as wise. And now we know why: The all-new 2024 Lexus TX is coming this fall to fill the gap.
Related: Up Close With the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander: Grander in Every Way
Riding on the same platform as the Toyota Grand Highlander, the TX will have three variants that offer gas, hybrid and — unlike the Grand Highlander for now, at least — plug-in hybrid powertrains. The gas-only 350 and hybrid 500h will be available at launch this fall, with the PHEV 550h+ joining the lineup at an unspecified later date. Besides a base model, Premium, Luxury and F Sport Performance trims will be available, with the 500h exclusively available in F Sport Performance.
Grand Exterior, With A Lexus Flare
The TX shares similar styling and dimensions with the Grand Highlander, including an identical wheelbase, and the result is a very tidy-looking three-row SUV with a very Lexus-looking face. The new spindle grille design, dubbed the Lexus Unified Spindle, has more body-color elements but is readily identifiable as a Lexus. Lexus claims that it “prioritizes aerodynamic handling and vehicle stability,” but we’ll have to drive it before we can confirm or refute any of that. From here, it mostly doesn’t look as garish as some earlier spindle designs did.
Roomy, Modern Interior
The interior of the TX falls in line with the latest Lexus designs, beginning with a straightforward cockpit design that has a standard 14-inch touchscreen display as the centerpiece. It comes with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard and sits above useful physical controls for climate and audio. A 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and a head-up display are optional.
Second-row seating can be either captain’s chairs or a bench seat, and the seats slide forward and fold with the push of a button for access to the third row. With similar dimensions to the Grand Highlander, the third row should be comfortable for many adults and not just a penalty box for unruly children. According to Lexus, every row of seats will have access to storage and charging, which should keep occupants happy, charged and hydrated.
Cargo dimensions are nearly equivalent to the Grand Highlander, as well, though we have yet to measure those ourselves. According to Lexus, cargo measurements do not vary among the three powertrains.
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Plugged-In Performance
Like the Grand Highlander, the TX will have three powertrain choices. The TX 350 is powered by a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 275 horsepower and 317 pounds-feet of torque, both slightly higher than the Grand Highlander’s respective outputs. The gas engine is paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission, and the 350 is available in either front- or all-wheel drive. The 350 also rides on standard 20-inch wheels, with 22s available on the Luxury trim. Lexus’ estimated combined fuel economy for the 350 is 21 mpg.
The 500h is the first of two electrified variants and ups the power to 366 hp and 409 pounds-feet, and this variant is exclusively available in F Sport Performance guise. It comes with a six-speed automatic transmission and AWD. Performance doesn’t come with a fuel economy penalty, however, as Lexus says the 500h should get 24 mpg combined. The 500h F Sport Performance also gets 22-inch wheels standard in an exclusive design.
At the top of the range is the 550h+, and while Lexus doesn’t provide a battery-pack size or torque figures, it says this PHEV will produce 406 hp, achieve an estimated 30 mpg combined and have 33 miles of all-electric range. Like the 500h, AWD is standard on the 550h+, but instead of a traditional geared automatic transmission, the 550h+ uses a continuously variable automatic transmission. It will also ride on 22-inch wheels as standard.
Pricing and Release Date
Pricing information and additional details should be revealed closer to the launch date of the TX 350 and 500h this fall; Lexus says the 550h+ will arrive sometime after that.
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