CLARKSTON, Mich. – The 2024 Lexus TX 350 is an attractive, well-equipped three-row SUV with a legitimate luxury badge in the grille and a competitive price. This is not a challenger brand that overcompensates with lots of extras, nor is it a long-established company that is giving up its name. That’s a damn Lexus. I liked it. Here’s why.
1. It’s a tremendous value!
The TX 350 features a spacious interior, seating for seven, a 14-inch touchscreen, a 12-speaker sound system and heated front seats. I tested one in a cool white shade called Wind Chill Pearl, which contrasts with the smoky dark gray 20-inch wheels. It looks like a premium SUV, all for a reasonable price of $55,050, including destination. Given that the average new vehicle costs around $44,000, the TX 350 seems like a well above average offering.
2. The TX 350 drivetrain is serviceable only
OK, then have a nice ride… powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder that doesn’t compare well to the turbocharged inline-sixes in the BMW X5 or Mazda CX-90. The TX falters at times because 275 hp is enough, but not more than that to move this three-row barge. The 317 pound-feet of torque delivered at just 1,700 rpm helps acceleration a bit, and the eight-speed automatic is a solid partner. So the powertrain is serviceable, and that philosophy extends to other areas to keep the TX’s price down. This one has front-wheel drive; All-wheel drive adds $1,600 to the sticker.
3. Interior is more meaningful than sinful
The interior is nice, but it hardly compares to the craftsmanship of Mercedes and Lincoln SUVs. The black materials feel premium, but don’t feel overly luxurious, even with ambient lighting and grained decor. (You can find further driving impressions in our first driving report.)
The NuLuxe’s interior is made of synthetic leather, which you may or may not prefer for a variety of reasons. Lexus says it’s better for the environment because there are fewer carbon emissions during the manufacturing process, and it’s easier to clean. It’s not leather either.
Some luxury interiors feel sinful. The TX feels reasonable.
4. Speaking of value…
If you really want to save money, the Toyota Grand Highlander, the TX’s genetic alter ego, is for you. The Grand Highlander – with this powertrain – starts at $44,715 and offers plenty of space and amenities without the premium feel of a Lexus. Many Lexus vehicles have shared the same underpinnings as Toyotas for years, so there’s no reason to get excited. But if value is your game, you owe it to yourself to give the Grand Highlander a try.
5. On the other hand…
Back to my original premise. That’s a damn Lexus. The spindle-shaped grille, distinctive creases, bold headlights and fancy wheels make a statement that most Toyotas don’t have. While 55 grand is a nice price, the TX 550h+ Luxury AWD model costs an even $79,400 and offers a higher level of options and a sophisticated powertrain that will make you forget about the Grand Highlander and its understated Toyota feel.
6. People seem to like it
The TX is the third best-selling Lexus SUV, behind the RX (unsurprisingly) and the NX (somewhat surprisingly). With nearly 10,000 sales in the first quarter, the TX is starting to produce volume, presumably at a tidy profit for Lexus. Adding a large, family-friendly three-row layout was a low-risk move and appears to be paying off for the brand.
The TX is a metaphor for Lexus’ SUV lineup, which includes a whopping 13 vehicles (including variants). It’s big and there’s something for everyone.