Experienced by Kimatni D. Rawlins, www.AutomotiveRhythms.com
By now, you have probably seen the omnipresent Lexus TX social media ads and commercials, including the Clay Matthews spot dubbed “Everybody Wins” as he escorts a group of fanatics to Lambeau Field with 50-yard line game tickets. How nice would that be? But in my case, I would need Philadelphia Eagles tickets to a home game at Lincoln Financial Field on a sunny Sunday afternoon, where I would situate the three-row luxury Lexus SUV in VIP parking. That means I could invite my crew of five since we prefer the second-row captain chairs that are standard on the hybrid models.
The new TX is a longer spin on the RX but does not slope downward in the rear, allowing more comfort for third-row passengers. Lexus is targeting Gen Y families with two-plus kids for its refreshing and extended utility vehicle. Built at Toyota Motor Manufacturing in Indiana, every model receives the standard 14” multimedia display, an array of standard safety, 5,000-lb towing capacity, up to seven USB-c connection ports, and at least 20″ rims. And unlike many three-row SUVs, the TX features more than enough space in the cargo area for luggage and supplies. Expect 97 cubic feet of total cargo capacity and 20.2 cubic feet behind the third-row bench. For entering and exiting the vehicle from the third row, the middle seat leans and slides forward with the push of a latch.
Lexus will empower the TX with available DIRECT4 AWD and three engine choices including the TX 350 and its 275-horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque, turbocharged 2.4-liter, and 8-speed automatic transmission pairing, which I found resilient and engaging. The TX 550h+ Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) receives a 3.5-liter V6 engine, a lithium-ion battery pack, and AWD for 404 net combined horsepower. The PHEV can also sail for 33 all-electric miles. Steering, suspension inputs, and added power provide a smooth and compliant ride in this package.
Saving the best for the last, the impressive TX 500h F SPORT Performance AWD is enhanced with 366 net combined horsepower and 409 lb-ft of torque from its 2.4-liter turbocharged engine and high-torque electric motors. The added performance commingles with a sportier front fascia, 22” alloy rims, Dynamic Rear Steering, and an Adaptive Variable Suspension for a more thrilling drive.
Of course, you can see that Lexus has invented a new design theme for the TX that focuses on a more dynamic profile, which they call aerodynamic performance. It begins with the adjusted Lexus “Unified Spindle” grille that is now body-colored and integrated within the front fascia. Some customers will love it, but others will pass on the aggression of the Lexus tradition. I enjoy the design technique on the brand’s sports cars, but not necessarily the SUVs. Other aerodynamic elements include airflow-regulating fins, a roof spoiler, and rear combination lamps. You can purchase your TX in six hues from Wind Chill Pearl, Cloudburst Gray, and Celestial Silver Metallic to Caviar, Matador Red Mica, and Nightfall Mica. The F-SPORT Performance adds Incognito and subtracts Cloudburst Gray and Matador Red Mica.
Inside, the TX is comforting and feels quite elegant but simultaneously technological. However, there are a few cheesy elements that Lexus can enhance. The new 14” Lexus Interface touchscreen display is your nucleus for Alexa, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, and the upgraded 21-speaker Mark Levinson Premium Surround Sound system is pure. With Remote Connect, the Lexus app can be used for remote engine starts, unlocking the doors, scheduling a service appointment, or receiving vehicle health reports. Cloud Navigation and Google points of interest data combine for more accuracy when inputting destinations and traffic situations. Though, I would like to see physical knobs for Drive Mode Select (Normal, ECO, Sport, Custom), which is integrated within the menu of Lexus Interface.
NuLuxe synthetic leather seat trim is standard on Premium and F SPORT Performance Premium grades; smooth, leather-trimmed seating is aligned with the F SPORT Performance Luxury; and semi-aniline leather trim covers the Luxury grades for TX 350 and TX 550h. Panoramic View Monitor, Wireless Charger, Digital Key, Digital Mirror, and Head-Up Display are available through specific upgrade packages.
Of course, safety is always at the top of the mind for Lexus engineers. So, the TX is packaged with the latest generation of Lexus Safety System + 3.03 along with All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control with Curve Speed Management, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, and Digital Latch with Safe Exit Assist that reduces accidents by preventing the doors from opening in the path of approaching vehicles or cyclists. Then there is the Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection and Intersection Support, Road Side Assist, and Lane Tracing Assist to help keep your vehicle centered in its lane.
Offered in five trims: Standard, Premium, Luxury, F SPORT Performance Premium, and F SPORT Performance Luxury, MSRP pricing (including a $1,350 DPH fee) ranges from $55,050 to $72,650 depending on which rendition of the first generation 2024 Lexus TX selected. First-year TX sales are estimated at 50,000 units, with 20% representing the hybrid plug-in.
