Review: 2024 Lexus TX 500h

An all-new family-friendly 3-row SUV from Lexus

Review and photos by Tom Sedens. There are always more photos at the end of my reviews.

Pricing: 2024 Lexus TX

Base price (500h F Sport Performance 2 trim): $87,325

Options: none

Price as tested: $87,325

(Lexus Complete Pricing includes freight, PDI, fees and taxes aside from sales tax)

It has been a banner year for Lexus SUVs with the reveals of the new GX and LX models and now the introduction of an all-new line, the TX. It’s a luxurious three-row SUV expanding on the success of the RX models. It is Lexus’ first three-row unibody SUV, so you get a smooth non-truck-like ride with less off-road chops (because nobody takes their Lexus off-roading anyway).

Exterior

The TX is big. It’s not lost on me that TX stands for Texas in some parts of the world, and this is definitely a Texas-sized SUV. It’s a long, large vehicle but thanks to clean lines and modern styling, it takes up less visual space than it should and is remarkably aerodynamic. The front end is adorned with Lexus’ new Unified Spindle grille (which is integrated better and in my opinion a big improvement on the previous spindle grille) and LED lighting. The wide stance gives the TX a sleek and imposing posture.

There’s a full-width LED light bar across the rump and stunning 22-inch rims fill the wheel wells in the upper trims (which my review vehicle was). All exterior lighting is, of course, LED.

Interior/Tech/Convenience

The cabin is exactly what one expects from a Lexus. World-class materials – including sumptuous perforated leathers and ultrasuede, contrasting stitching, beautifully textured soft-touch plastics – and of course, unparalleled fit and finish throughout.

The high driving position offers up a commanding view of the road ahead, while the heated and ventilated seats coddle driver and passengers in surprisingly well-bolstered comfort. Behind the grippy heated steering wheel is a 12.3″ fully configurable digital dash that allows the driver to customize its display.

Speaking of customization, there are also 64 colours to choose from for your ambient lighting.

Front and centre is a massive 14-inch touchscreen display that handles all the TX’s in-car functions including climate, navigation, vehicle settings and the 12-speaker sound system. An available 21-speaker Mark Levinson audiophile system effortlessly reproduces the highest highs and the lowest lows. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard and work beautifully.

Driver assistance technology is here in spades – everything from blind-spot monitoring, parking assist, road sign detection, automatic high beams, dynamic cruise control, lane departure alert, pedestrian and pre-collision detection and braking and a surround-view camera is included.

There’s a massive panoramic sunroof overhead, spanning the space over the two front rows.

Second and Third Row Seats

The TX is available in a six- or seven-passenger configuration. Mine was the six-seater, swapping a second-row bench for captain’s chairs.

The second row has plenty of head- and leg room and the seats are heated, ventilated and fully adjustable, sliding fore and aft and reclining. The seats are very comfortable. Second row passengers get manual sunshades and a climate control panel.

A removable console takes up the space between the second row seats. Leaving it in place adds excellent storage space and removing it allows for a nice open space there and accommodates smaller passengers walking through to the back without having to slide the second row seats forward.

Access to the third row is as simple as pushing a button and watching the second row seating quickly slide forward and out of the way, allowing the rearmost passengers easy ingress and egress to a third row that is spacious and comfortable even for adults. Another cool feature – the rear seats have power reclining functions.

There are plenty of well thought out storage options and charging plugs for both rows of passengers, making the TX an excellent family SUV.

Between the two rear rows, there are accommodations to anchor up to four child seats!

Storage

There are 3 USB-C plugs at the front of the centre console along with a wireless charging mat for your phone. You can push this forward to reveal a hidden storage space below, complete with a 12V plug.

I loved the storage area on the right side of the console. It integrates two independently removable cupholders, which makes for a very flexible space. A deep carpeted bin with a clam-shell lid sits at the back of the console.

The trunk is a nice size – even with the third row in use, the 572L trunk will accommodate seven carry-on-sized suitcases. Fold the third row down using the power folding buttons in the trunk and you get a very useful 1,625 L space. Should you need it, you can fold both of the rear rows flat, resulting in a gargantuan 2,747L trunk. Of course the trunk lid is powered and there’s a removable, retractable tonneau cover that has a very convenient storage space under the trunk floor.

Under the Hood

Power is plentiful from both TX drivetrains – customers can choose between the TX 300’s 275-horsepower 2.4L turbocharged engine, or as in my review vehicle, step up to the TX 500’s Parallel Hybrid system coupled with a 2.4L turbocharged engine that puts out 366 horsepower and 409 lb.ft of torque and uses 25 percent less fuel. Interestingly, the hybrid powertrain uses a 6-speed automatic and has all-wheel drive.

Fuel economy is rated at 8.7/8.4 L/100 km (city/highway) which is remarkable considering the size and mass of this vehicle. We averaged around 9.1 L/100 km which, although higher than the rating, is really outstanding all things considered.

The Drive

Both powertrains provide ample get up and go for the TX, but the upgraded hybrid one is the way to go. It is incredibly smooth and refined and the increased fuel efficiency is just icing on the cake. Off the line, it is surprisingly powerful and I never wanted for more jam in any driving situation.

Speaking of driving situations, there is an off-road driving mode which will likely never get used by anyone.

As with any Lexus SUV, the TX’s ride is buttery smooth and soaks up even the biggest hits that Edmonton streets can come up with. An exceptional adaptive variable suspension system allows the big vehicle to handle with surprising athleticism and competence, considering its size of course. This is no track car, to be sure, but it stays very composed when thrown into some quicker corners or sweeping curves.

Rear-wheel steering helps with manoeuvring this big beast in parking lots and on the open road. The brakes were easy to use and not mushy like some hybrid brakes can be.

Lexus goes to great lengths to ensure every part of the driving experience in each of their vehicles is serene and the TX is no exception – it is quiet – almost silent – in every driving scenario, even at highway speeds. The vehicle uses a combination of incredible insulation and active sound cancelling technology.

The Verdict

WAF (Wife Approval Factor) was very, very high. She loved the styling and most everything about the TX – although she said she wouldn’t want to own one because of the sheer size.

With luxurious comfort in every seat, the newest technology on board, efficient power to spare under the hood and striking good looks, the TX is a fantastic new offering from Lexus and is sure to be a very attractive solution for those in the market for a luxury three-row SUV. This is a very well-executed vehicle and should be a big hit for Lexus.