Lexus TX SUV: How Toyota Grand Highlander Gets the Tuxedo Treatment
Room for the Whole Family
The TX offers generous space for passengers and luggage, including a third row that can accommodate adults. Its rearmost seatbacks recline, though the cushions sit close to the floor.
Up front, cushy heated seats and a commanding view support long drives. The cabin looks less distinctive than those in the Volvo XC90 and Audi Q7, but its seating surfaces and touch points feel premium. Cargo capacity ranges from 20 cubic feet behind the third row to 97 behind the front seats.
Comfort Over Quick Acceleration
The TX350 uses a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder making 275 horsepower, with front-wheel drive standard and all-wheel drive available. The engine provides enough power for many buyers, but it can feel undersized in a vehicle of this size.
The nonhybrid is less peppy than the TX500h, which recorded a 5.7-second time. The TX’s agreeable ride and quiet, polished road manners instead make it a comfortable choice for luxury-minded families.
Economy, Towing And Technology
EPA estimates for the front-wheel-drive TX350 are 21 mpg in the city, 27 on the highway, and 23 combined. All-wheel-drive versions are rated at 20 city, 26 highway, and 23 combined; a front-wheel-drive model returned 31 mpg on a 75-mph highway test.
The TX’s towing capacity is acceptable but trails some competitors: the Volvo XC90 is rated for 5,000 pounds, the Audi Q7 for 7,000, and the Lexus GX550 for 9,096. A responsive 14.0-inch infotainment display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, navigation, and wireless phone charging are standard.
Features And Ownership
Standard driver-assistance equipment includes adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist, automated emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Buyers can add a 21-speaker Mark Levinson stereo and a head-up display; the standard audio system has 12 speakers.
The limited warranty is competitive, and powertrain coverage exceeds that of many rivals. Complimentary scheduled maintenance covers two visits, while the BMW X5 and Volvo XC90 offer longer terms. The mechanically similar Toyota Grand Highlander provides more value for the money.
Key points
- The adult-friendly third row and generous cargo space make the TX a practical family hauler.
- Its 275-hp engine prioritizes quiet comfort over strong acceleration.
- Front-wheel-drive TX350 returned 31 mpg on a 75-mph highway test.