The 2024 TX is a new three-row model in the large family of Lexus SUVs, replacing the RX-L previous three-row placeholder and bringing home a lot more interior room along with more luxury features.
The newcomer has three powertrain options: a turbocharged four-cylinder on the TX 350, a turbocharged hybrid on the TX 500h, and a V6 plug-in hybrid on the TX 550h+.
I drove the TX plug-in hybrid and will zero in on that particular model, whose full name is TX 550h+ Luxury, the sole trim.
Base pricing is $79,400 including a $1,350 destination charge. That’s as high as TX pricing goes. In case you’re wondering where TX pricing starts: $56,400 for a front-wheel drive TX 350, a non-hybrid.
The 550h+ is exclusively all-wheel-drive and its robust V6 plug-in hybrid powertrain has 404 total system horsepower, which it delivers in the classic Lexus style of flawlessness. The ride meets the power challenge with equal sophistication, remaining calm and collected on broken pavement, but not at the expense of good road feel when the surface is smooth.
It should be noted that the TX 550h model is designed for performance, with a firmer ride than the comfort-oriented 550h+.
EPA ratings are 76 MPGe, and with gasoline-only driving, 29 mpg city and highway combined. The all-electric range is 33 miles.
Maximum towing capacity is 5,000 pounds.
There are six seating positions inside the TX 550h+. The middle row has two captain’s chairs and the third row setup is for two people. With all seats in upright position, 20.2 cubic feet of cargo space is available. Third-row seats are power-operated, and when folded, they create 57.4 cubic feet of cargo space.
Passengers in the first two rows travel in great comfort, thanks to excellent seats with heating and ventilation. The third row situation is naturally a little less indulgent, but still superior to typical accommodations in most three-row SUVS.
The newest Lexus Interface infotainment system is a star attraction of the TX 550h+. The large 14.0-inch touchscreen is crisp and clear, fast, easy to see and use, and outfitted with some physical controls that are also first-rate in their design and performance.
Lexus Interface includes wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, navigation, SiriusXM, wireless smartphone charging, Wi-Fi, and voice assistant. A Mark Levinson premium audio system was a prized standard feature on my test vehicle, and got a good workout during the week.
2024 LEXUS TX 550h+
Base price, including destination charge: $79,400
Price as driven: $81,184
Mary Lowry is a member of the Motor Press Guild and a member and past president of the Northwest Automotive Press Association. She lives in Snohomish County. Vehicles are provided by automotive manufacturers as a one-week loan for evaluation purposes only. Manufacturers do not control content of the reviews.
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