2024 Lexus TX Debuts With Adult

The 2024 TX is based on the Toyota Grand Highlander and will be offered with three different powertrains including a unique plug-in hybrid V6

Three-row luxury crossovers are big business, but Lexus has been notably absent from the segment. This has forced the brand to rely on its GX and LX SUVs, much to the chagrin of dealers.

This wasn't always the case as Lexus introduced the three-row RX L in 2017. However, the crossover felt a little rushed and its third-row was best suited for small children. The brand is now moving past that misstep by introducing the all-new TX.

Designed specifically for North America, the 2024 TX is a family-friendly crossover that ushers Lexus into a "new era of three-row luxury."

Be Careful What You Wish For

Lexus’ spindle grille has received a lot of hate over the years, but it's sorely missed as the TX adopts a "Unified Spindle" design that prioritizes aerodynamic performance. As part of this effort, the traditional grille has been replaced by an enclosed facsimile that looks overly generic. Take the "L" logo off the hood and you’d be forgiven for thinking this was a nondescript crossover from China.

While the grille looks awful, it's flanked by slender headlights with LED daytime running lights that flow into a "narrow aperture." The latter doesn't do the front end any favors, but it appears to house a sensor pod of some sort.

The rest of the design is thankfully more pleasing as the model sports streamlined bodywork and edgy accents. Designers also gave the crossover an expansive greenhouse, a blacked out rear pillar, and a slender rear light bar. They’re joined by a gently sloping roof and 20- or 22-inch wheels.

In terms of size, the TX measures 203.1 inches (5,159 mm) long, 78.3 inches (1,989 mm) wide, and 70.1 inches (1,781 mm) tall with a wheelbase that spans 116.1 inches (2,949 mm). To put those numbers into perspective, the model is 4.6 inches (117 mm) longer than the Cadillac XT6 and has a 3.4 inch (86 mm) longer wheelbase.

A Chic And Minimalist Interior

Lexus interiors have adopted a minimalist aesthetic as of late and the TX is no exception as it features an upscale, but largely soulless cabin. The company didn't say much about it, but the crossover offers a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a standard 14-inch infotainment system.

The model will be offered in Standard, Premium, Luxury and F Sport Performance trims, although details are virtually non-existent. However, the company did rattle off a handful of options including a head-up display, multi-colored illumination, and a 21-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system. We can also see controls for a heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, and a power liftgate. Second-row passengers won't take a backseat in terms of comfort as they’ll find available climate controls and seat heaters.

We’ll learn more closer to launch, but TX customers will find a split-folding second-row bench or available captain's chairs. The latter are separated by a removable mini-console that has cup holders as well as a handful of storage compartments.

We found the rear seats to be a bit of a pain in the Toyota Grand Highlander, but it sounds like Lexus might have improved things. While that remains to be seen, the automaker mentioned a switch on the second-row seat shoulder that tilts the seat down while a spring slides it forward.

In terms of space, the TX offers 20.1 cubic feet (569 liters) of room behind the third-row. That increases to 57.4 cubic feet (1,625 liters) by folding it down, while 97 cubic feet (2,747 liters) of luggage space is available by folding the second- and third-row.

Three Powertrains Including A 406 HP Plug-In Hybrid V6

Like the Grand Highlander, the Lexus TX will be offered with three different powertrains. Kicking things off is the entry-level TX 350, which has a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder developing 275 hp (205 kW / 279 PS) and 317 lb-ft (429 Nm) of torque. That's 10 hp (7 kW / 10 PS) and 7 lb-ft (9 Nm) more than the Toyota.

The engine is connected to a familiar eight-speed automatic transmission, which can be paired to an available all-wheel drive system. Lexus says this should enable the model to return approximately 21 mpg combined.

Buyers looking for more fun can upgrade to the TX 500h F Sport Performance, which features a hybridized powertrain with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, a six-speed transmission, and a Direct4 all-wheel drive system. Lexus didn't say much about it, but the model sounds like a Hybrid Max variant with a lot of marketing malarkey.

The powertrain produces 366 hp (273 kW / 371 PS) and 409 lb-ft (554 Nm) of torque, which is only 4 hp (3 kW / 4 PS) and 9 lb-ft (12 Nm) more than the Grand Highlander Hybrid Max. As those numbers suggest, the hybrid is focused on performance and that's reflected in an estimated fuel economy rating of 24 mpg combined.

That's not great but, on the bright side, the TX 500h has a Dynamic Rear Steering system that can turn the rear wheels in the same or opposite direction as the front wheels. This helps to improve high-speed stability as well as low-speed maneuverability such as when parking.

The third and final model is the plug-in hybrid TX 550h+, which is interesting as Toyota doesn't offer a Grand Highlander Prime and officials downplayed the possibility of one in the future. Lexus didn't say much about this particular variant, but it has a 3.5-liter V6 engine, a continuously variable transmission, and a Direct4 all-wheel drive system.

This setup will give the crossover a combined output of 406 hp (303 kW / 412 PS). The good news doesn't end there as the model is expected to have an electric-only range of 33 miles (53 km).

Putting powertrains aside, the TX rides on the GA-K platform which also underpins the NX and RX. For use on the three-row crossover, the company made "enhancements" to improve rigidity while also minimizing noise, vibration, and harshness. As part of this effort, engineers strengthened the structure and improved the steering system.

Driver Assistance Technology Comes Standard

The Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 suite of driver assistance systems comes standard and it includes All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Tracing Assist (Lane Centering), and a Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection. They’re joined by Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Road Sign Assist, and Proactive Driving Assist.

Besides the standard driver assistance systems, customers will be able to get an Advanced Park system that makes parallel and perpendicular parking a breeze. The crossover can also be outfitted with Traffic Jam Assist, which allows for hands-free operation at low speeds. However, like in the Grand Highlander, it's put behind a paywall as Traffic Jam Assist requires an active Drive Connect trial or subscription.

Goes On Sale Later This Year

The 2024 TX 350 and 500h are slated to go on sale this fall, while the plug-in hybrid 550h+ will join the lineup at a "later date." All of them will be built at Toyota's plant in Princeton, Indiana. This gives the TX the honor of being the first Lexus to be assembled at the plant as well as the first Lexus plug-in hybrid to be built in North America.

Pricing remains a mystery, but the model will slot above the RX which begins at $48,950. This suggests the TX could start in the low to mid $50k range, which would be a hefty premium over the Grand Highlander that begins at $43,070 and climbs to $54,040 in Hybrid Max guise.