The 2026 Lexus TX 550h+ plug-in has three roomy rows and a generous cargo hold that ought to make it an ideal family cruiser. But we've found in our testing that the 550h+ fails to fully satisfy because of a dull driving experience and an interior that doesn’t live up to how much this big SUV costs. From that standpoint, the related Toyota Grand Highlander is a better deal.Read full review
Lexus has been building three-row SUVs for years, but until the TX arrived for the 2024 model year, none of them were exactly family-friendly. The TX fills that role better than the GX and LX off-roaders ever did, with spacious seating for up to seven, a cavernous cargo hold, and fuel economy in the high 20s. And its crossover-SUV platform means the TX rides far more comfortably than the comparatively burly GX and TX.
We drove the 2026 Lexus TX on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.
Driving experience
6.6/10
How does it drive? In our testing, the TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid accelerated from 0 to 60 mph mph in 5.6 seconds, which is quick though ultimately average for a luxury SUV of this size. By comparison, the non-hybrid TX 350 clocked a far slower time of 8.1 seconds. While other versions of the TX exhibit a fairly comfortable ride, the TX 550h+ feels a little stiff on most roads. On bumpy surfaces, this big crossover feels more jittery than rivals, other TX variants, and even the Toyota Grand Highlander on which it is based. There's no performance trade-off either, as there's plenty of body roll anytime you take a turn with some vigor. The good news is that the TX is an absolute peach during daily driving, offering smooth responses with its near-seamless hybrid powertrain.
Lexus' Safety System+ 3.0 is well stocked with advanced driver aids, and most of them work fairly well. Not all of us were impressed by the Proactive Driving Assist system, however. It functions as an always-on adaptive cruise control and can feel unpredictable in everyday driving. Thankfully, you can turn it off. We recommend opting for the surround-view camera system — it makes parking the big TX a lot less stressful.
Comfort
6.9/10
How comfortable is it? The Lexus TX stretches the definition of a midsize SUV. It's a big crossover, and that means plenty of legroom and headroom in all three rows — even for adults. Tall people will run out of headroom in the very back with the backrest in an upright position, however. There are multiple ways to fold and move the second-row seats to help passengers enter and exit the third row.
While we're not always fans of using virtual buttons for the climate system, the TX has physical knobs bolted onto the screen for temperature adjustment, which is great since you don't have to divert attention away from the road.
If you have kids, the prodigious amount of cabin space means you can easily fit a bulky rear-facing car seat in the second row without requiring the front passenger to move forward much at all. There are also anchors and tethers in the third row to accommodate more car seats.
There are drawbacks, however. The engine is loud and sounds strained when you ask for more power, such as when changing lanes or accelerating onto a freeway on-ramp. The steering wheel controls also aren't intuitive, and it's difficult to configure the instrument panel in a way that shows you the info you want.
In-cabin tech
9.1/10
How’s the tech? The 14-inch touchscreen looks crisp, has easy-to-read graphics, and offers quick responses to inputs. The menu structure is also easy to learn. That said, it's not the flashiest interface, doesn't offer a high degree of customization, and is barely differentiated from the Grand Highlander's.
Wireless smartphone connectivity is standard but, strangely enough, navigation is not. After the free trial expires, Lexus charges a fee to continue the cloud-based service. We had a few issues with connecting to the cloud-based system, even in populated Southern California.
Storage & cargo
8.9/10
How’s storage and cargo? Even with all three rows of seats in place, the TX has 20.2 cubic feet of space for groceries or small suitcases. Drop the second- and third-row seats, and the cargo area opens up to measure a massive minivan-esque 97 cubic feet. If you need max cargo capacity and don't want to upgrade to a large SUV like the Lexus LX, the TX is the best alternative.
The TX offers creative small-item storage solutions throughout the cabin. Up front, there's a hidden storage area underneath the wireless charging pad, and the center console storage bin is super deep. Both back rows have cupholders, and like the fronts, the cupholders in the second-row center console are removable.
Every TX is rated to tow up to 5,000 pounds, which is less than some rivals.
Value
6.9/10
Is it a good value? The value statement of the TX 550h+ is questionable. On one hand, Lexus' warranty coverage is better than that of most luxury automakers. That's especially true of this PHEV, which has generous hybrid and battery warranties. We also appreciate that Lexus offers a PHEV, a rare option among midsize three-row luxury SUVs.
The drawbacks start with the interior. While the materials are of good quality, they won't wow you. The TX feels too much like the Toyota Grand Highlander to truly take the fight to segment leaders. And while it has a healthy list of standard features and plenty of optional extras, there's nothing unique or surprising on its options list. At more than $82K, the PHEV is also expensive for what you get.
Electric range/MPG
7.1/10
How’s the fuel economy? On our Edmunds range route for plug-in hybrids — which consists of driving at an average of 35 mph in EV mode until the vehicle's fully charged battery runs out — the TX 550h+ traveled 41 miles before the gas engine kicked on. This exceeded the EPA's estimate of 33 all-electric miles.
After the battery runs dry, the TX 550h+ utilizes a V6 that works with the electrical system to act like a traditional hybrid. The EPA says you can expect the TX 550h+ to return 29 mpg in combined city/highway driving using the gas engine. We validated and exceeded this estimate as well, averaging 33.6 mpg over about 115 miles in mixed driving.
X factor
3/10
There's nothing about the TX that stands out above its competitors apart from the excellent passenger space that it offers. If you're looking for a family-friendly luxury SUV, this one nails it. Unfortunately, Lexus didn't upgrade the TX enough from its Grand Highlander roots. It's lacking the exciting design and personality we expect from a Lexus SUV.
The TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid is an especially tough sell. It costs many thousands of dollars more than the TX 500h, which is a traditional hybrid, and it will take a long time and diligent plugging in before you recoup the price difference. We give points to Lexus for making a midsize three-row luxury PHEV (it only has one true rival), but the execution is lacking.
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2026 Lexus TX Plug-in Hybrid pricing in Ashburn, VA
The 2026 Lexus TX is a midsize three-row SUV with seating for six or seven, depending on options. Three powertrains are available: TX 350, TX 500h F Sport Performance and TX 550h+. Compare the 2026 Lexus TX trim levels in-depth.
Which TX trim does Edmunds recommend?
You can pay a lot for a hybrid or plug-in TX and still not have all the features that make a luxury vehicle worth it. That's why we like the TX 350 Luxury. Loaded with every available option, including heated and ventilated second-row captain's chairs and a premium Mark Levinson audio system, it still rings up cheaper than the most affordable hybrid model. Few owners are likely to keep their TX long enough to make up the price difference with savings on gas.
Competitors to consider
The TX's competitive set depends on whether shoppers are considering the gas, hybrid or plug-in hybrid option. The Acura MDX, Audi Q7 and Mercedes-Benz GLE offer three rows of seating, but none are as roomy as the TX. The GLE is also available as a plug-in hybrid but in performance-oriented AMG form. Shoppers leaning toward a plug-in hybrid should be sure to check out the Volvo XC90. The Mazda CX-90 and the TX's Toyota Grand Highlander twin don't wear premium badges but readily impress.
Edmunds spotlight: Which powertrain is right for you?
The TX is available with three different powertrains: a turbocharged four-cylinder, a hybridized turbo-four and a plug-in hybrid V6. Not surprisingly, the hybrids get better fuel economy than the gas-only TX 350 — 27 mpg combined for the TX 500h hybrid and 29 mpg for the plug-in hybrid TX 550h+, as well as 33 miles of electric range, versus the TX 350's 23 mpg combined. But performance may be more of a deciding factor than efficiency. The hybrids come with standard all-wheel drive, and Lexus says the all-wheel-drive TX 350 needs 7.8 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph, compared to 6.1 seconds for the 500h and 5.9 seconds for the 550h+.
Great family 3-row SUV; plenty of room in 3rd row, even for adults. EV for around town and V6 for longer range driving. Checks all of the boxes for a luxury SUV. My only wish is that it came with massage seats.
The Edmunds experts tested the 2026 TX both on the road and at the track, giving it a 7.4 out of 10. What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the TX has 20.2 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Lexus TX. Learn more
Is the Lexus TX reliable?
To determine whether the Lexus TX is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the TX. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the TX's average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2026 Lexus TX a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2026 Lexus TX is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2026 TX and gave it a 7.4 out of 10. Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2026 TX is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2026 Lexus TX?
The least-expensive 2026 Lexus TX is the 2026 Lexus TX 550h+ Luxury 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid CVT). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $80,610.
Other versions include:
550h+ Luxury 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid CVT) which starts at $80,610
If you're interested in the Lexus TX, the next question is, which TX model is right for you? TX variants include 550h+ Luxury 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid CVT). For a full list of TX models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more