2024 Lexus TX Hopes to Become a Better Family Hauler
Lexus is hitting the public with a one-two punch this week. After showcasing the next-generation GX, the brand introduced an all-new model designed to replace the three-row RX L. However, where the RX was stretched as an afterthought, the TX was always designed with extra seating in mind.
Sharing a platform with the Toyota Grand Highlander, the TX is an extremely large vehicle. But that’s the point, as the manufacturer was clearly trying to maximize interior volume without sacrificing cargo. Storage behind the rear seats of the RX L was unsuitable for long trips when fully loaded with people and the TX’s dimensions are supposed to remedy that.
At a smidgen over 203 inches long, the TX doesn’t seem to have any direct competitors. The infiniti QX80 and GMC Yukon are a little too big, while something like the Acura MDX is a little too small. But that’s a good place for a new vehicle to be when the market is receptive.
Lexus says the back row will be more spacious, comfortable, and easier to get into than what was available on the three-row variant of the RX. Additionally, the TX is supposed to offer more room for luggage, yielding 20.1 cubic feet of space without having to fold any seating.
The base powertrain will be a turbocharged 2.4-liter inline-four offering 275 horsepower. That unit comes with a 10-speed automatic and should provide a 21 mpg combined EPA-certified economy rating when configured for front-wheel drive. But all-wheel drive is likewise available.
Stepping up beyond the TX350 to the TX500h brings on board a hybrid system that takes the 2.4-liter to 362 horsepower thanks to dual electric motors offering default all-wheel drive. However, it’s not so much focused on saving fuel as it is promoting fun. The powertrain comes with a 6-speed automatic and is only available via the F Sport Performance trim. Still, it’s supposed to deliver 24 mpg (combined) and adds rear-wheel steering, adaptive dampers, and flashier 22-inch wheels.
The above is already available on the Toyota Grand Highlander. What isn’t is the Lexus-exclusive plug-in-hybrid model (exclusive to the all-wheel drive TX550h Plus) that hybridizes a 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine for a very agreeable 406 horsepower and 30 mpg combined fuel economy. It’s also supposed to be capable of allowing drivers to propel the machine 33 miles using the battery alone. But it comes with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that’s not going to be for everyone.
Interior inclusions are about what we’d expect with the LX seeming to focus a bit more on practicality due to its role as a family hauler. But there’s a massive 14-inch infotainment center as standard and the option to upgrade to a digital gauge cluster with a head-up display.
Additional details are forthcoming, with Lexus yet to provide charging details for the plug-in variant and more comprehensive specifications on the rest of the line. But it’s basically an upscale Grand Highlander focused more on comfort without ditching practicality.
Pricing should reflect this with the Lexus TX starting a little higher than the three-row RX — so above $50,000.
[Images: Lexus]
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A staunch consumer advocate tracking industry trends and regulation. Before joining TTAC, Matt spent a decade working for marketing and research firms based in NYC. Clients included several of the world’s largest automakers, global tire brands, and aftermarket part suppliers. Dissatisfied with the corporate world and resentful of having to wear suits everyday, he pivoted to writing about cars. Since then, that man has become an ardent supporter of the right-to-repair movement, been interviewed on the auto industry by national radio broadcasts, driven more rental cars than anyone ever should, participated in amateur rallying events, and received the requisite minimum training as sanctioned by the SCCA. Handy with a wrench, Matt grew up surrounded by Detroit auto workers and managed to get a pizza delivery job before he was legally eligible. He later found himself driving box trucks through Manhattan, guaranteeing future sympathy for actual truckers. He continues to conduct research pertaining to the automotive sector as an independent contractor and has since moved back to his native Michigan, closer to where the cars are born. A contrarian, Matt claims to prefer understeer — stating that front and all-wheel drive vehicles cater best to his driving style.
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This thing almost looks like a joke. LIke one of those nondescript cars in auto insurance advertisements. For years people based Lincoln for being dressed up Fords. I wonder if people will do the same to Lexus for this thing. Also, what a dreary cold interior. This is from a luxury automaker?
Wow....what an utterly ugly disappointment. Looks like a minivan on the outside and older on the inside than my 2014 Sequoia. Is that an ETCH-A-SKETCH for the console screen? Where is all the luxury that my 2019 Lexus LX had? No cool features or ambient lighting? PASS. Being a sassy mom of 2 teens, I'll stick with our 2023 BMW X7 iDrive40 all day long over this boring garbage.