Buckle up Lexus fans: Toyota’s luxury arm has finally released their gussied-up family hauler to the world in the form of the TX. While not quite as large as the state of Texas, our tester, a TX 350 Premium, served KSL Cars well over a week of testing. The time with it was quite enjoyable — even if a lot of it felt very familiar.
Here are eight things to love about the 2024 Lexus TX 350 Premium and a few surprises.
Shop all Lexus TX 350 listings on KSL Cars →
Photo courtesy of Lexus Newsroom
Interior comfort and space
Across the board, Lexus makes some very comfortable vehicles and the new TX is no exception, especially for the front seat occupants. The seats feel perfectly plush and durable, thanks to Lexus’ top-quality NuLuxe seat material, which we continue to love. In fact, just about every surface in the TX’s understated interior feels nice and creates a place anyone would be happy to spend hours in.
Photo courtesy of Lexus Newsroom
The second row has plenty of space for kids, even if it did feel a bit tighter than other popular family vehicles. Third-row space is likewise pretty good, not the most comfortable, but still plenty accommodating for two kids — three seatbelts are not an option. However, adults may long for something full-size.
Photo courtesy of Lexus Newsroom
Overall there’s a feeling of space in the Lexus TX, with plenty of shoulder, head and legroom to go around in at least in the first two rows.
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Photo courtesy of Lexus Newsroom
Outward visibility
In addition to the comfortable interior trappings is the excellent outward visibility, especially out the front windshield. The seating position is just about perfect, and the curvature of the dash provides a distinct and commanding outward view that someone could fall in love with. It does feel very minivan-like, so your attraction to it may vary.
Photo courtesy of Lexus Newsroom
Visibility is likewise clear out the side windows, but rearward visibility can be challenging with the third-row headrests being upright.
Shop all Lexus TX 350 listings on KSL Cars →
Power and fuel economy
Every non-hybrid TX is powered by a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that produces 275 horsepower and 315 pound-feet of torque. It’s the same engine being used in several Toyota and Lexus products now, and overall very likable. Its torque provides decent oomph off the line and in passing situations. The TX with the Hybrid Max motor that produces significantly more power will be an exciting ride — 366 horsepower to be exact — but for now, what the TX offers is great.
Photo courtesy of Lexus Newsroom
It also achieves pretty respectable fuel economy. A similarly dimensioned Kia Telluride, for example, routinely gets about 18 mpg, and the TX beat that by about 5 mpg during the week of test driving. And while 23 mpg is nothing to scoff at, it did fall short of the rated 27 mpg combined estimate.
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Infotainment and safety systems
There’s so much tech in today’s cars that it can get pretty overwhelming, especially if the infotainment system is buggy or not well thought out. Thankfully, neither is the case with the Lexus TX. As with other modern Lexus products, the large, 14-inch touchscreen is gorgeous and easy and intuitive to use. Navigating all the menus, connecting cell phones and toggling specific settings was simple and straightforward — traits not all vehicles can claim these days.
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Photo courtesy of Lexus Newsroom
Stylish and unique exterior styling
Lexus has caught a lot of flack over the last decade or so for their ever-enlarging predator maw grille shape, but it appears they’ve finally got a handle on things. One significant draw to the TX over its cousin, the Grand Highlander, is the bold exterior styling. The Lexus TX looks cool and unlike any of the other three-row SUVs in the carpool line. It exudes style, modernity and a high-tech vibe congruent with all the recent MBA grads jockeying for their spot at the edge of the next big thing. All joking aside, the TX’s styling makes this family hauler one of the most attractive and modern buys on the market right now.
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Photo courtesy of Lexus Newsroom
The price might be right
But is it worth the money? That is the question here. The truth is that the Lexus TX is very, very similar to the Toyota Grand Highlander that it's based on. Yes, there are some materials, standard features and other touches that make the Lexus feel a little more special and luxurious. But overall, it’s pretty darn close.
Photo courtesy of Lexus Newsroom
KSL Car’s tester, a TX 350 Premium AWD, has a base MSRP of $60,050. Tack on a few options and you’ll reach $67,194 real fast. For reference, a loaded non-hybrid Grand Highlander comes in at just over $55,000. A fully loaded Hybrid Max Grand Highlander is still below $60,000. Just for kicks, a fully loaded Hybrid Max TX puts you at more than $76,000.
Is the Lexus nameplate, some added luxury, tech and swanky exterior styling worth it? That’s a question only you and your MBA can answer.
Shop all Lexus TX 350 listings on KSL Cars →
Photo courtesy of Lexus Newsroom
Final thoughts
The Lexus TX 350 is great for small families. It’s stylish, fuel-efficient, easy to drive, comfortable and loaded with all the modern tech you could want. In short, this luxurious SUV has come to play and we suspect it will quickly become a favorite for those looking for something with just a little more style to haul around their kids.
Highs
- Sleek, modern and unique exterior styling
- Excellent outward front visibility
- Soft, comfortable seats
- Sharp, easy-to-use infotainment
- Lots of standard safety features
Lows
- Decent power, but nothing to brag about
- OK third-row room, but others have been superior
- A competitive family-hauler with a slightly high price tag
Shop all Lexus TX 350 listings on KSL Cars →
FAQs
Is it fun to drive?
We wouldn’t call it exciting, but it’s certainly enjoyable. The turbocharged four-cylinder provides decent torque around town and makes passing drama-free.
Is the TX good for families?
Absolutely. Lexus has done a really good job creating a spacious, versatile, comfortable and practical SUV that smaller, style-conscious families will love.
KSL Cars does not endorse any vehicles. The makes and models mentioned in this article are not placed in any particular order, nor intended to be viewed as a ranked list. KSL Cars does not endorse any vehicles. The views or opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer and do not reflect the views or opinions of KSL.com or its employees.
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About the author: Having owned everything from a DeLorean to an E46 BMW M3 and a Toyota Land Cruiser, Jason Bell is a lifelong car enthusiast who loves sharing his passions as a teacher, automotive journalist, and social media manager. He is an accredited member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press where he serves on the Board of Directors. Contact him at jasonbellcars@gmail.com.
