Finally, Lexus has a 3-row SUV for full-sized people
If you saw the Toyota Grand Highlander recently and thought, THAT is the car for me, let me interrupt your thoughts. What if it could be better? More luxury, more features and more advantages that set it apart from the Grand Highlander. That’s the 2024 Lexus TX.
And really, that’s Lexus, after all. The great reliability and efficiency that we love about Toyota, Lexu-fied with refined features, pampering details, more elegance, and in this case, even more fuel efficiency. This may be THE luxury 3-row to buy.
Read: How Does the Lexus TX Compare to the RX, GX and LX?
How is Lexus TX Different from the Grand Highlander?
Oh, let me count the ways. First, all the great functions in the Grand Highlander are included, but re-interpreted in the Lexus way:
- Interior trims, materials and colors are elevated and elegant
- The overall look on the exterior is subdued rather than flashy
- The new Lexus Spindle Grille is more relaxed, less dramatic
- Push button everything
- Cupholders in the front and center rows can be removed from their cubbies for cleaning or to create a larger space
- A contiguous touchscreen multimedia system unifies the dashboard
- 3-row seating for 6 or 7
- A plug-in hybrid will be available sometime later in 2024
- There is no standard hybrid option
Related: Why the Lexus GX 460 4WD is the Mama Bear of Luxury SUVs
We Have to Talk About This 3rd Row
This is the place where Lexus NEEDED to excel — or at least, improve. While the company has offered 3rd row options, none were great for families who need a functional 3rd row. The LX and GX 3rd rows are cumbersome to use and families with littles often found it just wasn’t an option.
And for those who love the smaller size and agility of a crossover SUV, the RX-L’s 3rd row was a convenience for occasional use but not great for tall passengers or for daily use. And installing kids car seats? Perhaps the biggest challenge of all.
The TX answers both of those challenges.
I sat in the 3rd row and it’s lovely. It seats 2 with ample-sized seats and features like air vents and a place to put your water bottle and phone. And there are buttons to recline the 3rd row seats– great for older or taller passengers who want to put their seat back.
Center row seats easily slide and tilt with the push of a button and leave a nice wide foothold that was big enough for my size 9 feet to stand comfortably. This wide space also means that installing kids car seats— and there are two full LATCH sets in the 3rd row— will be easier, too. In fact, with 4 full LATCH sets, owners will have lots of configuration options, meaning you can put your kids where you want, not where they simply fit.
Related: How the Lexus RX 450 h Is More of What You Want
And Then, it’s All Lexus, Too
The Lexus TX takes from other newly-redesigned models, including the RX, NX, and LX, all the innovations that slingshotted these SUVs to the top of the class:
- Head up display with haptic controls on the steering wheel— this may be my favorite technology in any car right now
- A large touchscreen multimedia system with “Hey Lexus” voice-activated assistance, a lovely intuitive design, and solid function
- Dials on the touchscreen for instant access to temperature, fan and radio volume
- 12” digital driver display
- The elegant palm-sized gear selector
- Wireless AppleCarPlay, Android Auto and phone charge pad
- Butterfly-open center armrest
- Electric exterior door handles — they release by pressing on the touchpad inside the handle
- Electric interior door releases, as well as a mechanical door release (just pull the door release toward you)
- 3rd row seats have a push button recline
- There are push button controls for all seats
Related: Lexus LX 600 Luxury SUV: Go Big and Go Fancy
What Makes the Lexus TX Stand Apart?
In addition to all those luscious details, the TX also features premium details, including a panoramic sunroof and Mark Levinson premium sound. And then, there are these features:
- Second row slide and tilt seats — push button, of course! — and a wide foothold and grips for easy access
- Small removable center row console that’s easy to pop out or put back
- 3rd row seating for 2 passengers
- 3rd row features including a cup holder that also holds a phone or tablet, air vents and USB ports
- 20 cubic feet behind 3rd row, 57 behind 2nd row and 97 cubic feet of cargo space with all the seats folded
- All wheel drive is either optional or standard in all models
- 4 models to choose from: Standard, Premium, Luxury and an F Sport performance model
Related: How does the redesigned Lexus GX full size 3-row SUV compare?
Pick Your Engine Option
While this is the first 3-row crossover SUV Lexus has built, it also borrows from what its other SUV siblings offer: lots of engine options. These options are based on the same engines found in the RX and NX, but with changes to accommodate the size, weight and driving dynamics of the TX. Buyers can choose from:
- Plug-in Hybrid V6 engine TX 550h; this should have an all electric driving range of 33 miles, about 30 MPG and generate 406 HP; this model won’t be on sale until 2024— Lexus has not announced a date yet
- Turbo hybrid F Sport performance edition; this has standard AWD, generates 366 HP and is expected to get 24 MPG
- 2.4 4-cylinder turbo TX 350; this will generate 275 HP and get about 21 MPG
The Lexus TX will be built in Indiana, and when the plug-in hybrid version comes out, hopefully that means it will qualify for federal tax incentives. And, with 33 miles of all electric driving, it definitely will qualify for skipping past the gas station again, and again, and again.
I was so blown away by the Toyota Grand Highlander that I wondered just what Lexus could do to make the TX stand out and claim its own territory on the 3 row SUV landscape. But it’s clear: With great function, lots of luxury details, F Sport and PHEV options, the TX may be THE luxury 3-row SUV to buy.
Disclosure: I was a guest of Lexus for this preview. Accommodations were provided but all opinions are my own.
Have a thought or comment? Share it with us on social media! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. And be sure to sign up for our email newsletter!
