Global Courant
Part II of this week’s Lexus “Double Feature” is the 2024 TX – a brand new model based on the mainstream Toyota Grand Highlander that gives Lexus its first legitimate three-row family crossover. While it may be a Toyota, the new TX puts a luxury spin on the people-carrying formula to suit its premium aspirations, and from our first look at the specs it seems to offer something for everyone.
At just over 203 inches long and riding on a 116-inch wheelbase, the TX sits on the long end of the midsize, fitting nicely between the Audi Q7 (199 inches) and the Mercedes-Benz GLS (205). It rides on a multi-link suspension and comes with one of three powertrains: a 2.4-liter turbo-four (TX 350), a hybrid on the same (TX 500h), and then a plug-in hybrid based on from Toyota’s 3.5- liter V6 (TX 550h+).
The turbocharged four-cylinder can be run with FWD or AWD (both hybrids come with standard all-wheel drive) and produces 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque (better than Highlander because it was rated on premium fuel) with a projected EPO combined figure of 21 miles per gallon. Moving to the standard hybrid raises those numbers to 366 hp and 409 lb-ft, good for 24 mpg. Then there is the PHEV. Check this: 406 horsepower (and an unspecified torque figure) with 30 mpg combined and 33 miles of EV-only range. The downside is that it’s the only powertrain here with a CVT, but this clearly isn’t your mom’s Highlander.
Building on that theme, Lexus is offering the 2.4-liter hybrid powertrain exclusively as an F Sport Performance model that borrows powertrain and chassis technology from the RX. The standard AWD system is complemented by Toyota’s DRS rear steering system, which rotates the rear wheels to match or counteract the direction of the front wheels to improve high-speed stability or maneuverability in tight spaces, respectively. Lexus engineers didn’t have the maximum rear steering angle to hand, but noted that the TX uses it much more freely than the RX to help compensate for its extra length and wheelbase. This is also the only TX with adaptive suspension, something we’ve come to expect from F Sport Performance models.
So why doesn’t the honking V6 PHEV get the F-Sport treatment? In short: luxury. Lexus TX chief engineer Naohisa Hatta told Autoblog that refinement, cabin noise and linear power delivery led them to place the V6 in the TX’s most luxurious trim. Enthusiasts should opt for the 2.4-liter hybrid F-Sport Performance model if they prioritize dynamics. It is the only variant available with adaptive suspension and. As an added bonus, the six-speed automatic should be a lot tastier in that combination than the CVT of the 550h+.
The interior is spacious and packed with conveniences. The front center console has a double lid (divided front to back) that allows the driver or passenger to open only their side independently if desired. A second-row modular console is also available on models with captain’s seats; a second row bench is standard. Lexus claims there’s 20.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row of seats – better than the Audi and Mercedes-Benz we mentioned earlier. That jumps to 57.4 cubes with the third row folded down and 97 cubes with all the rear seats stowed. A one-touch button on the second-row seats flips them for easy access to the rear.
If you’re familiar with the latest news from Toyota and Lexus, you’ll recognize the company’s new 14-inch infotainment system. It’s standard here, along with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A 12.3-inch cluster display is available; the standard screen dimensions were not available at the time of publication. Also standard is the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which includes advanced driver aids such as adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist and blind spot monitoring.
The TX is the first new Lexus vehicle to be assembled at the company’s Indiana facility. Both the TX 350 and TX 500h should hit showrooms this fall, while the 550h+ will come later, possibly next year as a 2025 model. Stay tuned.
