Big Hoss: Lexus Goes Texas-Large with the All-New 2024 TX SUV

• It's an all-new luxury crossover SUV based on the Toyota Grand Highlander.
• It offers adult-sized luxury seating for all three rows with lots of cargo capacity.
• There are tree powertrains to choose from, including two electrified options.

What's under the TX's hood?

The 2024 Lexus TX comes with three different powertrains. The TX 350 kicks things off with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder paired to an eight-speed automatic. At 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque, output is fairly modest, but it is a little more potent than an entry-level Audi Q7. Stepping up to the TX 500h adds a hybrid system to this engine (boosting output to 366 hp and 409 lb-ft) and swaps in a six-speed automatic. Both front- and all-wheel drive are offered on the TX 350, while the TX 500h comes standard with AWD.

Finally, the TX 550h+ comes with a 3.5-liter V6 matched to a plug-in hybrid system; this is the first time we're seeing this AWD powertrain in any Toyota or Lexus product. Total output between the two power units stands at 406 hp, with torque not yet disclosed. Lexus says the TX 550h+ can deliver 33 miles of range under EV power alone, which can be hugely beneficial for families that use this vehicle to transport kids to school and shop locally. The TX 350 and 550h will be available at launch, with the plug-in available at a later date.

How's the TX's interior?

The TX's cabin offers a roomy and practical space for all passengers, even in the third row. The seating configuration is 2-3-2 front to rear, though you can opt for captain's chairs in the middle row if you want to prioritize second-row comfort over maximum passenger capacity. There's enough leather and soft-touch material to let you know you're in a Lexus, but there's also enough plastic to remind you it's based on the Toyota. The 14-inch infotainment touchscreen is vibrant and decently responsive, with knobs to adjust the volume and climate temperature easily reachable for both driver and front passenger.

The front seats feature comfortable cushions and enough bolstering to keep you from moving around too much in corners. It's the same in the second row — at least in the model equipped with captain's chairs that we were able to climb into. The third row isn't quite as accommodating, with flat bench seats and more plastic trim in the surrounding area. At least the seats have power recline and decent padding.

How's the TX's tech?

As with the newly unveiled Lexus GX, the TX comes features a 14-inch touchscreen with a user interface similar to the ones in recent Toyota and Lexus products. We find it intuitive and fairly user-friendly, and it's a major improvement over the last-generation system. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard with plenty of power ports available throughout the cabin — seven USB-Cs and three outlets in total. Also available is an optional head-up display, which is useful for keeping pertinent information in your direct line of sight while you concentrate on navigating through traffic.

Finally, every TX comes standard with an impressive array of electronic driver assist and safety systems to help you on the move. Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 — which includes adaptive cruise control, precollision safety systems, and lane keeping and lane departure systems with steering assist, just to name a few — helps you traverse suburban chaos and reduce the stress and fatigue common on long commutes and road trips. If you'd like even more assistance, an available Advanced Park system helps with perpendicular and parallel parking. For you audiophiles, there's a 21-speaker Mark Levinson premium surround-sound system available with any powertrain.

How's the TX's storage?

The TX offers plenty of storage options, with numerous cubbies and small pockets located throughout the cabin for loose change or device placement. Cargo capacity is the highlight here since the TX is said to have 20.1 cubic feet of storage behind the third row. For context, you can hold seven carry-on suitcases in the rear cargo area, or one suitcase per person. Dropping the third row expands the cargo area to 57.4 cubic feet, and 97 cubes if you fold the second row as well.

How economical is the TX?

The TX should deliver competitive fuel economy numbers, according to the estimates provided by Lexus. The TX 350 is quoted at 21 mpg combined, though it wasn't specified if that was for FWD or AWD. The TX 500h is estimated at 24 mpg, while the TX 550h+ is estimated to get 30 mpg.

Edmunds says

We felt that the Toyota Grand Highlander was both well conceived and executed. Adding more luxury amenities to a well-sorted vehicle is a bonus, though we're not convinced that Lexus has done enough to differentiate the TX from its budget-friendly roots.