The Car Connection Expert Review

Joel Feder

Senior Producer

June 8, 2023

Likes

Hybrid and plug-in hybrid options
Adult-sized third row
Inoffensive design
Retains a volume knob
Fits the family and gear

Dislikes

Base fuel economy is middling
Plug-in hybrid coming… at some point
Anonymous front end
Big touchscreen can’t split-screen

Buying tip

When it eventually arrives the TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid should be a standout in the segment with its packaging and electric-only driving range.

The 2024 Lexus TX is the three-row crossover SUV sought by dealers and consumers.

What kind of vehicle is the 2024 Lexus TX? What does it compare to?

The 2024 Lexus TX is a three-row crossover SUV that competes with the Audi Q7, BMW X5, and Lincoln Aviator.

Is the 2024 Lexus TX a good SUV?

The TX is new for 2024 and goes big with three full rows of seats, three powertrain options, and a thick coat of luxury lacquer over the related Toyota Grand Highlander. The packaging, hybrid powertrains, and standard safety features should net it a competitive TCC Rating when we test it later this year. (Read more about how we rate cars.)

What's new for the 2024 Lexus TX?

Everything. From the nameplate to the structure, this is a (nearly) new vehicle. Toyota’s luxury division took the Grand Highlander, which is a lengthened Highlander, and slathered its interior with leather, added sound deadening, and gave the exterior the latest iteration of Lexus’ design language.

From the front the TX might be from a different automaker unless you look closely to identify the Lexus spindle grille. It’s been toned down for this large Lexus with body-color bar inserts and no surround. The side profile features a strong shoulder line that runs off the front fender and then kicks up into the rear fender. The rear end features a wider version of the full-width LED taillight found on the smaller Lexus NX and RX. The TX will ride on 20-, 21-, or 22-inch wheels, depending on the trim.

Buyers will have a choice of three powertrains. Base TX 350 models will be powered by the smaller NX and RX’s 2.4-liter turbo-4 with 275 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque. An 8-speed automatic will send power to the front wheels, but all-wheel drive will be an option.

Buyers seeking more power and miles per gallon can opt for the TX 500h hybrid model that pairs the 2.4-liter turbo-4 with two electric motors for a combined output of 366 hp and 409 lb-ft of torque. A 6-speed automatic transmission shuffles power to all four wheels, and a rear motor supplements power to the rear axle for all-wheel drive. Rear-wheel steering will be available to shrink the TX’s turning radius and make it more nimble, but only on the 500h model.

The most powerful and efficient TX will be the 550h+ plug-in hybrid that pairs a 3.5-liter V-6 and three electric motors for a combined output of 406 hp. Lexus hasn’t said how much torque this powertrain will have, but Toyota’s planetary-gear hybrid system steps in for shifting duties for the plug-in hybrid and all-wheel drive will be standard.

Base turbo-4 models will be the least efficient with an expected EPA rating of 21 mpg combined. The 500h hybrid models increase that expected rating to 24 mpg combined. The efficiency king will be the 500h+ plug-in hybrid with an expected 30 mpg combined rating and 33 miles of electric driving range.

Inside, the TX dashboard looks similar, albeit larger and wider, as the NX and RX with an 8.0–inch digital gauge cluster and a 14.0-inch touchscreen canted towards the driver. A larger 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster will be available as will a head-up display. Both wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will be onboard.

Every TX will feature three rows of seats with seating for six or seven passengers. The second row, depending on trim, will be a set of captain’s chairs or a 60/40 split-folding bench seat. Models with the second-row captain’s chairs can be optioned with a removable center console providing storage or easier access to the third row without moving the second-row seats. Behind the third row, there’s 20.1 cubic feet of cargo space. Fold the third row and that expands to 57.4 cubic feet, and with both the second and third rows folded there’s 97 cubic feet of space for all the cargo.

Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitors, adaptive cruise control, and active lane control are standard, while a surround-view camera system will be available.

How much does the 2024 Lexus TX cost?

Lexus hasn’t said, but we expect a starting price in the low $60,000 range with top-spec models topping $70,000.

Charging for devices will come standard with seven USB-C charging ports and three power outlets. Audiophiles will take note of the available 21-speaker Mark Levinson sound system.

Where is the 2024 Lexus TX made?

For the first time in history this Lexus will be made in the U.S., at Toyota’s plant in Princeton, Indiana. It’s the same factory that churns out Highlander and Grand Highlanders.